Dozens of current and former GoRaleigh employees and union representatives used public comment to press the Raleigh City Council and transit management to improve safety, security and workplace conduct for bus operators and other transit staff.

Speakers — including bus operators, trainers and a local union official — described repeated assaults, broken vehicle windows, threats to personal safety, unaddressed property damage and what they called inconsistent responses from management. Several speakers urged more robust on‑site security, counseling after traumatic incidents and fair investigations when operators defend themselves.

"Operators deserve to know that when they are assaulted, their agency and their city will stand behind them, not turn against them," said Natalie Brown, who identified herself as a GoRaleigh bus operator. She asked the city for "clear, consistent policies that... protect employees from retaliation when reporting harassment, ensure accountability and professional conduct for management, [and] establish stronger coordination with law enforcement."

Several operators described episodes of vandalism and assault and said employees were required to file their own insurance claims for damage. "Last week, we had an incident happening at work at nighttime... some of my fellow coworkers, they got off work, and their windows smashed out," said Jeffrey Hooks, a bus operator and trainer. He said drivers had to pay or file personal claims to repair damage.

Union representatives and a long‑time transit worker emphasized a need for accountable security and a change in investigatory practices. "We need fair investigations when operators defend themselves and the end to lowest‑bid contracts that cut safety and benefits to save a dime," said Clifton Hill, financial secretary for ATU Local 1328's regional chapter (public comment identified him as representing the union). Hill called for a dedicated transit police unit that would build relationships with operators rather than relying on contract security.

Multiple speakers said facility security at GoRaleigh stations and garages is inadequate. "Every corner of GoRaleigh Station have feces, urine all over the place," said Michael General, a GoRaleigh operator, describing conditions at downtown transit hubs. Several operators said supervisors responding to incidents were sometimes alone and that off‑site employee assistance (EAP) services are not sufficient for traumatic events such as a recently‑reported stabbing of an operator.

Speakers asked the council for immediate steps including better on‑site security, stronger coordination with Raleigh police, clear policies on incident response and compensation for equipment damage, plus protections against retaliation for employees who report harassment or defend themselves while working.

The council did not take formal action during the public‑comment period in the transcript. Commenters urged the mayor and council to investigate and to direct transit management to provide written responses and timelines for changes. Several asked that the city include operators and union representatives in any safety planning.