Bus Drivers Caught Fighting After Highway Race, Transport Board Probes Incident

Two bus drivers have come under scrutiny after being caught on camera engaging in a physical altercation following what appeared to be a dangerous race along Philip Goldson Highway, an incident that has raised serious concerns about public safety.  The video, which has been circulating on social media, shows the drivers stopping their buses and confronting each other on the roadside, with the situation escalating into a physical fight. The incident reportedly occurred after both buses were seen speeding and competing for passengers, behavior that endangered commuters and other motorists using the busy highway.  Love News understands that the two bus companies involved are Russell’s Bus of Burrell Boom and Central Transit Bus of Ladyville.  Chief Transport Officer Leon Gentle has since addressed the incident, explaining that while the behavior captured on video is concerning, there are no immediate ramifications at this stage. Gentle said a formal investigation must first be carried out before the Transport Board can determine what disciplinary action, if any, will be taken.  Gentle noted that the investigation will examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether transport regulations were breached. He explained that only after that process is completed can the Transport Board decide if sanctions such as suspension or revocation of route permits are warranted.

Leon Gentle, Chief Transport Officer:“There were several traffic violations that were ultimately outlined as depicted in the video. There was some level of reckless driving, obstruction of traffic where the driver of one bus pulled in front of the other ultimately getting out of his bus and moving to the other bus and assaulting both the conductor and the driver. The consequences that would fall within this incident would be based on the video. We would have to get statements from both of these drivers to get an understanding of what transpired. Ultimately, there is that level of reckless driving on the part of the driver who overtook the other bus. There’s also the evidence in that video of the bus driver blocking the path which is an obstruction of traffic. And regulation 181 speaks to the conduct and behavior of bus drivers, conductors and even the passengers. And in this case, we can see where the driver of these buses were not behaving in a manner that we condone from the Department of Transport. What our powers extend to is a recommendation to the National Transport Board based on what transpired, which includes a contravention to the road service permit in the fact that the drivers and conductors should behave in a manner that is respectable and that is of of proper diligence and making sure that they operate professionally and so we would recommend to the transport board that they take action either by revoking this road service permit or suspending based on the nature of the incidents. We want to ensure that the public is aware that the Department of Transport does not condone this type of behavior, not in it’s minute cases. We are currently improving on the enforcement aspect of these matters and we’re taking these matters as quickly as possible to the board so that the board can make decisions that could either deal with the matter immediately or we’re able to find ways to address these incidences. We’ve seen where some companies, it has been brought to the attention of some companies and companies have gone to the extent of either firing the employees or suspending them for over a period of time.”

Love News understands that the bus drivers are yet to make a formal police report./