OC Transpo moves ahead with permanent driver shields on buses

Photo: One of OC Transpo’s new operator barriers. Via Allan Hubley on Twitter.

OC Transpo has made the move to permanently install protective barriers for drivers across its entire bus fleet.

The barriers have been installed on 12 buses since 2019 as part of a test. The idea started out as a means to protect drivers from abusive passengers, some of whom have assaulted drivers. Since the barriers also help to reduce contact between drivers and the public, they also double as a COVID-19 protection.

Installation will begin at the end of April and continue into August. There will be 95 buses that will not get the new shields, because they are old and due to be retired from service within the next year, OC Transpo said in a release.