Train Operators Who Prevented Accidents Get Special Call to Rail HQ
OCTOBER 17 -- Five veteran TWU Local 100 Train Operators were summoned to NYCT's Rail Control Center this morning without explanation -- and were relieved to find themselves honored for preventing accidents in the subway system. Each of the five -- Omar Velez, Schneider Francois, Jason Vrahatis, Emeterio Rodriguez, and Vance Greaves -- got breakfast, a nice certificate presented by Chief of Subways Joe Leader, a pin, and a rare opportunity to spend an hour in a relaxed way talking with top MTA brass. TWU Local 100 RTO Chair Joe Costales also recognized the men on behalf of the Union. Subways VP for Service Delivery John Gaul lauded the men for their "free exchange of information" about hazards they noticed. Said Vice President and Chief Officer of MOW Wynton Habersham: "You know your lines. You know what's right and what's not quite right. You know what doesn't feel right. You know what doesn't sound right." Typical of the stories was that of Train Operator Omar Velez, who heard a thump that didn't sound right, stopped his #7 train, and called the Rail Control Center. A crew went out on the tracks and found a defect on the rail that could have caused a serious accident.