Metro News Release

For immediate release: February 14, 2008

Assaults on bus operators on the rise

Maneuvering a bus through rush hour traffic everyday can be challenging enough, but imagine being hit, spit on or stabbed while doing it. That has been the case for some Metrobus operators who have been attacked on the job.

"Assaults on operators have become a problem,” said Milo Victoria, Metro Assistant General Manager of Bus Operations. The number of assaults has risen steadily from 36 in 2002 to 84 in 2007. Of the assaults last year, 56 were in the District of Columbia, 21 were in Maryland and seven occurred in Virginia. 

"The assaults range from being spit on, to hit with sticks, bricks, poles, open hands, guns and knives to fondling and attempting to undress an operator,” said Victoria. “Often times, customers are angry about something, and they take it out on the driver.”

In an effort to protect operators, Metro is installing a clear plastic shield between where the operator sits and the fare boxes on six buses. Metro, like other transit agencies in Los Angeles and Chicago, is testing the separation devices, beginning later this month. 

The agency also continues to install cameras on buses which can assist in the apprehension and prosecution of criminals.

“More undercover and uniformed officers are patrolling buses,” said Metro Transit Police Capt. Mark Olson.

Metro Board member Jim Graham, who is also a member of the D.C. Council, also has sponsored legislation that is being considered in the Council that would stiffen penalties and fines for individuals who assault bus operators while they’re on the job. Similar legislation also is being proposed in Maryland by State Del. Samuel Rosenberg. 

“Existing penalties are not stringent enough, and we believe tougher penalties would act as a deterrent,” said Metro General Manager John Catoe.

News release issued at 5:42 pm, February 14, 2008.