It seems that a lot of red light runner offenders are city transit buses. Many of these go through intersections with red light cameras and most assuredly generate photos and tickets. What happens to these? Are the drivers cited or does the city charge itself for tickets?
Kurt
The driver of the bus gets the ticket and is responsible for it, according to the three major Puget Sound transit agencies. But they say it rarely ever happens.
"In cases of red light cameras, there is enough information recorded to identify who is behind the wheel when the bus runs the light," said Linda Thelke, spokesperson for Metro Transit, which handles bus operations in King County.
If it happens in Pierce County, the ticket goes to Pierce Transit, which then gives the ticket to the driver.
"We have a whole system in place related to safety, and that is just part of our policy," said Jessyn Farrell, Pierce Transit spokesperson.
All the bus agencies have their own internal processes for reviewing and disciplining their drivers. Multiple infractions can potentially lead to suspension or termination.
But the agencies say it just doesn't happen that much.
"I don't remember the last time we had coach operator stopped for running a red light, so that's how infrequently it happens," said Tom Pearce, spokesperson for Community Transit in Snohomish County.
Sound Transit is a collaboration of Metro, Pierce and Community transits. So depending on what county the infraction happens in, that particular agency's policies would come into play if it involved a Sound Transit bus.
"The answer you get for each of them (transit agencies) also applies for Sound Transit," said Geoff Patrick, Sound Transit spokesman.
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