The MBTA has fired the driver of a Green Line train that recently collided with another train, sending numerous riders to the hospital.
The reason for the termination is that the driver was “inattentive” at the time of the crash, said MBTA General Manager Jonathan R. Davis.
Davis said the driver was “solely responsible” for the accident. The driver had worked another, non-MBTA job from midnight to 8:00 a.m. before starting his MBTA job at 11:00 a.m., approximately an hour before the crash. The MBTA has not released the name of the driver or a description of the second job.
MBTA rules do not specifically prohibit employees from working additional jobs, but by not having sufficient rest before reporting to work, the driver was unfit for duty, violating MBTA policy, said Davis.
“Because of his alarming disregard for customer and employee safety in performing his duty as a Green Line operator, today he was fired,” Davis said at a news conference prior to a regularly scheduled meeting of the state transportation board. “The conclusion is he was inattentive to his duties as a Green Line operator, resulting in a collision with the other vehicle.”
The driver reported to investigators that he did not fall asleep while operating the train, said Davis. Investigators were unable to determine if that was in fact the case, said Davis.
The collision between two Green Line trains at the Boylston Street station occurred just before noon on Thursday, injuring tens of people. The train was entering the station when it rear-ended another train that had stopped on the platform.
37 people were taken to area hospitals with minor injuries. “People went flying, got their knees banged up. It was pretty hectic,” said one rider.
None of the trolleys were damaged in the crash and the station opened in time for the evening commute.
Public Transportation Accidents in Massachusetts
Accidents with different modes of public transportation like trains and buses can have serious physical, psychological, and financial consequences for Massachusetts individuals. If you have been injured and aren’t sure what to do next, please call us at 617.492.3000 or 800.481.6199 or email us for a free initial consultation.
Our team of personal injury lawyers at Altman & Altman, LLP is prepared to aggressively represent Massachusetts individuals hurt in accidents with buses and trains, and we have the expertise to provide you with exceptional results.
Sources:
MBTA fires ‘inattentive’ driver after Boylston Street trolley crash, www.wcvb.com, December 5, 2012.
MBTA fires ‘inattentive’ operator in trolley crash, www.telegram.com, December 6, 2012.