Violent assaults on L.A. Metro transit workers on the rise

A new study revealed that bus and train operators in Southern California are being increasingly targeted in violent attacks. A report by the Urban Institute found that over the past 15 years, major assaults on bus and rail operators across the U.S. have tripled.
“Major” assaults were defined as “an event resulting in a fatality or injury requiring medical transport.” From 2008 and 2022, major assaults rose from 168 to 492 nationwide, according to the study. The report analyzed data from the Federal Transit Administration’s National Transit Database.
Assaults that didn’t meet the FTA’s “major” threshold that drivers were still subjected to include stabbing, spitting, hitting and kicking, and unwelcome sexual misconduct.
KTLA's Sandra Mitchell reports on Dec. 19, 2023.
Details: ktla.com/news/local-news/repo...
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[@MaryJane.007]

Hold people accountable for their crimes!

[@silentmajority8365]

How? courts and media hide the fact its two racial groups doing the crime

[@ssbones60]

Don’t you know they love criminals here in California

[@fsdf3755]

@@ssbones60 Not just Cali pal. Stop voting for the wrong people.

[@ssbones60]

@@fsdf3755 agreed brother

[@NAT-turners-Revenge]

This has been going on since the early 90s when I was a elementary

[@senorbusyman]

Last Monday I was on the 224 Bus that came from Olive View Medical headed to Universal. Once we got to NoHo Station 1 guy came in the back door when it was closing, bus driver kicked him out & didnt care that he was homeless but man did he smell. Homeless guy started throwing a tantrum, ready to punch the driver but Police was right outside, got him out & sit on the sidewalk in handcuffs. We all cheered cuz were tired of the homeless messing up everything for us

[@flakesinyershoe8137]

Yet you'll all still vote for folks that care about the bums more than someone living paycheck to paycheck.

[@johnnytran800]

The operator wouldve probably gotten fired if police wasnt there to intervene

[@joelpaniagua2024]

And your point is...

[@helpu2health]

Very simple.....let operators defend themselves without fear of getting fired if it's legit self defense....

[@Dats_dope]

Metro fires the operators if they become the aggressor

[@silentmajority8365]

That and admit diversity not working

[@flakesinyershoe8137]

Self-defense is never that simple. A jury of your peers often has a hard time with the last few shots, punches, or stabs from defenders and they end up in prison. Also, a significant portion of the population literally believes words are violence and doesn't understand the concept of self defense at all. Like the Florida woman with the abusive partner who left and then came back with a pistol and then ended up with a 20 year sentence for firing a warning shot. People still use it as an example of systemic racism. But the laws were clear the whole time. A bunch of black transit employees would end up in prison because the black community does not understand self defense laws in large part

[@quasarsavage]

This 💯 remember a story outta Denver where rtd fired the operator for self defense

[@silentmajority8365]

@@quasarsavage TRUMP 2024 build a wall

[@tishreni5183]

Make it a felony to assault a driver and mandatory 5 year sentences.

[@Tactical_Nightwach]

It already is a felony to assault a metro operator

[@flakesinyershoe8137]

They're all legit government employees. Already a felony. Urban youths are born with felonies and don't mind getting more. What they need is a federal Marshall on every bus.

[@silentmajority8365]

Diversity will never work

[@SC_XOLOs]

Criminals don’t get prosecuted.. it’s LA

[@2puffs770]

This breaks my heart, I love my bus operators. Without them I couldn't get back and forth to work, keep appointments, get groceries, etc.. It's very sad people believe they are entitled to behave as badly as they want without repercussions. To be so disrespectful to the people that help us the most is a very sad statement about our current society. I'm so old I remember when politeness and respect for each other was the 'norm'. What a sad state of affairs we're in.

[@fsdf3755]

if you care that much stop voting for the wrong people

[@westonding8953]

@@fsdf3755 Honestly, a lot of people have a cognitive dissonance about voting for a different political party. They find some mental justification to continue their voting for the same party.

[@brianp5205]

METRO driver here; I was assaulted on the job and metro refused to give me the video footage for evidence to charge the suspect. Why? Because the video shows METRO in a negative light to the public.

[@williamwilson6499]

The prosecutor can get it.

[@user-ky3pc2zd7e]

Yup. That's a job in the public sector alright. I used to work for a local beach city. A few years ago I was assaulted by a crazy hobo and injured on the bike path. The city turned a blind eye for the same reason. But if WE get a complaint from the public? Oh man....

[@MelissaR784]

​@@williamwilson6499 LA prosecutor, Gascon won't. Harden criminals are getting tattoos of Gascon face to show their gratitude for his short-term, if at all, sentences.

[@belldrop7365]

I was thinking, 10-15 assaults per year in the scale of 2000 buses sounds like over blowing the situation. But I guess it's just because they ain't reporting all of it, lol.

[@westonding8953]

Was your case reported and prosecuted?

[@davidtran2026]

It's not just operators it's also people on the transit/buses. There's plenty that goes unreported. My mom was repeatedly abused verbally by people on the bus rides these days when going into Chinatown and back to SGV that I persuaded her to stop and just use her own car to go there. And I disagree with anyone that may talk about other areas in the country having same issues as ones in LA and Bay Area transits. It's night and day in the Denver and Salt Lake City transits I frequented in my trip earlier this year.

[@paulliebler7660]

Denver trains are safer ? Ya , maybe a little bit , but you can still count on some crazy homeless around 😂

[@fcjose31]

En El Metro de Madrid si hubo alguna pelea, pero no son Españoles, son Latinoamericanos contra Marroquies y llega la policía y los detiene a todos, Bandas Latinas y Bandas de Marruecos que se pelean en España, pero la policia llega y los detiene no se escapan. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6SanoOpmbGonqMsi=EuornKjgghHQt2yE&t=1

[@randytaylor6931]

I know a bus driver who works for dash and this person got stabbed in the Crenshaw routes a while back. Stay safe people

[@jennifertran24]

My son works for metro and they are not allowed to make anyone pay if they refuse. Security and cops won’t lay a hand on anyone with a weapon unless they actually hurt someone. These ppl go after metro to sue for any little thing and metro always pays so they try to have any physical altercations. Employees have brought it up to the company about being targeted and supervisors brush it off by telling them they also ride the trains and it’s safe. But yet supervisors don’t have to wear the uniform. I worry about my son’s safety all the time and tell him it might not be worth the small paycheck but he likes his job.

[@JEK]

well there's your problem

[@YA-qj8fx]

Society is circling the drain.

[@eric44ism]

That bus driver from the viral video 10 years ago handled the situation quite effectively.

[@jaminova_1969]

Wait, what? A Plexiglas shield? What about the passengers safety? What about enforcing the law and punishing criminals, instead? Also, all professional drivers should be able to carry protection on the job. I won't use public transit because I have had too many negative experiences!

[@moni1404]

Seriously. 2 yrs ago I had to bus to work cause my car broke down. I was scared catching the bus at 5:45 am. The entire week I rode, I was on at least 16 busses and they were almost all scary rides for me. Loonies who confront you and scream in your face.

[@stephenpowers5385]

What to expect when there is a lack of prosecution.

[@TC-vg3pr]

How about stiffer jail terms for assaulting transit workers for starters.

[@user-ky3pc2zd7e]

Cut backs on law enforcement, more citizens in general. No place to put all these bad folks. They are being let out at an alarming rate.

[@iamzuckerburger]

It’s not public transit if it’s not fare-free

[@TerpnJohn]

You guys are showing footage of regular pedestrians Not bus drivers pedestrians get attacked more than the drivers

[@silentmajority8365]

The strength of diversity

[@Scrubby-McScrubberson]

_thy enrichment runneth over_

[@Scrubby-McScrubberson]

🎉🦍🦍🦍

[@TheCrekamashanea]

I was kinda bothered by the reporter holding that iPad loosely from its corner like that 👀

[@bobfish3176]

It's simply becoming more dangerous for everyone in LA!

[@JRDNGIXX]

Operations should be allowed to be armed with open carry

[@natedizzle2321]

Metro should hire a security company to ride the most problematic areas

[@MrBobochow]

Politicians should stay off drugs, please.

[@MrJuvefrank]

They shouldn't legalize them either.

[@kurbycook9518]

And they are denying our workers compensation claims after being assaulted....

[@dakogitlog]

According to DA attorney office crime is legal in california, smash & grab, shoplifting, stealing, assult & battery and other crimes..

[@Shh007]

But the bus drivers love to welcome homeless people with their trash and smell of stink into the bus. I see them doing their drugs and they never get called out on it. God forbid someone doesn’t have bus fare because they drivers start getting attitudes

[@SuperLuxor16]

Just got out from the 104 bus in Long Beach , grown man got mad at Driver because Driver was late . Why was he late cause he has to put in a Handicap passenger to come on board .

[@glennlac4773]

Facts. Some move very slow and can’t maneuver into the stall to get fastened. People should know by now if they really have to be somewhere riding the metro, catch 2 buses in advance to avoid traffic and delays from the public 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@MalchikGuy]

Scott Adams was correct ,there is no fixing this,Mandatory tubal ligations,are in order

[@Interdimensionaltravelagent]

Violence in LA in general is down 15 percent, but it tends to rise during the holidays so perhaps that number is deceptive. Either way with our current system that values capital over people don't expect the situation to get better.

[@edwardk6764]

So the plan is to shield them better than a buffet table.

[@monicarose2135]

They were filming a clip from this report on the bus I rode earlier today

[@lindalippincott1690]

Bring in the military to protect buses and rail service. Use our military that are here and not overseas.

[@flakesinyershoe8137]

Once you deploy military, you have to abide by military rules. Which means curfews and armed patrols. And they don't need warrants. We have plenty of police who already aren't allowed to enforce laws because black people can't understand them

[@nessa6997]

Lmao bc black people can’t understand them is so accurate

[@lindalippincott1690]

@flakesinyershoe8137 well they will the military or pay the price. Our policemen have there hands tied behind there back. So criminals have no fear.

[@drehardin]

🤔Who did the transit workers vote for ?

[@PauloHernandezXD]

A lot of these people are blue collar who don’t focus on woke/progressive politics like the yuppies who work at the office headquarters. These people are just trying to pay their bills.

[@webguy943]

Lol what is that plexi glass gonna do? 😂😂

[@tltnation878]

Inforce the law the behavior will change.

[@josephgee2515]

Lets hear the Stats, please- Which Race is primarily committing these violent crimes??

[@ernst91]

BP on public transportation are the worst!

[@daryoushsameyah8329]

After 6 years of defunding the police what DID you expect? Did you really expect safer communities?

[@philp9896]

Bus drivers are very slow, rude and inconsiderate so the passengers have to take the law onto their own hands 😮

[@weskelly4538]

I never met a bus driver who was rude. I couldn’t imagine being mean to them 😢 they’re the ultimate service workers

[@mr.uncleg5307]

Lucky you. Some of the ones in Jersey are wild.

[@jackieburgess6132]

It's out of hand

[@HypeFox]

I'm kinda regretting on going on the Metro Subway to go to Universal City for Halloween Horror Nights. And I have a feeling someone is gonna stalk me.

[@weho_brian]

the news anchor 😍😍

[@user-eg6si2gq5r]

Me ride on da bus homie . No fares required Cuzz

[@eatabowlofshit]

B l a c k s . . .

[@alaplex100]

Right. When tne operators are being harassed they take security measures. But passenger complaints are totally ignored.. They will Put up shields for operators but when I asked them to place Shields at the turnstiles to keep the non.paying riff raff off the trains they do nothing.

[@iamzuckerburger]

4K UBI will eliminate all crime

[@Vincent-fo7xp]

Fight back

[@Carter-je9kb]

Tolerate is the way they do things cops are chicken now a days it will keep getting worse

[@nerdgirl4721]

Metro needs manage Bus Driver as person hired. Seen non hired and try not let you tap. I do anyway. Second blocking stairs Platform Union Station. Tram or Bus take off snotty comments so you wait connected route. Let groups on disguised cause trouble but hit tram way back checking your tap card see where you went- let someone know soon. Wont allow or shut down elevators etc. Let violent types harass- fake Metro Ambassador. Yes sent nice email to Metro Customer Service. Had this year 14 bus driver mental health ought ohs. Professional and to route. See bus or tram have wait passenger. Make sure Metro hired bus driver. Foreign License only good 4 Months. Seen Vancouver British Columbia Canada guy arguing boyfriend violent bus driver etc.

[@unedited2716]

MUST BE PROACTIVE IN PROTECTION TO MANY LOSE UNSTABLE UNMEDED MENTALLY UNSTABLE SOALS THANKS TO 1 OF OUR LEADERS THAT CLOSED AND LET OUT ALL THE TROUBLED SOALS WITH NO HELP IN SIGHT GOD PROTECT ALL IN HARMS WAY AMEN💯🙏

[@MrBrownnn696]

Thank the Democrats for this mess….

[@freight.train.Railfanner]

LA metro simply does not care about safety or clean service, everyday when i go to railfan to see freight train action, its not a safe journey because of rise of crime on the LA metro, the ambassador progrm is Absolutely failing and not good, LA metro's negligence is getting worse and worse everyday, what makes y'all think LA metro cares about the safety of employees and riders, clearly LA metro does not and they only care about the money they get.

[@norbertobravo1745]

Wow really

[@ScrewyDriverTheMan]

Can you believe the Olympics is coming here? LMAO

[@long-time-first-time]

Isn't it 'L.A. Metro', not 'Metro L.A.'? Just wondering.

[@jasonn4597]

Bro same thing lol

[@PlayaPotna1984]

Couldn't they just say Metro though?

[@darlenepadilla6186]

usa 🇺🇸 is on the brink’s worst economic crisis since its collapse of pandemic 😷 outbreaks 😷 people are suffering from financial setback’s and they or also increasing crime rates

[@henrykaiser8809]

Thank you Karen Bass and the rest of the democratic city council who is responsible for allowing this

[@abelreytor7722]

How sad is it that they have to shield bus drivers, even wild animals behave better than that!! What a pathetic world these times have become….

[@deema6850]

Those statistics are not correct… it is not 9 it’s double or even triple

[@Vapor_Man650]

Pointing!

[@Dats_dope]

The drivers can’t defend themselves because metro going to fire them. Why does everyone make a big deal about paying $1.75? If you don’t got the fare dont ride the bus.

[@joseolvera1360]

Some Bus operators end police department target people like me they hoping to lose control, missing stop requests, or no stopping when waiting for the bus. Maybe that guy was one of those.

[@zpclosangelesgraffiticafe]

its the meth amd fentanyl to blame for this

[@ivanpulido390]

why not have an officer on the train and busses full time?

[@kevinbecerson1546]

Raise your taxes to pay for it.

[@user-ky3pc2zd7e]

$$$$$$

[@rosemeadowmedia7965]

Maybe try training operators to not be crazy and rude. Sorry but that’s the honest truth we all know. I am not justifying violence. I am pointing out things that do trigger violence, and that’s important if you want to stop it.

[@jerrygrimaldo9607]

Workers do treat people like trash though

[@billcarr6289]

Keep voting Democrat

[@TheWorldJr]

ai gone be taking over soon so don't worry 🤣

[@ohzcustoms3095]

HOW ABOUT NO FREE RIDES TO THE DAMN BUMS!!!

[@Truechildofgod]

I’ve had rude bus drivers in the past but never did I retaliate against them because who in their right mind would assault someone that’s in charge of getting you somewhere safely. Smh y’all ruining it for everybody and don’t care. Many folks take the bus to school and work then you have some that take it to cause trouble

[@ManuelGarcia-vl8wg]

Well in Azusa at the metro citrus station the metro goldline train drivers were harassing this community of Azusa 24-7 with shockingly loud blasting of noise at a train station located high next to a mountain. Blasting louder then emergency vehicles or just about the same as the college overhead emergency broadcast system were there is no noise or need for this. It is basically done intentionally or because of homeless people on the train. So Azusa doesn't deserve this blasting nor does any other city outside of downtown.

[@kiddadd]

Get driverless, self driving buses.

[@PauloHernandezXD]

That would be cool. But how well would the AI handle variables like weather conditions & traffic influx? It might be able to handle traffic good enough with a link to GPS.

[@aslkdjfzxcv9779]

hahahahahahaha

[@kevinbecerson1546]

They should have known when they took the job.

[@Scrubby-McScrubberson]

We know who the filthy,spitters are>🦍

[@johnwilcox6065]

Stop asking for ppl to put money if they don't have it like you guys still get paid to drive so like who cares if they can't pay just do your job and I've also worked with metro security and I've had many calls where it's the bus driver or operator fault and if it is a problem call security like you guys have don't deal with the problem your self

[@MinusoneG]

🙄

[@Sl20]

If stealing it is not a exactly a crime why spitting is going to be a crime !!!!!I see them doing it even to the officers it is just sad!!!!!🔴🤫🫢

[@Scrubby-McScrubberson]

_thy enrichment runneth over_ 🎉🦍🦍🦍

[@raza-Dude6464]

Hello, this world is going to 💩‼️ So people r STRUGGLEING in everyway possible, so individuals r SNAPPING on conductors of transit vehicles, to let out their frustrations💯‼️

[@thisisme3238]

Everyone is having problems of some sort...not an excuse for people to act rude to each other...geez!

[@Sl20]

The thing is that those that are doing it never watch the news nor the the internet and spitting or cussing it is like a joke they take like a normal behavior!!!,really sad!!!!,🔴🤫🫢

[@rosemeadowmedia7965]

Maybe try training operators to not be crazy and rude. Sorry but that’s the honest truth we all know. I am not justifying violence. I am pointing out things that do trigger violence, and that’s important if you want to stop it.