Dear Sam,
I guess we’re “heroes” again. Hotter than my first girlfriend out here! Even though we have air conditioning, fans and boosters trained on us as we drive, the front of the bus is awash in glass. Consequently, we bake in the glare. At least my tattoo is getting nicely tanned.
This time, I’m focusing on encouraging you and Portland to secure some of Joe’s infrastructure money. Portland streets are horrendous. We pay exorbitant taxes. It’s still not enough to prevent arthritis in bus operator seats. Apparently, some streets haven’t been paved since the Eisenhower administration.
The Downtown Transit Mall is a mess. It’s in dire need of a redesign. Motorists cannot see the small signs instructing them which lanes are theirs. The painted lines on the street often look as if they read “_US ONLY”. While appropriate for operators, it’s evidently confusing to the motoring public.
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| Even bus stop signs are difficult to read. |
While you’re at it Boss, it’s time for you to improve the bus side of local transit. You laud the upgrades to light rail while ignoring the wheels which move the majority of passengers. We all see the single rail vehicles and wonder, is ridership down so low on MAX you’re accepting it by running singles?
It’s time to concentrate on bus operations. From horrible streets to a gross lack of clean break areas, drug-laden transit centers and a continuing lack of security, bus operators are still left behind. One of our sisters just suffered her 12th attack in as many years of service, yet you still haven’t found a voice to scream “ENOUGH!”
You expect us to approve your first contract proposal next month. I will automatically vote a resounding NO. Union members historically distrust the first offer from management, because it’s a work in progress. I don’t fear arbitration when our current contract has four months before expiring. There’s a lot of time left to talk.
C’mon Sam. You can do better. It’s beginning to feel like you don’t care enough.
Sincerely,
Deke N. Blue
I've always wondered why there aren't any "No Loitering" signs at the Transit Centers. Something like "Loitering is prohibited, Transportation use only"
ReplyDeleteThe Transit Agency has received infrastructure money from the Biden Administration. Pete Buttigieg was here in Portland and rode down 82nd Avenue where all the upcoming work is planned.
ReplyDeleteMAX is running single cars for other reasons, not because the need has lessened. Hopefully when the night buses are running, there will be some extra security measures. The buses will be taking the last MAX line trips instead of the MAX. LRV Maintenance will have some extra hours to complete maintenance on the MAX line. There could be significant signage improvements made throughout the system you're right on with that observation.
they aren't running singles because they are accepting low ridership, the focus has been skewed cuz as much as we feel like it's not on bus it's not on light rail either. there are other disciplines in the company being ignored and short-changed. I think going into arbitration is a wonderful thing if you think then new union president is gonna do better in arbitration this time than he did the last because from what i recall he is the only ATU union president to eff of trimet's contract and sell not only the pension but healthcare for life and still lose the arbitration
ReplyDeleteThat was the arbitrator who screwed us over. Go back and read the decision.
DeleteCompletely agree the mall needs a serious redesign. I think either candlestick bollards along the auto lane or prohibiting cars altogether is the best way to make the mall work for transit. Downside to bollards is if a bus needs to get around the center lane it would be more difficult. I drive 20 on weekdays and there is ALWAYS tons of security and road supervisors hanging out there. Always. Never see them at Gresham, Oregon City, Jantzen Beach, Clackamas etc. Would be nice to have the help spread out.
ReplyDelete