Union: Metro Bus Driver Not Fired for Texting

WASHINGTON, D.C. - A Metro bus driver who was thought to have been fired for texting behind the wheel of a bus has not been fired after all, a firm representing the transit union tells FOX 5.

On Monday, FOX 5 reported that a bus driver who was photographed apparently texting while driving a bus had been fired after receiving confirmation from the union. The employee's firing was said to be for violating Metro's zero-tolerance policy against operators texting while driving.

But on Tuesday, a spokesperson for the law firm that represents the union told FOX 5 that the union was under the impression the operator had been fired, but they now confirm that's not the case. Donna Lewis of Johnson, McKinney & Associates says the bus operator was not fired by Metro.

The union has not said where the incorrect information about the driver's firing came from.

Metro spokesman Steven Taubenkibel told FOX 5 Tuesday that the driver had not been fired, and said instead that the transit agency is just in the beginning stages of the investigation. He says Metro officials are preparing to interview the driver and any witnesses.

The driver has been removed from service as a bus driver, and will undergo routine drug and alcohol testing.

A rider photographed the Metro bus driver apparently texting while behind the wheel, and the photos first appeared on the website unsuckdcmetro.blogspot.com . The passenger writes on the blog that the bus was so crowded he was forced to stand up front near the driver.

The operator was driving down 14th Street when the pictures were taken, according to the photographer. The photos show the phone partially hidden under the driver's leg.

On Monday, the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689 President Jackie L. Jeter issued the following statement about the bus operator's supposed firing, which they now say didn't happen:

"Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689 is aware that a bus operator was fired today for allegations of texting while on the job. We regret the allegation and in no way condone texting while operating a Metro vehicle. The large majority of Metro workers uphold the highest standards of safety at all times. The allegation does not in any way reflect the mainstream.

The operator is entitled to file a grievance against Metro for the personnel action. The union will investigate the case if a grievance is filed."

WMATA board member Michael Brown called the pictures disturbing. He backs the zero- tolerance policy when it pertains to drivers who use mobile phones behind the wheel.

Brown encourages Metro riders to keep an eye on train and bus drivers to make sure they are following the rules. He says riders should take pictures and report any use of mobile phones by operators on duty.