Kyoto_Kid

In response to THIS post.

A good example of how drivers are left to fend for themselves concerns the the #20 and the ongoing construction project at St Vincent's Hospital which has the driveways through the campus torn up.
Yesterday we nearly got stuck as there was no viable means for the bus to exit the campus.
We could not continue westbound to the SW Baltic exit as the awning over the entrance to the west pavillion does not have enough clearance for a bus to pass underneath. This left going through the west end of the parking lot which involves two extremely tight turns that would challenge a van or SUV.
This morning it happened again. After an additional six minutes of our driver trying to manoeuvre a 40 foot bus though these turns (bottoming out as there was no way to avoid going over a curb) we finally made it out. Mind you this was no greenhorn driver but a 15 year veteran with a spotless record.
So the bus gets damaged and who is at fault? Of course, the hapless driver who is forced to operate a bus directly through instead of around a construction zone.
In speaking with our driver after we arrived at the Beaverton TC, she mentioned that yesterday other drivers who were on the route expressed concerns about the conditions and were told by a dispatcher something to the effect that "if you hit it right you shouldn't have a problem". I'd like to see that dispatcher who sits at a desk all day try to wrangle a 40 foot bus though that mess.
Yesterday I sent a comment to Tri Met about this as it is not only a source of added stress for both the driver and passengers but a safety issue as well should a bus get stuck or clip a parked car or other obstruction. I mentioned that until the project is completed buses should remain on Barnes and not go through the campus. Also temporary stops be installed at the intersection with west exit from the hospital grounds (which is controlled by a traffic signal).
No response, not even an email acknowledging the fact they received my comment.
This just shows how ignorant Tri Met Management chooses to be of situations that need attention.