City Bus Driver Caught Texting On The Job
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A city bus driver could be on the hot seat after a rider snapped a shot of him apparently texting on the job in Brooklyn, a violation that has cost some bus operators their jobs. NY1's Transit reporter John Mancini spoke with the rider who was stunned enough to take the picture and filed the following report. She got on the bus and couldn't believe what she was seeing.
"I was just shocked at the fact that he had his phone out, because I know people who are bus drivers, and I know for a fact that they're not even allowed to have their phone visible while they're on the job,” said the rider. “So I had no idea I would actually see him texting while the bus is moving."
That's why the Brooklyn rider, who asked not to be identified, clicked off a cell-phone photo of the driver of a B47 bus at about 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Ralph Avenue and Fulton Street and sent it to Black Star News.
"And then while he was driving, he never put the phone away to put both hands on the wheel,” said the witness. “He drove with one hand on the wheel while holding the phone in his other hand."
When NY1 asked New York City Transit officials about the photo, they told the station that they have identified the driver and started the disciplinary process.
They added, "MTA New York City Transit views this behavior as a serious safety concern and employs several methods aimed at convincing bus operators that we have a zero-tolerance policy... including random observation, targeted safety blitzes and routine follow-ups to complaints from customers."
Despite warnings from their own union, 226 drivers were cited last year. This year, there have been 131 violators.
The penalty can range from reprimand or suspension to being fired, depending on the driver's record.
The dangers of texting and driving are so well known these days that bus riders in Brooklyn were left with just one question. Why would a bus driver take such a chance?
"I just think it's very irresponsible and he's like jeopardizing a lot of people's lives because all of the people on the bus, all of the passengers, are depending on him,” said one rider.
"He should know better than that,” added another. “You got a lot of lives. Everyone is supposed to be safe when we get on the bus."
"Maybe it could be an emergency. So at least you should give him a hearing and get his side of the story,” countered a third.
If he is disciplined, the driver can appeal. It might be tough to mount a compelling defense, however, after being caught on camera.