County Orders Transit Drug Tests

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted 4 to 1 today to require all transit companies with county contracts to establish mandatory drug testing programs for their employees. The board’s action may have some impact on the Southern California Rapid Transit District, which contracts with the county for subsidized bus service along some beach routes and to the Hollywood Bowl.

The RTD board recently approved a program requiring all drivers involved in accidents or those acting erratically to undergo testing. Most of the other contractors provide services to the handicapped or elderly, county Public Works Director Tom Tidemanson said.