(The following appeared on the Progressive Railroading website on August 6, 2009.)
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has instituted a zero tolerance policy to prohibit employees from using personal electronic devices while operating trains and buses.
The policy accelerates the disciplinary process for any train or bus operator who uses a cellular phone, smartphone, personal digital assistant, MP3/music player, wireless headset or similar device.
Under the CTA’s previous policy, an employee could accrue up to four violations before supervisors considered a discharge. Now, the possession of an electronic device will result in probation and a three-day suspension, CTA officials said in a prepared statement. In addition, the use of a personal electronic device is a dischargeable offense.
“From my conversations with customers and feedback sent to the CTA, it is clear that there is a genuine concern about the safety of using these items while driving,” said CTA President Richard Rodriguez.