Metro Transit said it will “get to the bottom” of allegations that a bus driver harassed a Muslim couple last week.
The Islamic Association of Nova Scotia was among the voices calling for a public apology after the driver allegedly refused to let the couple on the bus because the woman was wearing a head scarf.
Eyewitness Sarah Wilbur told CBC Radio the couple tried to board the number 17 bus on Tuesday morning at the corner of Jubilee and Robie Street. But the driver allegedly refused to let them on and began yelling at the couple because only the woman’s eyes were visible through the headdress.
“The bus driver was standing up, raising his voice,” Wilbur told CBC. “He was saying, ‘I’m not letting you on this bus. That’s the law, that’s the law,’ he kept repeating.”
After about 10 minutes Wilbur said the driver agreed to call Metro Transit for advice and then allowed the couple on board as he continued his route.
On Friday Metro Transit released a statement that avoided any details of what happened, but said they were looking into it.
“As you are aware, there has been an allegation made against a Metro Transit bus driver. We take these allegations very seriously. The kind of behaviour reported is not and will not be tolerated,” said Metro Transit General Manager Patricia Soanes.
Soanes said Metro Transit is doing an internal investigation and is conducting interviews with the driver and eyewitnesses. She also stressed that Metro Transit believes in fostering diversity.
“If this situation has been described accurately – then it is most regrettable and we will get to the bottom of it,” said Soanes.
“Appropriate action will be taken. In our organization, we hold people accountable for their behaviours.”
