TTC suspends driver in 7-minute break video

The union representing TTC employees says a bus driver has been suspended pending an investigation after an employee was captured on video stopping on his route for seven minutes to grab a coffee and go to the washroom.

The video, posted by Reuven Politi, is the latest in a series of viral web items highlighting TTC employee behaviour.

TTC spokesperson Brad Ross told the Star that the transit commission is thoroughly investigating the incident.

A statement released by Local 113 of the Amalgamated Transit Union, the driver was suspended for the alleged seven-minute washroom and coffee break.

It did not say if he was suspended with or without pay. The union also says it will not comment on the incident or anything that may bear on it.

Politi shot the video Jan. 29 aboard the 310 Blue Night bus on Bathurst Street.

TTC spokesperson Brad Ross says drivers are allowed to stop for a quick bathroom or coffee break, but they should let customers know what they're doing.

"We're all reasonable people," he said. "That's all we really need to do, is to communicate with our passengers."

Politi says the video was posted after he politely asked the driver not to take a break when the coach was already 15 minutes behind schedule.

The rider says the bus driver replied "This is the 21st century, kid, not the '60s; I can do whatever I want."

Politi says that the driver allegedly left riders on the bus again to get his coffee – and so he confronted the driver again.

Politi says the driver then allegedly gave his bus and badge number and told him to complain but the union would protect his job, the newspaper reports.