TriMet bus drivers and train operators in Portland could be fired immediately for using their cell phones to talk or text on the job beginning Jan. 1.

TriMet General Manager Fred Hansen announced the new disciplinary policy in a letter to employees.

It goes into effect the same day as Oregon's statewide ban on using handheld mobile devices while driving.

An investigation by The Oregonian newspaper found rider complaints about bus drivers who have been so distracted by their phones they missed stops, ran red lights, waved people onboard without checking fares, hit street fixtures and nearly hit pedestrians.

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The newspaper said that, in the past two years, TriMet has fielded more than 530 complaints from riders and other motorists about drivers and operators talking, texting and even playing games on their cell phones.

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Information from: The Oregonian, http://www.oregonlive.com