Bad behaviour warrants blitz

DRIVING a public transport bus is a thankless talk, especially late at night.

The drivers are subject to all sorts of shocking behaviour, from verbal abuse, drunkenness and fare evasion to violence.

There is not much protection on board and next to nothing in the way of security officers or patrols.

COVID-19 has escalated the situation as groups of passengers exploited hygiene measures that resulted in drivers waiving fares in order to avoid handling cash.

The loophole has resulted in brazen juveniles and adults hopping on bus routes from southern Cairns to the northern beaches in order to stock up on alcohol, chroming, assaulting other passengers, threatening drivers and costing businesses near bus stops valuable trade.

The drivers feel they are being ignored and some have been taking sick leave, including for PTSD.

The behaviour of some youth on board the buses is intimidating to other passengers.

In the last week two girls, just 13, have been charged by police for their involvement in the assault of another female passenger simply because she asked them to stop swearing.

Business owners near bus stops have reported that misbehaving passengers are scaring away customers.

Pensioners and those on lower incomes need buses to get about but they will be reluctant to use the system if problem youths and adults continue to cause problems.

What is needed is a police blitz at certain times to strike home the message that intolerable behaviour will not be permitted.

It has been done before and has worked.

Nick Dalton

Deputy editor