Metrobus says everyone deserves to feel safe on city buses and is introducing security and a new guide for passenger conduct due to increasingly disruptive and threatening behaviour.
The number of people using Metrobus services has increased dramatically in recent months, and with that comes an increase in what Metrobus calls disrespectful behavior and incidents.
General Manager Judy Powell says Metrobus is seeing a marked change in behaviour.
A local security firm has been contacted and riders can expect to see security guards on board buses as of next week.
Powell says it’s hoped that their presence will be a deterrent for bad behaviour, but if not, those officers will be able to take action.
“Their role is first and foremost a deterrent but they do have the ability to remove a person from the bus and to arrest and call for assistance of the RNC.”
The Transit Code of Conduct prohibits threats, threatening behaviour, harassment and violence, loud, rowdy, abusive or disruptive behaviour, profanity and insulting or discriminatory language, smoking or vaping on buses or in bus shelters, drug or alcohol use, and the selling or sharing of drugs or alcohol on buses or at bus shelters or stops.
Weapons and dangerous goods on board buses or at bus shelters or stops are also prohibited.
Signs will be added to buses as well as digital ads to get the message out about the Code of Conduct.