METRO drivers sound off about safety concerns

Friday, July 20, 2007

Katisha Cosley

(7/20/07 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- Many METRO bus drivers are concerned about safety. They say they don't have what they need to keep themselves safe while on board.

In the past few days, two drivers have been attacked on their buses. One woman driver was raped. And as police look for who was responsible, some METRO drivers are sounding off.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee called a meeting with the Transport Workers Union to talk about security training with the drivers, but ended up getting an earful about their own safety concerns.

"The bus radio is a joke," said one driver.

"METRO needs to better equip these buses with cameras, so we can feel a little safer on buses," said another.

Another driver voiced her concern, saying, "I shouldn't have to sit there 40, 45 minutes waiting on METRO police to come to my aid."

One by one, METRO bus drivers took turns telling the congresswoman about safety flaws on their buses.

"I think it's appalling," said Jackson-Lee.

Several drivers who spoke said they've had their own run-ins with passengers before.

"It took about 14 minutes, 12- 14 minutes, for METRO police to get there," said a driver during the meeting. "We finally, in the process of struggling with him, had to call HPD."

And most drivers say they never know if their call for help will be answered.

"This terrible assault may have been avoided if there were cameras, if there were police closer by, if the driver felt empowered because of some resources that would allow people to respond quickly," said Jackson-Lee.

Jackson-Lee says she's looking to see if there are federal funds available to help with some of these security issues. We did talk to METRO police Friday and they said they aren't available for comment. However, they say they are trying out a new camera system. Right now, they have 10 cameras on 10 buses.
(Copyright © 2007, KTRK-TV)

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