In The News: New MBTA cell phone ban also tightens rules for commuter rail

BOSTON - The MBTA’s new cell phone ban replaces a less restrictive one that has long applied to commuter rail operations.
A spokesman for the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Co. said Thursday it has prohibited its engineers and conductors from doing their jobs while using or carrying a cell phone.
But Scott Farmelant (FAR’-muh-lant) says the workers used to be able to carry their phone in a bag with other personal belongings. The device had to be switched off.
MBTA subway, bus and rail drivers who are now caught using a cell phone face a 30-day suspension and recommendation for termination. Those caught carrying a phone get a 10-day suspension on the first offense, and a 30-day suspension and recommendation for termination for a second offense.