Three buses were attacked shortly before Lothian withdrew all services on Wednesday evening, with fears that a very serious incident or fatality could be just around the corner.
Services in Pilton, Edinburgh, and Blackridge, West Lothian, were targeted by groups of unruly youths shortly before buses were removed from the roads around 7.30pm.
While there were no injuries, windows were smashed and buses were damaged.
Lothian Buses announced yesterday morning they would be suspending all evening services on Wednesday amid a series of "appalling" attacks on drivers and vehicles.
And following these latest incidents Lyn Turner, Unite Regional Industrial Officer, told Edinburgh Live he fears it's only a matter of time before we see a very serious incident, or a fatality, as a result of these reckless actions.
He said: "Bus drivers are turning up for work every day and running an essential service during the pandemic.
"That they are facing such attacks is absolutely disgraceful. We're one step away from a very serious injury or even a fatality. It's that serious. Drivers are frightened going to their work.
"I know that the decision [of Lothian Buses] to withdraw services wasn't taken lightly.
"The police are out doing patrols, but I do think communities can play a role in stopping these things from happening too."
Lothian made the decision to withdraw services on Wednesday night after a host of incidents in recent days, weeks and months in which buses and drivers were targeted by anti-social groups of young people.
Police have been carrying out proactive patrols around Edinburgh, including in the south east of the city, and say they've spoken to more than 100 young people about the dangers associated with throwing objects at buses.
Top brass confirmed officers will be back out on patrol tonight in a bit to crackdown on the yobs.
Lothian resumed services earlier on Thursday but say they will not hesitate to take any action should there be further incident.
Sarah Boyd, Operations Director, said: “Lothian remain committed to supporting local communities and those keyworkers that require travel during these difficult times. Despite a small number of antisocial incidents last night, all of our evening services will resume tonight as scheduled.
“Working in partnership with Police Scotland, we will continue to monitor services closely and will not hesitate to take any action in any area that record acts of antisocial behaviour directed towards our drivers or our vehicles.
“The support from businesses, stakeholders and our customers has been overwhelming and I would like to thank you all for your understanding and the appreciation you have shown to our drivers. After a difficult year, it is heartening to see the city come together to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both our colleagues and our customers."
If anyone has any information in relation to this behaviour, please contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. For up to date service information customers are encouraged to check www.lothianbuses.co.uk or the TfE mobile app before travelling .
Police say they arrested a 15-year-old boy on Monday after stones were thrown at buses and a taxi in Edinburgh. Officers are continuing to investigate this incident, along with several others to have been reported in recent weeks.
