WASHINGTON - Metro says it has disciplined a train driver who was apparently caught on tape texting while operating a train.

The grainy video, which appears to be from a cell phone, was posted the same day as Metro's crash, June 22. But the poster says it was recorded June 5, 2009, on the Blue Line towards Franconia-Springfield, between the King Street and Van Dorn Street stations.

In the video, the driver appears to be looking down. The description posted with the video alleged the driver was using a BlackBerry-like device to send or receive text messages.

The man who shot the video, whose identity we are protecting, said he posted the video and brought it to Metro's attention.

"Yeah, I didn't worry about my safety because I knew there was nothing in front of the train, but knowing that that behavior occurs makes a little bit nervous for other times when I'm not able to observe what's going on," he said.

Metro rules ban drivers from using their cell phones while on duty. The driver, who was not identified, was suspended for five days without pay, according to a Metro spokesperson.

"There is no explanation in terms of an excuse," said Lisa Farbstein, a Metro spokeswoman. "There is absolutely no excuse." 



Riders say in light of recent crashes, the iWitness video is eye-opening.

"I mean, texting someone -- it's really, really scary," said Larry Botts, a Metro rider.

"He's supposed to be assuring my safety and he can't do that if texting," said Vivian McFaden, a Metro rider. 

The driver of the train that crashed two weeks was next texting or using a cell phone at the time of the crash. Jeanice McMillan died in the collision. Her cell phone was found in her backpack at the crash scene, Metro said.

The focus of the crash investigation has focused on train control circuits which were apparently malfunctioning around the time of the crash. The cause of the crash, which killed nine people and injured more than 70, remains under investigation.

 

 Email To Friend