Reports Of CTA Bus Drivers Running Red Lights Down From 2010
By Chuck Sudo in News on Feb 19, 2014 3:35PM
A report by NBC 5 earlier this week showed the number of instances involving CTA bus drivers running red lights has dropped steadily since 2010 thanks to harsher penalties implemented by the agency.
NBC 5 poured over CTA data and found the number of bus drivers running red lights decreased from 779 violations in 2010 to 222 in 2012. The number rose last year to 300 but that’s still a far cry from four years ago.
CTA implemented new punishments for bus drivers who run red lights. Under state law the driver paid for any tickets they received while driving but the owner of the vehicle paid the fine. CTA now pays for the ticket but the drivers are held culpable with a three-day unpaid suspension. If a driver has a repeat offense within a two year period they can lose his or her job.
Real world consequences for breaking the law? What a concept!
Amalgamated Transit Union Local 241, the union representing CTA bus drivers, told NBC 5 this wasn’t fair.
“Our operators work under unrealistic time constraints and meet expectations despite undesirable weather conditions, traffic, and over crowding.”
CTA spokeswoman Tammy Chase said although the agency recognizes the strain a bus driver endures during a shift, safety should be paramount throughout. Chase also said hiring new bus drivers may be the reason for the spike in blowing red lights last year.