A Saskatoon Access Transit driver was assaulted while on his route Monday afternoon.

The incident occurred outside an Access Transit bus in the 200 Block of Fairmont Drive around 3pm. The 55-year-old male driver told police that he was assaulted by two male youths when he was pushed into a wheelchair lift by two males youths. Both suspects fled the scene.

Saskatoon Transit confirms the driver was transported to hospital for treatment of injuries and is now recovering at home.

The following comes from a written statement provided by Saskatoon Transit.

Saskatoon Transit has put a number of measures in place in response to increasing violence across the transit system, including increased strategic patrols by Commissionaires and Transit Supervisors at the Downtown Transit Terminal and the expansion of patrols at the Market Mall and Confederation Mall Terminals.

Additionally, the Saskatoon Fire Department’s oversight of the existing Community Support Officer Program patrol team will begin July 1, and will include the addition of Fire Community Support personnel in targeted areas and on transit routes where incidents are occurring more frequently. These personnel will play an important role as a uniformed presence to de-escalate situations or to assist in accessing supports for someone who may be agitated or experiencing a crisis.