OC Transpo buses to be fitted with protective shields

OC Transpo is finally set to install barriers on its buses to protect driversfrom abusive and sometimes violent passengers.

Based on the results of a study launched in 2018, the city's transit commission agreed Wednesday to seek budget approval of up to$6 million toretrofit 746 buses with the Plexiglas shields.

• OC Transpo bus driver protective barriers delayed until 2019

Ottawa has beenlooking at the issue since the mid-2000s, during which time other cities have installed the shields to protect their drivers from assaultor worse.

"There's more of an appetite from our operators. It wasn't unanimous before," said transportation general manager John Manconi."It's not necessarily the number of assaults, but the severity and types of assault."

The shield designshave becomeless obtrusive, easier to install and less expensive, he said. Arelevantbenefit now is that they offerextra protection againstthe spread of COVID-19.

Driver sucker-punched

Manconidescribed oneincident that occurred in the past week in whicha rider got on but refused to pay. The driver was polite, but alerted the agency's control centre, as he was trained to do.

"The customer got up and sucker-punched the operator ... on the side of his head and hit his eye. That operator is off," Manconi told the commission.

• Violence against OC Transpo drivers persists
• Spat on, slapped, sucker-punched: OC Transpo drivers attacked every 4 days

Other drivers, especially women, have been spat on and burned byhot drinks, Manconi said.

"Many of our operators do not want to return," he said. "They're psychologically stressed from those assaults, because they come out of nowhere."

Cost concerns

Commissioners agreed that drivers must have a safe workplace and be protected, but a fewalso questioned the price of the barriers given the unprecedented financial constraints brought on by COVID-19.

Manconihad noted during the same meeting that OC Transpo is "bleeding" up to $4 million per week at the fare box.

Citizen commissioner Sarah Wright-Gilbert asked how the permanent barriers could cost approximately $8,000 each while thetemporary soft vinyl barriers installed in June to limit the spread of COVID-19 cost only$300 each. Those temporary barriers would be replaced by the permanent ones, except in buses set to retire shortly.

"I do have an issue with the cost. I think it's very expensive," agreed Coun. Riley Brockington, who urged staff to find "the best quote possible."

The barriers require design work and must meet transportation ministry regulations, Manconi explained. He said OC Transpo would hope to get a lower cost per unit.

Transit commissionvoted 9 to 2 in favour of having the permanent barriers included in the 2021 capital budget, with commissioners Brockington and Wright-Gilbert voting against.

The driver shieldswill be a $6-million lineitem in Ottawa's draft 2021 budget, tobe tabled Nov.4.