It’s not just physical violence but also verbal abuse and some of the most insulting comments I’ve ever had to put up with in my life and it’s getting worse!!!

Retired

Level 4 Change Maker

Bus companies are only interested in profit and there is very little support for the drivers, all public transport should be renationalised and not for profit, how is a German bank running a bus service in the UK and lining the pockets of it’s shareholders???

Because the bus company doesn’t value their staff. Always defending the passengers. When you report any abuse the don’t do anything and they say it’s up to you to report to police

Arriva

Level 3 Change Maker

Many confrontations wirh passengers occur because of 'running late' and or buses before you going' out of service', again because of unrealistic running times. So many confrontational episodes could be eradicated if we had realistic running times. However, this would effect Arrivas profit margins and the dividends paid to rich shareholders. Therefore Arriva management will not take appropriate action to make drivers safe.

If you remain in your cab & refrain from challenging persons boarding, you shouldn't be in a position to be confronted leading to any assault other than a verbal

Stagecoach

Level 1 Change Maker

Because they don't care. Garages don't care, TFL doesn't care, police doesn't care as I have experienced first hand. It's just us out there. Try not to challenge anyone for absolutely anything and those times when even with that is not enough, stay in the cab and use your phone (Red Code is useless) to call police. Tell them there's a violent individual in the bus, that you're not scared about your wellbeing but about the wellbeing of passenger children inside (you can say later they jumped off). They will show up in 5 min. guaranteed. As per the general hypocrisy of employers and TFL, get together, get stronger, fight as one (Unions, massive strikes...) That's the only way things will ever improve.

Go Ahead London

Level 2 Change Maker

Because bus companies don’t care about their drivers

Because nobody cares enough about us, all we are is just steering wheel attendants that the companies can and do replace with no thought or consideration

Health and Social Care

They need more protection from abusive management and sold-out union representation who prefer the little 'brown envelopes' over their members protection. Stagecoach is nothing more than a play toy for a young 21 year old whose daddy is supporting him. Has nobody ever wondered how a 21 yr old could raise the £xxx,xxx,xxx, to buy the Stagecoach Group !!!

Why don't bus drivers have any protection from passenger assault?