Bus operator assaults rise, lead SamTrans to crack down on violators

More than three times as many SamTrans bus drivers were physically assaulted last year as in the prior year, leading the transit agency to adopt its first code of conduct and enforcement policy that, if broken, could get violators kicked off buses forever.

The new policy, approved by the agency’s board of directors this week, applies to passengers who are entering or leaving a station, riding in a SamTrans, Redi-Wheels, RediCoast or Ride Plus vehicle or waiting at a SamTrans bus stop.

SamTrans’ new code of conduct bans harassment, disruptive conduct, discrimination, fare evasion, sexual harassment, physical and verbal assault, tampering with emergency exits, use of prohibited substances, blocking entries and exits , carrying and using weapons, disregarding safety instructions, and other conduct that would distract bus drivers.