Madison Reporter

In response to recent incidents, Metro Transit and the City of Madison are reviewing their current policies to enhance employee safety and protect passengers. They emphasize that ensuring safety is a top priority. "City officials from the Mayor’s Office and the Madison Police Department look forward to working with Metro employees and worker representatives to ensure a safe workplace for operators."

The city plans to improve safety on Metro buses by forming an Incident Review Board composed of drivers, supervisors, and union representatives. This board will assess past incidents and recommend preventive measures. "This review board will be led by Metro’s chief of operations, safety personnel, and driver supervisors. Metro will be reaching out to Teamsters Local 120 that requested its members also join the board."

The city is also strengthening driver training programs and procedures. Findings from the review board will be shared during annual training courses, and de-escalation training will be provided. The city is revising its fare enforcement ordinance to reduce drivers' involvement in fare disputes. "First steps will be to create passenger signage encouraging riders to make sure to pay their fare and informing passengers of the penalties for non-payment."

To further ensure safety, an interagency safety group will be assembled, involving Metro’s management, Madison police, and the Mayor’s Office. They will regularly evaluate safety measures. New penalties are being proposed for disorderly conduct toward drivers, and there are plans to install safety barriers in buses.

"Metro is exploring retrofitting the rest of its fleet with new barriers," stated the press release. The city is also expanding public education efforts regarding the importance of paying fares and respecting drivers. "The City and Metro Transit deeply value the contributions of our hard-working transit operators."

The new safety measures will be discussed at the upcoming Transportation Commission meeting on Wednesday, April 9. "We hope that all Madison residents will join in helping prevent any negativity directed at bus drivers."