Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

COTA forbids drivers from texting or talking on cellphones while driving, even with hands-free devices.

Drivers caught texting will receive warnings until January 1, 2011, after which law enforcement will issue $60 fines for violations. Because it is a primary law, police officers can stop motorists suspected of this offense alone.

With so much focus in the news on collisions in the transit industry caused by distracted driving, DriveCam said it was surprised to find that it actually ranks #5 on the list of behaviors.

On January 26, Sec.LaHood announced federal guidance to prohibit texting by drivers of commercial vehicles such as large trucks and buses. Truck and bus drivers who text while driving commercial vehicles may be subject to civil or criminal penalties of up to $2,750.

An operator for 10 years, Reginald Rideout has been involved in three accidents during his employment, two of which were minor, but deemed preventable, according to Houston Metro.

Action is the result of the U.S. DOT's interpretation of standing rules. Drivers who text while driving commercial vehicles may be subject to civil or criminal penalties of up to $2,750.

Inattention caused him to run red light.

Agency staff said it concluded that witnesses who said the signal appeared to be green were not reliable. Board is continuing to discuss the findings.

Policy will apply to nearly every MARTA employee — including bus, rail and Mobility van operators who carry passengers.

Order prohibits more than four million federal employees from texting behind the wheel while working or while using government vehicles and communications devices.