Los Angeles, California – A bus driver in South Los Angeles was viciously attacked by a homeless woman on Sunday, following a recent “sick out” staged by transit operators amid growing safety concerns within the metro system.
The incident, which occurred at the intersection of South-Central Avenue and Jefferson Boulevard, involved the homeless woman assaulting the bus driver after reportedly refusing to pay for a ride. Video footage obtained by a local news service captured the violent struggle between the female bus operator and the assailant, who managed to drag the driver out from behind a plexiglass barrier and onto the sidewalk.
During the altercation, the homeless woman continued her aggressive attack on the bus operator, even landing a blow to her face. The driver eventually regained control, re-entered her vehicle, and drove off, locking the assailant out.
This attack comes in the wake of a series of violent incidents involving bus and train operators and passengers in the Los Angeles area. Recently, a Metro train passenger was fatally stabbed, and a bus driver was assaulted by a passenger. These incidents have raised concerns about the safety of public transportation in the city.
Following the recent “sick out” staged by L.A. County Metropolitan Transit Authority operators, there have been calls for increased safety measures and protection for transit workers. The ongoing violence and security issues have prompted a Metro board member to express fear about riding the bus alone.
The L.A. Dash buses, operated by the Department of Transportation, serve various neighborhoods across the city with affordable fares. Despite the low cost of riding the buses, safety concerns persist, as evidenced by the recent attack on the bus driver.
Authorities have reported that the female suspect involved in the attack has been taken into custody, although the specific charges she will face are still unknown at this time. The extent of the driver’s injuries and whether she required medical treatment is also unclear.
As incidents of violence on public transportation continue to rise, there is a pressing need for comprehensive safety measures to protect both passengers and operators in the Los Angeles metro system.