An L.A. Dash bus operator in South Los Angeles was recently attacked by a homeless woman, raising concerns about safety in the city. This incident occurred just days after a group of Metro transit operators staged a “sick out” to highlight ongoing safety issues.
The Los Angeles Police Department responded to reports of the attack, which took place at the intersection of South-Central Avenue and Jefferson Boulevard. According to early reports, the homeless woman assaulted the bus operator after a dispute over payment, despite Dash buses currently being free of charge.
Video footage of the incident captured a violent struggle between the female bus operator and the homeless woman. The homeless woman managed to pull the operator, who was behind a plexiglass barrier, off the bus and onto the sidewalk.
The driver fought back against the homeless woman’s continued attack, with the confrontation escalating before the operator was able to re-enter the bus and drive away from the scene. It is unknown if the driver sustained any serious injuries or received medical attention following the attack.
The recent “sick out” by operators with the L.A. County Metropolitan Transit Authority was prompted by a series of violent incidents involving bus and train operators and passengers. These incidents included a deadly stabbing on a Metro train, a stabbing of a bus driver in Willowbrook, and a hijacking of a Metro bus that crashed into a hotel in downtown Los Angeles.
Following the attack, the female suspect was taken into custody, though the specific charges she may face remain undisclosed. This incident adds to a growing list of safety concerns in the city, with some individuals expressing fear for their personal safety while using public transportation.
Dash buses serve a wide range of neighborhoods in Los Angeles, making frequent stops downtown and in 27 neighborhoods across the city. The safety of bus operators and passengers remains a top priority as officials work to address ongoing security challenges in the public transportation system.