Rising Assaults on Bus Drivers: Eyewitness Accounts from the Frontlines

Violence against bus drivers is on the rise, with numerous incidents of physical assaults and verbal abuse reported across regions like Paris and Montpellier. Drivers like Murielle share harrowing experiences, including being attacked and witnessing colleagues suffer severe injuries. Despite safety measures such as surveillance cameras and alarm systems, the frequency of assaults remains alarming, prompting many to leave the profession. Unions are pushing for stronger security measures to protect these essential workers in their daily duties.

Violence Against Bus Drivers: A Growing Concern

While simply carrying out their duties, a bus driver in the 11th arrondissement of Paris found himself ambushed by an angry motorist following a dispute. What began as a verbal altercation quickly escalated into a physical assault, as the driver was struck multiple times, a scene captured in the evening news report.

Following the incident, the driver took action by filing a complaint. The assailant was apprehended and subsequently sentenced to four months in prison. Unfortunately, this incident is just one of many as bus drivers across the region face increasing levels of violence and aggression. “You’re no longer a human being! You spit! What do you think? You don’t even respect the people who work all night!” were some of the hurtful comments captured on video footage from last October.

Everyday Threats: The Reality for Bus Drivers

Murielle, a bus and tram driver from Montpellier, recounts her daily fears: “They grabbed me by the hair and pulled me out of the bus. There were three minutes of kicking.” After 24 years on the job, she has endured countless insults and has come to realize the constant risk of assault. The trauma from two physical assaults led her to seek help from a psychiatrist.

In one recent attack, she was injured while assisting a colleague who was also under threat. “In 2022, a colleague was stabbed near the femoral artery during a routine check. It was a hair’s breadth from becoming a tragedy,” she recalls. Ten years ago, Murielle faced another violent encounter when two young women attacked her after receiving a fine, resulting in significant injuries and six months off work.

Bus drivers are equipped with various safety measures, including surveillance cameras and anti-assault glass that can be activated during emergencies. Mohamed Bellahouel, a driver for RATP, showcases these features: “We also have a discreet alarm system that, when activated, notifies a security team of 1,000 armed agents available for rapid response in Île-de-France.” Despite these precautions, the previous year saw 1,400 assaults on the network, averaging four incidents each day.

Many drivers have shared their experiences anonymously, revealing a troubling trend. “Almost every day, I deal with insults like ‘big idiot’ or ‘son of a bitch,'” one driver confides. “It has become a normal part of the job,” admits another, while a third driver highlights the mental toll, noting that a colleague recently experienced a complete burnout due to the constant stress.

The ongoing violence and stress have led some drivers to leave the profession altogether. Didier Sauvêtre, a union representative in Nantes, informs that one-third of the drivers hired in 2023 have already resigned, often due to the unbearable working conditions. Unions and operators are advocating for enhanced security measures, including the installation of body cameras on security personnel and increased law enforcement presence on public transport.

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