Melbourne bus driver assaulted, spat on
A Melbourne bus driver claims he was punched and spat on by a man and woman in a 'disgusting' attack after he asked them pay for their ride.
The 23-year-old driver, who does not want to be named, was abused by the pair after he confronted them for not swiping their Myki cards when they boarded a city-bound bus at Northland Shopping Centre in Preston about 9am on May 24.
The driver, who has been in the job for six months, told 7News he was repeatedly pushed and abused while the bus was moving.
At one point, the pair tried to obstruct his view.
The woman also spat on the driver after he demanded they get off the bus.
The pair got off but moments later the man returned and struck the driver in the face.
The driver said he was disgusted by the 'violent' and 'unnecessary' attack, which left him scared but unharmed.
"It's not something that should be part of my job," he said. "To be treated in such a manner is not something we should have to put up with."
A bus company spokesman said assaults on drivers are on the rise, and they are now considering better protection for drivers, including security screens.
The man is described as being in his 40s and of Caucasian descent with blonde hair and was wearing a black hooded jacket.
The woman, also in her 40s, is of Caucasian descent with blonde hair. She was wearing a black jacket with a fur-trimmed hood, black jeans and gloves and was carrying a black handbag.
Police have released CCTV video of the incident and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or go to www.crimestoppers.com.au
