I work for a transit agency in a large metro area, and the whole “deescalation” training is a complete joke. It does absolutely nothing when you’re dealing with someone doped out on drugs. What we need is a firearm to deal with these people. If that isn’t enough, most metropolitan transit agencies no longer offer a pension. Instead, they offer employees a 401(k) savings plan, which does very little if you want to save aggressively for retirement. I’ve checked out transit agencies outside of my area, and most only offer a 401(k), which is completely insufficient. A legitimate *pension* is what’s needed in order to attract new drivers.
That's happening to transit systems all over North America. The COVID shutdown showed a lot of overworked people the could live with less but enjoy life more. Why work two jobs, suck up all the overtime you can, just so you can spend 2 weeks on a stay-cation at home; When you can work your 40, and go home every night to a quiet night with your family. And still have energy for the weekend.
We have a lot of those where I live. Ironically, they seem to favor setting up shop in predominantly Jewish neighborhoods. Nothing could be happening with that, right?
I would LOVE to drive a bus, if it weren't for the troublemakers. I know the twin cities very well, I have a class B permit, with airbrakes. But the horror stories of dealing with problems/drugs/thugs is keeping me away
