A Brisbane bus driver allegedly attacked by a passenger has spoken out after suffering head injuries in a violent incident.

The alleged assault happened in Southbank on Friday night.

Echibaketa Byamungu, 21, was arrested on Sunday at a home in Sunnybank.

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The 46-year-old driver was left with visible marks after being punched multiple times.

“My left cheek and the back of my head behind my ear are all red and swollen.

“I still feel pain behind my ear and back of my head. I also have some tinnitus”, he told 7NEWS.

A photo supplied to 7NEWS shows the swelling around and on the ear.

He is expected to be off work for at least a week.

Byamungu has been charged with assault occasioning bodily harm and was granted bail on Monday.

His lawyer claims a failed phone payment sparked the dispute and alleges the driver pushed him first, causing the phone to fall and break.

The union is calling for tougher penalties for repeat offenders, warning violence against drivers is escalating.

Police said investigations were ongoing.