In September 2016, the Queensland Government initiated a review into bus driver safety following an increase in violent incidents including verbal and physical aggression towards bus drivers.
The Queensland Bus Driver Safety Review was released in August 2017 and recommended 20 initiatives that could improve safety for bus drivers.
At the same time, the Government released an Interim Government Response with a commitment to further investigate these recommendations, including strategies to implement key recommendations.
The final response, which is now complete, details recommendations that have been implemented, are underway or will be completed in the future. These aim to improve the way we deliver services and raise awareness about acceptable behaviour while travelling on public transport to provide a safer environment for everyone.
We are committed to working with industry to implement changes and to continue to look for ways to make improvements.
The Government's five-point plan
Physical safety
- $3.93m for protective barrier installation
- $1.54m for anti-shatter film
- New Senior Network Officers
Best practice
- De-escalation training
- Recruitment and training processes
- Fare evasion
Education
- Raise bus safety awareness
- Expand existing school safety education program
- Promote safe travel behaviours
High-risk areas
- Target high-risk areas and build safety culture
- Deploy resources where most needed
Policy
- Code of conduct
- Improve incident reporting procedures
Reports
- Final government response (PDF, 4MB)
- Passenger code of conduct
- Interim government response (PDF, 9.1MB)
- Queensland Bus Driver Safety Review (PDF, 2.4MB)
What's next?
As part of the five-point safety package for bus drivers state-wide, the Queensland Bus Driver Safety Scheme made funding available to eligible operators to assist with the installation of driver safety barriers and anti-shatter window film in existing fleet vehicles operating on high risk routes.
Applications under the Scheme closed on 31 March 2019 and operators that applied for funding under the Scheme have been advised the outcome of their applications.
These operators have until June 2020 to complete installations and obtain a rebate through the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority.
A public awareness campaign aimed at raising awareness about unacceptable behaviour on bus services has been launched and more information is available here.