RAIL, BUS SAFETY MUST COME FIRST

Light-rail Crash: State's Failure To Crack Down On Drug-users Can't Be
Blamed Only On Union Contract.

Here's one way Maryland Transit Authority officials can reassure the public about their users-behind-the-wheel problem.

Just disclose it up front. Replace the sign on the front of light rail trains that flashes the vehicle's destination with one that says: "Caution: Driver may have tested positive for cocaine use." At least riders would know the score.

But if that's not the preferred solution -- and of course, we don't really think it is -- then maybe it's time for someone at the MTA to get serious about the business of getting drug addicts out of the driver's seat.

The logic here is pretty simple: They don't let former drug users fly commercial airliners or pilot big ships, so it seems to make good sense to prevent them from driving commuter trains or buses.

Gov. Parris N. Glendening is ultimately responsible for making sure the MTA gets this problem fixed. We hope he does it sooner, rather than later.

Already, we've endured two light rail smash-ups caused by drivers who had at one time or another tested positive for drug use. Worse, the MTA has not yet changed its policy on these matters, which allows employees caught using drugs to get back to work after a short suspension.

MTA officials say a collective bargaining agreement prevents them from changing the policy without union input, and union officials say they're not sure about the suggested changes.

But that's no excuse for letting people ride trains and buses in danger.

If the union contract says addicts must keep their jobs, let them come to work and handle other duties while they participate in drug-rehabilitation programs. But don't let them get behind the wheel of a multi-ton vehicle where they could jeopardize lives.

Public safety must come first. That's just common sense.

The MTA now requires drivers to take periodic retraining, which is a step in the right direction. Technical upgrades of the light-rail line will include automated features to stop a train if a driver falls asleep or fails to slow down.

But state and union leaders must do more to ensure passenger safety. More random drug testing. Giving management the ability to shift drivers with drug problems to less-sensitive jobs.

We need leadership from the folks at the highest levels of our government -- are you listening, Governor Glendening? -- to make sure safety comes first at the MTA. How many more crashes will it take to drive that point home?