JR West train driver smoked a cigarette while driving the
train… Passengers complained about the smell
JR West railways announced on the 13th that a 55
year old male train driver with the Osaka Branch, Nara division smoked a
cigarette while driving the Osaka loop line train.
Once the driver admitted that he “couldn’t be patient,” and
acknowledged smoking in the past, JR West confirmed the details and punished
him.
According to the announcement, the incident occurred on the
12th – the train left Tennoji station at 6:32pm (about 200
passengers onboard) and from Morinomiya, the driver smoked one cigarette in the
Driver’s room for about 4 minutes.
When the passengers who noticed the smell disembarked at
Shinimamiya station notified station staff, the incident came to light.
According to the JR West employee’s manual, smoking while on the job is
prohibited. “More than safety, it’s problematic behavior, so we sincerely
apologize.”
