MARTA Train Operator Caught Texting

June 23, 2009

A train operator for Atlanta’s metro system, the MARTA, was suspended recently, when a transit rider reported that he saw him texting while operating the train. The man made the report to officials, and presented a photo, which he had taken with his own cell phone. The employee was suspended, but investigators, who are working with MARTA, are still determining what disciplinary action should be taken.

Last year, a train in California and a trolley in Boston were both involved in accidents because the operators were texting while driving. Twenty-five people were killed and nearly 100 were injured.

It is against the policies of any city transit authority for its operators to be using cellular device, especially those for texting, while driving. However, many people believe that there should also be some legal ramification for those who break the rules. Because the train operators hold so many lives in their hands, many believe this to be fair.