City to install shields in its bus fleet

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This article was published 02/01/2019 (2697 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg Transit will ask city council to allow it to spend $3.15 million to install safety shields on its bus fleet over the next three years.

“We’ve been pushing for this for two years,” said Aleem Chaudhary, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union 1505, on Wednesday. “It’s a gift for us. It’s a late Christmas present, but it is worth it… it will help reduce assaults, especially spitting and throwing a drink.

“It’s not cheap, but what is the cost of security and what is the cost of a life?”

The union that represents bus drivers, and the city’s transit advisory committee both endorse the installation of the safety shields in all 630 buses.

Installing safety shields was recommended after the stabbing death of driver Irvine Fraser in February 2017.

The cost to buy and install a shield is about $5,000 per bus.

Randy Tonnellier, Winnipeg Transit’s manager of operations, said they are budgeting for the safety shields to be installed over three years, but “we’re hoping to do it as soon as possible.

“They are there to enhance safety for bus operators and reduce the risk to the safety of drivers.”

Tonnellier said transit management will ask council for the money to buy the shields as part of the 2019 budget review process.

He said the city will buy shields manufactured by Arow Global.

During a pilot project last year, three buses were outfitted with that safety shield and three buses had a shield made by New Flyer. A report to be considered by the public works committee next week says that surveys completed by bus drivers show a slight preference for the Arow Global shield. After price was factored in, the New Flyer shield came out ahead. Since the trial ended, New Flyer has formed a partnership with Arow Global and no longer makes a safety shield.

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca