An off-duty bus driver committed suicide on a Capital Metro bus yesterday evening in front of other passengers. The man worked for Capital Metro through Star Tran, a non-profit group that employs the drivers and technicians.
Capital Metro issued the following statement this afternoon:
Capital Metro is deeply saddened to report that an employee died last evening aboard a Capital Metro bus from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The employee, Jesus Rios, 47, had been a bus operator for Star Tran, Inc for 11 years, and had been placed on suspension for disciplinary reasons earlier this month by Star Tran. Following the incident, the bus operator acted swiftly to safely escort the six passengers off of the bus. There were no injuries to the bus operator or passengers. The incident occurred in the 3100 block of Red River Street in Austin at 8:40 p.m. Capital Metro will continue to cooperate with the Austin Police Department during its ongoing investigation. Grief counseling is being provided to Capital Metro employees today at the agency’s headquarters. The management and employees of Capital Metro would like to offer their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Rios during this very difficult and painful time.
