CATS driver assaulted in northwest Charlotte, police say

CHARLOTTE — A Charlotte city bus driver was hospitalized after she was attacked on the job, according to police reports.

[ALSO READ: ‘He was a good person’: Vigil held for slain CATS bus driver Ethan Rivera]

The 60-year-old Charlotte Area Transit System driver was assaulted Tuesday afternoon along Ashley Road near Freedom Drive in northwest Charlotte. She was driving the No. 8 Route.

“They have to do something better to protect their drivers,” passenger Shree Houston said.

The victim, who did not want to be identified, said a rider didn’t want to pay her fare. The assailant attacked the driver, smashing her in the face with a garbage can.

“No, I’m not surprised at all,” Houston said. “Actually, it makes me feel very concerned because I’m on there too.”

The victim was taken to the hospital and treated for minor injuries.

Passenger Stephanie Morrison believes that drivers deserve respect.

“It shouldn’t happen, because without our bus transportation, we can’t get to work,” Morrison said.

“The suspect has been identified and issued a citation and a court date,” CATS officials said in a statement.

The victim and the assailant did not know each other, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said.

This incident is still under investigation, CATS said.

Safety for bus drivers has been heavily discussed recently after a driver was killed during a road rage incident.

Ethan Rivera was shot and killed during a road rage incident on Feb. 11 while driving a CATS bus in uptown.

Police said Rivera and Darian Tavvychith got into an argument before the deadly encounter.

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Tavvychith was charged with murder.

In the aftermath, Rivera’s co-workers have called for more safety.

(Watch the video below: CATS continues to ensure public transportation is safe for passengers)

CATS continues to ensure public transportation is safe for passengers

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