With last year’s Chatsworth train accident still fresh in people’s minds, Metrolink has given commuters another reason to keep them away from riding the train.
Or more specifically, to be scared of riding Metrolink trains.
Last Tuesday a commuter train engineer allegedly failed to stop at a red signal as another train approached.
Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident and both trains were able to stop hundred feet apart.
According to initial reports, the engineer realized the problem after he ran the red light and quickly declared emergency on the radio as required, and stopped the train before going through a switch and onto a section being used by an oncoming Metrolink train.
The train that passed the red light had passengers on board from Union Station.
Although there were no injuries, Metrolink board members have expressed exasperation and frustration about these basic safety violations.
If proven, this will be the fourth violation of the same nature since the Chatsworth tragedy.
That is four violations in just a little over a year.
One of the board members called the violation inexcusable and that these engineers may be weeded out if they do not do their job.
And we should all say rightfully so.
A train is a common carrier, thus the engineers are required to practice the highest level of care in ensuring the safety of their passengers.
If they cannot abide by the simple safety rule of stopping in a red signal, how are we to believe that their trains are safe?
As of now, the offending engineer was removed from service pending completion of the probe.
Or more specifically, to be scared of riding Metrolink trains.
Last Tuesday a commuter train engineer allegedly failed to stop at a red signal as another train approached.
Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident and both trains were able to stop hundred feet apart.
According to initial reports, the engineer realized the problem after he ran the red light and quickly declared emergency on the radio as required, and stopped the train before going through a switch and onto a section being used by an oncoming Metrolink train.
The train that passed the red light had passengers on board from Union Station.
Although there were no injuries, Metrolink board members have expressed exasperation and frustration about these basic safety violations.
If proven, this will be the fourth violation of the same nature since the Chatsworth tragedy.
That is four violations in just a little over a year.
One of the board members called the violation inexcusable and that these engineers may be weeded out if they do not do their job.
And we should all say rightfully so.
A train is a common carrier, thus the engineers are required to practice the highest level of care in ensuring the safety of their passengers.
If they cannot abide by the simple safety rule of stopping in a red signal, how are we to believe that their trains are safe?
As of now, the offending engineer was removed from service pending completion of the probe.
