#Marta bus 120 drivers
#Marta bus 120 driver

“(Expletive) move, don’t put your hands on me,” a rider told another operator. CBS46 learned even when the harm isn’t necessarily extreme, the cost of bus fare often fuels frustrations. “I pray to him everyday for strength,” the operator shared.

#Marta bus 120 drivers

Still, drivers believe they’re vulnerable on the job. “That said, we will continue to work until the very last assault has been resolved.” “We are vastly safer than the environment around us and considerably safer than a lot of transit agencies in the same space,” Greenwood said.

Considering those totals, officials say the number of altercations are not considerably high. From June 20-27, the transit company saw 362,283 bus riders. In the most recent numbers made available to CBS46, MARTA averages more than 350,000 bus riders weekly. But MARTA police emphasized how the data indicates the assaults have not been confined to one area or route.Īdditionally, Greenwood noted the thousands of positive, “uneventful” experiences on board. In 2020, there were 106 assaults on MARTA buses. Overall, CBS46 found the entire MARTA system had 135 assaults reported so far this year. “We hired three new staff for our bus control center to ensure there’s immediate response when an operator needs help.” “We pride ourselves in having immediate communication,” Greenwood said. Some of these operators carry individuals with disabilities, elderly patients. “Definitely detrimental to not take an active approach to protect them,” union representative David Ward continued. The Amalgamated Transit Union Local 732 says it’s still not enough for drivers. Now, as the pandemic appears to be slowing, drivers say they want to see the protective glass remain, potentially as a shield from the violence. MARTA installed the plexiglass during the pandemic to stop the spread of Covid. “I’ll knock your (expletive) out,” he yelled as he punch the plexiglass protecting the driver. I said ‘what were you saying’ because I couldn’t hear you,” the passenger yelled.

#Marta bus 120 driver

Surveillance video shows for no obvious reason, the passenger curses at the driver who remains quiet, calm, and focused on the road, which appears to upset the rider even more. I swear to God,” one passenger on Bus Route 120 told the operator.

“I’m going to knock your (expletive) out. While carrying lives, and the load of a heavy bus, records show operators were verbally threatened, hit, punched, and even spit on this year.