The attack occurred around 2:30 am Monday near Madison Avenue and East 29th Street.
The suspect, seen on surveillance video, punched the 62-year-old driver in the face and escaped.
The driver is expected to be fine.
“This is a despicable attack on a hero who moves this city during a pandemic and is simply trying to protect the safety of all customers,” said New York Acting President of Transit Sarah Feinberg. “We are cooperating with the NYPD investigation and the search for the perpetrator. We recently launched Operation Respect to make masks available to anyone who needs them, we have deployed MTA security and staff security volunteers to help with mask distribution, and We ask all New Yorkers to join us in this effort to protect health and safety. “
Masks are mandatory on MTA buses.
Police are trying to locate the suspect.
Call the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or in Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). You can also send suggestions by visiting the CrimeStoppers website at crimetoppers.nypdonline.org or by sending a message on Twitter @NYPDTips.
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