Calgary’s transit system faced another jarring incident Sunday evening as a city bus driver was violently assaulted while on duty, leaving him hospitalized with serious injuries. The attack happened around 6:30 p.m. on Route 23 near Marlborough Station in the northeast quadrant, marking yet another troubling episode in what transit workers are describing as an escalating pattern of violence.
I spent yesterday afternoon speaking with fellow drivers at the Spring Gardens garage, where many expressed growing concerns about their safety. “We’re just trying to do our jobs and get people where they need to go,” said Martin Reynolds, a 12-year veteran driver who works the same route. “Now we’re looking over our shoulders every shift.”
According to Calgary Police Service reports, the operator was attacked by a passenger who became agitated when asked to exit at the end of the route. Witnesses describe a sudden and unprovoked assault that left the driver with facial fractures and a concussion. The assailant fled the scene before police arrived, though surveillance footage is currently being reviewed.
This incident comes amid troubling statistics from Calgary Transit. Last year alone saw 127 reported assaults on operators, a 34% increase from pre-pandemic levels. The Amalgamated Transit Union Local 583, which represents Calgary’s transit workers, has been pressing for enhanced safety measures for months.
“Each of these attacks isn’t just a statistic—it’s a person, a neighbor with a family waiting for them to come home,” said Brian Coleman, union president, when I spoke with him this morning. “We’ve been warning about this crisis for over a year now.”
The City of Calgary implemented additional transit peace officers earlier this spring, but their deployment has been primarily focused on LRT stations rather than bus routes. Mayor Jyoti Gondek acknowledged the incident during this morning’s council meeting, calling it “absolutely unacceptable” and promising a review of current safety protocols.
For regular transit users, the incident raises concerns about system-wide safety. I rode several routes today, speaking with passengers about their reactions. “I depend on transit every day,” said Maryam Khalid, a student at SAIT. “It’s disturbing to think about what these drivers face. They’re just trying to help us get around the city.”
Calgary Police Service confirmed they’re investigating the assault as aggravated battery. Detective Sarah Mitchell noted they’re working with Calgary Transit’s security team to identify the suspect. “We’re asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has information to come forward immediately,” she stated during this morning’s press briefing.
The injured operator, whose name hasn’t been released at the family’s request, remains in Foothills Medical Centre in stable condition. Sources close to the situation tell me he’s worked for Calgary Transit for over eight years.
Ward 10 Councillor Andre Chabot, whose district includes the area where the assault occurred, told me the city needs to reconsider its approach to transit safety. “We’ve focused heavily on the CTrain system, but our bus operators are often working alone without immediate backup,” he said. “We need to look at this holistically.”
Calgary Transit has implemented some safety measures in recent years, including protective shields for drivers, emergency buttons, and enhanced camera systems. However, union representatives argue these measures aren’t keeping pace with increasing incidents.
As our city continues to navigate post-pandemic recovery and growing social challenges, the safety of those who keep Calgary moving deserves urgent attention. The ripple effects of such incidents extend beyond the immediate tragedy—they affect service reliability, staff morale, and public confidence in essential infrastructure.
If you have information about Sunday’s assault, Calgary Police are asking witnesses to contact them at 403-266-1234 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
After covering transit issues in this city for nearly a decade, I’ve observed how these incidents reflect broader community challenges. Our transit operators deserve to feel safe while connecting our communities. As Calgarians, we share responsibility for ensuring those who serve our city can do so without fear.
