New protective screen rollout will keep bus drivers safe from ‘scumbags’

As attacks against bus drivers rise to shocking new numbers, new technology is being rolled out to protect them.

Protective screens will be installed in buses across the state to keep bus drivers safe from violence, as part of a network-wide rollout later this year.

Designed to stay in place when pulled, stainless-steel and polycarbonate screens will be installed on 940 Adelaide Metro buses over four years to protect drivers from violent passengers.

With 95 assaults reported in the past 12 months, up from 76 the previous year, transport minister Tom Koutsantonis said the initiative was a “long time coming.”

“We want to make public transport not only as safe as possible for our patrons but also for our drivers,” he said.

“There has been a worrying increase in assaults on our drivers in recent times … this is appalling.

“People who assault bus drivers are scumbags and are committing aggravated offence that can see them jailed.

“These security upgrades will provide a safer working environment for hardworking bus drivers, protecting them from violent and anti-social behaviour without compromising their ability to do their job.”

Bus driver Alessio Mercuri behind the new safety screens developed for driver safety. Picture Mark Brake

Bus services will continue to run as usual during the rollout with high-risk areas set to receive the screens first, Mr Koutsantonis said.

The rollout follows a series of trials in which seven different designs were trialled on over 40 buses across the network, seeking feedback from drivers.

Honed by a working group including drivers, operators and the Transport Workers Union, the final design features three screens of up to 9.5mm thickness.

With a prototype now out to market, the State Government is tendering for a supplier to install the screens.

All government-owned buses are currently fitted with a three-quarter driver screen.