A FEMALE passenger aboard a Gold Coast bus punched the driver in the face after a dispute over an expired ticket, police say.
The woman was attempting to board a bus at the Runaway Bay Shopping Centre about 2.20pm (AEST) on Wednesday, but was told to leave when she produced an expired ticket.
Police allege after a verbal argument, the passenger punched the 53-year-old driver, causing bruising to her left eye, and fled the scene.
The driver continued her run and did not report the incident until yesterday.
Acting senior sergeant Steve Keeling today made an appeal for witnesses to the incident to come forward, saying there were a number of fellow passengers aboard the bus and waiting at the stop.
The incident follows robbery attacks on bus drivers in Surfers Paradise in early February.
"It is a disturbing trend when anyone who is providing a service to the public is assaulted in this manner," Snr Sgt Keeling said.
The woman is described as being of Aboriginal or Pacific Islander appearance, about 170cm tall, of solid build and wearing a black top and knee-length brown skirt.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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