MTA will keep testing for apnea despite new federal rules

By Danielle Furfaro | August 10, 2017 | 3:37pm | NYPost.com

The MTA plans to keep testing its train and bus operators for sleep apnea despite the Trump administration’s plans to ax screening that could prevent crashes like the 2013 Metro-North derailment that killed four and injured dozens.

MTA officials said Thursday they won’t pull back on regular sleep apnea testing of about 20,000 employees — including all train operators, engineers and conductors as well as bus drivers.

That covers New York City Transit, Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road.

“This does absolutely nothing to change the MTA’s commitment to sleep apnea screening and testing.” said MTA spokesman Shams Tarek. “Safety is the top priority at the MTA and regardless of any federal requirements.”

The MTA started sleep apnea screening and treatment of its Metro-North employees in 2015 and expanded it to the entire agency this year. The program is expected to cost the MTA up to $7.5 million over five years. The condition can cause the sufferer to suddenly fall asleep during the day.

A sleep-deprived Metro-North engineer fell asleep at the switch in December of 2013, causing the train to take a 30 mph curve at 82 mph and derail. Four people were killed and more than 70 were injured in the crash.

The Trump administration is trying to get rid of the proposed sleep apnea screening as part of its push to cut regulations.

Both the Federal Railroad Administration Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration are planning to pull back on rules that would have required all train operators and truck drivers to be regularly tested for the condition.

Safety advocates are appalled at that the feds are giving up the screening.

“We are very concerned that the administration has pulled the sleep apnea rule making, especially at a time when crash fatalities and injuries are on their way up,” said Catherine Chase, vice president of governmental affairs for the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety.