Metro officials are fighting back against a spike in assaults on bus operators.

Officials Thursday morning announced the start of a public awareness campaign urged at making riders more aware of the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s code of conduct for riders, which took effect in November, and calling for more respect for fellow riders and transit agency staff.

The campaign, including signs and posters that say “Respect is Mutual,” follows a 73 percent increase in assaults on operators this year compared to 2014. Through Thursday, Metro reported 52 assaults this year, ranging from angry riders spitting on bus drivers to punching, head-butting and cursing them.

It is the highest number of assaults in the past six years, exceeding the previous high of 45 is 2012.

Any physical engagement with a bus operator, even spitting, could lead to the suspect being charged with assault of a public servant, Metro board member Jim Robinson said.

To bolster their case, Metro officials Thursday released video footage of three recent assaults. Two of the incidents led to charges; police are still investigating the third.

Since November, Metro police chief Vera Bumpers said transit officials have issued eight violations for the code of conduct.

No single factor seems to be prompting the increased assaults, Bumpers said. Some have been related to fare payment while others involved loud music or cell phone use.

Bumpers said few of the incidents were related to Metro re-introducing paper transfers, which did increase interaction between operators and passengers. Many riders have said paper transfers have contributed to delays and disputes between operators and riders.

A variety of factors can lead to an assault or conflict on the bus.

“We have some mental health issues in our community as well,” Metro CEO Tom Lambert said.

In addition to a public awareness campaign, Bumpers and officials with the union that represents bus operators said Metro staff will receive training on how to avoid escalating a tense situation. It’s important that the operators do nothing – such as arguing with the person – to make the situation worse, Bumpers said.

“Their job is to drive the bus,” she said.

Reducing incidents is paramount, board members said, to improving ridership and erasing the perception some people have about the safety of Houston’s bus system.