A 75-year-old New Westminster woman will get a “discussion and warning” from Transit Police after she was captured on video yelling racist comments at an elderly couple on a Burnaby SkyTrain.
The incident happened on the Millenium Line Monday at about 2 p.m. between the Sperling/Burnaby Lake and Brentwood Town Centre stations, according to Transit Police.
The yellow emergency strip in the train was pressed, alerting a SkyTrain attendant at Brentwood Town Centre Station of a problem on the incoming train.
Two Transit Police officers boarded the train and were told a woman had been swearing at an elderly couple on the train.
The woman had gotten off at the Holdom Station, witnesses said.
The couple told officers they were fine and didn’t want any police involvement.
Videos of the incident, which show a woman yelling “Go back to the f---ing Philippines!” were posted on social media.
After reviewing the video, Transit Police determined the aggressor was a 75-year-old New Westminster woman, known to them for “anger related issues in the past.”
While Transit Police said nothing in their records indicates the woman presents a risk to public safety, they said they will be interviewing her and issuing a warning.
“We are committed to ensuring our passengers enjoy a safe and comfortable ride when on the transit system,” states a Transit Police press release. “There is no place for offensive language, of any kind, on our buses, trains, SeaBuses or in our stations.”
Anyone who witnesses offensive language or anything else that makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe while using the system is strongly encouraged to text Transit Police directly at 87 77 77 or call 604-515-8300.
Passengers can also press the yellow strip on the trains or use the intercom system near the train car doors to call for help.
