Following the assault of a Calgary Transit operator, Councillor Raj Dhaliwal championed stronger safety measures for frontline transit staff. The new operator safety shield pilot marks an important step forward.
The safety of Calgary Transit operators must remain a priority.
Last year, following a serious assault on a Calgary Transit operator, I pushed for immediate action to strengthen protections for frontline transit staff. Our operators show up every day to serve Calgarians, and it became clear that more needed to be done to ensure their safety on the job.
In response, I brought forward a Notice of Motion calling for enhanced operator safety measures, including $15 Million to install operator safety shields, improved safety practices, stronger public awareness measures, and a broader review of operator safety across the transit system.
This week, I visited Calgary Transit to see firsthand the new operator safety shields currently being piloted on select buses. The pilot is designed to evaluate enhanced protective barriers that can help improve operator safety while maintaining visibility, accessibility, and service for riders.
Calgary Transit operators provide an essential public service. Every day, they safely transport thousands of Calgarians to work, school, medical appointments, recreational activities, and destinations across our city. They play a critical role in our transportation network and deserve a workplace that is safe, secure, and supported.
While no single measure can eliminate every risk, enhanced operator shields are an important step forward. Combined with ongoing reviews of transit safety practices, operator training, public awareness measures, and future investments in security improvements, these initiatives form part of a broader effort to create a safer transit system for both operators and customers.
I was encouraged to hear positive feedback from operators participating in the pilot and to see progress being made on an issue that many frontline staff have raised for years. Listening to operators and acting on their concerns must continue to be a priority as Calgary Transit grows and serves more customers across the city.
As discussions around future investments continue, I will remain focused on practical, results-driven measures that improve safety for frontline workers and strengthen confidence in Calgary's transit system. The people who operate our buses and trains deserve to know that their safety is valued and that every reasonable step is being taken to protect them while they do their jobs.
Protecting frontline workers is not a one-time initiative. It requires continued attention, collaboration, and investment. I will continue working with Calgary Transit, Administration, my Council colleagues, operators, and union representatives to advance measures that help ensure every transit operator can perform their duties safely and return home safely at the end of every shift.