📣 It has been a year since bus and tram drivers in public transportation were granted the protection reserved for public officials. On June 9, 2023, an amendment to the Act on Public Collective Transportation and the Act on Rail Transportation was enacted, aimed at increasing the sense of security among public transportation and railway employees.
📣 The new regulations grant bus and tram drivers the status of public officials while performing their duties, in accordance with the principles set out in the Criminal Code. This means that their physical integrity and personal dignity are now protected by law in a special way. Physical attacks and insults against drivers are prosecuted by public prosecution, which transfers the burden of prosecuting and charging perpetrators to the police and the prosecutor’s office, relieving drivers of the need to pursue their rights on their own.
Are the drivers experiencing any changes?
📣 Initial statistics and analyses show that these changes are already having a positive effect—the number of physical and verbal attacks by passengers or bystanders has decreased significantly. The increased sense of security improves working conditions and boosts the confidence of public transport employees. Their new status enables them to enforce regulations more effectively and respond to emergency situations.
📣 In addition, granting public official status makes the profession of driver more responsible and important to the public. It also builds greater trust among passengers and improves communication and cooperation between drivers and passengers.
📣 Improving safety and working conditions can also help retain current employees and attract new people to the public transport industry.
This is a milestone in raising safety and security standards for public transport workers.
