Bus drivers' union calls for better safety after violent incident in West Vancouver

The union for West Vancouver Blue Bus drivers is calling for improved safety measures after a violent onboard incident Wednesday.

Cornel Neagu, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 134, said the problem started when a rider boarded at Marine Drive and 20th Street and began harassing passengers.

"Another passenger intervened to attempt to stop the verbal assaults and a fight then broke out on the bus, with a lot of blood being shed," said Neagu.

West Vancouver police confirm they apprehended a man under the Mental Health Act and say alcohol and mental health were suspected factors.

According to Neagu, the bus driver was quickly switched to a different bus to allow for the cleaning of blood stains.

The union initially alleged that the employer, the District of West Vancouver, did not reach out to the driver to ask if he was okay to continue driving.

However, on Saturday, the union issued a statement saying a Blue Bus dispatcher was in contact with the driver, who "indicated he was personally okay and therefore the employer did respond appropriately in this situation."

"The union regrets any misunderstandings based on incomplete information it had on Thursday evening," Neagu said.

The president is calling on West Vancouver to install protective plexiglass driver's booths in the approximate 50 per cent of busses that don't already have them. He'd also like to see an increased police presence in the system. 

CBC requested an interview with Blue Bus operator the District of West Vancouver but no one was available. 

"All appropriate steps were taken with respect to the driver, with the safety protocols developed to address this kind of incident being diligently followed to ensure the safety of all involved," said West Vancouver communications advisor Carrie Gadsby in an emailed statement. 

"I can also confirm that there was a safety shield in place for the driver," she said.

Citing a recent spate of violent transit incidents, including the stabbing death of a 17-year-old on a Surrey bus Tuesday, Neagu said a seeming increase in people with mental health issues is putting bus drivers at risk.

"It seems like in every single incident the mental health was a factor, So what I can say at this point is it's up to the provincial and federal level to take some action," he said. 

"The Blue Bus system has many women drivers who operate buses at night and we are particularly concerned about their safety, as well as that of our passengers," he said. 

Bus violence

The call for safety in West Vancouver follows a string of violent altercations on public transit across the Lower Mainland. 

On April 11, 17-year-old Ethan Bespflug was fatally stabbed on a bus near the King George SkyTrain station in Surrey. 

Bespflug was transported to hospital in critical condition and later died. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) is working on the case alongside Surrey RCMP.

On April 10 a person was stabbed at the Columbia SkyTrain station in New Westminster and on April 1 a man had his throat slashed on a bus at  Fraser Highway and 148 Street in Surrey.

Both victims are expected to recover from their injuries. 

Premier David Eby said Thursday that police patrols on buses and trains have been stepped up following Bespflug's death.