In a terrifying incident that highlights the growing concern over safety in public transport, a 21-year-old male passenger was stabbed during an attempted robbery on a Winnipeg city bus near the bustling junction of Portage Avenue and Main Street on Wednesday night. The attack, which happened around 8:30 p.m., has rattled the community and raised alarms among transit workers.

The victim suffered severe upper-body injuries but was fortunate to receive prompt medical attention. Officers arrived at the scene quickly and applied a chest seal before paramedics transported him to the hospital. Initially listed in unstable condition, he was later upgraded to stable as he continues to receive treatment.

According to the Winnipeg Transit drivers' union, a staggering 44 employees are currently on psychological leave due to rising violence and assaults over the last year. Chris Scott, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1505, expressed deep concerns about the mental health of bus operators, many of whom have suffered significant psychological injuries from violent incidents. "These operators don’t want to be off of work; they can't go to work because of what they’ve been through," he said.

The city's public transit system has reported an alarming increase in violent incidents, particularly in February, when a record 24 safety incidents were logged—the highest in any month since tracking began in 2020. Though there was a slight decline in overall incidents this year, the assaults have become increasingly violent, which has left operators fearful for their safety while on the job.

Despite the city’s investment of $9.6 million into transit safety initiatives from 2017 to 2022 and the launch of a new community safety team expected to cost $3 million annually by 2027, the union insists that these measures are insufficient. Scott criticized the current safety efforts and called for more robust solutions, including the establishment of a dedicated transit police department like those seen in Vancouver and various U.S. cities, which would focus specifically on ensuring safety within the public transit system.

In the wake of this latest violence, city officials have reiterated their commitment to creating a safer transit environment for both passengers and workers. The spokesperson for Winnipeg Transit stated, "We are always exploring new options when it comes to the safety of our bus operators and passengers."

As the city grapples with escalating violence on its transit system, the union and the community are left wondering: will more drastic measures be taken to ensure the safety of those who rely on public transportation? This incident is a call to action that cannot be ignored – the safety of Winnipeg’s public transport users and workers must be prioritized immediately!