RTA news

Sept. 18, 2009

RTA strengthens cell phone policy

CLEVELAND � Effective today, all employees are prohibited from having a cell phone on their person while operating a bus or train at the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA).

Policy details

The prohibition includes cell phones, smart phones, personal digital assistants such as BlackBerry devices, electronic music devices, wireless headsets or any other electronic communication or listening device.

�The use of cell phones and other similar devices is a growing problem, both nationally and here at home,� says Michael York, RTA�s Deputy General Manager of Operations. �It is a safety violation that we can neither tolerate nor afford.�

While on duty, operators must keep cell phones and other devices separate from their person. They can be stored on-board in personal bags or purses. This reduces the temptation to respond to a phone call or check a text message.

Cell phones can only be used when the operator is on layover, the vehicle is stopped, the parking brake is set, and they have left the driver�s seat. The same rules apply if an operator has to use a personal cell phone to contact a dispatcher.

Zero tolerance

York says the policy carries a �zero tolerance.� Employees will be terminated for a first offense, if the cell phone use is witnessed by another RTA employee or supervisor, or photographic or video documentation is provided by a customer.

Background

For years, RTA has prohibited cell phone use by bus and rail operators. The policy has been updated and strengthened several times, as the popularity of cell phones grew.

Both the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Transit Administration are considering regulatory prohibitions on the use of cell phone devices. Just last week, the National Transportation Safety Board prohibited its employees from using �any wireless device behind the wheel while on duty.�

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY:

Jerry Masek, RTA, 216-566-5211