In response to Washington Metro announcement noted below, I asked Maryland Transit Administration Jawauna Greene what is the MTA's policy on cell phone use or texting by operators.

According to Greene, while the MTA forbids cell phone use or text-messaging while operating one of its vehicles, it does not have a "zero-tolerance" policy. Noting that the MTA has a union contract to consider, Greene said the MTA's policy is that if an investigation shows an operator did use a cell  phone or text-messaging device while in charge of a vehicle, management "can" terminate that employee.

There's a world of difference between "can fire" and "will fire," and if texting or cell phone use is found to have any connection with Sunday's fatal light rail accident, I suspect that will change in a hurry.