SURREY (NEWS 1130) – A man has been arrested after apparently stealing a bus and going for a joyride in Surrey early Thursday morning.
Sgt. Clint Hampton with Metro Vancouver Transit Police says the man got into the empty N19 bus when the driver hopped off for a bathroom break at the Surrey Central Station around 2:00 a.m.
“When the bus operator came out, noticed the bus gone, he contacted police,” Hampton said. “We were able to use a GPS tracker to track the bus.”
Using about a half dozen RCMP cruisers, police were able to stop the bus at 176 Street and Fraser Highway before arresting the man.
“Fortunately there wasn’t anybody injured and there wasn’t any damage to the bus,” Hampton said. “I wouldn’t say that we’ve never had any incidences of a bus being stolen, but at least in my career working on the media side of things, it’s not something that I’ve reported on. So a very rare circumstance.”
It’s still unclear how the man was able to get inside the bus and get it moving. No word yet on possible charges.
In a statement, TransLink said “all operators are trained to turn off the engine before leaving any vehicle unattended to ensure the safety and security of our customers and operators.”
According to TransLink, Coast Mountain Bus Company is currently reviewing the incident.
