Winnipeg’s city bus driver union is calling for increased security after a passenger was stabbed on a Winnipeg Transit bus Saturday night.

Two 20-year-old men were riding on the bus when one was stabbed by another man. All three exited the bus. Now two of the men are facing charges.

The incident isn’t the only time violence has broken out on a city bus this summer. In July, a spate of pepper sprayings on city buses left people needing medical attention.

For Jim Girden of the Amalgamated Transit Union incidents like those underline the need for a transit police force.

“What we’re looking for is a group – a police force – somebody who has the authority to detain them, arrest them and charge them,” said Girden.

Passenger Raymond Lucier says he has seen his share of violence riding city buses. In the last two months he’s seen three fights while riding on the number 16 bus.

“It’s not pretty sometimes,” said Lucier.

Passenger Sarah Odoh echoed Lucier’s concerns, saying she’s been hurt on city buses.

“I have a disability,” said Odoh. “They push you, and they don’t care.”

Odoh and Lucier’s experiences seem to be in line with what city numbers are showing – assaults against bus drivers are up 300 per cent over the last six years.

A report to city hall recommended changing the angles of the cameras on buses to aid in investigations and prosecutions.

City councillor Brian Mayes said it’s time to go a step further. Mayes wants police officers on trouble bus routes or the creation of a transit police unit.

“We’ve had a summer where we’ve had some incidents like the most recent stabbing,” said Mayes. “It’s certainly raising the need to do something.”

Mayes estimated the unit would cost the city about $500,000.

An alternative option would be to give the city’s 13 transit inspectors batons and handcuffs with the power to detain unruly or violent passengers, Mayes said.

Girden said that option may be too dangerous for inspectors, and he would prefer to see police officers dealing with the problem. He said the union would also like to see more aggressive prosecution against those who are charged with assaults on buses.

A report from transit officials is expected to land at city hall in October.