Bus and train operators told The Seattle Times this week that so many people are smoking drugs on public transit that it has created a “hazardous work environment” and discourages residents from using public transit.
Reportedly, workers for King County Metro Transit, which encompasses Seattle, filed 398 security incident reports in 2021. This is compared to 73 in 2020 and 44 in 2019. Amalgamated Transit Union Local 587, which represents 4,305 active members, said that stronger enforcement is needed, including more police surveillance and security guards with greater authority to remove people from the buses and trains.
“Besides toxic smoke, union officials said crews who maintain transit stops have been punched, spat upon and threatened,” the Times reported. “Narcotics smoking aboard transit took hold last summer, and now surpasses needles and marijuana in driver complaints. Since then, at least six operators asked to stop driving mid-shift, and 14 specifically mentioned feeling headaches, dizziness or irritated breathing.”
Sources told the Times that drug users on transit will “flick a lighter beneath a piece of aluminum foil, which heats the fentanyl, meth, heroin or mixture on top, where the smoke is sucked through a straw. Air circulation systems carry the haze forward, and some transit vehicles don’t have windows that open.”
Reportedly, narcotics smoking onboard “took hold last summer” and now surpasses marijuana complaints from drivers. At least six operators since last summer asked to stop their route mid-shift and at least 14 operators specifically mentioned feeling headaches, dizziness, or irritated breathing.