A man in Ontario, Canada, took an articulated transit bus for a joyride late on the night of March 12, 2024, while approximately ten passengers remained onboard. The incident, which unfolded after the original bus driver stepped away for a break, concluded without injuries, thanks to the swift actions of local police.
According to Hamilton police spokesperson Trevor McKenna, the situation began when the man boarded the bus at a terminal and drove away along the established route. He made multiple stops to allow passengers to enter and exit, even refusing entry to one passenger attempting to board with an expired bus pass. “It’s comical but at the same time it’s serious. We’re thankful nobody was hurt,” McKenna stated, as reported by CBC.
The joyride took place shortly after 21:00, and passengers initially did not realize that the individual behind the wheel was not a licensed bus driver. As he began to make incorrect turns, they offered him directions to help navigate the route. Recognizing the potential dangers this situation posed, Hamilton police monitored the bus’s movements carefully, coordinating with Hamilton Street Railway to access the bus’s GPS system while keeping their sirens off to avoid alarming the suspect.
McKenna noted, “We didn’t want to spook him. We didn’t want to make this a tragedy.” After approximately 15 minutes of monitoring the bus, police successfully brought it to a halt and took the suspect into custody without incident. During this time, no passengers were harmed.
The individual, whose name has not been released, faces multiple charges, including theft and possession over $5,000, obstructing police, and driving while prohibited. He has no fixed address and is scheduled to appear in court to address these charges.
This unusual incident highlights not only the need for vigilance in public transportation systems but also the effective response of law enforcement in managing potentially hazardous situations.
