No More Cell Phones

It's official - if you are a public transit train or bus operator, there's no way you should be anywhere near a personal cell phone.

Investigators in Los Angeles are still trying to put the pieces together of that absolutely horrific Metrolink commuter train crash that killed 25 people Friday. There are reports the train operator may have sent a text message out just moments before his commuter train ran head on into a freight locomotive.

If it turns out that the train operator was using his cell phone just before the crash, it will most likely be determined the operator missed a red signal, ultimately sealing his and 24 others fate on board the train. If it turns out that the operator was distracted, his error will be the reason his train was on the same track as the locomotive -- leaving two thundering tons of steel headed straight for one another.

Unbelievably, there is no statewide ban on using a cell phone while operating a train in California -- but it's being considered now.

Don't think this is something that may affect you? A little closer to home, some will remember a Metro accident a few years back where a Yellow Line train operator was on her cell phone just minutes before her train hit and killed two track workers in Alexandria.

Metro has a strict policy of not allowing train or bus operators to use personal cell phones while on duty. It still didn't stop that Metro operator from doing it. She even lied about using the phone, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.

I'm sorry, if I am putting MY life in YOUR hands, the last thing you should be concerned about is what your friends are doing.

Yet, I have to believe it happens more than we think. In fact, I've seen it myself far too often with Metrobus drivers -- chances are Metro riders have seen it as well.

Here's a quote from the president of the California Public Utilities Commission, the agency that regulates rail safety in California:

"Some railroad operators may have policies prohibiting the personal use of cell phones, but they're widely ignored."

What confidence does that give us about Metro operators?

It is simply outrageous. It is hard enough to concentrate on operating a bus or train, a personal cell phone should not even be within reach of an operator. The thought should never be allowed to enter an operator's mind.

The operator of the Yellow Line train involved in that deadly accident a few years back has been banned from operating a train or bus for Metro.

That is simply not enough. Metro and all other local agencies need to seek harsher action. Using a personal cell phone while operating a Metro, MARC, VRE, Amtrak train, or any other train or bus in the area should be a violation that leads to IMMEDIATE termination, maybe even heavy fines and legal action.

There is far too much at stake. Commuters are simply trying to get to or from work, the operator has the responsibility to do the right thing and focus.

Harsher penalties, more oversight, no cell phones.

Got a comment? E-mail Adam at atuss@wtopnews.com. He may use your comment in his next column.

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