Scotland’s bus drivers facing ‘staggering’ levels of abuse, union warns

More than 84% of Scottish bus drivers have experienced more abuse at work over the last year, a new survey has revealed.

Unite the Union released the findings of a mass survey as part of efforts to improve safety in the aftermath of Elgin bus driver Keith Rollinson’s February death.

Mr Rollinson, 58, died of cardiac arrest following an assault at an Elgin bus station after he refused to let a teenager, who was allegedly “noticeably intoxicated”, on board.

According to the data, 83% of drivers said they suffered verbal abuse at work, while 16% were subject to physical violence.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said 99% of respondents supported stronger legislative measures to protect drivers.

“Urgent measures must be taken to address the staggering level of abuse being suffered by bus drivers,” she said.

“The Scottish Government has to step up and step in to ensure our members feel safe at work. A do nothing response is not an option.”

Minimum safety measures put forward by the union would include increased police or community warden presence on buses, CCTV coverage on vehicles and at stations, panic buttons and other enhanced security features like internal locking systems.

Almost 80% of bus driver abuse was not reported to police, while 48% was not reported to an employer.

Of those who did tell their bosses, 69% revealed they were unhappy with their employer’s response to the situation.

Unite Scottish secretary Derek Thomson said the union was also calling on the Scottish Government to host a public transport summit with key stakeholders.

“This is a national public safety issue affecting drivers and passengers,” he said.

“We need legislation, without delay, which addresses this wave of anti-social behaviour and violence towards bus workers because as each day passes drivers are being put at risk.”