While it turned out to be a glitch, a security feature of BC Transit appears to have done its job.
On Sunday February 25th, social media post began popping up warning of a possible ‘incident’ on a double-decker bus in the West Shore area.
The posts claimed that a BC Transit bus heading to Langford Exchange around 11:30 a.m. prompted a police response after its route name displayed “Call Police”.
A spokesperson with BC Transit confirmed to Victoria Buzz that the display on the front of the bus was not an emergency but rather a false alarm caused by a technical malfunction on the bus.
BC Transit apologized for any confusion or inconvenience caused and stated that their operations team was in contact with local police, confirming it to be a false alarm that required no action.
Many people took to social media stating they had called police after seeing the message.
The use of an emergency display on a BC Transit bus is extremely rare and is only activated when circumstances prevent the driver from communicating for emergency assistance.
This display is visible only on the outside of the bus.
