Photo by Chris Rief

We all know that tensions can sometimes run high on Metrobuses—especially during rush hour—but this video taken on the X2 yesterday shows what happens when a WMATA bus driver fires back at unruly customers.

The 15-minute video shows the bus driver getting into a heated argument with a passenger who he claims didn’t pay their fare. The situation quickly escalates as other passengers get confrontational with the driver. Eventually, a Metropolitan Police Department officer had to come defuse the situation.

Metro spokesman Dan Stessel issued the following statement on behalf of WMATA:

“We are aware of the video and are investigating. We have 2,500 bus operators, arguably one of the toughest jobs in this city, and the vast majority of them serve the public safely and courteously each day. When exceptions are brought to our attention, appropriate action is taken.”