Top activists against drunken driving are questioning why Metro is tougher on its bus drivers who use cellphones than those caught using drugs and alcohol.
Bus and train operators who use phones while operating a transit vehicle currently are fired. An alcohol or drug violation at the transit agency, though, does not automatically translate to termination.
Source: Examiner analysis of Metro statistics, June 1, 2004, through June 1, 2009
“There should be some equivalency,” said Kurt Erickson, president of the Washington Regional Alcohol Program. “A passenger choosing between a texting Metro bus driver and an Metro bus driver whom has been drinking is like choosing between the Hindenburg and the Titanic for one’s next overseas excursion.”
Year
Metrobus drivers’ positive tests
All positive tests
Total tests given
2008-09
15
31
3,066
2007-08
10
22
2,668
2006-07
9
24
3,485
2005-06
15
27
3,911
2004-05
8
25
3,865
The Examiner reported Thursday that eight Metrobus drivers failed tests after accidents in the 12 months ending June 1; 13 failed tests in a five-year period.
Metrobus drivers had 57 of the 129 positive drug and alcohol tests at the agency in the past five years. Only a small fraction of bus drivers fail the tests, but the 44 percent of positive tests are disproportionate as the approximately 2,400 bus operators represent 31 percent of all the employees required to be tested under federal rules.
Chuck Hurley, chief executive officer of national Mothers Against Drunk Driving group that fights drunken driving, also called for the agency to make changes.
“What is tolerated is encouraged. MADD expects leadership from both Metro and the union,” he said. “Metro’s taken the right action on cellphones, but it now needs to take the right action on drugs and alcohol. I would hope the union would not stand in the way of protecting the people.”
Some transit agencies already have tougher rules. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority fires drivers and train operators after a first violation — whether randomly tested or after an accident, said spokesman Marc Littman.
Some transit agencies already have tougher rules. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority fires drivers and train operators after a first violation — whether randomly tested or after an accident, said spokesman Marc Littman.
“Our policy is pretty strict,” he said. “You’re driving a bus that weighs more than 15 tons or a train car. You’ve got a huge responsibility.”
But under a collective bargaining agreement, Metro gives operators who have been employed there at least six months a chance to undergo substance abuse treatment after a first violation. They are suspended for at least 30 days without pay and must attend rehabilitation.
Employees are fired if referred to rehab a second time, according to the agency and the union. But the slate is wiped clean after several years and the cycle can begin again.
The exception is if the failed test occurs amid another serious safety violation, such as during a crash with passenger injuries, according to a Metro spokesman.
The agency is reviewing its Metrobus safety handbook, including the drug and alcohol policy.
However, Metro Chairman Jim Graham wasn’t ready to change the second-chance policy on Thursday. “Addiction and alcoholism can be the subject of successful recovery and the opportunity to have this happen is a very important one in somebody’s life,” he said.
