Los Angeles, California – Public transit riders in Los Angeles are expressing concerns over safety on buses and trains following a violent attack on an L.A. Dash bus operator and a series of other incidents. The incident, captured on video, occurred after the Dash driver refused to allow a homeless woman on the bus. Dash buses, operated by the L.A. Department of Transportation, have been free to ride since March 2020.
The video footage showed a disturbing struggle between the female bus operator and the homeless woman, leading to a violent altercation that resulted in the driver being dragged off the bus. Despite the presence of a plexiglass barrier, the homeless woman was able to overpower the driver and physically assault her before the driver managed to get back into the vehicle and drive off.
Following this incident, some passengers have expressed concerns about the safety of public transit, with one passenger rating Metro buses and trains operated by the county’s Metropolitan Transit Authority as a “D.” This sentiment comes after a series of violent attacks on bus and train drivers and passengers, including a fatal stabbing incident on a Metro train and a separate stabbing incident involving a bus driver.
In response to ongoing safety concerns, Metro operators staged a “sick out” protest, highlighting the need for increased security measures on public transit. The Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable is calling for roving security teams to provide protection for drivers and operators. Metro has acknowledged the challenges posed by untreated mental illness and drug addiction, emphasizing the need for dedicated transit security teams on high-risk bus lines.
The incidents of violence on public transit have raised alarm among passengers and officials alike, with calls for immediate action to ensure the safety of both drivers and riders. As investigations continue into the recent attacks, the focus remains on implementing effective security measures to prevent further incidents and protect the well-being of public transit employees and passengers.