LIRR Passenger Spotted Drinking Beer In Off-Limits Engineer's Cab
MINEOLA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A passenger was caught drinking and riding the rails inside an off-limits engineer's cabin this past weekend, and some have asked where the safety protocols are.
As CBS2's Jennifer McLogan reported, LIRR passengers gathered around Monday to view cellphone video captured by a passenger on the 7:08 train out of Penn Station headed east to Babylon this past weekend.
The Long Islander who shot the vide was stunned that in full view of conductors and train personnel, a commuter hunkered down inside the engineer's cab – off limits to the public – amid buttons, dials, brakes and door controls. He was allegedly seen drinking a beer and reading the evening paper.
"Just because the train's crowded, they should not be sitting at the conductor's chair -- especially having a beer," said LIRR commuter Lou Prats. "To me, the safety of the train is more important."
"If you're drinking, some of the controls – don't know what could happen, you know?" said LIRR commuter Michelle Adjua.
"I would like to see more security of the train for safety," said LIRR commuter Ana Trigoso.
The rush hour rail car looked filled, and with a few empty seats, the rider seemed to find comfort and an open space to stretch out. At one point, a passenger – apparently thinking the man in the cab was a conductor – asked a schedule question.
LIRR commuter Davon Jones said off-limits seating is not all that unusual during rush hour.
"They usually leave the doors open so that we can sit there when there's not enough seats," Jones said.
At one point, the engineer passed right by the open cab, and did not ask the man to move out of the secure area.
The railroad said the interloper would not have been able to use the controls without a key, and there was never any risk to passengers. Still, the LIRR said the door should have been locked and was being investigated Tuesday.
In response to the possible breach, the LIRR Commuter Council watchdog agency responded, "The LIRR Commuter Council is quite concerned about this possible violation which could have both security and safety implications."
The council asked, "What if a full beer had been spilled all over the controls?"
