St.Pölten bus Driver Fired After Cell Phone Use Behind the Wheel
Published: april 17, 2025
A bus driver in St. Pölten, Austria, has been terminated after being caught on video using his cell phone while driving. The Zuklinbus operator took swift action after reviewing the footage, emphasizing passenger safety as its top priority.
The Incident Unfolds
Robert Mayr, a passenger on Lup line 8, documented the incident with photos and videos.His account paints a concerning picture:
- The driver allegedly nearly struck a traffic sign.
- A passenger at the “Hauptbahnhof Nord” stop was almost caught in the doors as they closed prematurely.
Mayr expressed his dismay, stating, If the driver had concentrated on his work, this accident could have been avoided.
Immediate Termination
Martin Mraz, spokesman for Zuklinbus, addressed the situation in a statement to “NÖN,” confirming the driver’s termination.The employee’s announcement has already been issued,
Mraz said.The driver is reportedly on vacation during the notice period and has expressed remorse.
The company emphasized that the safety of passengers has top priority and that such incidents were not tolerated.
Martin Mraz, Zuklinbus Spokesman
Stricter Controls Planned
Zuklinbus is taking steps to prevent future incidents. According to Mraz, all drivers are required to sign a service instruction that includes a strict prohibition of mobile phone use. The company also plans to implement:
- Regular training sessions
- Sample-like checks
We will check more strictly again in the future,
Mraz confirmed.
A History of issues?
Robert Mayr believes stricter controls are urgently needed. He claims to have witnessed other offenses in recent years, including:
- Unauthorized leaving of the vehicle with the engine running.
- Risky behavior towards pedestrians on crosswalks.
Frequently Asked Questions
- why was the bus driver fired?
- The driver was fired for using a cell phone while driving,a violation of company policy.
- What is Zuklinbus doing to prevent future incidents?
- Zuklinbus is implementing stricter controls, including regular training and sample checks.
- What did the passenger who filmed the incident say?
- The passenger, robert Mayr, said,
If the driver had concentrated on his work, this accident could have been avoided.
