NCT bus driver received vile racist abuse over out of date ticket

A man has been banned from travelling on NCT buses following the incident

A man has been banned from NCT buses after subjecting one of its drivers to vile racist abuse as company bosses say such incidents are becoming more common. Tyler Reid tried to board a bus with an out of date ticket and after this was unsuccessful, he launched a tirade of verbal abuse and threats against the driver.

NCT says the abuse included racist remarks and references to 'going home'. Reid, 28, of St Michaels Avenue in Nottingham, appeared at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on September 17.

Reid pleaded guilty to a racially-aggravated offence and was ordered to pay £384 in fines, compensation and court costs. The abuse was directed at Tika Gurung, who was crowned NCT Driver of the Year in 2023.

Police officers attended the Turquoise 77 bus on Strelley Road within minutes of the incident taking place on May 3, 2024, supporting Tika and arresting Reid. Tika said: "The police presence on the day made me feel comfortable and safe and thanks to those two officers and a witness on the bus supporting me, the defendant pled guilty.

"I am happy with the court's decision and the individual is now banned from NCT buses, which makes drivers safe and secure while doing their job. Thank you NCT for the company support."

David Conway, NCT head of operations said: "Nobody should be subjected to abuse during the course of their work and it is horrifying to hear what Tika had to endure, especially when someone attempted to travel without paying. Regrettably, this isn't an isolated incident and our drivers are experiencing this type of abuse more often, which NCT won't tolerate."

A Nottinghamshire Police spokesperson added: "This was a completely uncalled for verbal attack on a bus driver who was just trying to do his job. There is absolutely no excuse for anyone to ever act in the manner displayed in this incident."