30 May 2010: SEQ: Bus passenger behaviour education campaign call

[ozbob]

Media Release 30 May 2010

SEQ:  Bus passenger behaviour education campaign call

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has said there are increasing problems with the behaviour of some groups of passengers on buses.  The problem is particularly acute with some school bus runs.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"A report in today's media just further highlights a worsening situation with the behaviour of some bus passengers (1).  Constant behavioural issues, particularly on school buses is making it very difficult for the drivers, and the bus companies are having increasing problems attracting and retaining drivers."

"Driving a bus in the chaos that is the roads in south-east Queensland is difficult and stressful enough without having to cope with out of control passengers."

"We call on the Department of Transport and the Department of Education to address this issue promptly.  Schools may need to consider the placement of security guards on the worst runs, and conduct extensive education campaigns. Soon or later out of control  behaviour issues may actually lead to serious injury if drivers are distracted.  Time for action!"

References:

1. http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/school-bus-driver-assaulted-by-female-coombabah-high-student/story-e6freoof-1225872915580

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Discussion thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3903.0

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

15th June 2010

Greetings,

Yet another article in the Courier Mail today (15th June) calling for some action to address the appalling work conditions for many of our bus drivers ( Abuse of bus drivers sparks call for security on school routes http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/abuse-of-bus-drivers-sparks-call-for-security-on-school-routes/story-e6freoof-1225879641433 )

Some positive action is needed to today.  Why are calls for action dismissed?  Will it take a disaster before anything happens?

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
RAIL Back On Track

===========================================

Media Release 30 May 2010 Re-released 15th June 2010

SEQ:  Bus passenger behaviour education campaign call

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has said there are increasing problems with the behaviour of some groups of passengers on buses.  The problem is particularly acute with some school bus runs.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"A report in today's media just further highlights a worsening situation with the behaviour of some bus passengers (1).  Constant behavioural issues, particularly on school buses is making it very difficult for the drivers, and the bus companies are having increasing problems attracting and retaining drivers."

"Driving a bus in the chaos that is the roads in south-east Queensland is difficult and stressful enough without having to cope with out of control passengers."

"We call on the Department of Transport and the Department of Education to address this issue promptly.  Schools may need to consider the placement of security guards on the worst runs, and conduct extensive education campaigns. Soon or later out of control  behaviour issues may actually lead to serious injury if drivers are distracted.  Time for action!"

References:

1. http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/school-bus-driver-assaulted-by-female-coombabah-high-student/story-e6freoof-1225872915580

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org