The Transport Workers Union is calling for tougher penalties on people who attack bus drivers following reports of attacks on buses and drivers at Rutherford.
Drivers for Hunter Valley Buses are refusing to pick up or set down passengers at two stops in the West Mall until their safety is assured.
They say gangs of youths have been throwing rocks at buses and drivers, climbing up the outside of buses and triggering the external emergency door opener while the bus is moving, putting them at risk of ending up under the wheels.
The bus company is offering to post private security guards at known trouble spots, while police have also stepped up patrols of the area.
