Winnipeg’s transit union hopes undercover police officers will soon ride buses to deter attacks on drivers, a tactic it says has dramatically cut crime in other transit systems.

Amalgamated Transit Union local 1505 president John Callahan hopes a local effort could be modelled after a successful one in New York City.

NYC police have had a dedicated transit department for decades and subways, for example, have become much safer, according to New York Police Department statistics. The NYPD says 17,500 felonies were reported on subways in 1990, which plummeted to 2,607 in 2013.

Callahan believes the very fact police could be present on Winnipeg buses would reduce the risk of driver assaults.

“You could have the idea that there might be an officer on the bus at any time. That person sitting next to you could be a cop, you don’t know,” he said.

In 2015 so far, 45 assaults on Winnipeg bus drivers have taken place, up from 39 throughout 2014, said Callahan.

Callahan said bus cops could also produce revenue by nabbing and fining distracted drivers.

“The vantage point from a bus is awesome. You can see everyone in their cars and what they’re up to,” said Callahan.

The union argues driver training, bus cameras and transit safety inspectors simply haven’t been enough to prevent attacks, such as one where a bus driver was recently threatened with a knife while driving.

“There’s no training a transit operator could have or should have to deal with that kind of incident,” said Callahan.

Winnipeg Police Service Chief Devon Clunis said he’s open to the idea — if the police service can afford it.

“Let’s get a report, let’s look at the costs,” said Clunis. “It’s a matter of finding those resources to accomplish that.”

Former New York City Coun. Sal Albanese said NYC has honed the practice over decades on subways and buses, rotating officers among the highest crime areas.

“Certain transit lines were really dangerous,” said Albanese. “We developed a police component in the city that just focused on transit and they helped to bring down crime on buses.”

Albanese has offered to consult with Winnipeg should it pursue adding transit cops.

The idea will be reviewed by the Winnipeg Police Board’s strategic planning committee. That committee could ask the WPS to report back on how it could be implemented.

joyanne.pursaga@sunmedia.ca

Twitter: @pursagawpgsun