Metra first learned teen drove train from MySpace page photos

Three Metra engineers are in the hot seat after a teenager was apparently allowed to operate the controls of a commuter train.

Both the engineer who permitted the teen to take charge of the locomotive and two other engineers who allowed the 18-year-old into the engine cab were suspended and are facing an investigation by Metra, officials said.

Officials say they first learned about allegations that the teen operated a commuter train after the teen apparently put pictures of the unauthorized ride on his MySpace page.

Metra spokeswoman Judy Pardonnet says someone called the agency about two weeks ago to tip them off about the pictures. She says the page has since been taken down.

Metra is not releasing details about where the infraction occurred or whether there were passengers on board, ABC 7 reported.

The agency stressed that the investigation was in its early stages and the workers deserve due process. Metra apparently heard about the problem two weeks ago.

"If in fact, these allegations are true, we will expect very swift proactive actions taken not only by the union but certainly by Metra," Pardonnet said.

Federal regulations stipulate than only certified engineers can operate trains, officials said. But it's up to individual railroads to set limits on who can be allowed in the locomotive and under what circumstances.

"We'll be monitoring the situation to see what happens," Federal Railroad Administration Director of Public Affairs Steven Kulm said.

Associated Press contributed to this report.