DDOT Bus Drivers Refuse to Run Routes as Concerns Over Safety Grow

DETROIT (WJBK) - City of Detroit bus service remains halted Friday because drivers refused to go on their routes the day after a driver was involved in a physical altercation with passengers, leaving commuters stranded at bus stops.

Detroit Mayor Dave Bing plans to speak live at 2 p.m. ET. Watch it live here.

"The passengers are becoming increasingly hostile," said union spokesperson William Williams. "It's a sad day in the city of Detroit when we can't provide citizens with transportation."

Drivers gathered together at the Gilbert yard Friday morning to share their stories of assault and fear. "Have you ever been trapped on the bus with no way out while somebody's shooting," cried one man during the gathering. (Click the video player to hear from upset drivers)

Officials were meeting Friday afternoon in an attempt to resolve the issue and get buses back on the road.

"The safety of our drivers is paramount," Detroit City Councilman Andre Spivey said during FOX 2 News Morning. On Thursday, Williams says a driver was beaten by up to eight people at the Rosa Parks terminal in downtown Detroit. "It was a melee," said Williams.

A recording on a Detroit Department of Transportation customer service line said the department "sincerely apologizes for extreme delays in service."

FOX 2's Allen says 100,000 passengers depend on DDOT on a daily basis. Detroit Public School officials say students who reled on DDOT will not suffer any consequences for absences or late arrivals.