Immediate changes are now being ‘demanded’ to improve bus driver safety, with TfL ‘not standing for any violence or aggression’ against staff or passengers
A bus driver was stabbed in the “shocking attack” while waiting at a stop for a changover on Friday morning (May 29). It is understood the driver was knifed in the arm in Southall at 6am, the second attack on a London bus driver in just 11 days.
In the first attack, ‘caring and thoughtful’ bus driver Sergei Krajev was assaulted at a bus stop on Battersea Bridge. Mr Krajev was assaulted on the pavement while his bus was stationary shortly after 12.30am on Monday, May 18. The 64-year-old was approached following a confrontation and suffered life-threatening injuries. He died in hospital the next day.
Unite, the union, which represents tens of thousands of bus drivers is now demanding an immediate change to practices regarding bus driver safety. MyLondon understands the bus driver stabbed in the Ealing neighbourhood on Friday has not suffered life-threatening injuries.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is another shocking attack on a bus driver. No one should go to work fearing they will be attacked. The Mayor of London together with TfL, the private bus operators must be brought together with Unite to develop concrete solutions to better protect London bus drivers.”
A Unite spokeperson said the union believes the advice given to drivers that they should remain in their cab at all times needs to be urgently revised. The spokesperson added in both recent cases it was impossible for the driver to have remained in their cab.
Unite is also calling for training provided to London Underground workers on how to diffuse potentially violent situations, must be extended to all London bus drivers. Unite regional officer Nadine Edwards: “The current advice to drivers to always remain in their cabs is both flawed and impractical. We urgently need fresh guidance and full training for drivers to ensure that they do not put themselves in danger.”
Sergei’s family said the TfL worker was ‘dedicated’ to his job. They said: “We feel fortunate to have had such a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather in our lives. He was a thoughtful, tactful, and conscientious person who cared about those around him.
“In his role as a bus driver, he was punctual, reliable and willing to help. He valued good relationships with his colleagues and approached his duties with care and dedication.”
They added: “We are grateful to the police officers, healthcare workers and emergency services involved for their care, professionalism and compassion. Our thoughts are also with other public-facing transport workers who may be distressed or alarmed by this news.”
Sadiq Khan also paid tribute to Sergei, saying: “My heart goes out to the family, friends and colleagues of Sergei Krajev, and all those affected by this appalling and senseless attack. There is zero tolerance for violence and abuse on our transport network, and a man has now been charged in connection with this incident.”
Siwan Hayward, Director of Security, Policing and Enforcement at TfL, said: “We are devastated by the death of our colleague Sergei Krajev, and our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time. Our thoughts are also with the bus driver who was attacked while waiting at a bus stop.
“We continue to support the police with their investigation into this shocking incident, and anyone with any information should contact the Metropolitan Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
“We take all forms of violence extremely seriously and remain committed to protecting our staff and customers across the network, taking the strongest possible action against anyone committing violence or abuse. We will not stand for any violence or aggression and will continue to do everything possible to protect everyone’s right to go to work and travel without fear or intimidation.”
Gary Jones, 32, of Hospital Bridge Road, Twickenham, was arrested at the scene where Sergei was attacked and has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm. Jones previously appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court and was remanded in custody. He will next appear at Kingston Crown Court on June 15.
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