Los Angeles, California – Public transit riders in Los Angeles have raised concerns about safety on buses and trains following a violent attack on an L.A. Dash bus operator and a series of other incidents on Metro buses and trains. The incident, captured on video, unfolded after the Dash driver refused to allow a homeless woman on the bus. This has prompted fears among riders about their safety while using the city and county’s public transit systems.
Since March 2020, Dash buses, operated by the L.A. Department of Transportation, have been free to ride. The recent attack, where a homeless woman engaged in a violent struggle with the bus operator, highlighted the vulnerability of drivers and passengers on public transportation. Footage revealed the distressing ordeal as the homeless woman dragged the bus operator off the bus, even after being separated by a plexiglass barrier.
The incident has left riders like Sandra Pizano cautious about using Metro buses and trains, operated by the county’s Metropolitan Transit Authority. Pizano expressed her skepticism about the safety measures in place, rating them poorly and emphasizing the need for improvements. The concerns over safety escalated after a series of violent attacks on bus and train drivers and passengers, leading to some operators staging a “sick out” protest.
These safety concerns were further magnified when a Metro train passenger was fatally stabbed by a transient, and a bus operator was violently attacked by a passenger in separate incidents. As a response to these alarming occurrences, there have been calls for enhanced security measures on public transit to protect drivers, operators, and passengers alike. Transitional security officers are now deployed on high-risk bus lines to address the escalating violence and ensure the safety of everyone on board.
Calls for action and improved safety measures have become more urgent as the frequency of unprovoked attacks on public transit continues to rise. The pressing need for effective security solutions and preventive measures underscores the importance of addressing the underlying issues of mental illness and drug addiction that contribute to these violent incidents. As transit agencies work towards establishing safer environments for all, riders, operators, and advocates are pushing for swift and substantial changes to ensure the well-being of everyone using public transportation.