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Riders and a bus operator tell CapMetro board of denied service, safety fears and poor working conditions
Summary
Several public commenters told the Capital Metro board on June 23 that riders have been denied service, drivers misapply the agency's code of conduct, and operators face difficult working conditions; the board was urged to clarify rules and provide better rest facilities for drivers.
Several public commenters used the CapMetro board's public‑comment period on June 23 to press the agency on service denials, driver conduct and operator working conditions.
Carlos Leon said some drivers are “still passing me up,” which he called unlawful and discriminatory, and he urged the agency to clarify its code of conduct after being denied boarding despite guidance from senior public‑safety staff. Leon said signage and policy language that suggest “1 fare, 1 seat” are being read by some employees as an enforceable rule and that the agency should correct that understanding. He also pointed to safety risks and operational fixes, urging reinstalling rapid‑bus digital signage and adding monthly fare capping without online registration.
“Some drivers and supervisors misinterpret the expectation as an enforceable rule,” Leon told the board, and he urged consistency so passengers with multiple bags are not refused service.
Another commenter, Teneal Adams, identified to the board as a CapMetro bus operator, thanked the agency for police presence but urged the board to allow union and management negotiations to continue without swapping service contractors mid‑negotiation. She also asked the board to consider spending $5,000 per location for recliners so drivers can rest during long shifts, saying many operators work 16–17 hour days.
Lynette Johnson, a paratransit rider, described repeated scheduling problems and an instance she said left her traveling across Austin and missing appointments; she said she has video and the bus number and asked staff to follow up.
Acting Board Secretary Becky Ross said staff would follow up on the complaints, and staff offered to meet commenters after the meeting to gather details.
The public‑comment block concluded without board votes; the complaints and requests were left to staff follow‑up.
