The union, which represents transit workers in Mississauga, is pushing for better safety protocols after a female bus driver had to fight a man who is said to have tried to take control of a MiWay bus in Mississauga.
The incident happened on Tuesday night. Peel Regional Police responded to a call near Burnhamthorpe Road West and Erindale Station Road around 12:30 a.m. for a man who allegedly approached a driver and began damaging their car.
The same man, police said, then boarded a MiWay bus and tried to take control of him.
“As the kidnapper tried to fight the female operator to take control of the bus, the operator fought him and managed to stop the vehicle in a safe place,” ATU Local 1572 said in a press release Wednesday.
The city confirmed the incident and said that when a transit inspector arrived at the scene, the suspect left the bus and stole their car.
“This is just another reminder of the dangers that our transit professionals face on a daily basis in the performance of their duties,” ATU Local 1572 President Jack Jackson said in a statement from the union.
“The city of Mississauga must take more seriously all manifestations of aggression, as they are clear precursors to more serious events that may follow. Events we have just witnessed. Proper front-line support and better response times are just the beginning to protect our members. “
Police were able to track down the suspect with the help of a GPS tracker in the supervisor’s car. He was later detained and charged.
No one was injured in the accident.
However, the union said this was just the latest example in a growing list of violent incidents involving transit workers.
“The growing number of attacks and violence we face reinforces our call for immediate action with better protection for the people who drive and our operators,” ATU Canada President John Di Nino said in a statement. “As the transit operator handles this traumatic event, we will offer support and assistance for a speedy recovery.”
Add Comment