CLARIFICATION ON CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT OF DISTRACTION

AVOIDANCE POLICY

1. AttachedareaconfirmationofreceiptandacopyofthenewDistractionPolicythatgoesintoeffectonFebruary1,2010.

2. EmployeesareadvisedtoreadthepolicycarefullyandthensigntheconfirmationofreceiptandreturnittotheirsupervisorbyJanuary29,2009.EmployeeswhoalreadysignedthepolicyonorafterDecember14,2009,willnotneedtosigntheconfirmationofreceiptagain.Otherthantheeffectivedate,thepolicyhasnotchangedsincetheoriginalnotificationwasdistributedonNovember30,2009.

3. Foryourconvenience,frequentlyaskedquestionsareavailabletoassistyouinunderstandingthisnewpolicyandavideowillbepostedontheMARTAnetandcopieswillbeavailableatalllocations.Pleasedirectanyquestionsto yoursupervisor.

4. Allrepresentedemployeeswillreceiveanemergencynotificationcardfortheirrespectiveareas.

Distraction Avoidance PolicyFAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the purpose of this policy?A: Nationally, there have been several high-profile

accidents over the past several years involving transit vehicles resulting from distracted behavior by the operator. These accidents have resulted in fatalities of both employees and customers. Safety is MARTA’s top priority, and it is essential that policies are in place to adequately protect our employees, customers and the general public. This policy is designed to ensure that MARTA can successfully achieve this goal.

Q: What types of distracted behavior is prohibited by the policy?

A: Distracted behaviors prohibited under the policy include the use of all electronic devices ( including cell phones), eating, drinking, smoking, reading, reaching for fallen items, and other activities that take attention away from driving or operating equipment.

Q: To whom does this policy apply?A: This policy applies to all MARTA employees

(represented and non-represented). However, MARTA police are exempt from the prohibition against using cell phones while driving because of

their special training. Non-revenue vehicle operators for whom the vehicle is their primary workplace are allowed to engage in activities such as eating and drinking provided the vehicle is parked in a safe location with the parking brake engaged.

Q: What types of electronic devices are covered by this policy?

A: Electronic devices are defined as wireless and/or portable electronic handheld equipment that may be hands-free or not. This includes, but is not limited to, cellular phones, smartphones (including Blackberries and i-Phones), two-way pagers, portable internet devices, MP3 players, iPods, Bluetooth devices or headphones or earbuds of any type, and any other portable electronic devices. Use of an electronic device includes, but is not limited to, making or receiving telephone calls, texting, playing games, reading, e-mailing, internet browsing, or listening to music or other audio content.

Q: What types of electronic devices are not covered by the policy?

A: MARTA-issued two-way radios and PTT-only (Push-To-Talk) cellular phones issued in lieu of a two-way radio are excluded from this policy. Other equipment that is essential to the operation of the vehicle, such as the intercom and MDTs are also excluded. GPS navigation devices are allowed but programming the device must be done while the vehicle is parked.

Q: Under what circumstances are distracted behaviors prohibited?

A: Distracted behaviors are prohibited whenever an employee is operating a revenue vehicle (including bus, Mobility van or train), operating a non-revenue vehicle, operating your personal vehicle when conducting MARTA business, operating on-track equipment, operating other equipment, or performing a safety critical function.

Q: What is a “safety critical function” under this policy?

A: Safety critical functions are defined in this policy as working on a console at the Rail Services Con-trol Center or Bus Communication Center and any functions and/or activities performed on the rail wayside.

Q: What else is prohibited by this policy?A: Employees are prohibited from wearing or carrying

personal electronic devices on their person while operating any revenue vehicle or equipment, or performing a safety critical function.

Q: Can I have my cell phone/electronic device with me while I am working?

A: Yes, however the cell phone/electronic device must be turned off and stored in a purse, bag or box.

Q: When can I use my cell phone or electronic device?

A: You can use your cell phone/electronic device when the vehicle is parked in a safe location with the parking brake engaged. Rail Operators must exit the cab.

Q: What other requirements does the policy include?

A: Employees must cooperate with any accident investigation, identify any personal electronic devices in their possession at the time of the accident, provide cellular phone number in-formation, allow investigators to examine any and all personal electronic devices in their possession at the time of an accident, and allow MARTA access to personal cellular phone records from their service provider.

Q: Are there penalties for violating the policy?A: The violations, along with associated discipline, are

clearly communicated in policy Section J, and can result in termination of employment.

Q: How does my family contact me in the event of an emergency?

A: Most employees will still have limited access to their cellular phones and will have an opportunity to periodically check for messages and make calls, if necessary. Prior to February 1, 2010 all represented employees will be provided with an emergency contact card with phone numbers to call in an emergency that they can give to family members.

Q: What constitutes an emergency?A: An emergency is defined as an unforeseen com-

bination of circumstances that calls for immediate action. Some examples of emergencies include but are not limited to, illness or accident of an immedi-ate family member, criminal activity, vehicle acci-dent, natural/weather disaster and security threat.

Q: When does this policy become effective?A: February 1, 2010

Q: Will there be additional information available?A: Yes. In addition to these frequently asked ques-

tions and the policy itself, MARTA has produced an informational video that will be posted on the MARTAnet and copies will be distributed for play in various work locations.

Q: What if I have questions that are not covered in the policy or in these FAQ’s?

A: Employees who have further questions can speak with their immediate supervisor, who has received a full briefing on the policy and knows how to obtain policy clarifications when necessary.

Distraction Avoidance PolicyFAQs - Frequently Asked Questions