an offender using violence against a paramedic or a police officer. We all serve the public. Our service is different in form – but we all serve a public need. We are all out there facing the public every moment of every work day, in an isolated environment. There is no hiding place. Public transportation brings a diverse group of people together and we are all required to trust each other in order to get from point ‘A’ to point ‘B’ in a timely, efficient, and safe manner. It really is a level of strategic honour; an honour system of sorts that we rely on each other to do the right thing – whether it is to pay the fare, sit safely next to a stranger, be safely and efficiently driven, or, as the driver, be a person who is valued and respected by the passengers. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
wishes to keep our buses peaceful. In regards to the payment of fare – what should be done? Could the whole process be automated so that the driver is taken out of the equation? As we know – not everyone thinks objectively. And when a skewed thinker who is distraught about the loss of a bag of clothes can escalate into a rage so out of control that he severely beats up a soft-spoken driver without hesitation – it is evident that drivers are incredibly vulnerable. The driver encounters a threat the moment a demand from an individual
So in your travels throughout the day, as you see buses coming and going, you may notice that some display the ‘C-314’ on their illuminators. Or you may notice a driver wearing the ‘C-314’ wristband. Understand that this is an important milestone in the safety of your community bus driver and by extension – your safety too. Support Tom, and help us by voicing your concerns to parliament. Visit www.gopetition.com/online/33165.html to sign the petition for Bill C-314. We drivers need your support and we appreciate your assistance. Due to the description given by the news media of the driver that was assaulted, many people thought it was Joe. That day, Joe’s kids also phoned in fear that it was their Dad. In the next days and week that followed, many of Joe’s regular passengers were surprised, relieved, and over-joyed to see Joe driving. Their eyes watered, “I thought it was you!” “I’m so glad to see you!” It was nice to see the care and it showed us how important we drivers are to you; to be a part of your on-going life even in the minor day to day activity of using public transportation. At this time I would like to thank the passengers on board Tom’s bus who called for help and who came to Tom’s assistance. We are so grateful for your speediness and attentiveness. And thank-you to the kind young man who put coins in the fare-box for the distraught man prior to his offense towards Tom. Your action speaks loud of the genuine
who wants a free ride is made. Somehow it is their idea that it is owed to them and the driver is just in the way. Removing the driver from the ‘fare’ equation would also remove the threat. Perhaps this is another line of defence we could explore. Tom, many people have expressed their compassion and sentiments of care for you. Everywhere we go – whether driving the bus, shopping, eating out or going about our business – people offer their condolences, and wish the very best for your recovery. Even though we cannot be in your shoes, and know how it really is for you, we have all grieved your circumstance, and are with you in spirit, comradeship, and in brethren.
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