Los Angeles Metro bus drivers staged an unofficial “sick-in” strike on Friday to protest poor safety conditions on public transit as assaults from unruly passengers continue. Weekday ridership on LA Metro buses and trains is currently at only 80% of pre-pandemic levels, even as service expansions and frequency improvements are being made. At the same time, car registrations in LA County remain steady, suggesting former transit riders with access to vehicles are opting to drive instead. In this article we talk about Los Angeles Bus Drivers Take Stand? Unofficial Strike Amid Safety Concerns.
LA Metro’s Budget Surge
LA Metro’s annual budget has grown significantly, from $6.6 billion in 2019 to a proposed $9.1 billion in 2024. Accounting for inflation, this represents a real 12% increase aimed largely at expanding rail and bus service coverage and running more frequent trains and buses during peak hours. However, despite major investments to upgrade transit service quantity and quality, ridership is struggling to rebound as safety issues persist.
Since bus drivers are represented by a union, the sick-in was not an officially sanctioned action. It came after LA Metro agreed in late April to install protective driver barriers on buses to shield operators following violent attacks. Just days later, a disturbing video went viral showing a transient passenger brutally beating a bus driver after refusing to pay fare. The incident highlighted the mounting dangers transit workers face amid rising disorder.
According to former federal prosecutor Nathan Hochman, who is running for LA District Attorney against incumbent George Gascón, the violence stems from a lack of criminal accountability.
“While protective barriers may help deter attacks, the real issue is the surge in property and violent crime in Los Angeles County over the past four years,” Hochman told The Center Square. “George Gascon refuses to prosecute many crimes, and criminals know there won’t be consequences.”
Impact of Pandemic Policies on LA Metro
When LA Metro suspended fare enforcement during the pandemic, buses and trains became de-facto shelters for the county’s homeless and mentally ill residents, limiting ridership growth of a transit system representing billions in public infrastructure investment. With the 2028 LA Olympics around the corner, addressing crime and safety issues plaguing Metro will only become more urgent. I sincerely hope you find this “Los Angeles Bus Drivers Take Stand? Unofficial Strike Amid Safety Concerns” article helpful.
Ruby Arora is the lead writer at LosAngelesDailyNews.net, where she brings her extensive expertise in journalism and communications to cover Los Angeles’ vibrant culture and breaking news. Ruby holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and has a track record of delivering insightful and accurate stories. Connect with her on Instagram and YouTube for more updates and behind-the-scenes content.
