Official Statement by Montgomery County Department of Transportation Director Chris Conklin on Recent Physical Altercation Involving a Bus Operator
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, February 4, 2025
I want to address a recent incident involving one of our bus operators. On Monday evening, Feb. 3, around 5:30 p.m. at the Friendship Heights Metro Station, a verbal altercation between a County bus operator and a passenger led to the bus operator becoming physically violent with the passenger. While both individuals engaged in a verbal argument, that does not justify or excuse the actions of the bus operator who failed to follow training and established procedures for handling such situations.
Our bus operators are dedicated members of our community, typically upholding the high standards for customer care and service in what can sometimes be challenging circumstances. The behavior of the bus operator in this incident was unacceptable and violates our standards and values. As such, the bus operator has been removed from service, placed on unpaid leave, and we intend to dismiss him from County employment pending completion of the due process called for in County regulations.
We have been informed that the incident is under active investigation by the police, and we are fully cooperating with law enforcement. I offer my apologies to all the passengers affected by this altercation.
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Release ID: 25-018
Media Contact: Emily DeTitta 240-372-2282
For updates and link to press release, see here: http://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=46525