Winnipeg, MB - Following the tragic incident on February 14, 2017, involving Winnipeg Transit bus operator Irvine "Jubal" Fraser, Winnipeg Transit has made a number of changes to increase bus operator and customer safety including:
- Having an additional inspector (or more as resources permit) on the street each night to support operators and address any concerns that arise.
- Adjusting inspector procedures to improve response time when a bus operator has a concern on board their bus.
- Having inspectors conduct checks on buses for unpaid fares. Additional training for inspectors to educate them on the procedures around by-law enforcement.
In consultation with Winnipeg Transit employees, the Winnipeg Police Service, and the Amalgamated Transit Union, Winnipeg Transit has prepared a comprehensive list of current safety management practices, and researched potential concepts that would provide increased security for transit bus operators and customers. This information has been compiled into an Administrative Report that will be considered by the Standing Policy Committee on Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works on May 30, 2017.
In the report, Winnipeg Transit is recommending implementation of the following safety enhancement initiatives:
- A pilot project to test bus operator safety barriers,
- A Transit Advisory Committee to review industry practices, assess and determine trends, and recommend strategies to improve safety,
- A “See something, say something” campaign to encourage customers to report undesirable behavior, and
- Stronger reporting procedures with the Winnipeg Police Service to facilitate proactive safety initiatives within the ‘Winnipeg Police Service Smart Policing Initiative’.
The report also recommends that the following safety enhancement concepts be considered as part of the 2018 Budget process:
- Expansion of the audio/video surveillance system to deter undesirable behaviour and assist with identification, investigation, and prosecution of perpetrators,
- Adding one instructor and three dedicated relief operators to provide additional ongoing training for operators to prevent and diffuse conflict,
- Funding for five additional full time positions, or another source of security presence, to assist operators and passengers and to increase awareness and enforcement of the Public Transit By-law, and
- Four new Point Duty Inspectors to assist operators and passengers at set strategic locations.
Recommendations made in the report are subject to Council approval.