LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – In response to a recent violent attack on an L.A. Dash bus operator, as well as a series of other assaults on Metro buses and trains, passengers are expressing heightened safety concerns about the public transit systems in the city and county. The incident involving the Dash bus driver, which was captured on video, occurred when the driver refused to allow a homeless woman onto the bus. This attack, along with other recent incidents, has raised alarm among both passengers and transit operators.
Footage from the altercation showed a disturbing struggle between the female bus operator and the homeless woman, who managed to pull the driver through a plexiglass barrier and onto the sidewalk. Despite the driver’s efforts to defend herself, the homeless woman continued the violent assault by grabbing the bus operator’s uniform and striking her in the face. After a tense few minutes, the bus operator was able to regain control and drive away from the scene.
Following the attack, passengers like Sandra Pizano have expressed concerns about safety on Metro buses and trains, operated by the county’s Metropolitan Transit Authority. Pizano, who has not faced issues on Dash buses, rated her experiences on Metro services as subpar, citing ongoing safety issues. In response to these concerns, dozens of Metro operators participated in a “sick out” protest to draw attention to the risks faced by both drivers and passengers.
Recent incidents, such as the fatal stabbing of a Metro train passenger and a bus driver being attacked in Willowbrook, have underscored the pressing need for enhanced security measures on public transit. The Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable is advocating for the implementation of roving security teams to ensure the safety of both drivers and passengers. Metro has acknowledged the challenges posed by untreated mental illness and drug addiction in these unprovoked attacks, and has deployed additional security measures on high-risk bus routes.
Concerned passengers like Laura Ismael are hopeful that these actions will lead to tangible improvements in safety on public transit. As authorities work to address the underlying issues contributing to these attacks, the community is calling for swift and effective solutions to protect bus operators and riders alike. Despite the challenges faced by transit operators, efforts are underway to prioritize the safety and well-being of those who rely on public transportation in Los Angeles.