Adelaide bus drivers are to get new safety screens in half the originally scheduled time. Photo: Adelaide Metro/Twitter (X)
Bus driver safety screens in Adelaide buses are to be rolled out twice as fast with extra security patrols as well.
It was thought that the roll-out of the new 9.5mm thick polycarbonate shields in all Adelaide Metro buses would have taken four years, according to the South Australian government.
But after talks with the Transport Workers Union (TWU), the network-wide installation is due to finish by the end of 2026.
SA Premier Peter Malinauskas says his government has listened to drivers’ concerns.
“No-one deserves to feel threatened or intimidated at work,” he says.
“We have seen some terrifying incidents in which hard-working bus drivers are verbally or physically assaulted.”
Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis says figures show there have been “a worrying increase” in assaults on drivers.
“Assaulting a bus drivers is an aggravated offence that can lead to jail but that deterrent is not enough,” he says.
“These protective screens will mean drivers can remain safe while they’re doing their job.”
TWU SA/NT secretary Sam McIntosh welcomed the news.
“This is a significant moment for our industry,” he says.
“Our drivers provide a vital service from dawn through to the last bus of the day. Drivers must be safe behind the wheel and fast-tracking the installation of protection screens is an essential step in making that happen.”
The security shield consists of stainless-steel black metal frames with three polycarbonate screens of up to 9.5mm thickness. The screen is designed so as not to become detached if yanked or wrenched.
All government buses currently have a three-quarter screen.
SECURITY PATROLS
Afternoon security patrols across Adelaide’s south, outer north and outer north-east have been extended to run from 3pm-1am, seven days a week, on all routes.
Previously, patrols ran from 5pm to midnight Monday to Friday on the southern service and from 6pm on the outer north. The outer north-eastern O-Bahn services previously ran from 3pm-11pm Sundays to Thursdays and from 6pm-1am Fridays and Saturdays.
The increase represents an additional 63 patrol hours each week.
