CTA Employees Canned for Cell Phone Use

By Prescott Carlson in News on Dec 10, 2009 7:20PM

According to information acquired by the Chicago Tribune, 51 CTA bus and rail employees have been investigated over the past year for using "personal cell phones and other electronic devices" like iPods while on duty, which has led to 11 firings. There were 27 incidents that were dismissed due to lack of evidence, and 13 bus drivers are still suspended without pay while investigations continue.

The CTA toughened up their employee rules in August, and made it so that just a single offense would result in a firing. After any sort of complaint, the employee goes through a multi-step disciplinary process, which CTA spokesperson Wanda Taylor told the Trib is "not violating employee rights." The "zero-tolerance" measure was initially considered after a Los Angeles Metrolink train accident last year that killed 25 people and injured 135. Authorities say that train operator Robert Sanchez sent 57 texts while on duty, one only 22 seconds before his train ran a red light and collided with a freight train. The accident also caused the Federal Railroad Administration to almost immediately issue a national ban prohibiting rail employees from using cell phones and electronic devices while working.

Have you seen a bus driver or rail employee using their cell phone to make calls or text while on duty? You can rat them out to the CTA customer service number at 1-888-968-7282, or send an email to feedback@transitchicago.com. Of course the more info about the incident you can give the CTA the better, especially their employee badge number.