Buses Under Fire: Stories of Bricks, Sparks, and Resilience on the Road

risky behavior

The Strain of Anti-Social Behaviour on Our Buses

Introduction

In the quiet moments of a bus journey, as people settle into their seats and watch the world go by, few consider the threats these vehicles might face. Yet, increasingly, buses find themselves under assault—not from the dangers of the road, but from acts of anti-social behaviour that turn ordinary trips into tense encounters. Fireworks aimed at windows, bricks thrown from the shadows: these are not just moments of shock but marks of disappointment for communities that rely on public transport.

As a symbol of accessibility and unity, buses are a lifeline for countless people—linking cities, suburbs, and rural routes. But when vandalism strikes, this symbol of connection is strained, leaving passengers, drivers, and communities to bear the weight of unnecessary risk. The poems that follow capture the unsettling reality of what it means to be on a bus targeted by reckless actions. They serve as a call for respect, for a return to peaceful journeys, and a reminder that each bus is more than metal and glass; it’s a shared space deserving of care.

The Firework

Buses in the Line of Fire

Do you ever feel like a target in sight,
Rolling through towns in the calm of night?
Just a bus on its route, with passengers aboard,
When sparks fly close, too near to ignore.

The wheels keep turning, steady and true,
But the crackles and flashes start breaking through.
Steel and glass, not meant for fright,
Yet here we are on this risky night.

A bottle rocket whizzes by,
Lighting up windows, sparking the sky.
Passengers tense, drivers alert,
Not here for fireworks, nor for the hurt.

We’re just buses on roads we know,
Moving the city, steady and slow.
Yet some find fun in striking fear,
With every loud burst that feels too near.

We’re here to serve, to take you home,
But tonight, the streets feel far from alone.
Each crackling flash, each sudden sound,
Turns peaceful routes into shaky ground.

If only they'd see the risk they take,
The harm in each sparkle, each burst they make.
We’re not asking much, just for peace,
To glide through the night with a sense of ease.

No more bangs, no bright light show,
Just safe travels as we go.

The Brick

Shattered Journeys!

A bus on its journey, slow and true,
Through city streets, in dark and blue.
It’s just here to serve, to carry lives,
Yet finds itself where trouble thrives.

A brick flies out from shadows deep,
Cracks the glass, leaves wounds that seep.
The passengers flinch, the driver sighs—
A simple route, now filled with lies.

For what thrill does a throw bring to them,
Who find in bricks some twisted gem?
A senseless act, a needless blow,
Against a bus that just helps us go.

Every scar, each shatter and mark,
Takes trust away, leaves rides stark.
And with each hit, disappointment grows—
How did respect for safety erode so low?

This bus is more than steel and wheels,
It carries stories, hopes, ideals.
But every brick that strikes its side
Dims the light of the ride inside.

So here’s a plea, as patience thins—
What world is it, where thoughtless wins?
Let buses roll on peaceful streets,
Unmarked by anger, by cruel defeats.

Shattered 

The Driver’s Reflection

Behind the wheel, the streets are mine,
But fireworks flash, and bricks align.
A crack, a thud, the glass gives way,
Passengers tense, but I must stay.

Each reckless throw, each spark that flies,
I wonder how long we’ll compromise.
The road should be a place of calm,
But it's hard to drive with no alarm.

---

Steering Through Chaos, Here to Serve

As we close the journey through these reflections, it's clear that the role of a bus and its driver goes far beyond just transport. It's about connecting lives, fostering community, and ensuring safety. Yet, when faced with reckless acts of vandalism, that sense of trust is broken, leaving both passengers and drivers navigating a landscape filled with fear and uncertainty.

These poems serve as a poignant reminder that public transport is more than just a service; it's a shared space where respect and consideration should prevail. It’s a call for change, for peace, and for a collective effort to restore safety on our streets and in our buses. Every ride should be one of connection, not one of chaos.

Let’s remember that the roads are ours to share, and the responsibility to keep them safe lies with all of us. To the drivers and to the passengers, we owe it to each other to make each journey a peaceful one.

Author’s Sign-Off:

As a bus driver, I witness the quiet resilience of everyday journeys, and I’ve come to understand that every ride is a shared experience. We all have a role to play in ensuring safety, respect, and peace on our roads. Let’s work together to protect the spaces that connect us, so that the road ahead remains a place for everyone to travel with confidence and care.

– The Bus Driver