A series of attacks on buses in Seabrook has led to the cessation of two services for the second time this week.
ComfortDelgro Cabcharge group operations manager George Konstantopoulos said there were 15 cases of rocks being thrown at buses, with 11 vehicles damaged along Arlington Place in Seabrook since last month.
The 496 and 498 services were cancelled from 6.30pm last night, and will not run tonight. The 495 and 497 services were also cancelled for a 48 hour period earlier this week.
The services run between the Laverton and Point Cook or Hoppers Crossing areas via Seabrook.
“When services resumed on Wednesday, the attacks continued,” Mr Konstantopoulos said.
“We’re talking about rocks the size of cricket balls propelled through side doors, and on a couple of occasions, at windscreens.
“There haven’t been any injuries yet, but if the attacks continue, it is only a matter of time.
“We have a duty of care, not only to our patrons on services, but also the staff who are now getting a bit nervous about driving on those services.”
He said services would be reinstated for the weekend, but if the attacks continued, exploring the possibility of a diversion with key stakeholders could be the only solution.
Altona MP Jill Hennessy met with Mr Konstantopoulos this morning to discuss the attacks.
“We fought hard to get this bus service for the local community, so I’m really disappointed that people are targeting and damaging these buses like this,” she said.
Mr Konstantopoulos will meet with stakeholders on Monday to discuss the issue further.
More to come
