Mountain Metro Transit buses monitored for potential toxic fumes

City buses are being monitored for potential harmful gases after an anonymous complaint to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration .

Mountain Metropolitan Transit runs more than 40 buses in the Pikes Peak region. Five of the buses are being inspected over the next two days.

“We’ve had an anonymous complaint from one of the bus drivers,” said Mountain Metro Transit director Craig Blewitt. “We have no reason to expect that we do have a problem with our buses, but since this complaint has been lodged, it is our obligation to follow up and make double sure that, in fact, we do not have a fume problem in our buses.”

The complaint claims several buses produce harmful levels of toxic gases such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

“Anytime a driver does mention they feel they have higher fume levels on a bus, we do inspect that bus fully from top to bottom,” Blewitt said. “We have found no problems with the exhaust systems in our buses.”

Bus riders said they’ve noticed strange odors on buses from time to time, but they aren’t concerned.

“It depends on the weather. If it’s raining and stuff like that, yeah, we tend to notice it a little more,” passenger Jennifer Lilly said. “I’m really glad somebody brought it up for our elderly, for our children and all and all for the environment.”

The test results will be sent to OSHA in two weeks.

Commuters said the inspections won’t keep them from riding the bus.

“It doesn’t worry me,” said passenger Alan Taylor. “What it lets me know is that people are concerned. It will help the air quality.”