CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO) –
RTA leaders met with Cleveland City Council on Wednesday to discuss the recent surge in assaults on drivers.
In the end, RTA came under attack for not having cameras working, for not prosecuting attackers and not doing enough for safety as violence against drivers has escalated.
There were nine attacks on drivers in 2011, and this year, there have been a total of 25 attacks. Council was most disturbed by the fact that none of the 25 alleged attackers have been prosecuted this year.
RTA says they are “on top of it” and says the safety committee is testing shields for drivers.
The head of the RTA Union says, “We have a problem, an epidemic” concerning attacks on drivers.
The RTA says that bus operators should not argue with customers, and only defend self when clearly in danger.
Cleveland Police are now forming a plan to have officers periodically board buses to make sure riders are in accordance with the law.
Article Courtesy of WOIO 19 Action News
