ASSAULTS ON BUS STAFF IN GREAT BRITAIN

The incidence, causes, and methods of ameliorating assaults on bus staff in Great Britain are examined. Over 13,800 assaults were reported in the years 1979 to 1985, with over one-half of these resulting in staff absenteeism. The major causes are disputes over fares, hooliganism, and traffic incidents. Although London has a more severe problem than elsewhere, assaults are not just a phenomenon of large cities: some operators in small towns also have proportionally high levels of assaults. However, recent initiatives by operators and police authorities, including more use of radio communications, on-bus videos, schools, public relations programs, and a greater police presence do appear to be reducing the number of assaults in some areas.