Transit Bus Operator Protests Ad, Gets Suspended
She refused to drive a bus carrying an advertisement that went against her Christian faith.
The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) on Aug. 17 suspended a bus operator after she refused to drive a bus that carried an advertisement promoting an atheist group, according to the Des Moines Register. The bus operator, Angela Shiel, said the ad went against her Christian faith. The ad, promoting the group Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers, stated "Don't believe in God? You are not alone."
Roxanne Conlin, a civil rights lawyer in Des Moines, said Shiel has a right to refuse to drive if DART can reasonably accommodate a validly held religious belief. For example, DART might have been able to transfer her to a different bus or let her do desk work.
DART removed the ads from the buses earlier this month after riders complained. DART returned the ads to the buses after receiving new complaints from groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa.
The ads were put back on 20 buses in DART's fleet last week.
Shiel's husband said DART officials knew about his wife's beliefs when they hired her.
"This has been her faith since the very first day on the job," Glenn Shiel said. He said that making her drive the bus would be telling her to be "two-faced for the fact that she wants an income."
More Small Fleet
Why Fleet Managers Are Replacing Departmental Vehicles with Shared Motor Pools
Departmentally assigned vehicles often create hidden costs through underutilization, poor visibility, and increased administrative burden. This white paper explores how shared motor pool strategies help fleets reduce costs, improve accountability, and optimize vehicle utilization.
Read More →
Boosting Last-Mile Fleet Uptime, Safety, and Value with AI Vehicle Inspections
AI-powered inspections are transforming last-mile fleets by replacing manual checks with highly accurate automated scans that detect defects in seconds. By giving fleet operations visibility into the daily condition of their vehicles, you can identify trends over the vehicle’s lifecycle that enable improved procurement decisions, route management, driver training and accountability.
Read More →
Five Ways Seat Belts Help Prevent Injuries
There are five ways seat belts protect occupants from injuries, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
Read More →
It’s here: The 2026 Fleet Technology Trends Report
What does AI mean for fleets? Get the answer — and learn other top tech trends.
Read More →
Small Fleets, Big Impact: How Independent Drivers Power Wreaths Across America
Check out how small fleets and independent drivers power Wreaths Across America each December and why their impact matters more than ever.
Read More →
VMS Survey Finds 65% of Small Fleet Managers Run Operations Alone
A new VMS survey shows small fleet managers are stretched thin, with most handling operations solo and eager to adopt digital tools for relief.
Read More →
Tips for Driving Safely on Halloween Night
This video features a reminder from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, urging drivers to prioritize safety this Halloween.
Read More →
AI, Access, and Uptime: VMS’s Next Chapter with David Prusinski
VMS’s new Co-CEO, David Prusinski, shares how an AI-first approach will give small fleets and repair shops the tools to compete like big players.
Read More →
Fleet Managers Share Winter Prep Tips: It's Never Too Early!
Three fleets share best practices to prep vehicles for winter and prevent downtime when the cold sets in.
Read More →
Hot Weather Driving Tips for Fleet Drivers
As we head into another potentially extreme summer season, the risks for fleet drivers remain high, from engine strain and tire blowouts to unpredictable traffic patterns. An expert shares advice on how fleet drivers can boost their safety during the steamy summer months.
Read More →