Every day across Melbourne, thousands of passengers step onto buses expecting a safe and reliable journey.

Behind the wheel of each service is a trained professional focused on ensuring everyone on board reaches their destination safely.

Safe Transport Victoria’s Bus Safety Week highlights the essential service that bus drivers perform while improving safety by encouraging passengers to play their part in making public transport safer.

The week is timed to incorporate world-wide Bus Driver Appreciation Day on March 18.

 

Bus Safety Week has a clear message: safer journeys depend on mutual respect.

Passengers can help create a safer travel environment by treating bus drivers respectfully and avoiding negative behaviour.

Bus drivers work every day to deliver a safe service for the community. When passengers show patience, understanding and courtesy, it helps create a safer environment for everyone on board.

Because at the end of the day, every bus journey depends on teamwork between the people behind the wheel and the passengers on board.

Something as simple as a “thank you” can make all the difference.

Bus Safety Week is 16 to 22 March 2026.

 

Small actions can make a big difference

At the heart of Bus Safety Week is a simple idea: everyone shares responsibility for a safe journey.

Passengers can take the following actions to support their bus driver and fellow travellers:

  • Pressing the stop button in time so the driver can stop safely.
  • Remaining calm if there are delays.The driver’s priority is getting everyone to their destination safely.
  • Showing patience and respect during busy services.
  • Taking a moment to thank their bus driver.

The message is simple:  Respect makes the journey safer for all. Your driver’s job is to get everyone there safely.

 

The challenges bus drivers face

The Bus Industry Confederation (BIC) suggests incidents involving aggression toward drivers are increasing.

According to their data, physical assaults on bus drivers in some Australian states have increased by 80 per cent since 2022, while verbal abuse rose by 184 per cent during the same period.

These figures reflect the reality faced by bus drivers working on the front line of public transport.

Importantly, many incidents stem from situations outside the driver’s control. In the bus network, occupational violence programs have identified several common triggers, including:

  • Route or stop misunderstandings
  • Passengers pressing stop buttons too late
  • Drivers being unable to stop immediately at requested locations
  • Delays caused by traffic or other operational conditions

Bus Safety Week aims to help reduce these pressures by increasing understanding among passengers and reinforcing respectful behaviour across the network.

 

Meeting passengers where they travel

Safe Transport Victoria will communicate with passengers at busy bus stops, reaching commuters as part of their everyday journeys.

In-person engagement will also take place at Monash University where campaign representatives will speak with passengers about the importance of respectful travel.

The face-to-face engagement aims to create meaningful conversations with passengers about how they can support bus drivers on the road.

 

Supporting the professionals behind the service

While the campaign focuses on passenger behaviour, Bus driver Safety Week is also about supporting bus drivers themselves.

Bus drivers will receive practical reminders and refreshers on de-escalation strategies designed to help manage challenging situations safely.

The program also highlights the importance of wellbeing and reinforces the pride bus drivers take in providing a vital public service.