Crime & Safety

RTA Bus Driver's Disciplinary Record Includes Headphones, Minor Crash

The Greater Cleveland RTA released Artis Hughes' personnel file Thursday.

The RTA bus driver who was caught in a viral video uppercutting a passenger in Beachwood has three written disciplinary marks in his personnel file.

Artis Hughes has been cited by the RTA for listening to headphones while driving twice and hitting a tree with his right-side mirror, according to documents released by the RTA Thursday.

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The 22-year-veteren of the RTA has never been punished with more than a written warning.

According to the disciplinary reports, Hughes told the RTA that he was listening to the Bible on cassette the second time he was spotted wearing the earbud in January 2005.

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The first time he was cited for the earbud was in August 2003.

The other written warning he received was for hitting a tree with his right side mirror, damaging it, in August 2005.

The file also contains several customer complaints and supervisory observations that did not result in formal disciplinary action. These infractions range from a running stop sign to talking too much to customers during his route to failing to display his badge while driving.

The driver was placed on unpaid suspension after video surfaced of him arguing with Shidea Lane on the bus Sept. 18. The video depicts her approaching him as he is driving. He then stops the bus and punches her, knocking her on the floor.

both misdemeanors.

They are both scheduled to be arraigned in Shaker Heights Municipal Court Nov. 6.


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