King County Metro hiring a bathroom break coordinator

King County Metro Transit has announced it’s hiring a “comfort station coordinator,” after it was learned that drivers were wetting themselves on the job.

KIRO Radio’s Dori Monson wonders just why this position is needed.

“If the drivers know the route, you’d think they would be able to figure out where they can go,” Monson said.

The job will pay up to $97,000. The coordinator will help make accommodations for drivers and let them know where they can relieve themselves while on the clock.

Monson extended an invitation to Metro spokesman Jeff Switzer to come on the show to explain. Switzer responded:

“Thanks for the invitation, [King County Metro Transit General Manager Kevin Desmond] spoke with Dori in November on this topic and we always appreciate discussing transit issues. Dori has made it clear he has no sympathy regarding bathroom access, suggesting [bus drivers] be fired if they have a bathroom related incident, we’ll decline the invitation to speak on air.”

Monson does not deny that he made such a suggestion.

“Yes, I recall this very clearly,” Monson said.

“I do believe it’s accurate that I said if drivers sit in their own filth, exposing other passengers to the stench of their urine-soaked seats, that yeah, maybe that person shouldn’t be a driver for Metro Transit,” he continued.

Monson did more than stand by his statement.

“I’m doubling down on it,” he announced.

Monson said taxpayers should not be spending nearly $100,000 a year so Metro has a bathroom “czar.” Drivers should be able to figure it out themselves.

“But of course, maybe that’s just me,” he said.