Nov 12, 2009 11:38 pm US/Eastern
Passenger Captures T Operator Apparently Texting
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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The video appears to show the operator using an electronic device in a rear car while the train is moving along Huntington Avenue.
WBZ
MBTA officials have swiftly moved to fire a Green Line trolley operator after identifying him in a video made by a passenger who says he saw the operator texting. "So I took my phone, put it on record and started filming him," says the passenger, who does not want to be identified.
The video appears to show the operator using an electronic device in a rear car while the train is moving along Huntington Avenue. "I think he was endangering our lives and, to be honest with you, the public's lives," the passenger said.
Watch: Home Video of T Driver Allegedly Texting
The T banned use of electronic devices by its employees on passenger vehicles last May after investigators said a Green Line operator told them he was texting when the trolley he was operating rear-ended another injuring nearly 50 people, causing an estimated $9 million in damage.
Such use of a device is cause for automatic firing. The penalty for mere possession of a cell phone on the job is a 10-day suspension or discharge after the second offense.
T officials say the operator in the video has 24 years on the job and is 45-years old. They did not release his name.
WBZ showed it to acting MBTA General Manager Bill Mitchell. "Unfortunately, there are some employees for the T who haven't gotten the message...We're going to recommend him for discharge immediately. Under the collective bargaining agreement, we give him 30 days notice and he'll be terminated after that period of time but that's the swiftest we can do under the collective bargaining agreement," said Mitchell adding, "He'll be off the job immediately."
So far, since the zero tolerance policy went into effect last May, the T says violations have resulted in two firings and seven suspensions.
WBZ called The Boston Carmen's Union for reaction but they had no comment.
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