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high on the job

More Amtrak Conductors Are High or Drunk on the Job Than Ever Before

Passengers beware: A new report out by the Amtrak inspector general — yes, that's a real person — shows higher rates of conductors, mechanics, and engineers testing positive for drugs and alcohol than at any time in the past six years. And that's with Amtrak only testing about a third of its 4,400-strong workforce and only firing those who fail twice, the AP has learned. "These conditions increase the risk that a serious accident will occur that involves drugs or alcohol," the report warns, prompting Amtrak to up its drug test rate to at least 50 percent from now on. Which should totally put commuters' minds at ease.

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Photo: Spencer Platt/2011 Getty Images