Lanzarote Bus Drivers Face Two Serious Incidents in One Week
Concerns over the safety of bus drivers and passengers in Lanzarote have resurfaced after two separate incidents involving drivers were reported within the space of just one week.
The incidents, which happened on Lanzarote’s public bus network, included an alleged knife threat against a driver in Puerto del Carmen and a separate attempted assault involving a passenger who was reportedly under the influence of alcohol.
The latest incident happened at around 3am during the early hours of Saturday into Sunday. According to reports, several young passengers were causing disruption towards the rear of the bus, including smoking, making noise and disturbing other people travelling on board.
After complaints from fellow passengers, the driver intervened and asked the group to behave.
The situation then escalated when one of the youngsters allegedly produced a knife and threatened the driver.
Fortunately, other passengers intervened, helping to prevent the situation from becoming more serious while police were called. Reports state that officers subsequently detained those involved.
A second incident involving a bus driver
The knife incident was not the only problem faced by a Lanzarote bus driver during the week.
A separate incident occurred several days earlier on a service travelling through San Bartolomé, Mozaga, Masdache and Uga.
On that occasion, a passenger was reportedly under the influence of alcohol and began eating and drinking inside the bus, behaviour which is prohibited under the rules governing passengers.
When the driver challenged the passenger, the situation allegedly escalated into an attempted physical assault.
Other passengers stepped in, preventing the confrontation from going further.
Calls for greater security on Lanzarote buses
The two incidents have prompted renewed calls from workers’ representatives for stronger security measures across Lanzarote’s public transport network.
Ricardo Hernández, president of the Arrecife Bus works committee and a CCOO representative, has called for greater police visibility at bus stations and transport interchanges across the island.
Requests also include more checks on buses and stronger enforcement of the existing Reglamento del Viajero, the regulations governing passenger behaviour.
Hernández has argued that the rules already exist to deal with disruptive and anti-social behaviour but need to be applied more consistently.
Public transport is an important part of life in Lanzarote
For both residents and visitors, Lanzarote buses – known locally as guaguas – are an important part of getting around the island.
The public bus network connects Arrecife with many of Lanzarote’s main towns and tourist resorts, including Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca. Buses are also widely used by residents travelling between smaller communities and the island’s main urban centres.
For tourists, the guagua can be a convenient alternative to hiring a car, particularly when travelling between the main resorts and Arrecife.
That makes the behaviour of a relatively small number of passengers an issue that can potentially affect many other people using public transport in Lanzarote.
A reminder for passengers
These incidents are also a reminder that bus drivers have an important responsibility for the safety of everyone on board.
Drivers have to concentrate on the road and operate a large vehicle carrying passengers. Arguments, aggressive behaviour or confrontations with drivers can therefore create risks far beyond the people directly involved.
For anyone using Lanzarote public buses, the message is simple: follow the passenger rules, respect other people travelling and, if a problem occurs, report it rather than allowing a disagreement to escalate.
The vast majority of journeys on Lanzarote’s bus network take place without incident, but the latest events have highlighted the concerns of those working behind the wheel.
For residents who rely on the Lanzarote bus service every day, and tourists using the guaguas to explore the island, having drivers and passengers feel safe is in everyone’s interest.
