I suspect that the bike rack was trashed. Sometimes the spring in the arm that goes over the front wheel is damaged or "sprung". I had my bike on a front mounted bus rack when the bus driver hit a pothole the size of the Panama Canal, while simultaneously slamming on the brakes to avoid hitting some dips**t who had cut her off to make a right turn. My bike somehow managed to stay on the rack, but it was thrown forward enough to bend the rear rim, (good luck trying to collect damages on THAT!). While putting the bike in the rack, I noticed that the arm was really loose and wiggly, but I was in a hurry and just threw the bike on the rack anyway - big mistake. For that reason I eliminated the bus portion from my daily bike-subway-bus commute, and just ride instead.

FYI - Japino - thanks for the sound tips and perspective from a bus driver. You guys have an extremely tough job and for the most part do it very well. Props to you.