Cell phone conversations in the bus

Cell phone users might have to think twice before dialing if the area's bus agency bans cell phone conversations. The Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission is considering a change to its policy that currently allows riders to talk on cell phones only when it's truly necessary.

PRTC operates OmniRide, OmniLink, OmniMatch and Metro Direct buses. PRTC hosted a survey online this week asking for riders' opinions on a few different proposals. The survey asked if the policy should not change, if calls should be limited or if cell phone conversations should be banned altogether. Another option would prohibit cell phones on OmniRide and Metro-Direct buses only when they are traveling on the interstate HOV lanes. The current policy of allowing only necessary calls has been in place for more than five years.