Police are investigating whether the driver of the Jacksonville Transit Authority bus that crashed into a train Monday violated any JTA policies. Her driving history is one of complaints, commendations, and warnings.
Carolyn Simmons was identified by officials as the one behind the wheel and was placed on “hold off” status, according to her employer. An investigation is underway.
JTA said the driver approached the tracks before the arm came down and signals began to flash. A passenger at the scene told First Coast News that they told Simmons to “back up” several times before the collision. No major injuries reported.
The On Your Side team pulled Simmons’ history as a driver, which dates back to 1999. The 86-page file includes complaints, commendations, and warnings issued for her work. She has been involved in a dozen documented accidents during that time: two within a month back in 2006.
Simmons’ file also shows awards for safety and preventing at least seven wrecks. Our attempts to contact Simmons in person and online were unsuccessful.
JTA declined to comment further on the case, but added they’re considering changing procedures in wake of the wreck.
“We are undertaking a complete review of how JTA buses approach and cross intersections.”