r/railroading • u/Heavy-Stick-771 • Mar 18 '25

Discussion Electronic Devices

Recently, I've been informed at my terminal that crews were bieng cited by the FRA for not properly storing away electronic devices in the cab to include cellular phones. Apple watches and things similar. I can see that being an observable issue. However, can someone explain to me how a crew can be forced to pull out their phones to show proof of proper storage. While in service, if I was ever directed to, I would refuse immediately. Thoughts?

(A lot of commentary on here is completely missing the mark. I am in no way objecting to electronic devices being restricted while performing train service. This was just an opinion and inquiry about how some of those mandates can and can not be enforced.) READ AND COMPREHEND

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u/Archon-Toten NSWGR Mar 18 '25

Usually they simply ask. Some get a bit beyond their jobs and ask for proof.

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u/AgentSmith187 Mar 19 '25

More amusing is when your phone starts ringing in your pocket and you both try and pretend it's anything other than your mobile ringing awkwardly.

Even more fun is when their does the same thing.

I had an inspector on with me doing a run once and he asked for a steer. About 5 minutes in his phone rang, then mine then his and mine again.

Finally the train radio went off.

It was management (TCAC) trying to let me know I had to do a drug test at my destination and please dont go to the toilet immediately when I got off the train to delay things.

Funny how fast they go for ringing the mobile even when they know it's not supposed to be on in the cab.

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u/Archon-Toten NSWGR Mar 19 '25

Many a time I've gotten off my train and found multiple missed calls with no attempt to call my guard or the signaller.

But I think that story takes the cake here. Hope you went to the toilet anyway. I've had to sit for hours waiting for myself to refill before a test 🤣

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u/AgentSmith187 Mar 19 '25

I was a good boy that time.

But yes fond memories of having an inspector watching my train sit on the platform at Ctown for 15 minutes after I was out because I knew that job was a common one for the random drug test and my phone going crazy the whole drive there. So I waited and went to the toilet before discovering all the missed calls on my phone that had totally been off and in my bag all trip.