2nd NJ TRANSIT Bus Driver Disciplined For Reading While Driving
TOMS RIVER, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Another NJ TRANSIT bus driver has been disciplined for reading while behind the wheel.
NJ TRANSIT recently received cell phone video from a passenger on the Route 137 bus out of Toms River that purportedly shows the driver looking at an e-reader while the bus was stopped waiting to enter the bus lane to the Lincoln Tunnel.
According to published reports, NJ TRANSIT spokesman Will Smith said a driver was disciplined at a hearing on Thursday for violating the agency's rule against using any electronic devices.
Smith declined to release any information about the driver or the punishment.
Earlier this month, NJ TRANSIT disciplined a bus driver who was photographed reading while he drove in stop-and-go traffic on Interstate 80 in Wayne.
"First, he took out a pamphlet, and he's reading a pamphlet. And it looked like it was vacation pamphlet, maybe a trip – I'm like, 'OK, it's summer. This may be quick.' He put it down," said the commuter, who did not want to be identified. "Next thing, the driver takes out a hardcover book from off the dash."
The woman said she took the pictures of the driver on the 324 bus during rush hour.
In one photo, the NJ TRANSIT driver had one hand on the steering wheel and reading material in the other hand. Afterward, he put his book on the steering wheel.
The rider said it went on for 10 minutes.
In that case, NJ TRANSIT said it would take "swift and appropriate action" against the driver, but did not elaborate further.
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