July 10, 2009
Metro. 'One-Strike' Policy Adopted on Texting
Metro has toughened its policy against texting by train or bus operators, following the release of a video showing a train operator apparently doing so while his train speeds down the tracks, reports The Washington Post.
Any operator caught sending a text message or using a cellphone will be dismissed right away, Metro officials said yesterday.
The transit agency has always prohibited the use of mobile devices to send messages during the operation of Metro vehicles. The previous policy called for a five-day suspension without pay for the first offense, a 10-day suspension for the second and termination after the third. Now, immediate termination will result from a violation.
... In announcing Metro's policy change, officials cited the Metrolink crash in Southern California that killed 25 last September. Investigators have said the driver, who died in the California crash, had sent a text message before the collision.
The new Metro policy takes effect Monday, after 2,400 bus operators and 450 train operators have been notified.
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