SEPTA says attacks the number of attacks on drivers are up

An attack on a bus driver in Mt. Airy prompted a deeper look into similar incidents, and resulted in a special report by Action News on the rising number of assaults against bus and trolley drivers.

The report says the attacks are not concentrated in any one neighborhood or on any particular route, and don’t occur because of an specific reason.

SEPTA’ Chief Surface Transportation Officer Michael R. Liberi said there have been 27 attacks on drivers so far in 2011 — already more than the 18 in 2010. The rising number has spurred TWU Local 234 into action, and SEPTA officials hope Pennsylvania legislators add transit employees to the list of protected workers. Under the law, those charged with trying to harm them face a minimum of five years in prison.

SEPTA has already been stepping up security; 500 of its 1,200 buses have been equipped with cameras.