04-05-2017, 06:33 PM
(04-05-2017, 05:45 PM)yige_t Wrote:(04-05-2017, 05:13 PM)MidTowner Wrote: Since it's a "pilot," I can't do anything but agree with you that putting this thing on trial and seeing what the impacts are is the correct route. Introducing something as drastic as a plexiglass shield separating drivers from their clients without even consulting the clients wouldn't be. But I'm assuming that there will be an opportunity to voice concerns about the shields before they're adopted wholesale, if there are any concerns.
Why should riders be consulted about this? This is about the safety of drivers.
Verbal assaults and spitting on drivers is real. It does happen in this Region, and they should be treated as seriously as the more aggressive behaviours. And I can imagine drivers feeling especially vulnerable during the last bargaining process + constant strike threats... Anything to make their job comfortable.
I don't see how passengers can be negatively affected by this at all. A driver's job is to drive a bus, not chatting with passengers. It's not like you can't ask drivers questions anymore (while bus is stopped) - they can still hear you over the plexiglass...
And besides, nobody should be talking while the bus is moving anyways, it's distracting.
Passengers (and even the region as a whole) are affected by the appearance of unfriendliness and of danger.
That being said, it disgusts me that such things could even be necessary. Who spits on a driver?! Why don't these people end charged with assault?