A BC Transit user is warning the public after finding a pair of needles on the #50 Goldstream bus.

This incident comes weeks after an alarming discovery of a needle taped to a downtown Victoria parkade handrail.

Tanya Bennett posted on Facebook Monday evening: “Heads up bus riders!! Look what I found on the 50 Goldstream heading downtown! Back of the bus, soo scary!!”

Concerned Commenters

With over 1000 shares, the post generated a huge outpouring of comments, with many expressing their disgust.

One commenter wrote: “This happened on the 50 a couple months back. I was on the bus when driver did a check at last stop. He made everyone get off, and called the depot. We had to wait for the next bus. So, this is not the first time.”

Another commenter wrote the following: “I’ve was on the 50 a few years ago and recall getting a bunch of needles on one seat near the back. A guy actually almost sat on them all and told the bus driver, the bus driver stopped and got a garbage bucket and just turned it upside down and covered them up and continued on his way.. I assume he dealt with the manner better when he finished his route but it was an uneasy feeling sitting there knowing there was a handful on needles there…”

UPDATE – BC Transit issued the following statement:

We are aware of the photo on Facebook. Our transit supervisor safely disposed of the needle 10 minutes after being notified by the Transit Operator.

BC Transit’s top priority is safety, and any safety related comments should be brought to the attention of the driver immediately. If a customer notices debris, damage, or graffiti on a bus please notify the driver immediately and do not touch it. Our drivers are expected to perform a search of the bus at the end of their route to check for people left on the bus and cleanliness. BC Transit occasionally finds debris, including sharp objects such as needles, on the bus and will dispose of the items properly. The protocol includes wearing proper protective clothing and disposing of sharp items in appropriate bins. Transit supervisors carry sharps bins, the same as you would see at an airport or various community centres.

The buses are cleaned daily, and we ask that customers support us by taking all of their possessions with them.