I am an M&T Bank employee and work at 25 S. Charles Street, in the corporate headquarters building.  The process of de-bugging myself and my clothing when I get to work is horrifying and humiliating.  We have alerted the MTA but have not received any satisfaction.

MTA spokeswoman Cheron Victoria Wicker passed along this reply:

Each day before Local Buses are placed into service MTA’s operations staff thoroughly clean and inspect the vehicles. This includes the application of pesticides to control insects. We have recently increased the frequency of spraying, and every bus was treated over the past several weeks. This should address any issues with insects, but we welcome reports from riders if they experience otherwise. Our goal is to develop an effective extermination program while adhering to OSHA and EPA regulations that govern the use of insecticides and protect public health. We also need cooperation from our customers. It is against the law to eat and drink on an MTA bus or train, and although we have signs posted throughout the system we often find food left behind which attracts insects.

Wicker added that the MTA has specifically checked conditions on Route #120 and  has taken measures to deal with the vermin. She suggested that riders who have comments, questions, compliments or complaints deliver them through the MTA’s website. She said each is read and referred to the appropriate department.

I appreciate Wicker's suggestion, but the MTA could do a lot better job of designing its web site to make it easier to give feedback. Then there's the fact that many of its riders don't have computers. It's a tough challenge dealing with riders who insist on eating donuts on the bus, but the agency needs to do a better job of welcoming and responding to customer complaints.