The majority union in the transport sector, LCGB had already submitted several requests to the government and the FLEAA, an organisation representing private passenger transport operators in Luxembourg, prior to the incident. In May 2020, for example, LCGB requested security agents in buses to diffuse conflict situations between passengers refusing to wear a mask in accordance with sanitary rules. This time around, the installation of cameras on all buses, as well as operational emergency call buttons are the focus of their appeal.

So far, only the electric buses in the capital are equipped with functional security cameras.

“Today, however, the LCGB regrets the fact that many vehicles are still not equipped and wishes to offer its full support and solidarity to the assaulted driver,” said the union in an official statement. These measures are intended to deter antisocial behaviour on public transports, as well as protect bus drivers from physical harm, added the LCGB. 

Citing the instauration of free public transportation in February 2020 and the subsequent increase in passengers as an argument, the union also pointed out the need for accompanying security agents on buses. The latter are already a common sight on trains in Luxembourg.

At the same time, the LCGB highlighted that it is an employer’s responsibility to ensure the safety of their bus drivers by reducing the amount of danger they were exposed to and by taking into account the risks of such jobs.  

The bus driver attacked on 9 October was bitten by a passenger after requesting that the latter wear a mask on the bus, where covid rules were still in place.