MTA Deputy Administrator of Transit Operations Ralign Wells says there have been no terminations and no citations issued to any operators since the policy went into effect July 9th.

Wells says there have been about a dozen complaints from the public about cell phone use by operators. The MTA says in each case the operator is questioned and the answer is verified against video cameras on each bus.

Wells says there are times when it is difficult to tell if an operator is talking on the phone because of remote ear pieces being stuck under hair. Wells also says there is no audio on the bus cameras.

Wells says if the MTA is unable to verify the complaint, the operator is put on notice that if another complaint comes in they could face termination.

The MTA also posts morning reminders of the policy and encourages the public to continue to contact them with any complaints if operators are observed talking on a cell phone while operating a bus, light rail train or Metro subway.

(This item was posted on the WBAL Web site Sept. 29, 2009.)