Smartgo875

*Bus Hijacking*

Last night, a gunman hijacked an in-service Metro bus, holding the Operator and passengers hostage.

A passenger was shot and sadly he was fatally wounded. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones.

Subsequently, the gunman directed the Operator to drive towards downtown Los Angeles. The quick-thinking Operator immediately triggered his emergency alarm. Answering the alarm, the Los Angeles Police Department intercepted the bus.

After a standoff, the gunman was taken into custody. SMART praises the calm demeanor and heroism actions of the Operator.

This grave incident emphasizes the continuing safety concerns that our members have raised and that we, your General Committee, have vehemently expressed to Metro management. The protection of our members remains the very top priority of your Union.

In this regard, we have been the driving force in Metro’s decision to Install protective driver barriers aboard the buses. It should be noted that Metro promised us that they would complete installation of the barriers by the end of the year. In addition, recently, we strongly supported a Metro Board motion to entirely revamp Metro’s police protection to better safeguard our membership. This process has begun.

As General Chairman of SMART-TD General Committee 875, I remain totally committed to your safety. I have already spoken to the Operator and assured him the Union is standing strong.

Dear SMART-TD Members,

We understand the sick out affected a small percentage of bus riders. We want SMART Union members to know, we recognize your anguish and Metro sees your frustration. We will continue these stepping stones of safety. MTA CEO Stephanie Wiggins and I met this afternoon to solidify our ongoing commitment to work together to improve safety on the Metro transit system. I stand by my previous statement and am confident that by working hand in hand, we can achieve our goal. Our SMART Union Committee, which includes 6 Local Chairpersons will not stop advocating for the safety and well-being of our members, all Metro employees, and customers alike.

Dear Sisters and Brothers;

I will not stop, I cannot stop!

More patron assaults have been reported. When it’s not a valued member, it’s an innocent rider being attacked.

The current contracted agencies of law enforcement is not sufficient! We need a dedicated Metro Police system for Transportation how we had it in the 80’s.

It will create a better safety transportation system, dedicated police taking care of nothing BUT transit! No if, ands or buts about it. Everyone’s life matters.

Metro declares emergency over attacks on bus operators Metro declares an emergency amid jump in bus driver assaults and seeks to quickly build barriers to wall drivers off from dangerous passengers.