Detroit bus drivers will return to work Monday morning after reaching an agreement with the city.
A memorandum of understanding calls for more support from Detroit police and de-escalation training for bus drivers.
On Friday, the union said drivers face mistreatment and threats from riders. In response, the Detroit Department of Transportation stated there'll be a minimum of 500 bus boardings from law enforcement each week. This means an officer from Detroit police or DDOT transit police will get on a bus and ride it.
The number of bus boardings from law enforcement will be reported at DDOT's monthly safety meeting.
The memorandum also gives drivers the right to legally defend themselves against a violent rider.
"Coach Operators may defend themselves against threats of violence presented from customers, to the extent allowed by law, and they will not be subject to discipline for doing so," the memorandum states.
A DDOT driver was fired for acting in self-defense when a passenger became violent about wearing a mask. On Thursday, the driver was suspended for 29 days and is currently in due process. Mayor Mike Duggan said in a press conference on Saturday that DDOT's actions with the driver were appropriate.
By Dec.1, there'll be guidelines for drivers giving legally acceptable self-defense actions.
Another promise to drivers is the installation of temporary barriers with signage saying "restricted area," by Nov. 1. According to the memorandum, these barriers will prevent people from getting within 12 feet of the driver's seat.
These barriers will be temporary until DDOT can put permanent barrier doors into each bus by Dec. 31.
DDOT will give boxes of masks to drivers as well. These masks are meant for riders who don't have one upon entering the bus. There'll be two boxes; one in the front and one in the back of the bus.
DDOT states in the memorandum it'll investigate all incidents of violence against bus drivers and all information will be turned over to proper law enforcement.
The Detroit Police Department and DDOT will broadcast bus rules on radio, social media and TV for the next 90 days. For drivers who've experienced an incident causing emotional trauma, DDOT is further offering no-cost employee assistance counseling.
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The Link LonkOctober 05, 2020 at 05:07AM
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DDOT bus drivers to return to work Monday after agreement with city - Detroit Free Press
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