“This was a tragic incident for all involved and the MTA continues to provide the full facts to the public. Unfortunately, the bus operator refused his FTA and MTA-mandated drug and alcohol test multiple times. This is a straightforward, nonnegotiable, federally-mandated requirement of all bus operators and other safety sensitive personnel. We cannot make any exceptions to this requirement nor should we. The investigation remains ongoing and we will release more information when it is available.”

On background:

• The attached statement from an MTA sample collection technician states that the bus operator involved in the incident refused three times to agree to a Federal Transit Administration-required post-incident drug test. The technician arrived at the hospital where the operator was being treated at 2:59am on January 15, 2021 and attempted during the following 41 minutes to obtain a urine sample, which was repeatedly refused. These refusals were witnessed by a treating doctor who is independent of the MTA. Names have been redacted to protect the privacy of medical and other personnel.
• At the time of the incident, the bus was traveling almost five times the allowable speed for a bus making the turn being attempted. This is documented by GPS analysis.
• Investigators have thus far identified no mechanical cause for the failure to remain on the road and to travel at allowable speed for the conditions. This is supported by data retrieved from the bus's onboard event recorder.
• The operator, who identified himself publicly today as Everton Beccan, is now under pre-disciplinary suspension without pay and was withheld from service from the time of the incident.

The investigation is ongoing. Additional relevant facts will be released as appropriate.