MBTA bus driver cited by police

March 08, 2008 07:15 am

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SALEM — An MBTA bus driver was cited after he swerved around traffic that was stopped for a couple pushing a baby carriage through a crosswalk, Salem police said.

Sgt. Harry Rocheville said the driver, Michael D. Christoforo, 31, of Revere, faces three citations but no criminal charges after the incident yesterday. Rocheville said he was working a detail at the intersection of Norman and Margin streets when he saw the bus go left around a line of traffic stopped before the Norman Street crosswalk.

A man and woman were in the crosswalk pushing a baby carriage, he said. They were not hurt.

"He was stopped for passing a motor vehicle stopped for a pedestrian in the crosswalk, as well as operating left of center," Rocheville said.

Sgt. Andrew Dacy said the citations also included one for speed greater than reasonable.

Christoforo told police he couldn't stop without hurting one of his passengers.

"He said that he couldn't stop because a passenger stood up, and it would have caused the person to fall or be injured if he stopped," Rocheville said.

Rocheville said Salem police would notify the MBTA of the incident.

— Mike Stucka