Bus drivers in BC thank you for creating safe spaces on winter routes

A BC bus driver’s caring for his passengers has gone viral online after a short video of his impassioned speech was posted on social media.

The video, posted on TikTok, was shot by passengers on the Ebus route from Kelowna to Merritt on Tuesday night.

Traveling on the Inland Highway during the winter months can be difficult, especially at the Okanagan Connector, with regular weather warnings due to heavy snowfall.

“It’s bad weather,” the bus driver can be heard telling passengers.

“It’s winter. I don’t care how long it takes to get there. All I care about is your safety. That’s it.”

“So if we have to go 30 km/h to get to Merritt and it takes us five hours to get there, that’s what we do.

“Because I’m not going to risk your life.”

By car, the 125 km journey between Kelowna and Merritt takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

By Bus, Ebus estimated journey times range from 2:05 (airport) to 1:10 (West Kelowna), depending on destination in the Kelowna area.

trendy now

• Top of the class: Here are Canada’s most popular baby names in 2022

• Country singer Jake Flint, 37, dies hours after wedding

trendy now

• Prince William and Kate Middleton booed while watching Boston Celtics game

• ‘I worry about my community’: Ontario drag queens concerned about growing threats and harassment

The video had 715,000 views and more than 800 comments as of Thursday afternoon, and was scored in praise of the driver.

“At first, I was worried that his next words would be that we couldn’t make the trip,” Lexi Reed told Global News on Thursday.

“But after he finished talking, he made me feel very safe and comfortable.”

Reed said other passengers began thanking him for creating a safe space.

“We know other passengers feel protected and have taken a lot of stress off their shoulders thanks to such a great driver,” Reid said.

Global News reached out to Ebus for comment.

© 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.