Runaway T train operator suspended, could be fired
The driver’s attorney said his client has been suspended 30 days, pending his termination.
The veteran T operator whose Red Line train coasted away from a station with no driver aboard last week has been suspended until a decision is made about whether to fire him, his attorney said Tuesday.
The Boston Globe reported Tuesday that transit officials have recommended to Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority leadership that Vazquez be fired.
Philip Gordon, an attorney for driver David Vazquez, said he expects the conclusion of a “fair, impartial’’ investigation before any action is taken. The suspension is for 30 days, but its actual length will depend on when the T takes action, Gordon said.
The president of the Boston Carmen’s Union, which represents T drivers, said Vazquez attended a hearing about the incident Tuesday. Union president James O’Brien said Vazquez has the right to file a grievance, which would kick off a union investigation of the incident.
“The union was at that interview and hearing this morning. We’re aware of [the firing recommendation],’’ O’Brien said. “Mr. Vazquez is entitled to certain rights…and we will make sure those rights are protected.’’
Gov. Charlie Baker said last week that the incident occurred because “multiple safety procedures’’ were violated by the driver.
According to an official familiar with the investigation, Vazquez failed to set a brake and also tied off the train’s throttle before exiting the vehicle last week to deal with a signal issue. The two acts apparently caused the train to travel through four stations with about 50 passengers, but no operator, after Vazquez put it into “bypass mode,’’ which allows trains to move despite signal problems. He had received permission to enter bypass mode.
Vazquez sustained minor injuries from the incident. No passengers were injured.
Gordon said Vazquez denies having manipulated the throttle.
He said the investigation into the incident should focus on whether there were equipment malfunctions and ask why the Red Line does not require two operators, which it did until 2012. Transportation officials have said only one operator is necessary if safety procedures are followed.
“There are lots of reasons to look at these trains and lots of reasons to re-examine these protocols,’’ Gordon said.
MBTA spokesman Joe Pesaturo declined to comment on Vazquez’s status, citing a policy of not publicly discussing personnel matters.
T General Manager Frank DePaola said at a Monday transportation meeting that he expected a recommendation from officials on whether to fire the employee by Tuesday.
Secretary of Transportation Stephanie Pollack said Monday that the Red Line investigation is considering aspects of the incident beyond Vazquez’s discipline.
Officials are seeking to understand how often trains must enter bypass mode due to signal issues on the aging transit system, she said. They also hope to understand whether it is common for operators to secure throttles in violation of safety policies.
“We don’t know the answer to that,’’ Pollack said. “We don’t have cameras on the operators in these trains, so we will collect the data.’’
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