BART Train Operator Reading a Book While Train in Motion?

I was really surprised to see this, and wasn't sure if there is anything in the books that say it is not allowed to read a book while operating the train, even if it is in ATO. Isn't part of his responsibility to make sure there are no obstructions on the track? Can anyone comment on what his duties are while the train is in motion?

This TO appeared to be reading his book from when I got on in Berkeley all the way to West Oakland. He left his cab door open, but closed it at Embarcadero. The clip I have is coming out of the Oakland Wye approaching West Oakland Sta. He clearly is not looking at the track ahead and then puts down his book as we approach the station.

I can't imagine this is very safe to do, esp. given the state has just banned text messaging for train engineers in light of the Metrolink accident a month ago. This was taken last Thursday afternoon, Oct 2nd.

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[01hotbone]

its a in closed system first, when he looks up he has at lease a 2 1/2 3 mile view in front of him, and how do you know hes reading a novel, it might have have been a bart manual he had to look up something real quick anyways mind your own business

[illinidee4three]

I only said it appeared he was reading a novel, please read the description first. And he doesn't have a 2 1/2-3 mile view in the tunnel. And if we're just minding our own business, are we just conceding that a train operator really only closes doors and makes station announcements, both of which can be done automatically now?

[SPS148669]

I thought this train are automatic that why he can read on board. He is only there if it breaks down he can drive manually

[illinidee4three]

You're absolutely right that they are automatic. But that doesn't mean they should still be looking for obstructions on the track. What if debris had blown onto the tracks and caused the train to derail? What if there is a trespasser on the tracks?

[osxmaniac]

If there was a trespasser on the tracks, there is no way that he can stop a 6-10 car train before hitting the trespasser. BTW, the trespasser could simply cross over to the other set of tracks, or get off them completely. Debris will only cause the train to derail if it is big enough, and once again a train driver cannot stop the train in time to avoid the debris once he sees it. He could also be looking at the control panel. Have you ever been inside the front of the BART train?

[illinidee4three]

If the train had just left the station, of course there is great probability that the train could be stopped in time if there were an obstruction on the tracks. BART isn't traveling at a high rate of speed all the time, especially not through the Wye.

[blimpopswebmaster]

Hey i know that Train Operator. it is Artis Hollinquest.

[illinidee4three]

Please read the description and previous comments instead of repeating everything already posted. Unless I'm missing something, your comment added nothing of substance to this discussion. Except that you were wrong in ATC, the TO only closes the doors. Doors open automatically.

[CoCoEMT]

Are you an employee? I mean where did you learn the lingo? IE: "ATO" and "Oakland WYE"