A veteran Edmonton bus driver who suffered severe injuries in a vicious attack on the job Thursday underwent more surgery on Friday, this time on his eyes.

Thomas Bregg, 58, is in "stable condition, doing well, considering," said his friend, Stu Litwinowich, president of Local 569 of the Amalgamated Transit Union.

"When they asked him to place his index finger against his thumb, he's responding appropriately."

Bregg was driving the Number 10 Clareview bus Thursday morning when he stopped to pick up a man at 139th Avenue and Victoria Trail in northeast Edmonton.

According to police, the man started arguing about the fare, and soon started assaulting the driver, while horrified passengers looked on.

Bregg was taken to hospital with severe head injuries. He had surgery on Thursday and was then moved to the intensive care unit.

Gary Edwin Mattson, 24, has been charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault.

Mattson is also charged with assaulting a peace officer. Police allege he spit on the officer who arrested him.

Bregg's brother, who travelled from Vancouver after the attack, consented to the release of his brother's name, Litwinowich said.