TTC bus drivers have been assaulted more than 400 times over the past two-and-a-half years with a wide array of weapons ranging from knives to fruits and vegetables, the Star has learned.

Most of the altercations are precipitated by a dispute over a passenger’s fare or transfer, according to the data obtained through a freedom of information request.

“Transit operators are, for some reason I can’t explain, the subject of assaults more frequently than other professions over really what amounts to a couple of dollars,” said TTC spokesperson Brad Ross.

Verbal and physical assaults are the most common means of attack, the data shows. However, newspapers, hot liquids, coins, laser pointers and even an umbrella have been used against drivers as well.

Spitting especially remains a constant concern.

“Unfortunately, people out there believe it is okay to spit on another human being and our members endure this on a regular basis,” said Manny Sforza, the executive vice-president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113, the union that represents TTC employees.

Assaults on public transit operators now carry harsher sentences. TTC drivers are also protected by a Plexiglas shield to separate the driver from violent passengers. By pressing a button on the vehicle’s console, an operator can also alert TTC’s transit control centre that they may be in danger.

The TTC has also ushered in a new policy that calls on drivers to immediately withdraw from any confrontation with passengers.

“We are telling our operators their job is to not enforce fares but to inform people what the fares are,” said Ross, adding TTC special constables are better equipped to handle such situations. “We don’t want our operators getting engaged physically over fare disputes.”

But not all drivers are pleased with the new guidelines.

“For many years our members were trained to do their job a certain way, and now all of a sudden they are being told to look the other way,” Sforza said.

Union and TTC officials both say they'd like to see the number of assaults reach zero, and the data suggests a positive change is on the way.

Ross recalled that 86 assaults occurred in the first quarter of 2011, and there were only 42 in 2015.

“This is very serious and we are glad to see the direction of numbers going down,” he said. “People do go to jail if they are found to be guilty of assaulting an operator, and we think that the message is getting through.”

By the numbers

What day did most attacks occur? Tuesday

Number of assaults causing bodily harm: 19

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The number of spitting incidents: 129

Number of unprovoked attacks: 38

How many assaults were racially motivated? Three

How many assaults were of a sexual nature? Three