Metro Fires Train Operator After Running Red Light

ARLINGTON, VA -- A Metro train operator has been fired after he ran a red light while departing the Reagan National Airport Metro station in Arlington late last month, according to a statement from Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld.

Metro's Safety Department "determined that the cause was train operator error" in the July 27 incident, and "for reasons related to the individual's personnel history, the operator's employment has been terminated," according to a statement that has circulated among numerous media outlets.

"Bus and train operators are among the most safety-critical jobs at Metro," the statement reads. "The wellbeing of our passengers and employees is in your hands. Our workforce operates many thousands of bus and train trips safely every day, and we have many, many employees who we celebrate for achieving millions of miles of safe service every year.

"I know these cases of rules violations are exceptions," the statement continues, "but please see them as I do -- not just as a reminder of what it means to be accountable, but also of the importance of maintaining situational awareness, rules compliance, and avoiding bad habits that can creep into repetitive work."

Wiedefeld added: "Your safety, and all our safety, is riding on it."

Image via Reagan National Airport