by Los Angeles, California — The Los Angeles Department of Transportation has quietly pulled a series of eyebrow-raising transit videos that reminded riders not to “poop” on city buses, after the campaign unexpectedly surfaced online.
The agency confirmed that six clips from its “See Something, Do Something” series were removed from YouTube and its website. Visitors attempting to access the channel now see a message stating it contains no content.
Officials Say Videos Weren’t Meant for Public Web Viewing
An LADOT spokesperson told local media that the clips were never intended for public viewing online and were instead designed to run onboard buses.
“The videos were not intended for viewing on the website and have been removed,” the spokesperson said. “The ‘See Something, Do Something’ videos are intended for on-board viewing to inform riders how to report ‘crappy’ behavior or negative experiences.”
The campaign included reminders for passengers to pay their fare, avoid smoking or drinking on board — and not defecate on buses.
The videos reportedly ran on a loop inside buses, prompting some riders to say the messaging became repetitive and distracting during already lengthy commutes.
Campaign Launched Quietly
The YouTube channel hosting the videos was reportedly created last August and was not widely promoted through LADOT’s primary social media platforms.
How long the ads aired onboard buses remains unclear.
Other clips in the series featured messages discouraging fare evasion and alcohol consumption, including a “no drinking” spot portraying an intoxicated passenger.
Addressing Ongoing Conduct Issues
The messaging appears to align with LADOT’s official code of conduct, which prohibits a range of behaviors on city transit, including:
- Fighting and harassment
- Fare-dodging
- Smoking and drinking
- Carrying weapons
- Disruptive or disorderly conduct
The policy specifically mentions defecating, urinating or vomiting onboard, as well as intoxication that could lead to such behavior, as grounds for removal or denial of service.
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The campaign also encouraged riders to report misconduct immediately and asked them to provide details such as:
- The bus route
- Date and time of the incident
- A description of the person involved
Questions About Cost and Impact
It remains unclear how much the campaign cost to produce or whether it led to measurable improvements in rider behavior.
Local media outlets have asked LADOT for details on the budget, the rationale behind the campaign, and whether the messaging achieved its intended goals before being taken down.
The incident highlights the broader challenges transit agencies face in balancing public safety messaging with tone and public perception.
Do you think transit agencies should use blunt messaging to address rider behavior, or should they take a different approach? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
