Calgary Transit Driver Attacked: Calls for Urgent Protections Surge

UPDATE: A shocking attack on a Calgary Transit driver on Saturday evening has sparked urgent calls for enhanced protections for transit operators. This incident marks the fifth assault on a transit employee in just five months, raising serious concerns over driver safety.

Authorities report that two youths have been arrested and charged following the brutal attack near 7th Avenue and Centre Street S.E.. The transit operator was pepper-sprayed and beaten as he left his shift, according to Calgary Police Service (CPS). Thankfully, he sustained only minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

Mike Mahar, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 583, stated that the victim was targeted specifically for being a transit operator, as he was in uniform at the time of the attack. “It’s obviously concerning,” Mahar emphasized. “Not just the weapons, but targeting these operators that are just trying to do their job in public places.”

This latest assault follows a disturbing trend of violence against Calgary Transit drivers. In August, two 11-year-olds and a 13-year-old pointed a gun at a bus driver at Rundle CTrain station, leading to their arrest. A stash of two replica firearms and a knife was seized by police during the incident.

In July, three youths were apprehended after robbing a driver at knifepoint at the Erlton/Stampede CTrain station. Prior to that, in June, two drivers were injured during an attack at the 78th Avenue bus terminal. Reports suggest the assailant was intoxicated.

In May, a bus driver was viciously assaulted with a pipe and stabbed while operating his vehicle at Falconridge Boulevard and Castleridge Boulevard N.E., with two suspects charged in connection to that attack. Earlier in March, another operator was injured in a road rage incident.

Mahar has expressed alarm over the rising trend of violence against transit staff, highlighting that threats and assaults have become “far too common.” He urges immediate action for stronger safety measures and tougher penalties for offenders. “It has to become completely unacceptable to continue to injure these people,” he stated.

Following this latest incident, officials are calling for urgent discussions on the need for enhanced security measures and support for transit operators. The community is rallying for change, emphasizing that public safety must be prioritized to protect those who serve the public daily.

As the situation develops, residents and transit users are encouraged to voice their concerns and support calls for action to ensure the safety of Calgary Transit operators. What happens next could determine the future of safety measures within the transit system.