Transdev bus driver sacked after helping teenager after alleged assault, robbery

The Transport Workers Union has slammed a bus company for the sacking of a driver who allegedly saved a teenage passenger from being bashed during a violent robbery.

The Transport Workers Union has slammed bus company Transdev, which operates buses on behalf of TransLink, after a worker was sacked following an alleged incident where a teenage passenger was robbed. Picture: FILE

A Bayside bus driver, who intervened when a teenager was allegedly targeted in a violent robbery has been sacked.

The worker was driving the 250 bus route through Middle St, Cleveland on February 18, 2024 at 1pm when three teenagers allegedly entered his bus and stole personal belongings from a teenage passenger.

A Transport Workers Union (TWU) spokesman said the youths allegedly exited the bus with the victim’s belongings.

“The victim gave chase and was set upon, at which point the driver intervened,” a spokesman said.

“The driver intervened by verbally and physically separating the youths to prevent a further attack,” he said.

TWU Queensland Director of Organising, Josh Millroy, said the decision to fire the driver is a “low act”.

“The driver bravely intervened in the (alleged) violent assault and protected their passenger but was subsequently stood down and later had his employment terminated for misconduct,” Mr Milroy said.

“This driver should be praised for standing up … and protecting their passengers, not punished for having the bravery to act”.

Queensland Police said a 16-year-old Wellington Point boy was charged with attempted robbery, in company, used personal violence and appeared in Cleveland Children’s Court on March 1.

“A 15-year-old Alexandra Hills boy was cautioned and the investigation is ongoing,” a police spokesman said.

“Anyone with information is urged to contact police,” he said.

Mr Milroy claimed police praised the driver for stopping what could have been a more serious and violent assault.

“This is a low act from a company that’s lost touch with the community” said Millroy.

“Transdev need to make things right, admit their mistake, and reinstate and apologise to their loyal staff member,” he said.

A Transdev spokesman said they do not comment on individual cases.

“Safety is paramount on board all our services, this is why our drivers are professionally trained in all aspects of heavy vehicle transport from driving, customer service to de-escalation training,” a Transdev spokesman said.