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Posted on 01/13/2003 12:29:39 PM PST by ex-Texan

Bend Proposes to Outlaw Body Odor on City Buses

BEND, Ore. (AP) -- Planning to ride the bus in Bend? You might not want to skip your morning shower.

Proposed new city rules would ban anyone who "emanated a grossly repulsive odor that is unavoidable by other Bend Extended Area Transit customers" from being in bus stations or on the buses.

The regulations would also prohibit spitting, defecating, smoking and skateboarding.

"It's an effort to keep the riding experience as pleasant and safe as possible," said Bend city attorney Jim Forbes, who pointed out that the city already has an ordinance prohibiting people from releasing "highly objectionable odors" from their property.

The Bend City Council on Wednesday will consider preliminary approval of the ordinance at a meeting Wednesday.

The city's transit system is currently reservations-based. Last year, the city expanded the transit service for seniors and the disabled into a service for the general public, but no scheduled routes have been so far been established.

The draft ordinance would also require riders to wear shirts and shoes, agree not to curse in the presence of a minor or someone who might be offended, or extend body parts through the windows and doors of a moving vehicle.

Forbes said he will recommend that riders be allowed to carry a firearm if they have a concealed weapons permit with them, because the city can't overrule a state law that allows people to have concealed handgun permits.

Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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