A train driver for Japan Railways (JR) was found reading a book while his train was at a stop, a clear violation of company regulations. This incident came to light through social media when a passenger photographed the driver engrossed in his reading material. The time and place of the incident are yet to be confirmed and the identity of the driver remains undisclosed. JR has expressed its intention to enforce disciplinary actions to maintain public safety.
In Japan, a high value is placed on professional conduct and social responsibility, especially in public services like railways. Actions that may compromise public safety or cause inconvenience are viewed seriously. Despite the train being at a halt, the driver's actions are seen as a failure to prioritize duty. Disciplinary actions have social approval as a means to uphold these values.
In the US or EU, operator misbehavior is also taken seriously, as public safety is paramount. Depending on the specific situation, consequences vary from re-training to termination, or legal procedure in severe cases. Similar to Japan, public sentiment usually favors enforcing strict regulations on transit operators to ensure safety and efficiency.