TSSA Calls for Greater Protection for Transport Workers Following Death of London Bus Driver

Transport union TSSA has called for stronger safety measures to protect frontline transport staff following the death of a London bus driver in what police are investigating as a murder case.

Sergei Krajev, aged 64, died after being found critically injured near his bus at Battersea Bridge on Monday evening. Emergency services attended the scene and he was taken to hospital by air ambulance, but later died from his injuries. Police have since arrested a man in connection with the incident.

The incident has prompted renewed concern across the transport sector regarding the safety of frontline workers, particularly those operating alone or in public-facing roles.

TSSA, which represents workers across the transport industry, described the incident as both “shocking” and “tragic” and said it highlights growing concerns around violence, abuse, and intimidation directed at transport staff.

General Secretary Maryam Eslamdoust said the union has repeatedly warned about rising levels of aggression facing workers across public transport networks and argued that stronger intervention is now required to improve staff safety.

The union is calling for increased investment in the British Transport Police, wider restrictions on lone working arrangements, and tougher enforcement measures including transport banning orders for individuals responsible for violent or abusive behaviour.

Concerns around staff safety have become increasingly prominent across the transport industry in recent years, with operators, unions, and transport authorities reporting higher levels of verbal abuse, threats, anti-social behaviour, and physical attacks affecting frontline employees.

Bus drivers, station staff, rail employees, and other transport workers are often required to operate in highly public environments while dealing directly with passengers and members of the public, sometimes under difficult or confrontational conditions.

Industry bodies and unions have argued that while awareness campaigns and reporting systems have improved, further operational and policing measures are needed to better protect staff carrying out essential public services.

The incident is also likely to reignite wider debate around workforce safety, staffing models, and security presence across transport networks, particularly in urban environments where frontline staff frequently work independently.

Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident remain ongoing.