Auckland Transport bus damaged after disgruntled passenger throws rocks at windscreen

Auckland Transport is investigating after an angry passenger allegedly abused a bus driver and shattered the vehicle’s front windscreen by throwing rocks in a brazen attack.

An AT spokesperson confirmed there was “an incident” on a route 18 bus in Great North Rd, Western Springs, shortly before 2pm on Saturday, where emergency services were called to attend.

“During this incident, a bus driver was abused by a passenger who then damaged the front windscreen of the bus once it had pulled over.”

Images shared with the Herald show at least three significant impact points on the front windscreen of the bus, completely shattering the driver’s side. Small shards of glass were scattered on the road.

A witness has alleged a disgruntled passenger threw rocks at the windscreen of an Auckland Transport bus after being told to leave by the driver.

The rocks allegedly used in the attack can also be seen on the road in front of the bus.

“A disgruntled passenger threw rocks at the windscreen of this Auckland Metro bus outside Motat ... after being told to leave by the driver,” a witness told the Herald.

AT said the driver of a nearby bus was able to help de-escalate the situation and support the driver and passengers until emergency services arrived.

“The driver was left shaken by the incident and is receiving support from the bus company while the incident is investigated.”

A police spokesperson confirmed they attended the incident in which a bus was damaged and were taking statements.

Auckland Transport said emergency services attended the incident near Western Springs.

The NZ Transport Agency last month announced all Auckland buses will have driver protection screens installed by 2026.

Transport Minister Simeon Brown said the Government was improving the safety of working environments for bus drivers.

“An agreement has been reached to approve a bid for funding to retrofit full-length driver screens for 80% of Auckland Transport’s bus fleet by 2026, or approximately 1100 buses,” Brown said.

“These hardworking New Zealanders often work with little to separate them from their passengers. Safety screens will provide protection and ensure our service continues running smoothly and safely.”

Bus drivers have been regularly targeted in recent months, including a beating, an alleged racially charged assault, a neck-slashing and a wrench attack.

Auckland Transport data released in July showed the number of assaults against drivers in the first six months of 2024 rose to 33, up from 21 over the same period a year earlier.

Benjamin Plummer is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He has worked for the Herald since 2022.