Knife Threats and Racial Abuse ‘All in a Day’s Work’, Say Bus Drivers

For many passengers, buses are a cheap, accessible way to reach work, school and essential services. But for a growing number of bus drivers across the UK—particularly in the West Midlands—each shift now means facing knife threats, racial abuse, smashed windows and escalating antisocial behaviour. Some drivers say it is not unusual to finish a day’s work feeling traumatised, afraid or simply relieved to have made it home safely.

“Would I catch a bus? No, not out of choice now,” says veteran driver Andy Collett, reflecting on a profession he has served for 38 years. “It can be very intimidating. I’ve been assaulted twice, spat at numerous times, and I’ve had incidents of broken windows – it’s just part and parcel of the job, unfortunately.”

His words speak to a wider national concern. The British Transport Police recorded 40,034 incidents of antisocial behaviour in 2024–25—a 24% increase on the previous year. Passengers report feeling less safe on buses than on any other public transport mode, according to a recent Transport for the North survey.

Despite the statistical rarity of serious crime—Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) estimates just one crime per 50,000 bus journeys—the perception of danger is driving passengers away. And according to those on the front line, the perception is rooted in a harsh reality.

“Lawlessness” on the Route: The View From Behind the Wheel

On the bus routes of Birmingham, Collett has witnessed the steady rise of what he calls a “lawlessness” among small groups of mostly younger passengers. One incident still gives him flashbacks:

“I was attacked by about 30 schoolkids. I had cuts, bruises. They bent the fingers back on my hand when I was trying to hold the door to stop them getting on.”

He now works mainly as a driving trainer, warning new recruits of the risks. When he does take the wheel, he avoids routes known for chronic antisocial behaviour.

The experiences are not isolated. Across the West Midlands, other drivers report:

• Knife threats
   
• Racial abuse
   
• Passengers defecating on buses
   
• Drug use
   
• Fire alarms deliberately pulled
   
• Fireworks launched at vehicles
   
• Windows smashed by bricks, bottles and stones
   

Many drivers fear speaking publicly, worried about disciplinary action or being viewed as unable to cope. Even trade unions have declined to comment on record.

One driver, requesting anonymity, describes the emotional toll:

“You come to work not knowing what you’re going to face. Sometimes I go home and just want to break down and cry because it’s a horrible job.”

Chelmsley Wood: A Hotspot of Antisocial Behaviour

Chelmsley Wood, a busy interchange in the West Midlands, has become emblematic of the problem. It has suffered repeated vandalism, graffiti attacks, damaged shelters, and threatening behaviour.

Security footage from Halloween and Bonfire Night showed masked teenagers firing volleys of fireworks at buses. Passenger Emma Banks, who has learning difficulties, recalls being present during one such incident:

“They were hitting the bus. Sometimes it does scare you.”

Though she relies on public transport, she admits that on bad nights she avoids buses entirely:

“I’ll be getting a taxi because I know that I’ll get home safely.”

A Public Space Protection Order now bans masks and hoods and restricts youth gatherings at the interchange. But 17-year-old passenger Elle Furlong still avoids buses when she can:

“They smash windows, pull the fire alarm, light lighters on the chairs. It’s horrendous.”

The Daily Reality for Drivers: Stress, Fear and Abuse

Drivers across Birmingham tell similar stories. On the notorious 94 route—one of the region’s busiest—groups of schoolchildren routinely board without paying. Many drivers say they no longer challenge fare evasion, fearing confrontation.

Driver Neil Evans, with 33 years’ experience, blames a wider societal shift:

“Society has changed. No one cares anymore. They just walk on and do what they want. Nothing’s done about it.”

Racial abuse is reported frequently, particularly by minority-ethnic drivers. Several say they feel compelled to “hold back” when provoked, worried that reacting—even to defend themselves—could cost them their job.

Transport Safety Officers: Support or Too Little, Too Late?

To address growing concerns, the West Midlands introduced Transport Safety Officers (TSOs) in 2019. These officers patrol buses, stations and interchanges. They are not police, but they have limited enforcement powers such as:

• Removing passengers causing disruption
   
• Issuing warnings
   
• Gathering evidence for police
   
• Directing individuals off premises
   

TSO Esha Sheemar is one of just 13 active officers in the region (set to increase to 25). On a typical patrol she deals with fare evasion, smoking, aggressive behaviour and safeguarding concerns. She regularly warns disruptive youths:

“If you don’t behave, you’ll be thrown off the bus.”

But their limited numbers—and limited legal powers—leave gaps.

When Sheemar’s colleague, Lee Clarke, identifies a 13-year-old “most wanted” vandal at Chelmsley Wood, all he can do is log the details. Actual criminal enforcement must still be passed to the police.

Bus driver Bryan Cook, previously threatened with a weapon, believes TSOs are not deployed consistently enough:

“Where are you on the weekends? Where are you on school holidays? We’re the ones getting threatened. Where are you lot?”

Clarke stresses that drivers must report incidents for patrols to be targeted. Cook remains unconvinced.

Behind the Scenes: A Massive Surveillance Network

TfWM’s control room houses more than 5,000 fixed security cameras monitoring the transport network, with many buses capable of sending live footage directly to the hub.

Head of security Kerry Blakeman sees around 30 significant incidents a day crossing his screens.

“Behind each camera is an operator looking out for your safety.”

It’s a vast operation—but even thousands of cameras cannot prevent sudden violence or protect drivers working in isolation.

A System Under Strain: Laws, Powers and New Technology

The UK government is responding with new policy levers. The Bus Services Act now allows local authorities to apply for extended enforcement powers, covering issues such as:

• Smoking and vaping
   
• Fare evasion
   
• Disorderly conduct
   

The Act also requires drivers to receive enhanced training to spot harassment, safeguard vulnerable passengers and manage conflict.

TfWM is exploring drone surveillance and AI systems capable of identifying:

• Repeat offenders
   
• Individuals carrying concealed weapons
   
• Behaviour patterns signalling imminent disorder
   

TfWM has also launched campaigns prioritising the safety of women and girls, who statistically report feeling most unsafe on public transport.

Yet frontline voices still question whether these measures alleviate the immediate daily pressures.

Employers Under Scrutiny

Some anonymous drivers criticise operators for inadequate support:

“Management know what goes on. Do they care? Doesn’t feel like it.”

National Express West Midlands, one of the largest bus operators, responded to the BBC by insisting all reports of antisocial behaviour and crime are “fully investigated” to hold perpetrators accountable.

The company acknowledged that antisocial behaviour is something it must “keep challenging and working on”.

Passenger Confidence: The Hidden Crisis

While actual rates of violent crime remain relatively low, public confidence is fragile. Women, elderly passengers and people with disabilities report heightened fear. Many avoid evening services or alter their travel behaviour entirely.

Even drivers admit they no longer feel safe as passengers. As Collett put it:

“I feel much happier using my own car.”

When those who know the system best refuse to ride it, trust is clearly eroding.

Two Worlds Colliding: Data vs. Lived Experience

Officials highlight that millions of journeys each day pass without incident. The Safer Travel Partnership is widely regarded as a national model of good practice. Yet as one veteran driver puts it:

“Two weeks ago I had two windows broken on my bus. I got threatened with a knife—and that’s all in a day’s work.”

This contrast—between system-wide statistics and personal lived reality—reveals a deeper tension. For policymakers, progress is measured in percentages. For drivers, safety is measured in survival.

The Road Ahead: Restoring Trust on the Buses

Public transport is vital for social mobility, environmental goals and economic inclusion. But as long as frontline workers and vulnerable passengers feel afraid, public confidence will continue to decline.

Addressing this crisis requires:

• Increased enforcement and consistent TSO coverage
   
• Clearer powers for officers and local authorities
   
• Faster police response times
   
• Robust support from employers, including counselling and protection
   
• Investment in conflict-avoidance design and technology
   
• A national conversation about youth behaviour and urban safety
   

The West Midlands Safer Travel Partnership remains optimistic. But until staff like Collett, Evans and Cook feel secure behind the wheel, the system is not working as intended.

For now, many drivers continue their shifts knowing that threats, abuse and danger may come without warning.

It is, in their own words, “all in a day’s work.”

Contact Us Now

Related articles:

Statutory Declaration in the UK: What It Is & How to Make One Legally

Avoid Costly Mistakes: What You Need to Know About Statutory Declarations in the UK

Common Uses of Statutory Declarations