Snow What?

Last winter we had quite a lot of white. While it doesn't snow every year in Portland, sometimes it does. Instead of plowing through and then writing about it, I'm going to address the issue prior to any possible snow event.

My employer nailed it today, getting ahead of the storm before it hits. I love it when people think proactively. Being informed beforehand can help people prepare for what might (or might not) happen this winter where transit is concerned. Portland weather can be very difficult to predict. We're in a valley that ranges from 50 feet above sea level to several hundred feet. Our atmosphere can produce snow in one area, freezing rain in another, and just rain in the rest. When a winter storm approaches, there are many possible scenarios.

Operators have to be prepared for any eventuality, because we're expected to be at work even when many businesses close. This last week, our management wisely started providing operators with cold weather tools such as ice trekkers, lights and helpful information ahead of whatever Mother Nature might throw at us this winter. It seems the past several years' hard lessons are being heeded, and I applaud this step in a positive direction. Hopefully, cots, blankets and food will be provided for those who wisely choose to sleep at the garages when bad weather hits, rather than chance going home and getting stuck there.

For transit, the tiniest hint of white stuff puts our entire team on alert. Maintenance must be ready, if more than a few inches of snow fall or there's a chance of ice, to chain up hundreds of buses on a moment's notice. Operators have to leave home sometimes an hour or more early to ensure we arrive where we need to be prior to the start of our run.  Trainers are split into shifts to be on hand for many different duties, from digging out stuck buses to guiding operators through tricky situations. Road supervisors throw on extra layers and bring additional supplies because they are out in the worst conditions supporting operators in many different situations. More Station Agents are on hand to man the phones on Snow Lines used by operators with a wide range of questions. Dispatchers and Controllers have a myriad of additional calls during weather events, often working themselves to total exhaustion in their incredible efforts to support us and direct aid where it's needed most. Assistant Managers work late as well, helping as necessary.

We work best as a team, when everyone pulls together in the toughest of times. The riding public as well plays a valuable role during these situations. As I read the agency's Winter Weather Tips on a FaceBook post however, I noticed the requisite whiny comments by our generally-unprepared passengers. It's easy to blame us, and they do. We're so late. MAX Shuttle buses are infrequent. Scheduled buses don't arrive. Well yeah folks, it happens. Let's explore why, before you blow through another box of tissue with your uniformed tantrums.

Plan on buses being late. If our buses are all chained, we're limited to 25mph. Even if we were crazy enough to go faster, we can't. The buses are governed to this speed because going any faster can create so much centrifugal force the chains can break. How many of us saw busted chain sets on the roadways last winter? They can fail even at slower speeds. Remember, even the most heavy-duty chains take a beating from 40,000 pounds constantly beating them into shreds. Sliding into curbs can break chains too, although we're usually able to avoid this type of mishap.

It depends on the route usually as to how "late" we'll be. Actually, you can throw this term out the window if you dare open it. Not only are we limited by chains, but also other traffic. People are notorious for driving when they really don't need to, or know how to. Cars constantly slide by us, get stuck, and slow our already turtle-like progress. Accidents can block our routes. Buses can break down. Passenger loads are heavier. The wise will leave their wheels safely in the garage and catch a ride on transit during winter weather. Schedules are designed around optimal conditions when buses roll at or just below the speed limit.

When you do ride transit during inclement weather, plan accordingly. If you don't have to be at work, don't go. Plenty of non-essential businesses will close in winter weather. If you must be on the job and you ride transit, be ready to wait. Bring food, extra gear, phone chargers. Wear warm clothing. Make sure you tell the boss you might be late. Be prepared if you can't get home, to stay at work or somewhere nearby. A little preparation can help you avoid extreme inconvenience, and also danger. Ice trekkers for your shoes are a very wise investment, plus anything that elevates your warmth and enhances safety.

When the bus arrives, be grateful. We're doing our best to move people through these storms, and we work long hours in horrible conditions. Don't be in a hurry. When we arrive, be assured we've battled many miles of treachery to get there. Some operators have been driving a long time without a break, so when you berate us for being "late," your ignorance is showing. We don't need (or appreciate) a lecture on the subject. Stay on the sidewalks. It's very unsafe to "meet the bus" on the streets. Wait until we have safely stopped and opened the doors before approaching, because a bus might slide right into you. Remember that we normally won't service a stop at the curb like we normally do, to avoid getting stuck. If your normal stop is on a hill, find one that isn't. If we're going downhill on some routes, these stops are often impossible to serve.

Most people are very gracious and thankful for our efforts, and this is truly welcome to us. Please, just get on the bus, sit down and enjoy the sights. Let us do our job. It takes intense concentration in the best of conditions to safely maneuver our beasts; in bad weather we need every bit of wit and will we can muster to safely traverse streets that are often unplowed and rutted messes.

If a bus slips, slides and careens along, please don't scream, gasp or otherwise startle the operator. Truly, we're driving by the seat of our pants. No matter how Herculean our efforts, sometimes we get stuck. Don't panic, bombard the operator with questions, or tell us what to do. We'll work through the proper channels and inform you as pertinent information reaches us. Please don't demand or command. Your safety is our most important goal, even if you don't agree with how we handle a situation. We don't want to be stuck any more than you do. In extreme conditions, please follow your operator's instructions without dissent.

Trips that normally take you an hour to reach your destination, allow for 2-3 times that in inclement weather. If you arrive early, it's a bonus. When you do arrive, applaud that gritty operator who successfully and safely delivered you. We take great pride in our work, and a little appreciation and cooperation go a long way to ensure your safety.

Fingers and eyes are crossed here, folks. We hope it's a mild winter, but if not, we'll still be here for you. If the thousands of people in transit operations have cooperation from those we serve, we'll all get through it with fewer mishaps. Knowing my team, and those I've driven for years, we have a great chance to make it safely through yet another Silver Thaw.