METRO Briefs

Rail firm accused in L.A. crash

LOS ANGELES — Lawyers for the victims in the fatal Sept. 12 Metrolink commuter rail crash claim that the engineer’s employer ignored complaints about his constant cell phone use. For the full story, click here.

FMCSA steps up operator vetting system

DALLAS — John Hill, outgoing administrator for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, said that the agency has sought additional information from 32 transportation companies seeking licensing, in an effort to eliminate rogue operators. For the full story, click here.

USF developing device to help disabled riders

TAMPA, Fla. — A new travel assistance device, developed by University of South Florida researchers, uses the GPS technology inside cell phones to let cognitively disabled riders know when to exit the bus. For the full story, click here.