More than 100 transit staff gather for bus drivers funeral

WINNIPEG — Friends, family, and colleagues of Irvine Jubal Fraser came together today to remember the fallen bus driver, and call for more security for transit workers.

A funeral service and a moment of silence was held for Fraser, who was killed on the job last week.

Fraser, 58, was fatally stabbed by a passenger while he was stopped at the end of his route at University of Manitoba on Feb. 14.

WATCH: Winnipeg Transit drivers observe moment of silence near the scene of driver’s death

0:57 Winnipeg Transit drivers observe moment of silence near the scene of driver’s death

The service for Fraser was held at Calvary Temple on 440 Hargrave Street at 1 p.m.

READ MORE: ‘He was always happy’: Winnipeg transit community mourns driver after he was fatally stabbed

Transit drivers attending the funeral said it’s been a week of mixed emotions.

“We are a family, we stand as one. That’s why this hurts so much,” bus driver Avie Erdile said.

Erdile said it’s a great chance to show support for Fraser’s family, but the battle for more safety is far from over.

“Today is a day we are putting Jubal to rest. It’s not necessarily a day of closure.”

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Union representatives were on hand to show support. President of the Amalgamated Transit Union John Callahan, said a comprehensive report will be put forward at City Hall soon, looking at current security measures for drivers.

WATCH: Hundreds gathered at City Hall Friday morning, to honour the memory of transit driver Irvine Jubal Fraser, who was killed in a knife attack while on the job this week

1:27 Hundreds of Winnipeg bus drivers rally for safety at work

“I feel very optimistic that good things are going to happen,” Callahan said.

A moment of silence was also held for drivers who were working during the funeral at 1 p.m.

The route signs on the front of buses will scroll the message, “rest in peace 521,” which represents Fraser’s operating badge number.

READ MORE: Hundreds of Winnipeg bus drivers rally for safety at work

Since his death, hundreds of Winnipeg bus drivers, including retired staff have come together to rally for improved safety on the job.

“I was one of the people that told them this was going to happen at some point in time. I’m really sorry to say that it had to come true,” retired transit driver Ron Monkman said.

At the funeral, Fraser’s brother said he wants to see more protections in place for bus drivers, and called on the Mayor and Premier to take action immediately.