The inquest into the 2019 Westboro station bus crash, which resulted in three deaths, has revealed concerns regarding the experience level of the OC Transpo driver involved in the collision. Lisa Venier, an official with Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation, testified that Aissatou Diallo, the driver, should likely not have been operating a double-decker bus due to her limited experience, having only 55 hours behind the wheel of such vehicles at the time.
Venier criticized the practice of allowing drivers to choose their assigned buses based on seniority, suggesting that skill and safety should be prioritized when assigning vehicles. Diallo, who had been with OC Transpo for just six months, had also been involved in a previous collision a month before the fatal crash.
The crash occurred on January 11, 2019, when a double-decker bus with 85 passengers crashed into the steel overhang of the Westboro Transitway bus shelter, killing three passengers—Judy Booth, Bruce Thomlinson, and Anja Van Beek. Diallo was later acquitted of dangerous driving charges, but the incident has sparked ongoing discussions about bus driver qualifications and safety measures.
Venier expressed concerns over Diallo’s readiness to operate such a large, heavy vehicle, especially after the previous crash and her brief experience. She suggested that new drivers should be gradually exposed to smaller, less complex buses before being assigned to double-deckers.
The inquest continues with further testimony expected, including from Diallo, although she has yet to respond to a summons.
Source: Swifteradio.com
