There Was Something Rather Odd About This Bus Driver
Police in Hamilton, Ontario, are investigating a bizarre incident that unfolded like something out of a comedy movie this week. Authorities say a 36-year-old man allegedly stole a city bus and proceeded to drive it along its regular route—picking up passengers, making scheduled stops, and even enforcing fare rules—all while officers discreetly followed behind.
According to the CBC, the suspect, who has no fixed address, took control of the 60-foot articulated bus Tuesday evening at the MacNab Transit Terminal in downtown Hamilton while the legitimate driver was on break.
As the unauthorized bus continued its route, passengers reportedly boarded and rode as usual, unaware at first that the man behind the wheel wasn’t a real transit employee. Around ten passengers were on board at any given time. Confusion began when the driver missed a few turns, prompting one rider to help guide him back on course. Witnesses told CTV News that he even refused entry to someone with an expired pass, insisting they pay the proper fare.
Police tracked the bus using its onboard GPS but chose not to use sirens, hoping to avoid alarming the driver or endangering the public. After roughly 15 minutes, officers safely stopped the vehicle on West Fifth Street and took the suspect into custody without incident.
“There wasn’t a scratch on the bus,” said police spokesperson Trevor McKenna, according to CBC. “It’s funny in one sense, but it’s also very serious. Thankfully, no one was hurt.”
The man now faces several charges, including theft over $5,000, possession over $5,000, obstruction, and driving while prohibited. Authorities did not release his name, citing potential mental health concerns.
The Public Record has published a full timeline of the unusual joyride, along with dispatch audio from the moment calls began flooding in.
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