A San Francisco Muni bus driver is planning to press charges after a passenger allegedly tried to hit her in the face with a cell phone while she was on duty. The driver, who was working the 8 line, explained in a TikTok video that the incident began shortly after picking up riders near Bayshore and Orlita.
Here’s What Happened
An elderly passenger in a wheelchair noticed that he would be riding alongside an intoxicated woman and immediately asked to be unboarded. When the driver assured him that he was the priority because of his age and condition, and that the woman would be asked to leave instead, he politely declined her offer and chose to wait for the next bus.
The driver then called Central to ensure the next bus would accommodate the wheelchair passenger, but that simple call led to a misunderstanding. According to her account, the intoxicated passenger thought she was contacting the police and quickly became aggressive. “All I hear is B word this, B word that,” the driver recalled, before alleging that the passenger escalated to physical aggression. “Why did this lady reach around and try to hit me in my face with her cell phone for no apparent reason at all?” she said.
Despite the sudden attack, the driver said she stayed calm and kept the bus moving safely while instructing the passenger to stand behind the yellow line. She also added that the woman identified herself as being from the Sunnydale projects and appeared to be celebrating a birthday. Regardless, the driver made it clear she would not let the matter go unpunished. “Attempted assault is still a crime. I am going to press charges,” she said firmly.
What People Are Saying About the San Francisco Driver Assault
The driver’s account drew sympathy from viewers, many of whom expressed relief that she was not seriously harmed. “Noooo so sorry this happened to you, Raspberry!! So glad you are safe,” one wrote. A second echoed that concern, writing, “That’s so scary! Thank you for keeping SF moving. I’m sorry this happened to you.”
Some applauded her for her professionalism under pressure, pointing out that bus operators often deal with difficulties that most passengers never see. “Props to u and all the Muni drivers! I can’t imagine what u guys go thru in situations like these but so glad ur safe ♥️♥,” one user said. A different commenter added, “Bus drivers go through so much, especially in the city.” Someone else declared, “Next time I see you on the 8 operator, I got your back. So sorry you had to deal with that today and sending you love and light.”
A few netizens also encouraged her to stay strong and protect herself. “You are amazing. Always protect yourself!” a viewer urged. One person wrote, “So sorry that happened to you💔.” “Crazy! And yes def file charges cause that’s completely unacceptable. I’m so sorry that happened to you,” said another.
