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T cans bus driver for drinking and driving – Metro US

T cans bus driver for drinking and driving

A veteran MBTA bus driver allegedly caught with a bottle of vodka while driving was fired the same day he pleaded not guilty to the charges.

John McCarthy, 61, of Somerville, refused comment after his arraignment yesterday in Somerville District Court.

McCarthy’s termination letter said the 30-year veteran violated the T’s drug and alcohol policy and ordered him to turn in his badge, pass and keys.

According to a Transit Police report, McCarthy was behind the wheel of a bus when it crashed into parked cars in Somerville and rear-ended a Toyota stopped at a traffic light near McGrath Highway and Somerville Avenue on Friday evening. There were no injuries reported and one person was on the bus.

Officers told McCarthy to put the bus in park because it was still in drive, but he repeatedly opened and closed the doors until an officer pointed out the correct button for him to push, according to the report.

At 0.29, McCarthy’s blood alcohol level was nearly four times the legal limit.

In 2008, the T first suspended then fired two subway operators after both failed alcohol and drug tests after crashes.