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Jun 27, 2008 6:45 pm US/Eastern
Dozens Of T Drivers Cited For Cell Phones
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
The MBTA has a strict no cell phone policy for bus drivers, train and trolley operators, but records show hundreds of drivers are not following the rules.
This doesn't come as a surprise to T rider Midlaine Baker, "I've actually said to them, to the driver, 'Could you get off the cell phone because you are putting my life and other peoples' lives in danger.'"
According to MBTA records obtained by WBZ, hundreds of drivers have violated the rule.
Over the past 14 months, the T has received complaints of cell phone use against 218 bus drivers, 15 subway operators, 3 Silver Line drivers and 6 on the commuter rail. That's a total of 242.
T officials are quick to point out, that's a small fraction, especially for bus drivers, who do more than 100-million trips each year.
Still, MBTA Spokesperson Joe Pesaturo says, "Even any number of operators using a cell phone while driving a passenger vehicle is unacceptable."
After last month's deadly Green Line collision, where it was suspected - then disproved - the driver was on her cell phone, the T reminded drivers that cell phone use while operating any Authority vehicle is strictly prohibited.
They are also asking for the public's help. If you see a driver on a cell phone while working, you are asked to call the MBTA customer service, or Transit police.
Pesaturo says they take this safety violation very seriously. For the first offense, it's a written warning. The second offense earns a three day suspension, the third is a ten day suspension and the fourth can get the driver fired.
"When you are operating a bus with 45 to 50 people on it," Pesaturo said, "you have a responsibility to be as safe as possible when driving that vehicle. Having an electronic device in hand can only lead to distraction."
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