"Barf Bus": UMD Drivers Raise Health Concerns Over Drunks On Buses

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (WUSA) -- The union representing shuttle bus drivers at the University of Maryland says employees are sick and tired of intoxicated students getting sick on buses.

"It happened 30 times last week," said union representative Craig Newman of AFSCME.

The union wants University officials to adopt cleaning procedures that adhere to state workplace safety standards for workers handling waste that could be infected with diseases such as AIDS and hepatitis.

The issue has drawn the attention of state regulators who are investigating.

Meanwhile, the University has hired a cleaning contractor to work on weekend nights to handle the messes.

"People are just crazy on the bus," says Dana Sukontrak, a sophomore. "I've seen people throw up on the bus before, definitely."

Another student, Carliegh Benton, says it "happens all the time."

"It's really gross, and it's unfortunate that everyone has to get off the bus, and we have to wait 20 minutes for another bus sometimes," Benton said.