An integrated response to risks of violence against bus drivers: When on-board assaults affect safety on our roads

Recent Queensland research has established that incidents of client-initiated aggression on public transport are far from rare and that these events can significantly impact driver safety, compromise passenger well-being and can create dangers for other road users. These data, for the first time, reveal that there are patterns to incidents of on-board aggression, and point to a need for a broader approach to respond to such incidents. This research evidence provides a sound base to advance an integroted policy framework, and informs a collaborative approach to address bus driver violence.
Emerging patterns of aggression and violence on Australian public transport suggest violence hot spots exist in most states, across public transport modes, times and routes, with aggression towards drivers frequently escalating in intensity. Risks to driver safety commonly arise from client expectations and anti­social behaviours. Contributing factors include the broader operating environment, such as increased traffic density and acts of 'road rage' from the interplay between public transport and other road users, and pose road safety concerns. Consideration of these broader risk factors will inform effective responses to aggression and violence towards bus drivers.