(Photo: Los Angeles Times) |
LOS ANGELES -- Two Metrolink engineers are accused of tampering with surveillance cameras that were installed in locomotives to improve safety.
One of the engineers has been barred from the regional commuter rail system. The other is under investigation.
Metrolink officials say one engineer made three attempts to block the cameras' view. That engineer, who works for an operating contractor, Connex Railroad LLC, has been barred from running any train on Metrolink-controlled tracks, agency spokeswoman Angela Starr said.
Another engineer is accused of clipping a paper to a visor to block the camera in March. He is still operating Metrolink trains pending the outcome of an investigation, Starr said.
Metrolink is the first commuter train agency in the nation to install cameras in the cab to monitor engineers. The cameras were installed after a federal investigation found that an engineer's actions contributed to the deadly 2008 Chatsworth disaster. That engineer, Robert Sanchez, was found to be sending and receiving text messages on his cell phone before running a red signal light and slamming into a freight train. 25 people were killed in that accident.
A union representing the engineers has filed a federal lawsuit challenging use of the cameras. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen alleges that sun visors were moved to accomodate the cameras, making it difficult for engineers to see clearly when there's a sun glare.
Metrolink contends the cameras' installations have not created a problem because sunglasses are isued to engineers and the visors are still available, Starr said.
After Metrolink installed its cameras, the National Transportation Safety Board called for all of the nation's passenger trains to carry similar equipment. The Federal Railroad Administration, which implements safety requirements, is reviewing the recommendation. But at this point cameras are not considered a safety appliance subject to either federal regulation or federal enforcement actions involving tampering, said FRA spokesman Warren Flatau.
One of the engineers has been barred from the regional commuter rail system. The other is under investigation.
Metrolink officials say one engineer made three attempts to block the cameras' view. That engineer, who works for an operating contractor, Connex Railroad LLC, has been barred from running any train on Metrolink-controlled tracks, agency spokeswoman Angela Starr said.
Another engineer is accused of clipping a paper to a visor to block the camera in March. He is still operating Metrolink trains pending the outcome of an investigation, Starr said.
Metrolink is the first commuter train agency in the nation to install cameras in the cab to monitor engineers. The cameras were installed after a federal investigation found that an engineer's actions contributed to the deadly 2008 Chatsworth disaster. That engineer, Robert Sanchez, was found to be sending and receiving text messages on his cell phone before running a red signal light and slamming into a freight train. 25 people were killed in that accident.
A union representing the engineers has filed a federal lawsuit challenging use of the cameras. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen alleges that sun visors were moved to accomodate the cameras, making it difficult for engineers to see clearly when there's a sun glare.
Metrolink contends the cameras' installations have not created a problem because sunglasses are isued to engineers and the visors are still available, Starr said.
After Metrolink installed its cameras, the National Transportation Safety Board called for all of the nation's passenger trains to carry similar equipment. The Federal Railroad Administration, which implements safety requirements, is reviewing the recommendation. But at this point cameras are not considered a safety appliance subject to either federal regulation or federal enforcement actions involving tampering, said FRA spokesman Warren Flatau.
