Safety Brought Into Question After Several MTA Drivers Attacked

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Two MTA drivers have been attacked within a two week period.

WJZ's Tracey Leong explains what is being done to keep everyone safe.

A vicious attack on an MTA driver left her covered in blood.

"It's scary. It's a nightmare. I keep seeing her face. She had no fear in striking me behind a wheel of a bus," said Karen Alexander, MTA bus driver.

Karen Alexander tells WJZ she was assaulted April 30 by a young woman who had just boarded with her child in downtown Baltimore, upset and accusing Alexander of not picking her up earlier.

"When someone goes to work they don't plan on getting attacked," said Del. Antonio Hayes, Maryland.

Del. Hayes says the responsibility falls on MTA, and at this point, it's unclear what measures are being taken to keep everyone safe.

"Part of the problem is they haven't been transparent in what things they're doing to protect our riders and our drivers," said Hayes.

The union representing bus drivers is also concerned. Alexander is one of two drivers attacked in the last several weeks, citing an increase in violence that needs to be addressed.

The MTA tells WJZ crime has gone down because of the safety measures already in place.

"I would not say what happened over the last two occurrences is something that is systematic of the MTA," said Sandy Arnette, MTA.

The MTA has cameras recording video and audio. There is also a system to immediately stop the bus and alert police, as well as an optional protection shield for drivers.

"It would be great we could have a police officer on every bus, but that's just not realistic, it's not possible for that to happen," Arnette said. "So we have to take the steps that we can in our control."

Assaulting a bus driver is considered a felony. Violators could face up to seven years in prison.

The MTA also provides safety training and handouts for bus operators on a routine basis.