After Rise in Metro Transit Driver Attacks, Panel will Review Procedures

MADISON, Wis. (WMDX) – A rise in attacks on Metro Transit bus drivers has prompted a review from the city.

According to the Teamsters, four drivers have been attacked in just the last five weeks. That includes the incident at the end of February, where the assault caused the driver to lose control, and the bus crashed into a restaurant. The woman police said is responsible was later arrested and charged. 

The most recent attack happened Sunday night on East Washington Avenue, on the Northeast side of the city. Madison Police said when they got there, they found a man who fit the description of the attacker. He then requested to go to the hospital. Police referred him to the Dane County District Attorney’s office on charges of battery and disorderly conduct.

Metro Transit leaders will now start looking at their policies and procedures to keep it from happening again. They’re putting together a review board which will include drivers, supervisors, and union representatives. They’ll go through these recent attacks on drivers, and figure out how to prevent them in the future. Then, they’ll share their findings with drivers, and add more safety training. 

The Teamsters union represents Metro Transit drivers and staff. They held a press conference Friday pushing for more protection. 

Madison Transit employees have been working on an expired contract since January 1. The union is in negotiations with the city.