California Bans Train Operators Using Cell Phones

LOS ANGELES (AP) - California train operators are now prohibited
under state rules from using cell phones while on the job.
The Public Utilities Commission unanimously passed the temporary
order in the wake of last week's deadly wreck of a commuter train.
Investigators have confirmed the engineer of the Metrolink
commuter train was text-messaging while on duty the day the train
ran a red light and collided with a Union Pacific freight train.
The wreck in Los Angeles killed 25 people, including the engineer.
Some railroads -- including Metrolink -- already prohibit
operators from using cell phones on the job. But the commission's
president has said the rules are widely ignored. There is no
federal regulation of cell-phone use by railroad workers and until
there had been no California rules.
Under the new order, violators could be fined up to $20,000 per
violation or have their operations shut down.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)