San Diego transit system bans e-cigarettes on trolleys, at transit centers

San Diego Metropolitan Transit System's (MTS) board voted last week to ban the use of electronic cigarettes in areas where regular tobacco products are prohibited.

Currently, passengers are not allowed to smoke in MTS trolleys and buses, or within 25 feet of any trolley station or bus stop. Those in violation of the e-cigarette rule will be fined $50 for a first offense, $75 for a second offense and $100 for any subsequent offenses.

"We now have uniform policy between the way we treat traditional cigarettes and electronic cigarettes," said MTS Chief Executive Officer Paul Jablonski in a statement.

Bay Area Rapid Transit and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority have enacted similar bans on e-cigarettes, MTS officials said.

To read how other transit agencies are addressing the use of electronic tobacco products, follow this link to Progressive Railroading's article on the topic.