A rank-and-file transit worker, who is also a dedicated railfan, e-mailed over what happens to the unfortunate subway train operators after they are at the helm of a train that kills a passanger.
Here is what happens after the police release the train and the person is removed from under the train and power is restored
1-Two supervisors arrive
2- One takes the train crew ( Train Operator and Conductor) for a drug and alcohol test
3- Second supervisor takes the train to the yard for inspection to see if the train had a mechanical problem
4- Train crew gets a mandatory three day paid leave after which hey have mandatory psychological counseling.
Many never go back to operating a train again-- Many are so stressed they retire. Many have flashbacks like the Vietnam vets even when no where near a train. One father and son team I know ( No relationship involved other than just coworkers) was impacted-- The Dad wound up retiring and the son is thinking about resigning. Some work in other areas. ...
I have been lucky and have never seen someone hit by a train and hope I never do. From what I am told, "It is not pretty".
Comments (1)
The three days are only given if the incident was fatal, only one day, if the victim lives. I speak from personal experience. A few months ago a passenger decided to lay across the rail as I entered the station. It was a clear case of suicide and still haunts me to this day. The images will be with me forever but at least I can now sleep throughout the night. I can only hope the guy found what he wanted that fateful morning. And that I can find peace in my mind. The public never hears about the trauma the Train Operator goes through. God bless the witnesses, the NYPD officers, Emergency Responders, and the immediate families who had to see and/or experience the results, the trauma, of this and any future train related tragedy.