Yob bus attacks cost firm £25,000
ARRIVA could be forced to fork out over £25,000 in repairs as a result of youths throwing bricks at moving buses in Runcorn.
The bus company has been the target of a rise in anti-social behaviour in recent months, involving young adults throwing missiles from overhead foot bridges at the buses below.
A total of 32 incidents have been recorded by the company this year so far – the majority of which have taken place on the Runcorn Busway.
The company has reduced some of their after-dark services in the area as a result of the ‘reoccurring issue’ which they say is ‘extremely concerning’.
This includes the 110, 500 and X1 buses which will now have their journeys cut short after 6pm, in the ‘interest of safety of both customers and employees’.
Photos shared by Arriva show the extent of the damage caused to the services, including shattered windows and broken glass sprawled across the seats.
Arriva says the damage could cost the company over £25,000.
In a statement, a spokesperson from Arriva, said: “Our first concern is always for our customers and drivers, for this to be a re-occurring issue in particular areas is extremely concerning and we’ve taken the difficult decision to suspend evening services in the Runcorn area until we can be confident that no customers or drivers will be put into danger.
“This behaviour has resulted in windows being smashed and buses being damaged, the total cost to repair such damage is estimated at over £25,000.
“This means less money we are able to invest in our services, fleet and ultimately our customers.
“Our first concern is always for our customers and drivers, for this to be a reoccurring issue in particular areas is extremely concerning and we’ve taken the difficult decision to suspend evening services in the Runcorn area until we can be confident that no customers or drivers will be put into danger.
“Services that will be affected by this temporary evening suspension can be found on our website or Twitter and Facebook.”
In a previous interview,
● one bus driver of the 14A Halton Transport service said his bus had been vandalised at around 6pm on October 14.
He said the incident could have ‘seriously injured’ his passengers if they had been sat directly next to the window where the bricks and stones were thrown.
He claims that buses which are operated by Halton Transport, along with a number of Arriva services are ‘very often out of service because of broken windows’.
The driver said each driver has to work a week of late shifts every four to five weeks on a rotational basis, but the rise in the number of incidents is adding stress to an otherwise enjoyable job.
He added: “I love my job and I do it with a smile until the night comes and then it is just a stress.”
“If there was someone sitting next to the window when these bricks and stones hit the window, then someone could be seriously injured or worse.
“And what happens if they hit the driver while they’re driving in the bus lane and the bus is full.”
In a statement posted on its website, a spokesperson from Arriva said: “Unfortunately, we are experiencing instances of missiles being thrown at buses in the Castlefields area of Runcorn.
“We regret that, in the interest of the safety of both customers and employees, with immediate effect and until further notice evening journeys (arriving after 6pm) will be cut short as follows:
“Service 110 will terminate and start at Murdishaw after 6pm, operating via Windmill Hill, Runcorn East, Murdishaw therefore omitting Castlefields, Halton Lea and Brookvale.
“Service 500 will operate as normal for now.
“Service X1 will terminate at Windmill Hill.
“Arriva takes the safety of its employees and passengers seriously and will always press for the heaviest penalties against offenders.” £488 £688