Bus drivers in Scotland face ‘staggering’ levels of abuse at work as SNP Government urged to help

Bus drivers in Scotland are facing alarming levels of abuse while on the job, prompting calls for the SNP Government to intervene and provide assistance. A recent survey of over 1,100 bus drivers revealed that a majority of them no longer feel safe while working, with 84% reporting an increase in abuse over the past year, including incidents of being shouted at or spat on by passengers. These findings come in the wake of a tragic event earlier this year in Moray, where a bus driver, Keith Rollinson, died of cardiac arrest after an assault at an Elgin bus station.

The survey highlighted that 83% of drivers experienced verbal abuse, while 16% faced physical violence. Many drivers expressed their concerns about the lack of action taken against perpetrators, with one anonymous driver revealing incidents of being spat at and receiving threats targeting both them and their families. Unite, a trade union representing bus drivers, is advocating for stronger legal protections to safeguard drivers from such abuse.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, emphasized the need for urgent measures to address the high levels of abuse faced by bus drivers, stressing that the Scottish Government must ensure the safety of these essential workers. Recommendations put forward by the union include increased police presence on buses, installation of CCTV cameras, panic buttons, and other security enhancements.

Despite the prevalent abuse, the survey revealed that nearly 80% of incidents were not reported to the police, and almost half were not reported to employers. Unite is collaborating with members to explore solutions to combat workplace abuse effectively. Derek Thomson, Unite Scottish secretary, called for a public transport summit involving key stakeholders to address the issue comprehensively.

Police Scotland has reiterated its commitment to combatting abuse and anti-social behaviour, urging individuals to report incidents. Transport Scotland acknowledged the challenges faced by bus drivers and underscored the importance of ensuring a safe work environment for all employees, emphasizing that the vast majority of passengers behave appropriately.

In conclusion, the safety and well-being of bus drivers in Scotland are of paramount importance, and it is vital for authorities, operators, and the community to work together to tackle abuse and create a safer working environment for these frontline workers.