A recent incident on a Las Vegas public bus has sparked renewed concerns about passenger safety. A man was filmed wielding a knife and subsequently stabbing another passenger 27 times. The victim, who miraculously survived, has filed a lawsuit against the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) for failing to provide adequate security. This incident has led to increased scrutiny of the safety measures in place on the city’s bus system.
Two years ago, a similar violent incident on the same transit system resulted in a death, raising questions about the effectiveness of RTC’s safety protocols. The bus driver’s slow response in the earlier incident, which took four minutes to stop and let passengers off, caused significant worry among both passengers and drivers. Many have expressed growing fear for their safety while using public transportation.
The attorney representing the recent victim, Joseph Lopez, argues that safety has been a long-standing issue on RTC buses. The lawsuit highlights the urgent need for visible security measures, such as onboard guards, especially on busy routes. On the night of the attack, video footage showed the attacker, Devenski Tongue, openly carrying a knife for several minutes before the stabbing took place.
In response to these security issues, RTC has taken measures to enhance safety. The agency has changed security vendors and now employs over 300 armed officers to patrol the buses, a move that cost $23 million. Additionally, RTC is exploring innovative solutions, such as using artificial intelligence to detect weapons before passengers board.
Tom Atterbury, RTC’s Senior Director of Safety and Security, acknowledges past shortcomings but emphasizes that significant improvements have been made. Incidents involving passengers have reportedly decreased by over 40% from 2023 to 2024. Atterbury attributes these improvements to enhanced security measures and stricter enforcement against fare evaders, which he believes has contributed to the decline in incidents.
Despite these advancements, some bus drivers continue to express concerns for their safety. They advocate for more armed security presence and are hopeful that new technologies will further enhance safety. The trial for the accused attacker, Tongue, is scheduled for this summer, with bail previously set at a million dollars.
As the debate over transit safety continues, Nevada lawmakers in Carson City are considering Assembly Bill 361. This proposal would require physical barriers to protect drivers and panic buttons on all transit vehicles requiring a commercial driver’s license. While RTC has already implemented some of these measures, the ongoing discussions highlight the critical need for comprehensive safety strategies on public transportation.