Bus drivers raise Downtown Eastside concerns

As incoming B.C. Premier David Eby vows to transform Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, another group is raising concerns about safety in the area.

The head of the union that represents bus drivers in the region says members are reporting more issues, specifically along East Hastings.

Union President Balbir Mann says on the road, with more and more tents popping up at or near bus stops, it’s sometimes nearly impossible for drivers to pull in where they are supposed to to pick up and drop off passengers.

“Sometimes there’s no room to pick up a stroller, a wheel chair to pull in safely. It’s just in the vicinity of the bus stop area, making our job more difficult.”

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On the buses, he says there is increasing aggression being directed at drivers, along with other issues.

“There were some assaults happening at the beginning of the year. Our buses were being shot, we were not sure in the beginning what it was. Thank God it was a bb gun and now the suspect, they have identified who this individual is,” he explained.

“In the meantime, even three or four days ago, one of our members, he was just doing his job … and one of the passengers opened a beer can and poured it all over him.”

Mann says these kind of incidents are becoming too frequent.

“It’s been very concerning for a long time, but it’s happening almost once a week. One is too many. We can’t just let this keep happening. I fear for my members.”

In a statement from a TransLink spokesperson, it echoes Mann’s concerns.

“The safety of our employees is our top priority and any assault on an employee is one too many, and will not be tolerated. Operator assaults have been decreasing over the years, but we take every instance seriously,” TransLink said.

Eby, who will be sworn in on Friday as B.C.’s 37th premier, said his government will take charge of restoring the Downtown Eastside, saying safety in the area needs to be addressed.

While Mann says he’s flagged concerns with management at the Coast Mountain Bus Company, he feels this is “bigger than that.”

“I would make a call out to the mayor of Vancouver, even to the NDP,” he said, adding the larger social and mental health issues need to be addressed.

“Obviously these people need help. The street is not a solution, but also, at the same time, my job is to make sure that when my members drive through that area, that they feel safe.”

In the meantime, Mann says hard barriers on all buses would provide some relief.

TransLink says 60 per cent of busses have been equipped with the protective barriers, and they are working at retrofitting the remaining busses.

It adds other safety initiatives include on-board safety cameras, GPS radio systems, assaults alarms, and driver training.

“We come to work to do our job safely. As employers, their responsibility is to keep our members safe and it’s my job, also, to make sure my members feel safe. It’s becoming a very big concern for us,” Mann said.