Big Bus Driver Is Watching

Metro bus passengers who feel that they’re being watched are probably correct. Many riders have been watched and videotaped — and it has nothing to do with being the hottest person on bus No. 51.

The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority has been installing video cameras on some buses since 2002. But last summer, the ATA rolled out the largest number of bugged buses yet when it released its new MAX fleet. Each one of ’em included cameras capable of recording every time you passed out on the way home from Harry’s.

The cameras cost a hefty six grand each; with more than 100 buses wired for video, the ATA has shelled out a cool $600,000 to record its customers.

But don’t be embarrassed if you’ve picked your nose in transit. The tapes are reviewed only in legal matters and are recorded over every few days, says Cindy Baker, the ATA’s marketing director.

The ATA has picked up some memorable scenes on the cameras. Baker says the ATA doesn’t keep any best-of tapes, but she agreed to recount some highlights for the Pitch.

Claim: A rider complains to the Kansas City Police Department that an off-duty sheriff robbed him while kicking him off the Troost line bus.

Camera shows: The passenger acts unruly and is arrested for filing a false report. No money changes hands.

Claim: A woman complains to the ATA that an operator spit in her face and called her the N-word.

Camera shows: The passenger does not have the proper fare, but the operator allows her to ride anyway. The passenger takes offense and threatens to slap the driver.

Claim: Bus operators believe that someone has been stealing passes from buses.

Camera shows: A passenger waits until the driver steps off for a pee break and then steals 15 to 20 passes before the operator returns. He’s arrested for theft.

Claim: A passenger calls police, claiming an operator has threatened him with a weapon.

Camera shows: Upset that he can’t get a reduced fare, the passenger comes at the driver, who unbuckles her seat belt and prepares to defend herself. Confronted with the videotaped evidence, the passenger dismisses his complaint.

Claim: Passengers claim to be hurt during a bus accident.

Camera shows: After the fender bender, the passengers high-five each other, apparently in celebration of their newfound lawsuit.