Programme for drivers

Press, 12 October 1985, Page 8

Programme for drivers

An increasing number of assaults against bus drivers has led to a comprehensive new training programme for Christchurch Transport Board drivers. Dealing with violent and difficult situations, public relations, safety and firstaid would be covered, said the board’s assistant general manager, Mr Tony Francis, yesterday. The new courses would probably start over the Christmas holiday period, he said. “Drivers have never had

any training in how to deal with difficult and sometimes violent situations. We have identified this as a need,” said Mr Francis. Attacks on drivers had increased noticeably in the last five years, said the E’ ’ent of ithe Tramways , Mr Marty Caroll. In the last’year there had been at least five serious assaults on drivers. One had had to be admitted to hospital overnight, he said. The latest incident was on Thursday afternoon in Wainoni Road when Mr

Alan Ward was attacked and severely bruised when he tried to put two youths off his bus for offensive behaviour.

No pattern to the attacks had emerged, said Mr Caroil.

Incidents occurred during the day as well as in the evening and were not confined to any particular routes.

“This is one of the stress factors associated with the job that is not always appreciated by people,” said Mr Caroll.