CTA train operator at helm of Yellow Line crash can’t be fired yet, officials say

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) train operator involved in a Yellow Line crash nearly one year ago, which injured dozens, has still not been fired — despite a recent revelation that he had alcohol in his system at the time.

Federal investigators recently made public information that shows the CTA operator, who had only been on the job a few months, had a blood alcohol level of .048 at the time of the crash.

That’s more than twice the punishable threshold for operators of .02%.

Anything above .04 is grounds for dismissal for a new operator, or an experienced operator transporting passengers. The Yellow Line crash operator fits both criteria, but due to the injuries he sustained in the crash, he remains on inactive status.

The CTA told the Sun-Times he can not be disciplined while inactive, but once he is greenlit for active status, it’s likely he will face termination.

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