Called a ‘mate’ and ignored by bus driver

February 2013

Priyanka* is a transgender woman who travels using the bus.

On one occasion, she rang the bell multiple times however the driver did not stop. When she called out,  the driver addressed her as ‘mate’, which she found offensive.

Priyanka approached the driver and she was pushed to the ground.

Priyanka lodged a complaint with ADNSW.

At conciliation, the driver said that Priyanka had only rung the bell at the last minute. He said he had not seen her and had thought it was a man’s voice that was calling out. The driver denied pushing Priyanka to the ground but did admit to  jabbing her with his hand.

The complaint was resolved when the bus company agreed to pay Priyanka $2,500. The bus driver also lost his job as a result of the incident.

*Name has been changed to protect the privacy of the individual.