A 34-year-old builder from Findon has been charged with rape, gross indecency, and indecent assault following an alleged attack on a teenage girl aboard an Adelaide Metro bus. Benjamin Ruthven-Petrovic's identity can now be revealed after a secrecy order lapsed, allowing public identification after the early stages of the police investigation concluded.
The alleged incident occurred on a number 117 bus travelling from the city to the western suburbs last month. According to 7News, Ruthven-Petrovic was arrested at a worksite in Oakden and has remained in custody since that time. He has not yet sought bail, and his next court appearance is scheduled for June.
The case comes amid growing concern about safety on Adelaide public transport. Reports indicated 93 assaults on Adelaide Metro bus drivers in 2024 alone, prompting the state government to implement significant safety measures. A $7.5 million program to install polycarbonate safety screens across Adelaide's 940 government-owned buses began last year, designed to provide greater separation between drivers and passengers and reduce the risk of physical confrontation.
The rollout of protective measures appears to be having an effect. Reported assaults on buses fell from 238 incidents in 2024 to 208 in 2025, a 13 per cent reduction. Around 55 per cent of the bus fleet has now been fitted with the screens, with installations continuing and expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Beyond physical infrastructure, South Australia has also introduced legislative changes. From July 1, the infrastructure and transport minister will have the authority to impose indefinite bans on passengers charged with violent offences such as sexual or indecent assault, carrying weapons, and psychological or physical abuse. The government has also established a dedicated public transport security taskforce that will recruit 19 additional officers, bringing the number of prescribed officers employed by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport to around 200.
The broader safety strategy reflects an acknowledgment of the challenges facing public transport operators and the vulnerability of both staff and passengers. With close to 70 million public transport journeys recorded last financial year, including almost two million additional trips compared to the previous year, maintaining bus safety remains a priority as patronage continues to grow.
Authorities continue to encourage reporting of incidents. Passengers and drivers are encouraged to report antisocial behaviour using online reporting tools or the Adelaide Metro InfoLine.