From: finfer@optonline.net   
      
   On 11/24/2014 11:13 AM, hancock4@bbs.cpcn.com wrote:   
   > On Sunday, November 23, 2014 12:04:20 AM UTC-5, jme...@verizon.net wrote:   
   >> My question is: Does MTA protocol demand that a stopped train be taken out   
   of service (even though the reason was in no way mechanical)?   
   >   
   > When we had the LIRR tour, the dispatchers told us one of their worst   
   nightmares was a sick passenger in Penna Station.  If someone becomes   
   seriously ill on a train, it becomes a crime scene and must be investigated   
   accordly, which takes considerable    
   time.  In Penna Station, that blocks a critically needed platform and tracks.   
   >   
   > This is issue came up before--why does such incidents now become a "crime   
   scene" as opposed to merely a medical situation?  The delays to transportation   
   become very substantial and ripple throughout the system.   
   >   
   > Years ago, our commuter train hit someone.  The person was removed and the   
   train resumed its trip in about 25 minutes.  Today, the delay would be much   
   longer because at a minimum, the entire crew would be pulled out of service   
   and a new crew located    
   and transported to the scene.   
   >   
      
   That's not the entire reason.  If there is a fatality, the scene is the   
   jurisdiction of the Medical Examiner, and nothing can be moved, and   
   nobody can leave, until the team arrives and completes its   
   investigation.  They might not be immediately available if, for example,   
   everyone is tied up at other scenes.  The delays, while they can be   
   substantial, are necessary.   
      
   Also, in the event of an accident, in certain circumstances, such as a   
   fatality, the crew may have the right to ask to be relieved on the spot,   
   or they may be taken out of service by supervision, and certain rules   
   violations, such as violation of a stop signal, may result in that   
   action also.  In any event, delays may result.   
      
   Michael Finfer   
   Bridgewater, NJ   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)