Categories of inappropriate behaviour

This Code categorises inappropriate behaviour into three categories.

In determining the category of behaviour, each incident is assessed individually. Consideration is to be given to the context of the specific incident, the seriousness of the behaviour, and the extent of the threat to driver and passenger safety or physical property.

These categories may apply to individuals or groups of students acting inappropriately. Please note that the lists of examples are not intended to be exhaustive but are used as a guide only.

Category 1: Irresponsible, offensive or nuisance behaviour, but not likely to cause harm.
Category 2: Dangerous or destructive behaviour, which may cause harm to property and/ or others.
Category 3: Immediately life threatening or illegal behaviour.

Category 1 – Unacceptable behaviour

This category includes minor offences, and behaviour that may be irresponsible, offensive or a nuisance but not physically dangerous. Examples include:

• Distracting the driver by calling out or making persistent noise.
• Eating or drinking, except for medical reasons or where the bus driver has given permission.
• Displaying materials of an offensive, obscene, threatening, abusive or defamatory nature, including on a device such as mobile phone, tablet or laptop computer. *
• Using offensive language or offensive body language.
• Intimidation and harassment of other passengers, such as name calling, teasing and bullying. *
• Pressing the stop button continually or unnecessarily.
• Damaging property belonging to others (e.g. causing non-permanent and low-value damage).
• Playing music loudly.
• Spraying deodorant or perfume.
• Littering or leaving rubbish on the bus.
• Failing to show student bus pass or ticket.
• Refusing to obey the reasonable instructions of the driver (note – repeated refusal falls under Category 2).
• Behaving so to adversely affect the comfort or safety of other passengers, such as not respecting the personal space of others or not giving up seats to others with greater need.
• Taking photos or videos of other passengers or the driver without permission and sharing or posting online.*

Category 2 – Dangerous and destructive behaviour

This category includes more serious offences but is not limited to behaviour that may cause an element of danger to individuals or property. Examples include:

• Allowing any part of the body or some other object to protrude from the bus while the bus is in motion.
• Stopping others from disembarking at their stop.
• Verbally threatening the driver or other passengers.
• Standing on the bus steps or in areas not set aside for standing, or refusing to sit down.
• Moving around the bus when it is in motion.
• Pushing and shoving when boarding, travelling on, or exiting the bus.
• Swinging on bus handrails.
• Vandalism of the bus, such as window etching or writing on the back of seats.
• Throwing things inside or out of the bus.
• Causing significant damage to property (e.g. permanent damage requiring replacement or repair).
• Deliberately evading paying a fare where due.
• Repeatedly refusing to obey the reasonable instructions of the driver.
• Smoking, vaping or using cigarette lighters, matches or firelighters on the bus.

Category 3 – Highly dangerous, illegal or life-threatening behaviour

• Assaulting the driver or other passengers.
• Serious bullying, intimidation, and harassment of other passengers (e.g. threats of violence).*
• Interfering with the driving controls, emergency door release and other safety equipment.
• Recklessly or negligently endangering the safety of other passengers or themselves.
• Carrying a weapon (including replica weapons) or dangerous items.
• Using matches, lighters, or other flammable items.
• Destruction of property (e.g. damage that causes immediate disruption to the service).
• Indecently exposing body parts.*

* Behaviour of this type may trigger other statutory reporting obligations.