The plot has certainly thickened.
The Los Angeles Department of Transportation has decided to withdraw a video series that humorously urged commuters to refrain from defecating on city buses.
The department removed six clips from YouTube and its official website, stating that they were not intended for public distribution. Now, the original video link simply states: “This channel doesn’t have any content.”
An LADOT representative explained to CBS, “The videos were not meant for public viewing on the website and have consequently been taken down.”
“These ‘See Something, Do Something’ videos are designed to be shown onboard, guiding passengers on how to report inappropriate or unpleasant conduct,” the spokesperson added.
The campaign videos under the “See Something, Do Something” initiative had humorously advised riders to purchase tickets, refrain from smoking, drinking, and importantly, not to defecate on the bus.
It was housed on a standalone LADOT YouTube channel created last August and was not widely promoted across the agency’s other social media platforms.
How long the spots were running on buses remains unclear. Other videos in the series included a “no drinking” ad featuring an over-served character and a “pay your fare” message.
Passengers said the ad ran continuously on loop, turning already tiresome trips into an ordeal, as they were bombarded with a never-ending video about suitable bodily function and rule-breaking.
The campaign also urged riders to report misconduct ”immediately” and asked questions such as what route are you riding? What date and time did the incident occur? If you feel safe, record a description of the person.
LADOT’s own code of conduct underscores the kinds of problems transit officials say they face daily — a blunt rulebook banning everything from fighting, spitting and fare-dodging to harassment, weapons and disruptive behavior.
Bodily functions get special mention: defecating, urinating or vomiting on board — and even intoxication likely to cause it — can get riders kicked off or denied service altogether.
The California Post asked LADOT about the cost of the campaign, what prompted it and whether it has produced results before the videos were shelved.
