‘People are openly using drugs’: LTC rider calling for improved security on buses and in shelters

Londoners are calling on the LTC and police to address drug use and illegal activity on city buses. CTV London’s Bryan Bicknell reports.

A London, Ont. bus rider is calling for improved safety on London Transit Commission (LTC) buses.

Todd Rocheleau said a frightening experience that began at a bus shelter on Dundas Street and Clarke Road last Saturday was the last straw.

“There was a couple of men in the gas station parking lot throwing things around, yelling obscenities,” said Rocheleau.

“The driver let them onto the bus in this state. So, well aware, had a glass pipe in their hand as they entered the bus. Like, these guys couldn’t even hardly walk straight they were so under the influence, walking up and down the aisles, just creating a very dangerous environment for everybody.”

Rocheleau has launched an online petition calling for increased safety measures on LTC buses.

He wants calls to London Police for situations on LTC buses prioritized, security guards on downtown buses, and panic alarms on buses.

“When you’re standing at the bus stops, people are openly using drugs,” he said.

“London Police are driving by, not doing anything about it. On the buses, you’re getting on, drivers are allowing people to get on in a very highly intoxicated state. There are times where I’ve even been yelled and screamed at by people in this state.”

A quick check of bus shelters along one block of Dundas Street downtown revealed one drug pipe and several discarded needles at multiple stops, including one shelter in front of a high school.

Another stop had personal belongings, clothes, and blankets, indicating someone may have slept inside the shelter recently.

If there is a problem with unsavoury, unsafe, or illicit activity at bus shelters or on buses, the LTC said it hasn’t gotten any worse than it already was.

David Butler, LTC Manager of Operations Administration, said protocols are in place for dealing with situations as they occur, along with operator training.

“We don’t, in general, think that there’s been a large increase or spike sort of thing in those kind of reports in general,” said Butler.

“We don’t see a lot of reporting of actual illegal substance use on the buses. It happens rarely, but those would be investigated and handled on the road.”

London Police Acting Staff Sergeant Ozzie Nethersole said no time is wasted in dealing with situations on buses as they occur.

“We have enough foot patrol officers out right now and we are dealing with it,” said Nethersole.

“So, we pulled some officers from the road. We are staffed properly on foot patrol, and we deal with the bus operators on a daily basis to provide the service that we need to make everyone feel safe.”

But at least one worried passenger won’t feel safe until he sees changes, according to Rocheleau.

“It’s to the point now that it’s too dangerous to ride public transportation,” said Rocheleau.