Drunk Bus Driver Has License Suspended
The Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes (MPET) said yesterday that it will open an investigation on the bus operator, Station Wagon Alajuela, whose driver was stopped by Tránsito (traffic) officials yesterday for drunk driving. The driver was three times over the legal limit.

Station Wagon is one of two bus lines that operate the San José - Alajuela route.

Tránsito officials responded quickly Sunday when they received calls from passengers on a bus headed for San José from Alajuela where the driver was visibly impaired. Four Tránsito officials on motorcycles tried to intercept the bus, however the driver would not stop until a Tránsito cruiser arrived on the scene.

The driver was identified as Ramón Luis Vega Artavia. Passengers alerted officials of the erratic behaviour and driving of the the driver of the bus with license plates AB-3163.

Apparently the driver had been drinking and despite warnings from fellow drivers and company officials, took out the unit from the bus depot and began to stop to take on passengers along the route.

When Tránsito officials took a breathalyzer test the driver blew 3.29, the equivalent of having consumed forty beers.

Vega was detained by the Tránsito officials, given a ticket for ¢20.000 colones and immediately suspended his license to drive for six months, the maximum penalty under the current traffic laws.

Luis Felipe Vargas, legal representative for Station Wagon, said yesterday that neglect on the part of the depot control manager allowed the Vega to leave with the bus.

The MOPT is concerned that, though this situation did not result in tragedy, the situation could re-occur and that tough company does their best to hire qualified drivers, they have no way of guaranteeing that their drivers aren't consuming alcohol or drugs while working.