Auckland, New Zealand – A man was arrested following a violent and unprovoked attack on an Auckland bus driver on Wednesday afternoon, as reported by the police. The incident took place on a bus in Ponsonby around 4:30 pm when the 39-year-old man boarded without tapping his card.
After being asked to leave the bus, the man allegedly assaulted the driver by punching and kicking her. The driver managed to pull over, prompting the man to flee on foot up Ponsonby Rd. Fortunately, he was apprehended shortly after and taken into custody without further trouble.
Law enforcement officials have pressed charges against the man in connection to the attack, and he is scheduled to appear in the Auckland District Court on Friday. Auckland City Central Area Prevention Manager Inspector Dave Christoffersen expressed concern for the driver, acknowledging that she was understandably shaken by the incident and reassured that she is receiving support.
Christoffersen condemned the violence, labeling it as an appalling act against someone simply performing their job. He emphasized the police’s commitment to holding perpetrators accountable for their actions, aiming to provide comfort to the community. Auckland Transport’s group manager of public transport relations, Rachel Cara, also expressed sadness over the incident, highlighting the agency’s collaboration with the police and bus operator to aid investigations and ensure the driver’s well-being.
Cara stressed the importance of safety for drivers on the public transport network, stating that measures are being taken to support them and ensure their safety. The incident in Ponsonby was closely followed by another altercation in Albany, where six young individuals, one of whom was found with a knife, were taken into custody for allegedly assaulting two people on a bus. Police responded to the assault report around 5 pm, where the victims were aboard a bus arriving at Albany Bus Station.
These incidents underscore the need for vigilance and support for public transport workers, emphasizing the importance of a safe and secure working environment. Authorities continue to investigate the assaults and work towards maintaining the safety and well-being of both passengers and operators in the public transportation system.