A bus driver was taken to hospital with "superficial head injuries" after three people tried to rob him in Upper Hutt this morning.
The three males were the last remaining passengers on the bus about 2am at Fergusson Drive, and tried to take the cash box, police said.
They were unsuccessful and ran away. One of the offenders is described as wearing a beige hoody or jacket.
Police were called to the scene, and are investigating.
The driver was taken to Hutt hospital with superficial head injuries.
The offenders got on the bus at the Ropata Medical Centre stop on High Street, Lower Hutt.
Police are appealing to anyone who may have seen them in the Lower Hutt CBD or Boulcott area.
Police ask anyone with information about the incident or who may have seen something to call the Crime Squad Detective Sergeant on 04 381 2077 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.