The 901 bus is avoiding Roxburgh Park shopping centre and railway station at weekends after threats and physical violence against drivers.
In the past six weeks, rocks have been thrown, windows smashed and passengers threatened.
In one incident, a group of youths tried to grab the driver’s steering wheel.
Bus operator Transdev Melbourne has contacted Hume council about its suspension of services to Roxburgh Park, seeking help for a successful resolution of issues.
Ventura bus operators at Epping did the same last year, when the company worked with Whittlesea Youth Services to address problem behaviour.
Transdev Melbourne general manager Tony Ralph said the scale of incidents at Roxburgh Park over recent weeks had forced its decision to suspend services and the company hoped community reaction would be a catalyst for change.
Buses on Melbourne’s second-most-used public transport route, from Tullamarine airport to Frankston, now run directly along Somerton Road to Pascoe Vale Road after 7pm on Fridays and Saturdays, bypassing central Roxburgh Park and Reservoir Drive.
“We can’t have the safety of our customers and drivers put at risk,” Mr Ralph said.
“When these incidents occur they are reported via 000, and we are working with the Transit Police. But the ongoing targeting of our buses leaves us little choice but to continue to alter our services after dark.”
People with information about the attacks are asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
For passenger information about alternative bus routes and stops, contact Public Transport Victoria on 1800 800 007.
