Stab victim, bus driver Sergei Krajev, who was 64 [family photo]

UNION chiefs are calling for a ban on lone working after a bus driver was stabbed to death on a night shift.

Sergei Krajev was taken to hospital by air ambulance after being found critically injured on the Battersea Bridge crossing around 12.30am on Monday May 18. The 64-year-old father died in hospital the following day. He worked for many years on 49 route that covers loops from south London through Bayswayer, Hyde Park and South Kensington.

The transport and travel industries union TSSA – which has been campaigning against escalating threats, abuse and violence of bus workers – is demanding a series of measures.

TSSA general secretary, Maryam Eslamdoust said: “Sergei’s death is shocking and tragic. As a union with many members on the front line of our transport networks we feel this loss deeply. We have long been clear that solidarity is not enough, we need to see action which will keep transport workers safe. Over many months we have seen attacks, intimidation and abuse rising to unprecedented levels. The way forward is to greatly increase the investment in the British Transport Police, along with a ban on lone working – not just at night – and banning orders to remove violent offenders permanently from public transport.

“The bottom line is transport workers must feel safe and respected while performing their essential duties.

“Violence, harassment, and abuse must never be considered ‘part of the job’”.

The Reverend Erin Clark of St Mary’s Church in Battersea, alongside Sacred Heart Church, led a moving vigil near Battersea Bridge on Tuesday night.

A crowdfunder has been set up and has raised more than £13,000 as the Extra went to press.

Sergei Krajev’s family also said in a statement that the Transport for London driver was a “thoughtful, tactful and conscientious person who cared about those around him”.

They added: “In his role as a bus driver he was punctual, reliable and willing to help.

“He valued good relationships with his colleagues and approached his duties with care and dedication.”

Metropolitan Police Detective Inspector Sarah Lee, who is leading the investigation, said: “We recognise the concern this will cause within the local community and among those who work across our public transport network.

“We want to reassure those impacted that our officers are working closely with Transport for London as part of our investigation.”

A Transport for London spokesperson said that there was no plan to ban lone working and they ensured drivers always had immediate access to their 24/7 control centre and to training programmes.

Siwan Hayward, TfL director of security, policing, and enforcement, added: “We take all forms of violence extremely seriously and remain committed to protecting our staff and customers across the network, taking the strongest possible action against anyone committing violence or abuse. We will not stand for any violence or aggression and will continue to do everything possible to protect everyone’s right to go to work and travel without fear or intimidation.”

• Police said that Gary Jones, 32, of Hospital Bridge Road, Twickenham, was arrested “at the scene”. He was charged with causing grievous bodily harm, appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court, and was remanded in custody to appear next at Kingston Crown Court on June 15.