Australian Bus Drivers Union Wants Additional Security for Drivers

BUS drivers should be taught self-defence to ward off attackers, their union says.

It also wants night drivers to be protected by security mesh enclosures and spy cameras.

The call comes after The Sunday Mail revealed Brisbane City Council drivers were being spat at, punched, abused and having their buses pelted with projectiles.

The Bus Rail and Tram Union called for the urgent introduction of security measures including "conflict training" and mesh compartments for night drivers.

They also want personal alarms fitted with global positioning satellite technology that would detect if a driver was knocked to the ground by measuring whether they were horizontal or not.

"We need Big Brother watching over our shoulder or someone is going to get killed," one driver said.

The security push comes after a driver was threatened with a replica gun at The Gap in Brisbane's west.

Police said the driver confronted two youths after they were seen using the replica. One youth pointed it at him before running away.

The attack was one of several weapons incidents at The Gap.

"There have been three drivers shot at, including a driver in his 40s who had a gun pointed at this face last week while doing a late-night shift," the driver said.

"Another two have also been fired on and someone else was threatened with a knife a couple of years ago."

The driver said alarms would allow authorities to know when bus drivers were under attack.

"Once upon a time we would have fought these sorts of measures and say it was a personal affront on the driver and spying," he said.

A spokesman for council transport chairman Graham Quirk said protective screens were being developed, with testing to begin soon.

Brisbane Transport was also testing security cameras to gather evidence and act as a deterrent.

"The best way to improve driver safety is to defuse any difficult situations before they get out of hand," he said.

"Brisbane Transport induction and refresher training courses include giving bus drivers the skills needed to de-escalate conflict situations and avoid aggravation."

He said the council had been approached by the union about personal alarms for drivers.

"The bus fleet is equipped with an attack alarm system, which notifies the Network Co-ordination Centre when activated," he said.

"The union's proposal would cover the situation if a driver was attacked elsewhere than on the bus.

"I understand Brisbane Transport management indicated its willingness to assist with formulation of a business case but have not had any further approaches."