Philadelphia is advancing with plans to trial bullet-resistant glass enclosures for bus drivers, aiming to enhance safety for drivers frequently subjected to violence and harassment from passengers. This initiative follows the lead of other cities seeking to better protect their transit operators.
The material for these protective enclosures was put to the test during a demonstration in Bedminster by Custom Glass Solutions. This prototype is part of the safety measures outlined in a recent contract between the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and its largest workers’ union. SEPTA is one of the largest mass transit systems in the U.S.
Initially, eight buses will be equipped with these compartments as part of a pilot program to determine any necessary improvements and gather feedback from drivers. These buses are expected to hit the road in the upcoming weeks. According to Tony Ritchie, the business development manager at Custom Glass Solutions, each bus installation costs between $15,000 and $18,000. The demonstration was attended by several transit operators and union officials from cities including Houston and Miami.
Ritchie noted, “The entire barrier, including the glass and door, is impenetrable. We aimed to create a solution that provides ultimate protection, eliminating the need for transit authorities to repeatedly address this issue. This development is expected to save numerous lives.”
The push for these enclosures in Philadelphia partially stems from the tragic shooting of a SEPTA bus driver by a passenger in October 2023. Additionally, a series of violent incidents on the transit system last year, including a shooting that injured eight high school students waiting for a bus, further escalated safety concerns.
Philadelphia joins several major cities in the U.S. that are striving to enhance driver safety by implementing protective measures like driver cockpits or security partitions. For example, in December, the Los Angeles Metro announced that it had successfully installed shatterproof glass barriers across its fleet of over 2,000 buses.
John Samuelsen, the international president of the Transport Workers Union of America, pointed out that violence against bus drivers is an underreported issue within public transit systems across the country. He revealed that in New York City and Philadelphia, bus operators face over 20 assaults each week.
Samuelsen remarked, “Anyone doubting the necessity of these enclosures should try driving a bus in urban America.” This sentiment underscores the pressing need for such protective measures in ensuring the safety of public transit workers.
