Transit manager used cell phone behind wheel

The head of Ottawa's public transit service apologized Friday for taking a call on his cell phone while driving a company vehicle.

Alain Mercier, OC Transpo's general manager, admitted to taking a call on his phone in a letter to the public transit service's staff, and apologized to city council for his actions.

"I have an integrated phone system in my car to assure myself that I am always respecting the law. Yesterday, I made a mistake by receiving a call on my hand held device while using an OC Transpo service vehicle,"Mercier said.

Coun. Diane Deans, chair of Ottawa's transportation committee, advised of the incident at a meeting Friday.A spokesperson told CBC NewsMercier has been disciplined but would not reveal what it was, citing employee confidentiality.

In early February, OC Transpo's management promised an investigation after two bus drivers were photographed or videotaped as they appeared to use cell phones to send text messages.

Deans also called for an investigation into that case.

"There will be an investigation, and if there is an appearance that a law was broken be it a bylaw or a provincial law then we will refer it to the Ottawa police," Deans said at the time.

In his letter to staff Mercier said he would accept disciplinary measures taken by the city.