Editor’s Notebook: Drug Use is One Element that Doesn’t Belong on Transit

Over the past few months, my inbox has received an increasing number of local news stories regarding open drug use on public transit vehicles and property. Headlines asked if buses were becoming the new drug dens and called one transit hub a “lawless hellhole,” a bit salacious, but effective in drawing attention. These stories have been arriving from major urban areas and from across North America. As with homelessness, mental health and human trafficking – many of which have strong links to drug use – another one of society’s big, menacing challenges is being spotlighted in the transit industry with the looming question of ‘what can be done?’.

The safety concerns directly impact both customers and operators. For customers who may be coming back to hybrid work schedules, trying to save money or make a more climate friendly choice by taking transit, the real or perceived threat of witnessing drug use is enough to tarnish the value a transit system brings to a community. And for transit-dependent customers, is this the travel environment they deserve? As systems work to increase access to marginalized communities, there shouldn’t be an asterisk associated with this access, especially when it comes to a feeling of personal safety.

Transit operators, many of whom have worked through the pandemic and are the main interface point between riders and the system, have their own set of safety concerns. The industry is aware of raising assaults on operators over simple things such as paying a fare but add in a variable such as drug use and the situation has greater potential to become volatile. These situations also add a new layer to the recruitment challenges faced by the industry.

And finally, there is a dis-service to those gripped by addiction, as well. This industry believes transit is an environment for all, and the access provided is meant to connect people to what is needed by way of jobs, education, time with friends and family and much more. If this environment allows a harmful cycle to perpetuate – however unintentional it may be – an obligation exists to change the environment.

Solutions will need to be varied and will require support and partnerships from municipal and state leaders. The industry will need the services of trained social workers, addiction experts, as well as intervention from law enforcement. It bears mentioning that on this last element, there seems to be recognition within the industry that this isn’t a problem that will be solved with a certain number of arrests. The suite of solutions will also need to empower both riders and operators. This could be through anonymous reporting platforms or a dedicated social media account, if it is monitored and there is a clear path of action for when a report arrives.

The industry needs to find a way to enhance personal safety if it is to reach its full potential post-pandemic and deliver on its goals to better connect people to where they want to go.