URGENT: Bus Drivers Face Life-Threatening Abuse, Racial Attacks on the Job

Breaking News: Bus Drivers Face Life-Threatening Abuse, Racial Attacks on the Job Bus drivers in the West Midlands are facing a growing threat of life-threatening abuse and racial attacks on the job. According to the British Transport Police, 40,034 incidents of antisocial behaviour were recorded in 2024-25, a 24% increase from the previous year. Bus driver Andy Collett, who has been driving Birmingham's bus routes for 38 years, has been assaulted twice, spat at numerous times, and has had incidents of broken windows. He describes a "lawlessness" among some of the travelling public, mostly younger people. The trend of antisocial behaviour on public transport is not limited to the West Midlands, with passengers and transport staff reporting similar incidents across the country. Buses are the most commonly used form of public transport, but they are also where passengers feel least safe. The immediate impact of this trend is evident in the growing number of bus drivers who are choosing not to use public transport themselves. "I feel much happier using my own car," says Andy Collett. "Would I catch a bus? No, not out of choice now." This is a developing story, with the British Transport Police and transport authorities working to address the issue. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.