Search is on for 7 juveniles who assaulted NJ Transit bus driver

PATERSON, N.J. (PIX11) -- New Jersey Transit Police are investigating after a bus operator was assaulted Wednesday afternoon at Paterson’s Broadway Bus Terminal.

According to NJ Transit, seven juveniles assaulted the operator on the 171 line. It happened at approximately 4:34 p.m. The operator was taken to a local hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Jose, a bus operator for a private company across the street from the terminal, said he no longer wants to work in Paterson because he believes it is too dangerous.

“We are scared a lot,” said Jose. “If you ask anybody, everybody is scared at night.”

Yusuf Bukhari, a NJ Transit operator for 15 years, echoed those sentiments.

“It’s something that’s very common,” said Bukhari, referring to violence against operators. “We’re not protected as we should be.”

Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh said the investigation is in the hands of New Jersey Transit Police.

“They don’t normally have police [at the terminal] but now, for this investigation, I’m sure you’re gonna see more of a presence on the part of New Jersey Transit Police,” said Sayegh. “I sure hope so.”