Los Angeles Bus Drivers Stage ‘Sick Out’ Over Recent Assaults, Safety Concerns

LOS ANGELES—An apparent sick-out by Metro bus drivers in response to concerns about safety on the transit system was prompting delays on a series of bus lines May 3. Metro issued alerts to riders throughout the morning warning of possible “significant delays” on select bus lines “due to staff shortages.” As of 9 a.m., affected lines includes 18, 45, 53, 66, 70, 81, 106, 108, 110, 111, 115, 134, 180, 206, 212, 246, 251, 487, and 720. “Bus operators are the face of Metro to more than 80% of Metro riders,” the transit agency said in a statement. “They are the lifeblood of the Metro organization. We understand their and their families’ fear in the face of the senseless assaults some have experienced primarily resulting from the twin crises of untreated mental illness and drug addiction. We share their frustration and have expedited the installation of barriers to keep them safe, as well as the re-deployment of safety and security personnel on board buses to deter assaults. At the same time, we are working on longer term plans, which include the addition of even more dedicated transit security bus riding teams.”...