Metro Statement 
re: Bus Operator Driving Records

May 4, 2005

Metro remains committed to implementing strong measures to further improve Metro’s safety record.

First, Metro is developing a program to discipline and/or re-train operators who have multiple violations on their personal driving records. New federal legislation effective in September 2005 will allow the courts to automatically suspend a person’s license if he/she is convicted of a DUI. This will include a commercial license (class B) for a one-year period. Metro won’t wait until September to cull these operators from our ranks. Any operator who has been convicted of a DUI also is subject to frequent alcohol and drug testing.

Metro has a new policy in place that requires operators with three or more non-preventable accidents, no matter how minor, to undergo additional training, which includes training on our new high tech bus-driving simulator. Staff is reviewing the

FY 06 budget allocations to ensure that adequate resources are earmarked for training and accident prevention techniques.

Metro has developed seven new strategies in its continued effort to drive down bus and passenger accidents. These include establishing a point-based accident reporting system, enhancing the accident review board process, developing a proactive training program, new rules on driving with cell phones, and offering rewards and recognition for safe driving. Staff also is exploring new ways to enhance safety features on all Metro buses and has implemented new accident mapping software to better track accidents involving Metro buses.

Operations staff is looking to beef up its field supervision to better monitor operators and ensure that all safety regulations are strictly followed.

One accident is one too many, and Metro’s goal is to have no accidents. Metro is moving in that direction. It has a good safety record compared to other major transit properties and that record has gotten steadily better in the last five years (4.15 accidents per 100,000 miles in FY00 to 3.47 in FY05). That reflects well on the more than 4,000 Metro operators.

There are some operators who don’t meet Metro’s high standards and staff is using new technology to identify them and either give them additional training or work within the law and union contracts to weed them out.