Aggressive riders pose danger for MBTA bus drivers

Posted: 10/19/12 at 9:10 am EDT

MALDEN, Mass. (WHDH) -- Aggressive passengers have become a growing danger for MBTA drivers.

Transit Police released bus surveillance video showing a man arguing with the driver.

Once the bus stopped, the punches flew. He also reportedly spit on the bus driver.

A police report said he became enraged when the driver wouldn't stop.

MBTA police are looking for another man who assaulted a Malden bus driver.

Authorities released surveillance video that showed the man arguing and fighting with the driver.

The video showed the man spitting on the driver before he got off the bus.

"It’s assault and battery. Very serious. These people operating buses with passengers, public at large are driving on the street. Our drivers should not be assaulted,” said Supt. In Chief, Joseph O’Connor of the MBTA Police Department.

Transit police said 88 MBTA workers have been assaulted since January.

Most of those attacks involve spitting.

Have a story idea or news tip for 7NEWS?

Email: newstips@cw56.com, or call us at 1-800-280-TIPS.