Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet File Photo

The president of Local 1722 of the Amalgamated Transit Union is pleased with security measures announced by the provincial government.

Earlier this week, the province announced funding for closed circuit security cameras on transit buses, as well as a pilot project to provide barriers for transit drivers.

Scott Lovell, attending a conference in Windsor, Ont., told Castanet News he was surprised by the speed in which the security measures are moving.

It was just a month ago that transit workers protested at the Queensway Bus Terminal, calling for safety measures after four drivers in Kelowna were assaulted in separate incidents on the same day.

While cameras are not necessarily a deterrent to transit violence, Lovell said if they are rolled out and advertised properly, they could be effective.

As for the barrier, Lovell said it's not the type he had advocated for. Lovell wanted a two-part shield with a bottom door, and a driver activated button which would raise a screen in case of a problem.

Instead, a one-piece shield will be tested. The test will include two transit buses.

"The problem I have is we're part of the community ... and, one of the best parts of the job for me, and a lot of the drivers, is to be able to connect with the public. It takes that specialness out of it," said Lovell.

"The flip side of that is, I'm their president and, I've been assaulted three times, unexpectedly. For me as a president, getting a call late at night that one of my friends has been assaulted wrecks me. I want my co-workers to go back to their families."

It's tough, said Lovell, who acknowledged it's good they are doing something.

As for deterrents, Lovell continues to advocate the use of transit cops.

"They have it on the Coast, so it wouldn't require reinventing the wheel," said Lovell, who admits some tweaking would be needed to reflect the local transit system.

"It's obviously expensive, but if you had officers that were responsible for the transit loops, or could board the bus and do random checks... If it's known that police are riding, it could be a deterrent."

Closed circuit cameras are expected to be installed on all buses soon.