Bus passenger spits, throws phone away
A man asked to stop spitting on surfaces inside a Wellington bus reacted by throwing a complainant’s mobile phone onto the footpath.
Stuff political reporter Thomas Coughlan boarded the Metlink-run No 2 bus bound for Miramar, near the parliamentary precinct about 7pm on Thursday.
Coughlan said three people carrying alcohol boarded the bus.
One of the trio began swinging on the bars used by standing patrons, failing to observe the two-metre social distancing rules in place.
As the bus neared Mt Victoria Tunnel, the man began spitting on surfaces.
Coughlan’s request for the man to stop failed, and as he threatened to take a photo and file a complaint with police, the man reacted.
‘‘He just grabbed my phone and threw it out the open door,’’ Coughlan said.
While he was able to retrieve phone, the screen was scratched.
Coughlan said the bus driver didn’t try to intervene.
He filed a report through the police 105 non-urgent complaints website and called Healthline for advice once he returned home. ‘‘They said because he wasn’t spitting directly at me, I just needed to take off my clothes and wash them, and have a shower.
‘‘Healthline said if I developed any his symptoms [of Covid-19] to get in touch,’’ Coughlan said.
A Metlink spokesperson said the matter was being ‘‘taken very seriously’’ and had been reported to police.
‘‘Metlink was extremely disappointed to hear about this exceptional and unfortunate incident.
‘‘Public transport under level three is available for essential workers and to enable members of the community to access open workplaces, schools, health facilities, veterinarians and groceries.
‘‘Under our conditions of travel, alcohol is not permitted. We also ask that customers co-operate with staff and follow their instructions,’’ the spokesperson said.
Police said they had received a complaint and enquiries would be made into the incident.
‘‘Deliberately spitting in public transport while the country responds to the threat of Covid-19 is dangerous and abhorrent behaviour and will not be tolerated,’’ a spokesperson said.
‘‘We are asking people to adhere to alert level three restrictions, apply common sense and be kind to one another.’’
Incidents involving people spitting and coughing have captured headlines throughout the pandemic.
Police officers have also been the victims of spitting attacks during the lockdown, sparking a warning from Police Minister Stuart Nash that offenders should expect to ‘‘have the book thrown at them’’.
Police had the power to prosecute, with assault, resisting or obstructing police, or infecting with disease among the charges which could be laid.