Blog Post Part 3: The Overdose Crisis on Transit

 🚍  The Overdose Crisis on Transit

Over the past year, public transit in the Surrey–Vancouver corridor has become a frontline for witnessing the overdose crisis. From bus stops to inside buses, hundreds of incidents have unfolded — and the reality is stark: passengers often face these emergencies alone.

Drivers and transit staff are rarely allowed to intervene, due to union rules and post-COVID safety protocols. Many passengers have reported being told to “call the helpline” — sometimes receiving the wrong number — while a person may be unconscious or struggling with an overdose just meters away.

This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a life-or-death situation. Vulnerable passengers — students, seniors, people with mobility challenges — are left exposed, with no immediate support. Even small delays can have serious consequences.

We need to recognize that the overdose crisis isn’t “someone else’s problem.” Transit authorities must implement:

• Immediate-response protocols for overdoses and medical emergencies.
• Trained staff equipped to provide basic emergency care until paramedics arrive.
• Clear communication systems so passengers know what help is available and how quickly it will come.

Until these changes are made, the current messaging — “tell the bus driver” or “call the helpline” — fails to protect the most vulnerable riders. Safety on public transit must move beyond rules and warnings; it must include real, actionable support.

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