May 11, 2009 3:55 pm US/Eastern
LIRR Considers Banning Employees' Cell Phones
(CBS)
The Long Island Rail Road is reviewing its cell phone policy after the recent trolley crash in the Boston area.
Friday's accident occurred when the trolley operator was reportedly sending his girlfriend a text message and failed to see a red light.
The trolley smashed into the back of another trolley, injuring 49 people.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority on Saturday announced it was banning train operators and bus drivers from carrying cell phones on board.
Currently, LIRR engineers, who operate the trains, can carry personal cell phones while on duty. But they must be shut off and stowed in a bag.
The engineers can use them only during emergencies.
LIRR officials haven't said when they will decide whether to ban employees' cell phones.
The LIRR serves the entire length of Long Island.
(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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