By Hadassa Kalatizadeh

The Metropolitan Transit Authority has been up against angry riders refusing to done face coverings, and attacking transit workers.  As reported by the NY Post, between April 15 and June 30, transit workers faced 515 attacks, as per MTA data.  Last year, during the same time frame, there were 507 attacks.   However, that one percent jump comes in spite massive ridership drops of close to 80 percent on subways and 50 percent on buses during the pandemic.  The MTA said that more than a fifth of the recent transit attacks came in response to social distancing requests or the requirement to wear masks.   Further, all but two of those attacks occurred on buses.

“It’s getting to be too much,” said Brooklyn driver Milton Goodman, 65, who had several experiences with mask-resistant trouble makers in a 24-hour hour period.  Last week, on Monday afternoon, Goodman said he asked a “big white guy” to put on a mask.  In response, he was told “to shut up and drive the bus, n—a,” Goodman recalls. Early the next morning, he had a second incident where he called the police to remove another rider who verbally threatened him after being asked to wear a mask.  “I was so mad I was crying. I have underlying health conditions. I don’t think I should be moving you around without a mask,” Goodman said of the first incident.  “I didn’t keep my cool. I got in his face and told him to say it again — which he didn’t.”

As per the Post, another bus driver, who wished to remain anonymous, said he has also been attacked.  He says he tries to mind his own business, and doesn’t like telling riders what to do.  “My job is to drive that bus safe, and to go to work and get back home to my family safe,” he said.  “I am not MTA police. Who am I to get up and tell people, ‘There’s too much people on the bus, y’all need to leave’? All I’m going to hear is ‘drive the damn bus.’”

Since the pandemic began, over 130 transit workers died from the coronavirus.  The attacks are increasing the pressure workers face.  “Bus operators are frontline workers, with the COVID-19 pandemic their jobs are even more dangerous,” said J.P. Patafio, who represents Brooklyn bus drivers for TWU Local 100.  “Wearing a mask is mandatory on buses, asking to do so shouldn’t be a reason to get assaulted.”

A recent survey by Local 100 revealed that mask compliance is as low as 35 to 40 percent on certain routes, union president Tony Utano said.  Local 100 has requested that the city and MTA officials get the police to enforce COVID-19 guidelines on buses.  “Bus operators should not engage riders without masks, but there should be some enforcement. It makes zero sense to have a rule but not enforce it,” Utano said in a statement.

Interim Transit President Sarah Feinberg said masks are available at subway station kiosks. “Bus operators are responsible for safely and efficiently operating and maneuvering a bus through the city. They should not have to enforce the law as well.”