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The state government will hire more passenger service workers to help target antisocial behaviour on Adelaide's public transport network, with the union saying its drivers had been "punched in the head, spat on" and "threatened" in recent months.
Key points:
- More than 1,500 people have been cautioned for fare evasion or inappropriate behaviour
- 161 incidents have been referred to prosecutors for further action
- An additional 23 passenger service assistants will be employed on Adelaide Metro trains
The government said more than 1,500 people were cautioned during a four-week operation across Adelaide's buses, trains and trams on routes with known issues.
In addition, 161 incidents were referred to authorities for further action where people did not stop their behaviour or cooperate with staff.
The government said another 23 passenger service assistants will be employed to increase security presence on Adelaide's train network.
It said 200 badges will also be assigned to ensure transport users can better identify the prescribed officers, who will be able to request a passenger's name and address and ask to inspect their ticket.
They can also ask public transport users to leave or not board the service.
People who fail to pay for their trip can be fined $160.
An assault against a prescribed worker, including drivers and passenger service assistants, is an aggravated offence which could result in up to five years' imprisonment.
Bus drivers 'deserve to be safe'
Transport Workers Union spokesperson Sam McIntosh told ABC Radio Adelaide's Sonya Feldoff a lack of safety was a "huge issue" for transport workers at the moment, particularly for bus drivers.
"When someone doesn't pay a fare there's a confrontation created with the bus driver who is just doing their job and that's where a lot of these absolutely disgraceful safety incidents happen," he said.
"Over the last few months alone we've seen drivers punched in the head, spat on, threatened… it's not acceptable in any way.
"The network right now is nowhere near as safe as it needs to be."
Mr McIntosh said more passenger service officers were needed across the network to not only validate tickets, but to also provide an extra layer of support.
"I think we've got to create a different culture which is what this government is doing and we really applaud their effort," he said.
"Our members driving buses deserve to be safe, they deserve to go home at the end of every day to their families safe, not recounting stories of being threatened, abused and assaulted."
Government to continue monitoring data
Earlier this month, South Australian police arrested a 32-year-old man who allegedly assaulted a bus driver and two police officers at the Elizabeth Railway Station bus interchange.
In May, an 18-year-old was also charged with aggravated robbery after he allegedly threatened a 16-year-old boy with a knife and demanded his shoes and jacket on a bus at Salisbury East.
Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis said more than 1,600 reports of poor behaviour had been anonymously made by passengers who scanned QR codes which were installed on Adelaide Metro services late last year.
"I think South Australians are sick and tired of people taking advantage of infrastructure we put in for the public good," he said.
Mr Koutsantonis said the government would continue to monitor the data to further target "trouble spots" on the public transport network.
He said it would also be working with the union to ensure its members felt supported.
"The work conditions we want to offer drivers is a safe workplace and that's why we'll be enforcing a lot more of the aggravated assault [charge] on bus drivers," he said.
"It's important that we make sure that our drivers are protected, that our passengers are safe and that our public transport system is clean and efficient."