OK, it's ON - MBTA safety issues hit home

At approximately 6:00 p.m., Sunday, June 1, 2008 I boarded Bus # 2049 at Forest Hills Station.

Upon boarding, I informed the Driver, badge # 68124, that smoke was coming from the back of the bus.

She harshly told me that she had "slammed on the brakes and they just do that".

I took a seat.

As the bus pulled away some one beat upon the side of the bus, yelling "FIRE".

Flames were coming out of the right rear wheel well.

The Driver did not open the rear door for passengers to exit until after she went to look.

While waiting for the Driver to open the rear door another passenger informed me he had also brought the smoke to the driver's attention upon boarding and she spoke to him harshly.

I waited at the Dispatcher's door while other MBTA staff attended to the emergency to find out how to file a formal complaint.

The driver approached me, belligerently, and asked, "And, WHAT do you want?"

I told the Driver, "Nothing from you. I want to speak to the inspector."

The Driver then told me, "She ain't going to do nothing for you either."

The Dispatcher told me how to submit a complaint. She was calm and courteous, and I appreciate that.

The Driver endangered lives through negligence and belligerence.

I do not take my safety lightly, especially in the wake of last week's Green Line tragedy.

Can I be assured the Driver will be appropriately disciplined?