Transit security force would quell ‘constant fear’: union

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This article was published 14/02/2022 (1328 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Five years ago, Winnipeg Transit driver Irvine Jubal Fraser was fatally stabbed on the job.

This past weekend, another bus operator was allegedly threatened with a knife but not injured.

With the threat of violence still present, one Transit driver said the stress of the job has only grown in the years since Fraser’s death in the early hours of Feb. 14, 2017.

“It’s a constant fear out there. You never know if you’re going to be next (to be attacked),” said the driver, who did not want his name published for fear of workplace retribution.

The City of Winnipeg has taken steps to improve safety, such as installing safety cameras and driver shields. In December, it also added an alert system that uses external electronic message boards to urge bystanders and motorists to call 911 instead of boarding buses while an emergency is taking place.

Yet, threats continue, the driver said.

“I’ve had people threaten to kill me, I’ve been physically assaulted, spit on, punched… You’re just not safe,” he said, adding a long-debated Transit security force with the power to remove people from buses, and detain them, would be welcome.

Such a development could offer rapid support, agreed James Van Gerwen, executive vice-president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1505.

The union that represents drivers and mechanics said a “terrifying” incident Saturday illustrates the risks. That night, a passenger allegedly threatened a bus driver with a knife in the Talbot Avenue and Watt Street area, according to the Winnipeg Police Service. The suspect is also accused of threatening a Transit supervisor.

A 22-year-old man faces assault and weapons charges.

Since 2017, bus drivers have experienced 301 assaults, including 61 last year, according to Winnipeg Transit data. Those incidents include physical threats, the threat or use of a weapon, attempts to carry out an assault and actual physical attacks.

Van Gerwen believes a dedicated security presence could ensure a quicker response to such emergencies.

“(If someone) pulls a weapon on you… the thoughts that run through your head are terrifying. That’s where the support is needed to help diffuse the situation,” he said.

The union is also urging Transit to replace its bus radio communications system as soon as possible, over complaints the current one suffers from “dead zones” that can delay reporting emergencies to the control centre.

“(The update is) not a want, it’s a need. It’s getting desperate out there,” said Van Gerwen.

The city has applied for funding to cover a $17.3-million radio replacement, as part of broader Winnipeg Transit Master Plan funding request. While the province has signed on to that tri-government plan, the federal government is now reviewing the project.

The union is also seeking full driver safety shields on each new bus to replace the existing partial barriers.

There was a 15 per cent increase in violent incidents on board Transit buses in 2021, when compared to the previous year, the WPS said in an email Monday.

The statement called it “premature” to discuss a dedicated Transit security force, or who should staff it, before a proposal is released.

In a prepared statement, Winnipeg Transit said the city has budgeted to improve the radio system in 2024, and is working to address poor reception areas within the current system.

Transit also deemed it “premature” to comment on further safety strategies.

Coun. Matt Allard, who serves as transit advisory committee chairman, said he expects it will “soon” recommend some form of Transit security force.

Allard noted extensive security measures were added to city buses since 2017. While he stressed he supports further safety initiatives, he believes buses are “relatively safe” overall.

Allard added many public safety concerns are linked to poverty, addictions and a lack of housing — so supports to address those social challenges are also greatly needed.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @joyanne_pursaga