New Reader? Speak Up!

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I've noticed an upsurge in readership lately. However, the large majority of you are SILENT.

What say you? Do you agree with my writing, or not? It is the desire of any writer to be noticed, and I'm grateful for your visit. However, what's on your mind as you read this? Create an account or not, but please divulge your thoughts as you peruse my posts. Also, from where do you read?

Don't be so silent! I get enough of that from people staring at their stupid phones riding my bus. The art of conversation has been murdered by the "smart" phone invasion.

Thanks for reading!

With love,
db

Comments

  1. AnonymousSeptember 13, 2019 at 3:47 AM

    I never miss a post, Deke. Although I do admit that, being a fellow TriMet transit professional, I don't always have the time or energy to put together coherent feedback, haha. Just know, you are appreciated, and I generally find my head nodding and me thinking "YUP!" as I read.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousSeptember 26, 2019 at 6:14 PM

    Hey Deke, I found your blog while researching the Operator positions at Tri-Met as I start the application process. It took two weeks but I finally finished reading the entire thing from start to finish. Lots of information in here. Your writings offer insights but also a lot of caution about pursuing this career choice.

    My impression from reading the previous 7 years shows a slow migration from positive to negative. I "get" your concerns about Operator assaults and the lack of support from Management, the Media, and public. Why an Operator can risk suspension or termination for defending themselves if physically assaulted baffles me. I suppose the view of management is that it's your fault for not defusing a situation before it escalates. The time period clearly shows the switch from safety to "being on time" from your perception as a operator.

    Thanks for the great tips for "newbies." One of my big take-a-ways is to avoid going full-time until after the 6 month probationary period. Too much time in the drivers seat too soon raises the risk of getting two PA's, and a newbie operator needs the time (practice) and rest (processing and alertness) to acclimate to driving a 40ft bus.

    I wonder if you can answer or address a few questions for the potential newbie.
    1. Does management pressure newbies to go full time quickly? What happens if you resist as a newbie?
    2. What is the "Extra Board?" I think that is what its called
    3. What happens if you don't "answer your phone" when the office is trying to call you in on your day off?
    4. Do the garages offer sleeping cots if you decided to sleep there due to inclement weather? Heck are there showers in case you commute via bike?
    5. Got any other insider acronyms to share from an insider. Would love the history how a bus schedule got to be called a Paddle. Not sure how those two terms jive, I bet it's a great story.

    So with this job, let's say you live in Hillsboro, can you really find yourself having to commute all the way to Gresham or something to start a shift. Do most shifts start at a garage or Transit center?

    So I am in my 50s and tired of sitting in front of a computer at a desk all day. I like driving and interacting with people plus there are nice benefits. Is it time to take the leap?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Steven DorstSeptember 29, 2019 at 8:49 AM

    I'm not a new reader - I've been reading you for at least two years -- but it seems this is an appropriate post to thank you for enlightening me to the challenges, responsibilities, and professionalism of metro bus drivers.

    And I was moved to do so when I was asked - on Quora - "Do you think metro bus drivers/bus drivers should make no less than $20?"

    Here's my answer: https://www.quora.com/Do-you-think-metro-bus-drivers-bus-drivers-should-make-no-less-than-20/answer/Steven-Dorst

    I would not have been able to make this case without my years of reading this blog.

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
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    ReplyDelete

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