To Whom It May Concern:
I wake up this morning with a question to you, my local political representatives, that has been
seared in my mind over the past 24 hours: What would you tell my family?
Would you tell them that I was killed for one of the many reasons bus operators are assaulted?
This was about $2.70. This was about sleeping. This was about a transfer. This was about
missing a stop. This was about getting on the wrong bus. This was about a late bus.
Would you tell them that this was another case of not having enough money in the budget to
protect me? Brandon Garage and the current expansion of Fort Rouge Garage will tell them
differently. An expanding rapid transit corridor will tell them differently.
Would you tell them about the strides you have made in bus safety by having a panic button, a
911 button, or, as Mayor Bowman is very happy to promote, cameras? These are all after-thefact responses and none are a deterrent.
Would you tell them how you are adding on-street and in-car supervisors? Their scope is limited
to Graham Avenue and a very small portion of the downtown area.
Would you tell them you have trained me in defending myself in ‘the rare occurrence’ I am
attacked? Your assault prevention program consists of me sitting in my seat, back to the
window, legs extended while saying, “stop!”.
Whatever you choose to tell them, please do not tell them that you’ve done all you can. You
have not. You have said all of the things a politician needs to say to look good in the public eye
but you have not acted on keeping me safe.
This murder is not an anomaly. Violence against bus drivers is not a rare occurrence – it
happens every day. And every year the City of Winnipeg puts forth a letter of understanding
regarding Winnipeg Transit safety in our contract. A letter of understanding. To call this a slap in
every transit driver’s face would be too kind.
The media reports on the decrease in violent incidences on Winnipeg Transit as a result of a
plainclothes officer. What the media does not report is the number of assaults that take place
that go unreported for fear of reprimand. This needs to change. Policy needs to change to a
‘Driver First’ approach. I am not a punching bag, physical nor verbal. How many assaults will it
take? How many drivers off work will it take? How many murders will it take? I am in my 20’s
with my whole life still ahead of me. I love this city, my job, our riders and my colleagues. Please
do not allow Jubal’s death to happen in vain. Please act now.
Or start thinking about what you will tell my family.
Sincerely,

 A Concerned Winnipeg Transit Operator