Complaints are pouring in about TriMet's new budget.
Advocates
for riders are criticizing fare increases and service reductions.
Downtown residents are unhappy about the end of free MAX rides. And
Portland Mayor Sam Adams has accused TriMet of breaking a promise to
provide free rides to public school students.
The complaints
follow TriMet's decisions to close a $12 million gap in the budget that
took effect Sunday. But TriMet officials say things could get worse -
much worse - in the future.
"We need a massive change of
astronomical proportions in our finances for things to get better," says
Randy Stedman, TriMet's executive director of labor relations and human
resources.
Bruce Hansen, new president of the union that
represents most TriMet employees, is not convinced, however. Hansen says
he has not yet seen any documents that prove the financial picture is
that bleak.
"My understanding is we've repeatedly asked for proof
and haven't seen it," says Hansen, who became president of Amalgamated
Transit Union Local 757 on July 1.
Read the rest of the article HERE!
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Did you know....
The 72 Eats my Lunch
I have been a driver for 5 years. I still don't "get it" on
the busiest route in the TriMet system.There were a couple of moments today where I came close to losing my mind. Any advice on keeping this bad boy on time?
TRIMET BUS LINES
Including time points by stop ID and color coded route info IS HERE!
(created by Lane Jensen)
(created by Lane Jensen)
Seen on Facebook
BEFORE I FORGET AGAIN: 3000-SERIES BUSES don't appear to include an overhead flood light like the New Flyers do. This has me concerned for a number of reasons, not the least of which is for defensive driving.
Hanging with Trimet retiree Hank
This man has a PHd from Berkeley-retired after 19 years as a part time operator
Classic tweets
BDS message- many many routes cancelled, no operators-FYI #trimet #trimess
— AL M (@APMargulies) July 5, 2012
Before anybody goes into gyrations about lazy overpaid employees it must be noted that Neil IMPOSED a two year hiring freeze on drivers. He even threatened layoffs. Of course we know now that it was all theater,designed to scare the crap out of low seniority drivers and get concessions from the union.
INTERESTING ARTICLE ABOUT GUBMINT CAREERIST'S ARGUING WITH EACH OTHER
"It is unfair to collect payroll taxes from all over the region then use it to subsidize economic activity in central Portland," Duyck wrote on March 6, "especially when basic transit services are being reduced or eliminated elsewhere. This equity principle should also apply to the region’s tax payers subsidizing free youth pass for all students in Portland’s public school system."
Washington County and TriMet have maintained an unusually close working relationship over the years: The county's lobbyist is married to TriMet's lobbyist.(OUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK!)
Washington County Asks TriMet to Limit YouthPass Fallout to Portland
Washington County and TriMet have maintained an unusually close working relationship over the years: The county's lobbyist is married to TriMet's lobbyist.(OUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK!)
Washington County Asks TriMet to Limit YouthPass Fallout to Portland
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