A Transit Operator's Story

Teress drives a LIFT bus, providing paratransit services for people with disabilities in the TriMet service area. During her work shift, like so many workers, she felt the call of nature and needed to relieve herself. Unlike most workers, however, Teress and her fellow transit operators don't have regular access to restroom facilities during their work day.

So, one day, Teress was faced with a choice: soil herself while driving her bus, or pee in public. She chose the latter option, with the additional embarassment of having a photo of her relieving herself spread across the internet.

Then, Teress suffered another indignity when her employer, First Transit, offered to fire her (at TriMet's insistence) or transfer her to school bus service, substantially cutting her pay and benefits.

Outro text

No worker should be forced to choose between soiling themselves, relieving themselves outside, or wearing a diaper to work.

Bus, light-rail, and paratransit operators all across Oregon and SW Washington lack consistent access to adequate restrooms, and workers deserve better.

Clean & safe facilities are a human right. Everyone deserves the the chance to pee with dignity!