The Reality Behind “Tell the Bus Driver”

 🚍  The Reality Behind “Tell the Bus Driver”

Back-to-school season is here, and Metro Transit Police recently put out an announcement reminding students to stay safe on public transit. One key piece of advice: “If you see a problem, tell the bus driver.”

On paper, that sounds simple and reassuring. In reality, it’s far more complicated.

Last September, I was on a bus in Surrey heading to Vancouver. The bus was lightly filled — maybe ten people. A woman in the back appeared to be unconscious or sleeping. Another passenger looked terrified, silently pleading for someone to do something. I approached the bus driver and said, “Do you know there’s someone back here?”

Her response shocked me: “Yeah… they got on my bus to make my life hell today. Call 833.”

I later discovered she gave me the wrong number, and I had to look it up myself. Beyond that, drivers are often not allowed to intervene because of safety rules and union policies implemented after COVID and incidents of workplace violence. They are trained to follow these protocols strictly — meaning vulnerable passengers are often left to handle emergencies themselves.

This isn’t just an isolated incident. Over the past year, I’ve witnessed hundreds of overdoses and drug-related incidents at bus stops, and many times, drivers or transit staff do not call authorities. Seniors, pregnant women, people with mobility aids, and other vulnerable riders are left exposed to unsafe situations. And the messaging — “ask the bus driver” — puts the burden on passengers instead of addressing systemic gaps.

We need to rethink how safety is communicated and supported on public transit. A culture of respect and clear protocols — backed by trained staff who can act — is essential to truly protect students and vulnerable riders.

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