October 3, 2008 MBTA issues fresh warning about cell phone use Play video

(Brad Puffer, NECN: Boston, MA) - These are the best bus drivers at the MBTA, competing in an annual rodeo that showcases their ability. And they'll tell you - driving through the streets of Boston requires constant attention. And no way could they do that while talking on a cell phone.

O.D. Fitzpatrick, MBTA Bus Driver

"It's big a machine it's a lot going on you are doing three or four different things at the one time at all times"

Jim Bradley, MBTA Bus Driver

"You have to look up the street a bit and look what is coming at you and prepare for everything."

To compete - drivers must have no safety violations. But eight bus drivers and one trolley driver have been suspended for texting or talking on a cell phone in just the past five months..

Joe Pesaturo, MBTA spokesman

"No number is going to be accepted and that's why we are going to continue to crack down on this."

The MBTA issues a fresh warning to bus and trolley drivers in May after this green line crash killed the operator. Investigators found no evidence that a cell phone contributed, but reports that the driver had used the phone in the past raised concerns. Still federal investigators said this week that a train accident in California which killed 25 people was caused by a driver texting messages just seconds before the crash. It's another reason why MBTA spokesman Joe Pesaturo says they encourage the public to get involved.

Pesaturo

"If it's a customers

that brings it to our attention or another MBTA employee that notices it and reports it we appreciate the information being brought to the T's attention because this is a critical safety issue."

There are 15-hundred bus drivers in the system making thousands of trips each day.

O.D. Fitzpatrick

"Every day is a challenge."

And this year's winner of the bus Roadeo - his fourth win - knows exactly why cell phones are banned..

"Never a dull moment eyes are always watching."