The double-decker tour-bus driver involved in a Times Square crash has had his driver’s license suspended 11 times — and was headed to pick up passengers at the time of the accident, officials said.
William Dalambert, 58, had just started his shift when the double-decker Gray Line bus he was driving collided with a parked City Sights double-decker near the TKTS discount Broadway ticket booth around 3:30 p.m., according to his supervisor.
The collision caused his bus to jump the curb, knocking over a traffic light that injured several pedestrians.
Dalambert, who had a valid license at the time of the accident, was arrested early Wednesday and slapped with a charge of driving while ability impaired.
On Wednesday night, however, Dalambert walked out of Manhattan Criminal Court after preliminary drug tests came back negative.
“It feels good to be free, I’m innocent,” said Dalambert as he was left court.
He denied having any drugs in his system at the time of the crash.
The driver failed a sobriety test at the scene. He later agreed to submit to a blood and urine test.
The District Attorney’s Office said they are awaiting results of the full toxicology report before pressing forward with any charge.
Following the crash, Dalambert insisted he lost control of the bus because of a brake failure, but inspectors said the bus had no mechanical problems.
Dalambert’s estranged wife said she has been worried sick since the crash. “I am very scared for him,” said Yma Dalambert.
The driver, from New Jersey, has had his license suspended 11 times since 1993 — four times for unspecified violations; twice for not having insurance; another two times for not properly filing paperwork, and three suspensions for unpaid child support, according to a spokeswoman for the New Jersey DMV.
A spokesman for Gray Line said the company was conducting an investigation.
Additional reporting by Priscilla DeGregory