METRO Bus Driver Involved in Multiple Vehicle Accident Discharged Following Investigation

This afternoon an investigation into a May 1, 2012 multiple-vehicle accident in the 2900 block of Antoine concluded with the discharge of METRO bus driver Egan Harris. METRO Police Department and safety officials were assisted in their investigation by eyewitnesses and bus cameras that recorded the incident.

“We will continue to hold our drivers to the high-standard of safety our community deserves and our passengers expect,” said METRO’s Senior Vice President of Service Delivery Andrew Skabowski.

The discharge is an administrative matter. The facts of the investigation show the driver, Egan Harris, who has been with the Authority for 10 years, could have taken measures to prevent the accident. Bus camera video shows Harris apparently stepped on the accelerator instead of the brakes.

The mid-morning accident occurred as traffic came to a stop at an intersection and resulted in a chain reaction with more than ten vehicles involved. Seven persons on board the bus were transported by ambulance for medical treatment including Egan who was complaining of neck and back pain. Two persons who were in privately owned vehicles were also taken to local hospitals for examination. The results of a routine post-accident drug and alcohol test of the driver are negative.

About METRO
The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) is the region’s largest public transit provider, offering safe, reliable and affordable transportation services about 370,000 times per day. Besides operating more than 1,200 buses, METRO is currently expanding its 7.5-mile light-rail line (Red Line), with three new lines under construction. METRO’s services also include: Star Vanpool, METROLift, HOV lanes, HOT lanes, Bikes-on-Buses/Trains program, Park & Ride and road improvement projects.