Chicago: No texting, no phones for CTA rail workers
Chicago Transit Authority officials are getting tougher on public transportation operators who are using electronic devices while on duty.
CTA President Richard Rodriguez said that as of today, train operators, rail maintenance workers and rail station customer assistants are banned from using any type of electronic device including cell phones, MP3 players, wireless headsets and cell phones. These employees will not be allowed from having them in their possession while they are on duty.
The CTA is banning the use and possession of these devices after recent accidents were caused by operators who were using these devices while working.
The ban on these devices applies to bus drivers as well unless the driver is using it to contact the CTA control center. Because bus drivers are not issued company radios or cell phones, a bus driver can have a phone or other device in their possession, but it must be stored away in a backpack or purse while they are operating the bus.
According to CTA officials, over 200 complaints were lodged against bus drivers during the first half of 2009. These dirvers were using their cell phones while driving.
Under the new rules, any CTA employee using these devices while operating a moving vehicle, can be terminated immediately.
