A man has been arrested after an alleged “violent” and “unprovoked” attack on an Auckland bus driver yesterday afternoon.
Police say the incident occurred on a bus in Ponsonby at around 4.30pm after the 39-year-old boarded without tagging on.
After asking the man to get off the bus, she was allegedly “punched and kicked” in response.
After the driver pulled over, the man got off the bus and ran up Ponsonby Rd.
The man was found soon after and was taken into custody “without further incident”.
He has been charged in relation to the attack and will appear in the Auckland District Court on Friday.
Auckland City Central Area Prevention Manager Inspector Dave Christoffersen said the driver was “understandably very shaken” by the attack and is being provided with support.
He called the incident an “appalling act of violence” against someone “who was just going about their job”.
“It is completely unacceptable,” he said.
“We hope the quick arrest does bring reassurance to the community that police are committed to holding those causing harm in our areas to account.”
Auckland Transport’s group manager of public transport relations Rachel Cara said she was “saddened” by the incident.
“We are working with police and our bus operator to assist with investigations and ensure that the driver is receiving the support they need.
“Safety is our top priority on the network. We want drivers to know that we are doing everything we can to support them in their roles and that they are safe.”
“Bus drivers deserve to feel safe in their place of work,” Cara said.
“It is important to remember that last week Aucklanders took around 1.6 million public transport trips, with the vast majority having safe, comfortable, and enjoyable journeys.”
The alleged Ponsonby assault came shortly before a group of six young people — one of whom was found with a knife — were taken into police custody after allegedly assaulting two people aboard a bus in Albany yesterday afternoon.
Police confirmed the assault was reported to officers around 5pm, where the two victims had been aboard a bus as it arrived at Albany Bus Station.