A BUS driver who has been spat at and threatened has issued a desperate plea for action.

Rex Canham, from Benfleet, feels not enough is being done to protect drivers from antisocial passengers and feels the number of incidents has risen since the pandemic.

The 55-year-old told the Echo: “Enough is enough. As we start this new normal old habits start to resurface - abusive and antisocial behaviour towards bus drivers has come back ten-fold.”

Rex, who has worked as a driver for First for seven years, says there is a lack of support from the bus company and the police.

He, added: “I think there should be a zero tolerance approach to this bad conduct, which is all too often overlooked.

“I think I speak for the majority of bus drivers when I raise this subject. The lack of support from the bus companies and unions at times leaves us drivers on the front line tackling these unnecessary risks.

“We have played the poor relation for long enough. The transport police only operate on the trains from what I can see and the regular force are very rarely available to come to our aid.”

Rex and another First driver, who did not want to be named, also expressed their frustrations at being “overlooked” as key workers and feel their safety has been compromised.

The driver, aged in his forties, said: “We have been out there on the front line throughout this whole pandemic, facing constant abuse from unruly passengers.

“I’ve had people spit at me, kick the bus doors and threaten me.

“Most of our passengers are lovely, but there are some not so nice ones we have to face regularly.

“Drivers everywhere have been losing their lives.

“The Government decided to introduce masks far too late - much of the damage has been done.

“There is absolutely no support from the company, we are pretty much told to just get on with it. We are all fed up with it.”

Rex added: “During this pandemic we seem to have come last on the list of of key workers.

“Myself and countless numbers of hard working bus drivers have worked through this pandemic and feel overlooked once again, with 30 drivers having sadly died from Covid.”

A spokesman from First said: “The safety of our staff and customers is our top priority and we are working with the Government and wider industry to ensure we are following the latest advice to keep everyone safe on our buses. Bus drivers are key workers and are entitled to be able to go about their duties without fear for their own safety.

“Along with many other essential workers, they have helped keep vital services running throughout the continuing pandemic.”