Chaos in public transport: bus drivers as victims of increasing violence!

Chaos in public transport: bus drivers as victims of increasing violence!

In Upper Austria, a disturbing event has reignited the discussion about the safety of bus drivers: a bus driver on the Mattigtal route was threatened with a knife by a passenger. However, this is not an isolated case, as violence and aggression towards the driving staff is increasing drastically ooe.orf.at reported. The Upper Austrian Transport Association (OÖVV) is therefore planning new safety measures to better protect drivers.

In order to reduce violence on public transport, targeted de-escalation and communication training is integrated into the training. According to State Transport Councilor Günther Steinkellner, the concern about increasing violence against bus drivers shows that disrespect and disregard for social norms have increased immeasurably. Particularly worrying are the failed migration and integration measures, which have contributed to the failure to convey core values ​​such as respect and order.

New standards to ensure optimal conditions

Recent incidents have prompted the OÖVV to introduce additional quality standards to ensure the safety of bus drivers. These measures also include compliance with rules and recognition of fundamental values ​​in society, such as fpoe-ooe.at determines. This development is a sign of the necessary steps that must be taken to combat increasing violence in public spaces.

Steinkellner emphasizes that these security measures are not the only solution. A rethinking of political strategy is necessary to ensure order in public spaces: “We must not accept that bus drivers, who provide a valuable service to the population, are exposed to constant threats,” he explains. A strict zero-tolerance policy against violence is required here in order to ensure the safety of employees and to counteract the creeping brutalization of society.