BOSTON -- The fallout continues from the crash of an MBTA subway in which 40 people, including the driver, were injured. The driver has admitted using his cell phone to text his girlfriend while operating the train. Only a year ago, witnesses reported seeing another Green Line operator using her cell phone prior to a deadly crash. And this week, passengers on a Peter Pan bus outed a driver for talking on his cell as he hurtled down a highway.

These incidents underscore the self-evident merit of the T’s new cell phone policy, which forbids on-duty operators from having a cell phone in an MBTA vehicle. Initially, Boston Carmen’s Union supported the ban. But now the union appears uncertain.

Make no mistake: Most MBTA employees are hardworking, responsible professionals and should not become scapegoats because of the mistakes of a few. Nor should their rights as citizens, and needs as family members to communicate, be unfairly overlooked.

We trust a balance can be worked out. But let’s be clear: If we forbid students to have distracting and disruptive cell phones in class, we should ask nothing less from those entrusted with the lives of passengers. The evidence is overwhelming and the pictures devastating.

The Carmen’s Union shouldn't have any further hesitation and jump back on board.