Update as father of Hunter Valley bus crash victim sues Transport for NSW for alleged breaches in duty of care

The father of one of the victims of the Hunter Valley bus crash that killed another nine and injured 25 is suing Transport for NSW, claiming the agency breached its duty of care.
Ten people died and more than two-dozen others suffered injuries when the bus flipped on Wine Country Drive near Greta on the way back from a wedding reception.
The bus driver, Brett Button, was last year sentenced to 32 years behind bars with a non-parole period of 24 years for his role in the crash.
He pleaded guilty to 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death and nine of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.
A court was previously told Button had taken 'significantly more' than his prescribed dosage of the opioid-based painkiller Tramadol on the day of the crash.
He had been stood down by a previous employer just a year prior after a pain specialist found he was addicted to Tramadol — which he'd been taking since the 1990s — and he did not tell operator Linq Buslines he was using the painkiller.
Among the victims of the tragedy was 29-year-old Zach Bray.
His father Adam Bray is now suing Transport for NSW (TfNSW) in the Supreme Court over an alleged breach in duty of care by the agency.
A substantive statement of claim was filed on Mr Bray's behalf last year, arguing TfNSW breached its duty of care in a number of instances, including having inadequate road warning signage along Wine Country Drive.
It further alleged signs incorrectly described the stretch of road as a roundabout, claiming it was instead an 'elliptically shaped interchange feature' to which different considerations and dynamics applied.
The matter was briefly heard in the NSW Supreme Court on Thursday morning.
Representing TfNSW, Moray and Agnew's Brian Moroney told the court a cross-claim was in draft form. It is as yet unclear who this will be filed against.
Justice Peter Garling ordered the defence file and serve all cross-claims by May 1, with the case to return to court on May 16.
The lawsuit is seeking damages and costs for both Mr Bray as well as on behalf of those directly injured physically and/or psychologically and psychiatrically in the crash, as well as those suffering 'pure mental harm'.
The statement of claim filed last year argued TfNSW owed the public using Wine Country Drive a duty of care, and listed a comprehensive list of alleged breaches.
It argued a circular interchange on Wine Country Drive would have been safer 'and was therefore desirable if space permitted', and that there was inadequate road warning signage in place regarding hazards in the interchange, including the 'tightening radius'.
Not having specific signage that the interchange could potentially be dangerous to commercial buses, including by way of a tilting truck symbol or equivalent, as well as a lack of appropriate advisory signage related to reduced speed for commercial buses, was also outlined in the claim.
It suggested a run-off area may have offered a 'more forgiving roadside area' in cases of vehicles running off the road, as opposed to safety barriers, and also claimed construction and post construction audits were 'inadequate to identify the unsafe design and construction of the interchange'.
The breaches 'gave rise to a real and significant risk' that a driver of a heavy vehicle, including a passenger bus, with a raised centre of gravity 'could nonetheless lose control of the vehicle, trip the vehicle causing it to fall onto its side and come into collision with the adjacent guard rails', the statement of claim alleged.
This included where drivers were exercising reasonable care 'having regard to what the driver reasonably considered was a reasonable speed to travel in the interchange'.
Vegetation in the island of the interchange was also cited as limiting the line of sight of drivers, which could deprive drivers of the ability to see a 'visually subtle but nonetheless critical change in road alignment' in reference to the tightening curve of the road.
Mr Bray has also launched a class action against TfNSW for anyone who suffered damages or loss as a result of the crash, which included those directly injured, suffering mental harm, and insurers who have paid out claims for injured or deceased victims.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

ABC News

6 days ago

• ABC News

Linq Buslines accused of safety breaches over Hunter Valley disaster

A bus company linked to the deadly 2023 Hunter Valley bus crash, and its directors and managers, are being prosecuted for alleged heavy vehicle law breaches. Last year, Brett Andrew Button was jailed for at least 24 years over the crash which killed 10 people returning from a wedding in the Hunter Valley in June 2023. The court found the high concentration of opioid Tramadol in Button's system at the time would have impaired his driving ability. The coach was operated by Linq Buslines Pty Ltd. The company's directors and two managers had matters heard in Gosford Local Court on Tuesday. They're accused of heavy-vehicle safety breaches, including alleged failed drug testing policies between November 2022 and June 2023. Fines of up to $1.7 million can be imposed for the most serious offences. Manager Rodney Parker was accused of two breaches of duty under national heavy-vehicle laws and two counts of breaching the duty of an executive of a legal entity. Mr Parker is accused of contravening his duty by allegedly failing to ensure he didn't cause or urge drivers, like Button, to contravene heavy-vehicle laws. According to the charge sheet tendered in court today, Mr Parker is accused of "disclosing to Mr Brett Button that drug testing was to take place on 6 February 2023," four months before the crash. Button started working for Linq Buslines in November 2022 and the court documents alleged Mr Parker had not contacted any prior employer. "He failed to exercise due diligence by not making reasonable enquiries of a person authorised by Mr Brett Button's prior employer as to any matter impacting upon his capacity to perform the role and to safely drive buses," the documents said. Area Manager Katie Parker, who was responsible for scheduling and directing the local fleet of 16 buses, was also charged. "[She] failed to ensure as far as reasonably practicable drivers were not driving under the influence of substances that rendered their driving unsafe by implementing regular random drug testing of drivers," the documents said. Directors Anthony John Royle and Christopher Terrence Fogg are also accused of three counts each of breaching national heavy-vehicle laws. "[The pair] failed to exercise due diligence to ensure the company complied with its duty, contrary to the law, and it contravened its duty, contrary to heavy-vehicle national law," according to the court documents. It is further alleged that the company had a duty to minimise or eliminate risks posed by drivers. It was alleged the company, "failed to ensure it had procedures and policies to prevent drivers driving under the influence of substances that rendered their driving unsafe." Linq Buslines is separately charged with similar offences. The matter will return to court in September.

The Advertiser

10-06-2025

• The Advertiser

Two years on, a father's pain and plea: fix the 'death trap' that killed my son

TWO years. 10 lives. Immeasurable grief. Adam Bray's voice breaks as he remembers his 29-year-old son Zach, one of many lives cut short on the night of June 11, 2023, when a bus full of wedding guests, driven by Brett Button, rolled at a roundabout near Greta in the Hunter Valley. Ten people were killed and 25 others injured. Mr Bray is suing Transport for NSW (TFNSW) in the Supreme Court over an alleged breach of duty of care by the state government agency. It's a gut-wrenching chapter that he, and so many families, are desperate to close. "I'm not trying to be a hero with this statement, but why is it on me and others, the few others who are brave enough or strong enough, so that their loved ones didn't die in vain, and this doesn't happen to anyone else?" Mr Bray said. "Why is it on us? I'm not the government. I'm not the premier. I'm not the transport minister. I'm not the head of Transport for NSW. "I'm just a poor dad who has lost his son." In 2024, Button, then 59, was sentenced to 32 years behind bars with a non-parole period of 24 years for his role in the crash. He pleaded guilty to 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death, nine counts of causing grievous bodily harm, and 16 counts of driving furiously causing bodily harm. Button's driving was impaired by the opioid prescription painkillers he was dependent on and had taken too much of, he was driving too fast to navigate the roundabout, showing off, and ignoring pleas from passengers to slow down and stop being "crazy" before tragedy struck. Nadene and Kyah McBride, Andrew and Lynan Scott, Kane Symons, Rebecca Mullen, Darcy Bulman, Zach Bray, Tori Cowburn and Angus Craig lost their lives. Nothing will bring their loved ones back. But two years on from the crash, Mr Bray's request is simple: fix the "death trap". "This goes beyond the legal system and liabilities; this is about people's lives," he said. "The reality is, this death trap is still a death trap. "We'll never get closure, we're scarred for life from this, but it enables us to move on, it closes all these matters." A statement of claim that was filed raised questions about the elliptical shape of the roundabout, a lack of warning signs for buses and trucks to slow down, vegetation, and the placement of the metal guard rail. The class action has been brought under the state's Civil Liability Act in the NSW Supreme Court on behalf of all those affected by the crash. That includes victims' families, survivors and first responders. Mr Bray said he started the class action for all the people who still can't get out of bed in the morning, for those who have physical and psychological injuries and will need ongoing care. "The fact is, every time I see the news and I see a vehicle accident, or I see a bus incident, it's a haunting reminder of what we've all gone through," he said. "Yes, it's the Opposition who were in power when this death trap was designed, constructed and hasn't been maintained all these years, but the reality is Chris [Minns] is the Premier, there's a transport minister who the portfolio of Transport for NSW resides under, so get out from behind your desk and go and tell them to fix it. "The frustration and aggravation that's being caused by an apathetic government is quite disgusting to be honest ... do I want to have to put my armour on to battle this one through?" NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison and NSW Premier Chris Minns did not respond to specific questions from the Newcastle Herald about fixing alleged issues at the roundabout. Mr Minns said his thoughts are with the families, survivors and Hunter community who "continue to carry the pain of that devastating night". "I can only imagine the heartbreak of Mr Bray," he said. "I note the crash has been the subject of multiple investigations, some of which are ongoing. The driver was convicted and sentenced to 32 years in prison in September last year. "I understand there are matters currently before the court in relation to this, and therefore I am not able to offer any further comments at this stage." Ms Aitchison acknowledged the bus crash was a devastating event that touched families and friends across Australia, and particularly in the Hunter. "This anniversary brings fresh waves of grief, and we express our sadness at the ongoing sorrow," she said. "Having met with a number of the families involved, I know how difficult days like this are for them. I stand with them. "I want to pay tribute to the first responders, traffic controllers and health workers who worked so hard to save lives where they could." Ms Aitchison said she understands community members will want to visit the crash site on Wine Country Drive to pay their respects on the anniversary, and asked road users to be mindful and respectful during a sensitive time. Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said the devastating crash that claimed ten lives will forever leave an imprint on the community, and its anniversary is a time to pause and remember. "As we mark the second anniversary of the Greta bus crash, feelings of grief and sadness permeate to the surface as we reflect on lives lost and forever impacted by this tragedy," he said. "Council's memorial garden at Branxton offers a quiet, safe space for those wishing to pay their respects." Singleton mayor Sue Moore said, like many others, she travels through the roundabout regularly. "Enjoying the beauty of the flower beds for a few seconds before drawing on the senseless loss of loved ones," she said. "My thoughts remain with family and friends now and always." For many of the families, the first responders and the survivors, today is a day that will forever be marred with grief. Mr Bray will spend it at Mona Vale Cemetery, at the memorial to his son. TWO years. 10 lives. Immeasurable grief. Adam Bray's voice breaks as he remembers his 29-year-old son Zach, one of many lives cut short on the night of June 11, 2023, when a bus full of wedding guests, driven by Brett Button, rolled at a roundabout near Greta in the Hunter Valley. Ten people were killed and 25 others injured. Mr Bray is suing Transport for NSW (TFNSW) in the Supreme Court over an alleged breach of duty of care by the state government agency. It's a gut-wrenching chapter that he, and so many families, are desperate to close. "I'm not trying to be a hero with this statement, but why is it on me and others, the few others who are brave enough or strong enough, so that their loved ones didn't die in vain, and this doesn't happen to anyone else?" Mr Bray said. "Why is it on us? I'm not the government. I'm not the premier. I'm not the transport minister. I'm not the head of Transport for NSW. "I'm just a poor dad who has lost his son." In 2024, Button, then 59, was sentenced to 32 years behind bars with a non-parole period of 24 years for his role in the crash. He pleaded guilty to 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death, nine counts of causing grievous bodily harm, and 16 counts of driving furiously causing bodily harm. Button's driving was impaired by the opioid prescription painkillers he was dependent on and had taken too much of, he was driving too fast to navigate the roundabout, showing off, and ignoring pleas from passengers to slow down and stop being "crazy" before tragedy struck. Nadene and Kyah McBride, Andrew and Lynan Scott, Kane Symons, Rebecca Mullen, Darcy Bulman, Zach Bray, Tori Cowburn and Angus Craig lost their lives. Nothing will bring their loved ones back. But two years on from the crash, Mr Bray's request is simple: fix the "death trap". "This goes beyond the legal system and liabilities; this is about people's lives," he said. "The reality is, this death trap is still a death trap. "We'll never get closure, we're scarred for life from this, but it enables us to move on, it closes all these matters." A statement of claim that was filed raised questions about the elliptical shape of the roundabout, a lack of warning signs for buses and trucks to slow down, vegetation, and the placement of the metal guard rail. The class action has been brought under the state's Civil Liability Act in the NSW Supreme Court on behalf of all those affected by the crash. That includes victims' families, survivors and first responders. Mr Bray said he started the class action for all the people who still can't get out of bed in the morning, for those who have physical and psychological injuries and will need ongoing care. "The fact is, every time I see the news and I see a vehicle accident, or I see a bus incident, it's a haunting reminder of what we've all gone through," he said. "Yes, it's the Opposition who were in power when this death trap was designed, constructed and hasn't been maintained all these years, but the reality is Chris [Minns] is the Premier, there's a transport minister who the portfolio of Transport for NSW resides under, so get out from behind your desk and go and tell them to fix it. "The frustration and aggravation that's being caused by an apathetic government is quite disgusting to be honest ... do I want to have to put my armour on to battle this one through?" NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison and NSW Premier Chris Minns did not respond to specific questions from the Newcastle Herald about fixing alleged issues at the roundabout. Mr Minns said his thoughts are with the families, survivors and Hunter community who "continue to carry the pain of that devastating night". "I can only imagine the heartbreak of Mr Bray," he said. "I note the crash has been the subject of multiple investigations, some of which are ongoing. The driver was convicted and sentenced to 32 years in prison in September last year. "I understand there are matters currently before the court in relation to this, and therefore I am not able to offer any further comments at this stage." Ms Aitchison acknowledged the bus crash was a devastating event that touched families and friends across Australia, and particularly in the Hunter. "This anniversary brings fresh waves of grief, and we express our sadness at the ongoing sorrow," she said. "Having met with a number of the families involved, I know how difficult days like this are for them. I stand with them. "I want to pay tribute to the first responders, traffic controllers and health workers who worked so hard to save lives where they could." Ms Aitchison said she understands community members will want to visit the crash site on Wine Country Drive to pay their respects on the anniversary, and asked road users to be mindful and respectful during a sensitive time. Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said the devastating crash that claimed ten lives will forever leave an imprint on the community, and its anniversary is a time to pause and remember. "As we mark the second anniversary of the Greta bus crash, feelings of grief and sadness permeate to the surface as we reflect on lives lost and forever impacted by this tragedy," he said. "Council's memorial garden at Branxton offers a quiet, safe space for those wishing to pay their respects." Singleton mayor Sue Moore said, like many others, she travels through the roundabout regularly. "Enjoying the beauty of the flower beds for a few seconds before drawing on the senseless loss of loved ones," she said. "My thoughts remain with family and friends now and always." For many of the families, the first responders and the survivors, today is a day that will forever be marred with grief. Mr Bray will spend it at Mona Vale Cemetery, at the memorial to his son. TWO years. 10 lives. Immeasurable grief. Adam Bray's voice breaks as he remembers his 29-year-old son Zach, one of many lives cut short on the night of June 11, 2023, when a bus full of wedding guests, driven by Brett Button, rolled at a roundabout near Greta in the Hunter Valley. Ten people were killed and 25 others injured. Mr Bray is suing Transport for NSW (TFNSW) in the Supreme Court over an alleged breach of duty of care by the state government agency. It's a gut-wrenching chapter that he, and so many families, are desperate to close. "I'm not trying to be a hero with this statement, but why is it on me and others, the few others who are brave enough or strong enough, so that their loved ones didn't die in vain, and this doesn't happen to anyone else?" Mr Bray said. "Why is it on us? I'm not the government. I'm not the premier. I'm not the transport minister. I'm not the head of Transport for NSW. "I'm just a poor dad who has lost his son." In 2024, Button, then 59, was sentenced to 32 years behind bars with a non-parole period of 24 years for his role in the crash. He pleaded guilty to 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death, nine counts of causing grievous bodily harm, and 16 counts of driving furiously causing bodily harm. Button's driving was impaired by the opioid prescription painkillers he was dependent on and had taken too much of, he was driving too fast to navigate the roundabout, showing off, and ignoring pleas from passengers to slow down and stop being "crazy" before tragedy struck. Nadene and Kyah McBride, Andrew and Lynan Scott, Kane Symons, Rebecca Mullen, Darcy Bulman, Zach Bray, Tori Cowburn and Angus Craig lost their lives. Nothing will bring their loved ones back. But two years on from the crash, Mr Bray's request is simple: fix the "death trap". "This goes beyond the legal system and liabilities; this is about people's lives," he said. "The reality is, this death trap is still a death trap. "We'll never get closure, we're scarred for life from this, but it enables us to move on, it closes all these matters." A statement of claim that was filed raised questions about the elliptical shape of the roundabout, a lack of warning signs for buses and trucks to slow down, vegetation, and the placement of the metal guard rail. The class action has been brought under the state's Civil Liability Act in the NSW Supreme Court on behalf of all those affected by the crash. That includes victims' families, survivors and first responders. Mr Bray said he started the class action for all the people who still can't get out of bed in the morning, for those who have physical and psychological injuries and will need ongoing care. "The fact is, every time I see the news and I see a vehicle accident, or I see a bus incident, it's a haunting reminder of what we've all gone through," he said. "Yes, it's the Opposition who were in power when this death trap was designed, constructed and hasn't been maintained all these years, but the reality is Chris [Minns] is the Premier, there's a transport minister who the portfolio of Transport for NSW resides under, so get out from behind your desk and go and tell them to fix it. "The frustration and aggravation that's being caused by an apathetic government is quite disgusting to be honest ... do I want to have to put my armour on to battle this one through?" NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison and NSW Premier Chris Minns did not respond to specific questions from the Newcastle Herald about fixing alleged issues at the roundabout. Mr Minns said his thoughts are with the families, survivors and Hunter community who "continue to carry the pain of that devastating night". "I can only imagine the heartbreak of Mr Bray," he said. "I note the crash has been the subject of multiple investigations, some of which are ongoing. The driver was convicted and sentenced to 32 years in prison in September last year. "I understand there are matters currently before the court in relation to this, and therefore I am not able to offer any further comments at this stage." Ms Aitchison acknowledged the bus crash was a devastating event that touched families and friends across Australia, and particularly in the Hunter. "This anniversary brings fresh waves of grief, and we express our sadness at the ongoing sorrow," she said. "Having met with a number of the families involved, I know how difficult days like this are for them. I stand with them. "I want to pay tribute to the first responders, traffic controllers and health workers who worked so hard to save lives where they could." Ms Aitchison said she understands community members will want to visit the crash site on Wine Country Drive to pay their respects on the anniversary, and asked road users to be mindful and respectful during a sensitive time. Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said the devastating crash that claimed ten lives will forever leave an imprint on the community, and its anniversary is a time to pause and remember. "As we mark the second anniversary of the Greta bus crash, feelings of grief and sadness permeate to the surface as we reflect on lives lost and forever impacted by this tragedy," he said. "Council's memorial garden at Branxton offers a quiet, safe space for those wishing to pay their respects." Singleton mayor Sue Moore said, like many others, she travels through the roundabout regularly. "Enjoying the beauty of the flower beds for a few seconds before drawing on the senseless loss of loved ones," she said. "My thoughts remain with family and friends now and always." For many of the families, the first responders and the survivors, today is a day that will forever be marred with grief. Mr Bray will spend it at Mona Vale Cemetery, at the memorial to his son. TWO years. 10 lives. Immeasurable grief. Adam Bray's voice breaks as he remembers his 29-year-old son Zach, one of many lives cut short on the night of June 11, 2023, when a bus full of wedding guests, driven by Brett Button, rolled at a roundabout near Greta in the Hunter Valley. Ten people were killed and 25 others injured. Mr Bray is suing Transport for NSW (TFNSW) in the Supreme Court over an alleged breach of duty of care by the state government agency. It's a gut-wrenching chapter that he, and so many families, are desperate to close. "I'm not trying to be a hero with this statement, but why is it on me and others, the few others who are brave enough or strong enough, so that their loved ones didn't die in vain, and this doesn't happen to anyone else?" Mr Bray said. "Why is it on us? I'm not the government. I'm not the premier. I'm not the transport minister. I'm not the head of Transport for NSW. "I'm just a poor dad who has lost his son." In 2024, Button, then 59, was sentenced to 32 years behind bars with a non-parole period of 24 years for his role in the crash. He pleaded guilty to 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death, nine counts of causing grievous bodily harm, and 16 counts of driving furiously causing bodily harm. Button's driving was impaired by the opioid prescription painkillers he was dependent on and had taken too much of, he was driving too fast to navigate the roundabout, showing off, and ignoring pleas from passengers to slow down and stop being "crazy" before tragedy struck. Nadene and Kyah McBride, Andrew and Lynan Scott, Kane Symons, Rebecca Mullen, Darcy Bulman, Zach Bray, Tori Cowburn and Angus Craig lost their lives. Nothing will bring their loved ones back. But two years on from the crash, Mr Bray's request is simple: fix the "death trap". "This goes beyond the legal system and liabilities; this is about people's lives," he said. "The reality is, this death trap is still a death trap. "We'll never get closure, we're scarred for life from this, but it enables us to move on, it closes all these matters." A statement of claim that was filed raised questions about the elliptical shape of the roundabout, a lack of warning signs for buses and trucks to slow down, vegetation, and the placement of the metal guard rail. The class action has been brought under the state's Civil Liability Act in the NSW Supreme Court on behalf of all those affected by the crash. That includes victims' families, survivors and first responders. Mr Bray said he started the class action for all the people who still can't get out of bed in the morning, for those who have physical and psychological injuries and will need ongoing care. "The fact is, every time I see the news and I see a vehicle accident, or I see a bus incident, it's a haunting reminder of what we've all gone through," he said. "Yes, it's the Opposition who were in power when this death trap was designed, constructed and hasn't been maintained all these years, but the reality is Chris [Minns] is the Premier, there's a transport minister who the portfolio of Transport for NSW resides under, so get out from behind your desk and go and tell them to fix it. "The frustration and aggravation that's being caused by an apathetic government is quite disgusting to be honest ... do I want to have to put my armour on to battle this one through?" NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison and NSW Premier Chris Minns did not respond to specific questions from the Newcastle Herald about fixing alleged issues at the roundabout. Mr Minns said his thoughts are with the families, survivors and Hunter community who "continue to carry the pain of that devastating night". "I can only imagine the heartbreak of Mr Bray," he said. "I note the crash has been the subject of multiple investigations, some of which are ongoing. The driver was convicted and sentenced to 32 years in prison in September last year. "I understand there are matters currently before the court in relation to this, and therefore I am not able to offer any further comments at this stage." Ms Aitchison acknowledged the bus crash was a devastating event that touched families and friends across Australia, and particularly in the Hunter. "This anniversary brings fresh waves of grief, and we express our sadness at the ongoing sorrow," she said. "Having met with a number of the families involved, I know how difficult days like this are for them. I stand with them. "I want to pay tribute to the first responders, traffic controllers and health workers who worked so hard to save lives where they could." Ms Aitchison said she understands community members will want to visit the crash site on Wine Country Drive to pay their respects on the anniversary, and asked road users to be mindful and respectful during a sensitive time. Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said the devastating crash that claimed ten lives will forever leave an imprint on the community, and its anniversary is a time to pause and remember. "As we mark the second anniversary of the Greta bus crash, feelings of grief and sadness permeate to the surface as we reflect on lives lost and forever impacted by this tragedy," he said. "Council's memorial garden at Branxton offers a quiet, safe space for those wishing to pay their respects." Singleton mayor Sue Moore said, like many others, she travels through the roundabout regularly. "Enjoying the beauty of the flower beds for a few seconds before drawing on the senseless loss of loved ones," she said. "My thoughts remain with family and friends now and always." For many of the families, the first responders and the survivors, today is a day that will forever be marred with grief. Mr Bray will spend it at Mona Vale Cemetery, at the memorial to his son.

News.com.au

06-06-2025

• News.com.au

‘Staggering': NSW Police hunt raft of alleged public transport offenders

Sydney transport workers have been subjected to an onslaught of recent alleged violent attacks, police say, as a string of CCTV images are released in hopes of making arrests. On Friday, NSW Police released images of 15 people they are looking for, who were allegedly involved in incidents dating back to November. The 15 incidents involve Transport for NSW staff and members of the public allegedly being hit, kicked and spat on, exposed to sexual acts, and an adult allegedly directing a child to swipe a workers bag before stealing a phone. 'A staggering number of violent offences my officers respond to are against Transport for NSW staff,' transport police unit Detective Superintendent Andrew Evans said. 'These are hardworking people just trying to keep our trains, buses and light rails running and they don't deserve this treatment.' The list of 15 incidents where police are yet to make an arrest date back to November 13, and span Sydney's train and bus networks. In that November 13 incident at Central Railway Station, a man without a ticket was asked to leave, but allegedly returned to the train and assaulted a worker and pushed them to the ground. In February, a bus driver was allegedly punched in the head for not taking a man directly home. The incident happened on a bus travelling on Alcoomie Street in Villawood, about 5.30pm on February 24. A man wanted the bus driver to skip stops and take him straight home, and then assaulted the driver. On a Monday morning train ride, police say a man 'performed a sexual act' in the presence of a woman. The incident happened between Central and Bondi Junction stations, about 9.20am on April 7. On April 17 at Lidcombe Station, police say a man directed a child to steal a transport worker's bag, before the man took the worker's phone. NSW Police's transport unit is conducting a dedicated operation to arrest these and other alleged public transport offenders. 'The goal of this operation is to arrest, charge and prevent these offenders from abusing further workers,' Superintendent Evans said. 'During this operation we plan to lockdown high traffic areas on our transport network, conduct multiple firearm prohibition order compliance checks and saturate the network with officers to weed out these offenders.'