'Acts of aggression' increase on Saskatoon Transit, violence against drivers drops

Mike Moellenbeck, director of Saskatoon Transit, said "acts of aggression" can be classified as an intent to do harm, but physical violence hasn't happened.

Saskatoon Transit is reporting an increase in passenger aggression.

Mike Moellenbeck, director of Saskatoon Transit, said "acts of aggression" can be classified as an intent to do harm, but physical violence hasn't happened.

"Types of incidents where windows are being banged by an individual, or a barrier is being hit," Moellenbeck said.

While passenger-on-passenger incidents have increased, Moellenbeck said violence against bus drivers has dropped.

"Largely due to the barriers that are installed," he said.

The information about bus violence was revealed during budget deliberations, when the mayor asked for an update on the new support officers, hired by the fire department, to focus on Saskatoon Transit safety.

The support officers were hired in July. Their goal is to keep the peace and connect vulnerable people with social services they may need.