TTC bus operator caught using cellphone while driving

A Toronto Transit Commission bus driver was captured using a cellphone while driving a TTC bus in the Scarborough area.

The driver, wearing a shirt with a TTC logo, can be seen operating the moving bus while holding and using a cellphone with their right hand.

“[I] wasn’t really paying attention until when I was getting off, I realized the driver was driving and texting,” said the person who took the video.

The person who took the video asked to remain anonymous.

The incident happened on Thursday around 5 p.m. on the number 20 Cliffside bus.

“They probably decided to [use the phone] because the road was empty and the bus was empty,” said the videographer.

TTC spokesperson Brad Ross told CityNews the video was brought to their attention on Friday.

“The operator has been identified and an internal investigation is now underway,” said Ross. “This is a very serious matter and the TTC is treating it as such given the enormous responsibility it has for the safety of its customers and all road users.”

“I mean if it’s urgent at least stop the bus,” said the person who took the video.

Distracted driving in Ontario is a $490 fine and three demerit points, or $1,000 if taken to court. Using a hand-held communication or electronic entertainment devices while driving is considered distracted driving.

The Ministry of Transportation website says “simply holding a phone or other device while driving is against the law.”

Careless driving charges include six demerit points and up to $2,000 in fines, possible jail or a license suspension. The Ministry of Transportation says careless driving is if a driver endangers other people because of any kind of distraction, and includes hand-held or hands-free devices.