Officials mull using Madison buses for texting-while-driving surveillance

MADISON, Wis. — Dane County and Madison officials are mulling a plan to let law enforcement ride Metro Transit buses during off-peak hours as part of an effort to reduce texting while driving, reported the Wisconsin State Journal.

The plan, contigent on a federal grant, would give deputies the ability to search for distracted drivers from a higher vantage point, said Sheriff’s Office Sgt. R.J. Lurquin.

Concerns have been raised about the appropriateness of using city-owned buses for law enforcement surveillance, with some critics saying it could hurt the transit agency brand, according to the Journal. For the full story, click here.