Perth Bus-Surfing Incident Sparks Safety Warnings After Teens Risk Lives
Alarming footage has surfaced showing two young men performing a dangerous bus-surfing stunt on a busy Perth road, dragging their feet for hundreds of metres while horrified motorists looked on. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon in Maddington, located in Perth's southeastern suburbs, raising serious concerns about public transport safety and reckless behaviour among youths.
Dangerous Stunt Unfolds on Attfield Street
The shocking video captured two teenagers dangling precariously from the rear of a moving Transperth bus as it travelled along Attfield Street. The pair struggled to maintain their grip while attempting to keep their legs from making contact with the road surface, creating a terrifying spectacle for nearby drivers. Witnesses reported the youths dragged their feet for at least 250 metres during their perilous ride before eventually jumping off at a designated bus stop prior to Olga Road.
Remarkably, both individuals walked away from the incident without physical injury, but authorities have emphasised the potentially catastrophic consequences of such behaviour. A spokesperson for the Public Transport Authority told media outlets that "behaviour like this is incredibly dangerous" and warned that "one slip could lead to serious injury or death for the offenders."
Authorities Condemn Reckless Behaviour
Western Australia Police confirmed they are investigating the incident and have appealed for public assistance to identify the two young men involved. A police spokesperson strongly criticised the teenagers' actions, stating: "This behaviour is extremely dangerous not only to the individuals involved, but also the bus driver, occupants on board and others in the vicinity." The spokesperson further encouraged community members to provide information that might help identify those responsible.
The Public Transport Authority reinforced their zero-tolerance approach to antisocial behaviour, with a representative emphasising that "our priority is ensuring safety of all passengers and staff." Meanwhile, Transport Workers Union WA Branch Secretary Tim Dawson described the pair's conduct as "ridiculous" and branded them as "lunatics" who failed to comprehend the risks they were taking.
Mr Dawson highlighted the additional pressure such incidents place on bus drivers, noting: "Bus drivers don't need this type of behaviour. They put up with enough antisocial behaviour without kids deciding they're going to jump on the back of it and ride a bus."
Bus-Surfing Trend Across Australian Cities
This concerning incident follows a pattern of similar dangerous behaviour often referred to as "bus-surfing" that has emerged in various Australian jurisdictions in recent years. Police in other states have previously warned that participants in such stunts could face court appearances and substantial penalties.
In May 2023, another young individual was filmed clinging dangerously to the back of a moving bus while taunting motorists along Gardners Road between Kingsford and Rosebery in Sydney's inner south. The footage showed a youth wearing dark clothing holding onto the bus while standing on the bumper as the vehicle travelled along the busy road.
During 2021, reckless teenagers in Adelaide faced consequences after being spotted bus-surfing during rush hour traffic. The foolhardy pair each received fines of $195 and were banned from using public transport following their dangerous antics, demonstrating that authorities are prepared to impose penalties on those engaging in such behaviour.
These repeated incidents involving young men risking their lives by clinging to moving buses have prompted renewed calls for public awareness about the severe dangers associated with bus-surfing. Authorities continue to emphasise that such stunts endanger not only the participants but also bus drivers, passengers, and other road users who may become distracted or need to take evasive action.
