Metro Transit Police are searching for a man seen on video assaulting the driver of a moving Metrobus in Silver Spring.
The bus operator was attacked near Colesville Road and Woodmoor Circle on Saturday, after Metro touted reductions of crime within the system.
Video obtained by News4 shows the operator being punched multiple times after telling the man the bus fare is $2.25.
Metro said the operator told the suspect he could not bring an open alcoholic beverage on board, and asked him to step behind the yellow line. Within seconds, the man is heard cursing at the bus driver and begins to slap and punch him.
The operator was treated for injuries described as non-life-threatening.
“The more I investigate the entire situation, the madder I get,” said Raymond Jackson, ATU Local 689 president.
In May, the group sent a letter to Metro General Manager Randy Clarke condemning the return of Metro’s policy that bus operators “quote the fare” to riders.
Metro leaders touted reductions in crime on Metrorail, Metrobuses and at Metro parking lots. The agency said crime data shows drops in the past 12 months.
Clarke said he understands the union’s concerns and the agency is working to ensure operators are safe.
“If you assault or do any crime against a Metro employee, that is completely unacceptable,” he said.
“I think the union has made that point clear. With that said, we’ve invested over $15 million in bus operator shields. But 450, give or take, buses are 100% enclosed. All the rest of them are about 85%, with a contract that’s already in place,” he added.
The union said they believe the “quote the fare” policy change could lead to more assaults.
“I promise you that bus operator is going to be as helpful as they can possibly be and help them with any directions they need, but we try to avoid all conversations because you don’t know what kind of day somebody is having,” Jackson said.
