Newcastle Bus Services Cease Following Driver Stabbing Incident

Bus services across Newcastle ceased operations from 6 p.m. on Friday, February 27, following an incident in which a bus driver was stabbed while working in Charlestown. The cessation of services was initiated after a Health and Safety Representative (HSR) issued a cease unsafe work direction. The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) NSW stated that services would remain halted until further notice, citing a lack of safety assurances from the operating company, Keolis.

Service Cessation Details

On Friday, February 27, a bus driver was stabbed during their shift in Charlestown. Approximately two hours later, at 4 p.m., a Health and Safety Representative (HSR) issued a directive to cease unsafe work. This directive led to the immediate stoppage of all bus services across Newcastle.

Buses that were already in service at 6 p.m. were permitted to complete their current routes. However, no new bus services commenced from that time onwards. The service halt is indefinite and will remain in effect until further notice.

Union Response and Safety Concerns

Peter Grech, President of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) NSW Tram and Bus Division, stated that drivers initiated the service halt.

According to Grech, this action was taken because Keolis, the bus operating company, reportedly did not provide assurances regarding the safety of staff and passengers.

Grech described the Charlestown incident as an attack on a worker and indicated that bus drivers in the region have experienced a series of assaults, including spitting and other forms of violence. The union reported holding a meeting with Keolis to demand immediate safety measures, but stated that these guarantees were not provided.

While acknowledging that the decision to halt services would cause disruption, the union emphasized that driver safety is the primary concern.

The RTBU NSW has stated that services will not resume until Keolis commits to addressing the reported pattern of violence and repeated safety issues.