MCTS bus drivers hold rally pushing for safety

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MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee County Transit System drivers rallied on Thursday for safety.

They say they're working in dangerous conditions and want to feel safe going to work.

The first of two safety and security rallies was held at the Kinnickinnick bus station. Drivers and community leaders met to share their stories and ask for security.

In May, one driver was stabbed after a woman refused to pay her fair. It was one of several attacks on buses recently.

"The drivers and the passengers don't feel safe anymore," MCTS bus driver Richard Olson said. "Times have changed, we need security."

MCTS bus drivers are in the middle of contract negotiations. They say they've been without a contract for more than 15 months. The union leader has previously suggested arming bus drivers with mace or a taser.

"Not enough is being done to keep things safe and so we really want to make that point and make sure when we head into contract negotiations, that it becomes an important part of those negotiations," Former MCTS bus driver and rally organizer Bruce Colburn said. 

MCTS says safety is a shared goal and they have negotiation meetings scheduled with the union next week. 

"I think what we're looking for next week is for ATU to bring an actual, formal proposal to the table with anything that they're looking at that they want us to consider," MCTS marketing and communications director Kristina Hoffman said.

The second rally was scheduled for Thursday afternoon at the Fond du Lac bus station.

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