An Auckland bus driver remains in hospital after a serious assault on Saturday night at the St Lukes bus hub, where he suffered fractured ribs and eye injuries, The New Zealand Herald reported. The driver, originally from the Philippines, was returning from a restroom break when he was attacked, according to Auckland Tramways Union President Gary Froggatt. The driver is expected to need extended recovery time.
Police responded to reports of a fight on St Lukes Road shortly before 11 pm, finding the injured driver, who was transported to the hospital in serious condition. Three young individuals were taken into custody and referred to Youth Aid, while police continue to investigate.
The driver, who lives with two other Filipino drivers in Auckland, prefers not to be identified and has declined media interviews due to a mix of embarrassment and company policy.
This incident adds to a disturbing trend of escalating violence against Auckland bus drivers, including recent racially charged assaults and a tragic stabbing on a city bus in October. These attacks, along with the Saturday incident, have prompted NZ Bus to agree to a series of stop-work meetings across all seven Kinetic depots in Auckland, starting next week. These meetings will address driver safety and security protocols.
Froggatt noted that Kinetic has implemented guidelines to protect drivers, including advising them not to confront passengers over fare issues. Instead, drivers can issue a “no-fare ticket” for non-paying passengers, which Auckland Transport (AT) monitors. Additionally, buses are now equipped with CCTV, panic buttons, and safety screens, with an increase in transport officers on public routes.
AT’s Duncan McGrory emphasised that while most passengers respect drivers, any incident is taken seriously. AT has been collaborating with police and is working to enhance safety measures in response to Mayor Wayne Brown’s recent call for more protective barriers on buses.
The Government is also stepping up police patrols on public transport and considering stiffer penalties for assaults on transport workers, though Police Minister Mark Mitchell acknowledges that complex societal issues contribute to the problem.
Authorities urge witnesses to the St Lukes assault to contact police at 105, referencing case number 241110/0469.