RTD Reports a Continued Dip in Illegal Drug Use
Illegal drug use among Southern California Rapid Transit District employees declined last month, continuing a downward trend, according to an RTD report issued Thursday.
A total of nine employees, or 3.4% of the 260 tested, showed positive results for illegal drugs in February. That compares to 4.3% in January, 5.4% in December and 6.2% in November.
Between September, 1985, and September, 1986, about 11% of RTD employees tested, including drivers, mechanics and clerical workers, tested positive for illegal drugs, mainly marijuana. At the New York Transit Authority in 1985, only 2.6% of employees tested showed evidence of illegal drug usage.
Following a rash of accidents last year and after drivers involved in at least three of them were fired because of testing positive for drugs, the RTD in October toughened its drug testing policy. Supervisors now test employees who are absent repeatedly, tardy, are involved in various types of accidents or exhibit suspicious behavior. Tests are also conducted during routine physical exams.
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