The latest BusMark Hot Topic Survey on Bus & Coach Driver Safety and Security has revealed an urgent need for tougher deterrents to protect frontline transport staff, following widespread reports of verbal and physical abuse across the industry. Operators from both urban and rural networks are calling for stronger punishments for offenders and a renewed national focus on education to promote respect for drivers.
The survey - completed by those working within the bus and coach sector - highlights a growing concern within the industry, despite investment in safety technology, as drivers continue to face escalating aggression, often without meaningful legal consequences. Many operators report that weak penalties and inconsistent enforcement are failing to deter repeat offenders, leaving drivers vulnerable.
Austin Birks, Chair of the Bus & Coach Forum, said “Our drivers are the beating heart of public transport. When they are threatened, abused, or assaulted, the entire system suffers. It is absolutely vital that courts and local authorities impose stronger, more visible penalties to send a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated.”
The survey also highlights the need for a deeper educational shift, beginning with improved teaching delivered through schools and local organisations. Operators noted that long-term respect for drivers cannot be achieved solely through enforcement; it must be developed through early awareness and positive engagement.
Austin Birks added: “Respect is taught early. If we want safer drivers, safer passengers, and safer communities, we must start by educating young people about the essential role bus and coach drivers play. Early intervention through schools and local organisations is key to changing attitudes and preventing hostility before it begins. This is not about the behaviour of children alone, but about ensuring education starts at a young age and sets a tone going forward in life.”
BusMark is urging government bodies, local authorities, courts, schools, and transport stakeholders to work in partnership by:
• Increasing penalties for any form of abuse or assault toward drivers
• Ensuring consistent police engagement and rapid response to incidents
• Embedding respect-for-drivers learning in school programmes
The survey interviewed experts from the CILT UK’s Busmark group, a committee of specialists from across the bus and coach sector, as well as a variety of individuals working within the sector. The questions not only focused on the challenges but also solutions – the results also included:
• Most operators maintain incident records and provide customer-diffusion and safety training.
• CCTV is widely used, but police response times remain inconsistent.
• Views on driver protection screens vary: many value them, others say they hinder interaction.
• Operators support stronger collaboration with police, local authorities, and media to improve driver safety.
The full report findings can be found here.