Trimess

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

AUTO COLLIDES WITH WES

Yea the auto collided with WES, because the car driver thought he  HAD A GREEN LIGHT! See for yourself! The design of that intersection definitely contributed to the crash

TRIMET IS A THE THEATER OF THE ABSURD

I would get this stuff for free but due to Trimet paranoia and secrecy protocols I don't involve any more current employees to get this stuff. 
The interesting thing is the same stuff I could find on my own using Trinet they are telling me costs $1732! Unbelievable. Trimess strikes again and succeeds in keeping their files secret. I'm not paying that ridiculous charge, there is plenty publicly available material to continue illustrating the complete absurdity of Trimet Transit District. No matter what they do to cut me off I always find something else to cover. Trimet actions makes me more and more focused to never stop this blog.

TRIMET SCHEDULING FAIL


COMPOSITE OF BUS DRIVER STABBER


HARRY SAPPORTA FAIL

"I don't see anything unsafe" I don't see anything unsafe" "Harry want a cracker"
Mcfarlane crony Sapporta is like a parrot, "i don't see anything unsafe" he says, well there were 3 police calls to Trimet in less than an hour today

TRIMET EXECUTIVES BLOW IT AGAIN

$34 million dollars for a radio 'upgrade' that has not worked correctly since they bought it

I bet you thought only Trimet used duct tape to repair buses and trains

Nope the st car uses it too!

CLASSIC TWEETS

A riders very first experience with Trimet and very appropriate

EXCELLENT EXPLANATION OF THE RECENT ERB RULING

ERB: Arbitrator’s ruling stands, but TriMet broke law | nwLaborPress

Of course its 'delayed'

If Trimet is involved, you know there will be 'adjustments', like they do at board meetings when a contractor wants and extra 5 million or so. And now even the mobile ticket runs into 'complications"

The report raises questions about the future of near-field communications as a payment platform, in part because of Apple’s decision not to include NFC in the iPhone. For this reason, researchers expect to see growth in barcode-based ticketing in developed areas and the rise of applications using text-messaging in developing areas.
To date, only a few U.S. properties have adopted mobile payment options. In addition to TriMet (OR), discussed above, other early adopters include the Massachusetts Bay Transportation AuthorityNJ TRANSIT, and Dallas Area Rapid Transit (TX), and Amtrak.  The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (NY) also plans to introduce mobile ticketing for its commuter rail lines.

FULL STORY HERE

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

TO TRIMET UNION EMPLOYEES SOMEDAY RETIREES

I was promised about a $950 month pension And that I wouldn't have to worry about healthcare costs when I retired. What I ended up getting is $735 a month pension And will have to assume several thousand dollars in medical expenses if needed. And its not over for current retirees 

If it happened  to me it will happen to you. Trimet is only now beginning the slashing employees pensions and benefits. They have admitted so publicly. I have lost 20% of my pension value. Do you think there will be much waiting for you by the time you leave Trimet? Don't count on it. Meanwhile Fred Hanson collects  $16,000 a month, Bob Nelson is collecting  $200,000 a year at the same time is collecting $48,000 year pension. Auxier collects his $175,000 year salary plus a $69,000 year pension from Trimet. And who knows how much McFarlane will rake away from the situation at Trimet. Just remember who you are working  for and who should have your loyalty.
A company that has no second thoughts about screwing it's retirees while enriching its executive class is who you are working for. Remember it.

THE GIRLS ARE SINGING WAITING FOR THE MAX

After some concert, of course Trimet seized on the propaganda value CLICK HERE

TRIMET POSTS OFFICIAL NOTICE REGARDING THEIR ILLEGAL BEHAVIOR


Does this notice resemble the Oregonian headline: State board upholds TriMet contract requiring union members to pay more of their health care costs

Light rail rebellion

Judge to hear arguments today on light rail vote | The Columbian

CRASH


Monday, July 29, 2013

GOOF GOOFOFERSON DOES A TRIMET RANT

@goofoffartiste


JOE ESMONDE ASKS SAPPORTA A QUESTION


He wonders if Trimet has considered recruiting a front line worker for safety officer. Guess what his answer is

BUS DRIVER ATTACKED WITH ROCK

Attackers wife said driver 'deserved it'

CORNY MAX PROMO MOVIE

They mention using your max ticket for the silly st car but not the bus

SCHEDULING NIGHTMARES-UPDATED


THE GANG IS OUT TO DESTROY THE UNION MEMBERS


Don't believe me? Well you better listen to this closely again because Auxier makes it very clear that the givebacks are only beginning and they have a long way to go

Another driver does the wrong thing

I don't understand the thinking of some of the drivers. Heck if I missed a stop or was on a detour I stopped when requested. As long as your at the side of the road its not dangerous, I never did understand why some drivers make a deal out of it.

WHY IS TRIMET IM SUCH A FINANCIAL MESS?

John  Charles Explains!

Sunday, July 28, 2013

INTERESTING CASE RE: UNFUNDED LIABLITY IN FRESNO CA

Management incompetence, as seen at Trimet, which has allowed for absurdly high unfunded liability  seems to be part of governmental general incompetence. It's happened all around America and its the little guys that will get screwed, the executives never get hurt.

While people like Mcfarlane and Fred Hansen get insanely rich off the  tax payers tit they continue attacking the blue collar workers as the enemy of the people. Americans not being especially generous or loving people, eat up the propaganda and can't wait to watch the destruction of their fellow Americans.

John Charles said it best, "the Trimet board of directors and the past executives should be in jail for spending the money that was supposed to fund retirements"


Association of Blue Collar Workers v. Wills (1986) 187 Cal. App. 3d 780 [232 Cal. Rptr. 174] :: Volume 187 :: Cal. App. 3d :: California Case Law :: US Case Law :: US Law :: Justia

ANOTHER EDITION OF THE HARRY SAPPORTA SHOW

HARRY "i don't see anything unsafe" SAPPORTA
Harry's existence at Trimet is basically to cover up and obfuscate Trimet safety failures. In his phony presentation he makes ZERO mention of the recent operator stabbings or dozens of incidents with disruptive passengers on buses and trains. Harry is a fraud.

WOMAN SLAPS BUS DRIVER (with sound)


CALL KEVIN MODECA IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH TRANSIT POLICE

TRANSIT POLICE COMMANDER MOVES UP AND OUT OF TRIMET


Mcfarlane talks about the new buses


BRUTAL BUS VS BICYCLIST CRASH WITH SOUND THAT APPEARED TO HAVE GOOD ENDING

From Public Transit To Google Bus

And one thing's certain: with TriMess managers constantly blaming drivers for their own shortcomings, having to push outdated buses on constantly diminishing routes, and dealing with the gang-bangers and assorted other street refuse, being a driver in Porkland is an almost certain ticket to health problems. By contrast, ferrying polite (and clean) geeks from point to point in quiet luxury has to be a driver's version of work heaven.

MaxRedline Here!

TRIMET FAT CATS

Making a ton of money off taxpayers for not providing actual transit service

CRONY BOB NELSON WANTS TO HEAR FROM RIDERS

Here ya go Bob, this happens way to often at Trimet

Saturday, July 27, 2013

LATEST SEEN AND HEARD ON TRIMET

But not seen on TRIMET'S HOW WE ROLL BLOG!
 TRIMET SCANNER TWEETS  
I wouldn't wish having to ride on on my worst enemy. Just the waiting would be cruel & unusual punishment.

MCFARLANE TOYS WITH OPAL


Trimet: A Fecal Matter

 You are sitting in human feces!” the driver screamed. “You are contaminated with human feces!”
All passengers–including the allegedly poop-stained man–stared dumbly, as if in shock.
“That seat has feces on it. Human feces!”
She wanted everyone to hear, not just him. And she had our rapt attention. The man seemed scared. She seemed to feed off his fear.

Very interesting story here!

TRIMET SCANNER ONLY HEARS SOME OF THE SERIOUS INCIDENTS ON BUSES AND TRAIN

The police feed records every time there is a call regarding Trimet, this is just a small sampling of how many times the police get called to trimet buses

CHECK OUT THIS CHINESE RAIL STATION DURING RUSH HOUR

It's unbelievable!

MORE BULLSHIT FROM MCFARLANE


BOB NELSON BULLSHIT

Old picture of Mcfarlane crony Nelson
Mcfarlane, the executive swine trying to take down ATU 757 because 'it's not sustainable' continues hiring executives without a second thought. In Mcfarlanes twisted little world service and health care cuts are justifiable but hiring six figure executives and executive raises are 'mission critical'

Mcfarlane has been able to bring back all of his cronies (sapporta, auxier, and now nelson) without one cry of 'cronyism' as all of those jobs were not offered to the public seeking  the 'best qualified applicant'. It's pure cronyism.

Mcfarlane has been the poster boy for a government leader out of control. Trimet breaks labor law as a regular course of business, he handed all his six figure pals raises at the exact same time he cut service and raised fares, and he did it in secret, and continues to vilify his workforce. He started gestapo like inspections on trains and ridership has gone down since he took over. He has been a massive failure and he has done such a poor job the state legislator has ordered the first ever audit of Trimet operations

Lets take a look at crony Bob Nelsons first feel good blog post:

UTA AND TRIMET-BOTH DISCONNECTED FOR TRANSIT RIDERS

Today we have a system that is overpriced and inconvenient to use. It caters to the 9-to-5 commuter while ignoring the service needs of the most vulnerable: the working poor, the elderly and the disabled. Struggling families, students and others need a reliable, fast and inexpensive system alternative.
UTA is so far out of touch with the needs of the population that moments after asking for a greater sales tax share they hopped on a plane to Switzerland to study cog railways that will presumably be ideal for running a railroad up Big and Little Cottonwood canyons.
Actions speak louder than words. If restoring bus service is the top priority for UTA executives, then they should study the current system by giving up their personal cars for a year and using the system that the rest of the population is forced to use, and not how the Swiss run trains up a mountain.

Line 70 detoured wrong way through Center Garage

Line 70: to Sunderland: Regular route to 17th and Center Garage, turn right into Center Garage, take track 18th,or 19th turn by spotter shack to Center St., left Center and regular route 17th and Mall stop closed.

Not only are buses detoured through the garage (I wonder what other traffic is doing), but traffic normally enters the garage from Center and exits onto 17th.

KOIN TV WINS ONE

TriMet voids ban on diabetic rider | KOIN.com

Friday, July 26, 2013

CRONY RETURNS


LAYING THE BASS DOWN AT HUBERS


TRIMET COMMENDATION OF THE WEEK

From the Trimet newsletter:
"I've been a faithful MAX rider for 25 years taking the Blue Line from Gresham to downtown Portland to work so I am very familiar with the TriMet system.  However, this particular evening I was alone, waiting for a ride home after the Bruno Mars concert.  I felt safe waiting at the Rose Quarter Station as there were a lot of people around. My ride was stuck in traffic and the wait stretched into almost an hour. Everyone ultimately left the platform and I started to get very nervous standing alone. This very kind TriMet Supervisor stood with me talking and later directing my ride to where we were. I'm sure this was not in his job responsibilities but I can't express how much I appreciated his concern and kindness. Thank you SO much!
  - Rose Quarter, July 22, 2013

THE STATE AUDITORS ARE HERE AND I AM ALREADY WORRIED

Why would I be worried? Because they are only talking to Trimet executives that's why. Lots of folks figured the fix was in immediately and one legislator voted no on this audit saying "not a thing will change as a result of this audit". I tend to agree with him.  There is so much dissatisfaction with Trimet that 'they' had to put on some kind of show for the 'serf's'.
Of course its still a huge slap in the face of Mcfarlane and his merry band of executive cronies since this happened on his watch. As much as they try to spin this it still shows the failure of the Mcfarlane administration to deal with perceived problems at Trimet. He and all his cronies will all get their fat pensions no mater what happens with this 'audit'. 


This week auditors with the Secretary of State’s office began work at TriMet. The team will focus on items identified in the audit legislation -- governance, operations, transparency and TriMet’s fiscal condition. Their process begins with a survey and planning phase to learn about the agency. Audit team members toured some of the TriMet facilities this week.  At each major step in the process, the audit team will meet with a TriMet core team to discuss their findings and ask for input. They will be working out of a conference room at Harrison Square for the next three to four months. (trimet)

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Look at what they are doing at Indianapolis Transit!

-the launch of a free on-site health clinic, which would operate as an urgent care and occupational health center. 
-At our new clinic, employees can visit our dedicated full-time physician, a nurse practitioner and even have their prescriptions filled. 

IndyGo does more with less | BUSRide Digital

This is innovation, not simply passing on costs to employees like Trimet is doing!

DRIVER WHO WAS FIRED FOR HIS CONDUCT AT AN AUTISTIC PERSON GETS REHIRED

This was a classic incident I remember it well and I absolutely love the canadian accents here!
Excellent video at this site:

Berating bus driver gets reinstated | Provincial | News | Sault Star

Travis Stoval asks a question

Travis "The pontificator"  Stoval

National Association of Counties Achievement Award

While all the attention is focused on the Hegemonic Trimet, there are other transit agencies in Oregon, and they just happened to win and award.
Job well done at connecting communities via transit in NW Oregon » News Lincoln County

GREAT QUOTE

“I think it’s just quite Orwellian,” Weishan said. “It seems that no matter what level of government, the more they talk about transparency the less transparency there is.”

News :: Transit Bids Stir Transparency Fears

THE STORY OF TODAYS TRIMET

THERE WAS ANOTHER ASSAULT ON MAX TODAY

Nobody reported it. The mainstream media doesn't want people to freak out any more than they have to

TRIMET NEVER STOPS MAKING ENEMIES

Diabetic excluded from TriMet, fights ban 

 

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Anthony Pitts is a diabetic, and on July 11 his blood sugar level was so low he passed out while taking the MAX home. He woke up in an ambulance and found a TriMet exclusion notice in his backpack.
That exclusion notice — due to “criminal activity” –  states he cannot ride TriMet buses or trains for 60 days.
Diabetic excluded from TriMet, fights ban | KOIN.com 
TriMet wants doctor's note from banned diabetic MAX rider: Commuting roundup | OregonLive.com
TriMet voids exclusion of diabetic MAX rider ticketed while in shock | OregonLive.com

Trimess, we make blunder after blunder after blunder and nobody can stop us!

VIEWER CHECK

Haven't done a viewer check in awhile, this is for the past week.

Do you ever Watch Jana Toran?

I would imagine that most of those executives/board members are aware that not only do I watch those board meetings but I am also studying the characters at these meetings. (ya call me crazy, but I am a 100% product of Trimet culture, maybe the only one that takes the whole thing seriously)
One of my favorite characters to watch is Jana Toran. It appears to me that she has to work very hard to keep from laughing at things, she really starts losing it while citizens speak at the end of the meeting. I hardly ever pick on her, basically cause she hardly ever says anything. She is the 'token black' at the executive level.

Jana 'stop making me laugh' Toran

TRIMET PROVIDES ME WITH A NEVER ENDING SOURCE OF ABSURDITY TO BLOG ABOUT

The system is a total mess, breakdowns/missing buses and trains/ pissed off public, but god love them, they are oblivious to any of the suffering they create as they rake in fortunes.

$63,777.00 - $95,665.00 Annually 
$70,862.00 - $118,103.00 Annually 

Trimet propaganda department continues running in high gear

Trimet is trying hard to stay ahead of ATU 757, obscure bloggers, and numerous tweeters to keep the 'dream on the 90's alive' and the myth of Portland and Trimet strong. Unfortunately for them the internet has changed the way citizens get information. Government along with its mainstream media partners can no longer control the entire message.

The PORTLAND TRIBUNE has emerged as the major print media pushing the Trimet agenda although you will see this same 'non story' in most mainstream media outlets.

Light rail project reaches half-way mark As if that qualifies as 'news', something that is 2 years away. What baloney.

HERE'S the Oregonian version of that

TRIMET SCHEDULE NIGHTMARES

Updated several times daily

Soaring Price Tag on New Cadillac Fare Technology-BRUCE HANSEN ATU 757

This month, the Union published an open letter to the public raising concerns about TriMet’s purchase of electronic fare collection system. It questioned whether spending over $20 million (actually 30 million) on the latest techno gadgetry made sense in light of TriMet’s often stated claim that the agency is in dire financial straits. 

This “dire” situation is the justification TriMet management has used to cut service, raise fares and to propose deep cuts in workers’ wages and benefits.
Yesterday, the Union learned the cost for this new fare equipment has risen from a low of $13 million in 2011 to a new high of $30 million. 

Sure, some passengers might enjoy using the latest technology. However, this new technology already lies behind the raise in fares and the loss of Fareless Square, zone sensitive fares and the reduction of passengers’ ability to use transfers.
But when ridership is dropping, passenger fares are the highest on the West Coast and service is being markedly reduced, does this new fare collection system really make fiscal sense, particularly when it appears management is having a tough time determining what the final cost of the project will be?  

ANOTHER EXCITING EPISODE OF DAVE AUXIER FINANCIAL REPORTS

Dave 'when's lunch' Auxier
Yes he is one of the most boring speakers I have ever heard but he is one of the most important speakers

TriMet says it leads the way in being green......

But according to the APTA, Los Angeles leads the way with Platinum status, with 4 agencies north of Portland holding Gold honors, including KC Metro, Intercity (Olympia), Sound Transit and Translink (Vancouver BC).

You'll find Portland still holding on in the Entry Level......

Article announcing Metro and SF joining the Gold ranks with no mention of TriMet.

Strangers on a train

After interviewing multiple witnesses and reviewing surveillance tapes, police determined the victim initiated contact with a 13-year-old boy while on the train.
The two were strangers, police said.
They said the suspect punched and choked the boy, who then grabbed a knife and stabbed the man in self-defense to escape, police said.

TRIMET (mcfaralane) LOOKING AT ELETRIC BUS

Doubtful we will ever see any of these in PDX because the people that run everything are addicted to light rail projects and all the money that gets spread around to the cronies when installing these boondoggles.

TRIMET FEEL GOOD BLOG HERE

Sometimes I wonder if the words 'crime train' is really as far fetched as they say

Since I have been listening to the scanner religiously I am starting to believe that MAX is indeed a 'crime train" I had never believed that in the past. Crime can't be much different on MAX than in the public right?

I'm starting to have my doubts about that. There are so many incidents on the MAX that I really believe Trimet is completely blowing it (what's unusual about that?) by not having officers/supervisors riding these trains rather than conducting these Gestapo like fare inspections.

Passenger stabbed on MAX line; suspect in custody

THE PRESSING NEED FOR LIGHT RAIL

It's easy to see why central planners love rail; it's another tool to use to dictate how people should live and where they should go. Of course, the problem is that the grand designs fail in most cases to consider how people want to live - and where they need to go. And even NPR is starting to get it:
Today, only 5 percent of workers take public transportation, down from 11 percent in 1960; only 4 percent walk to work, down from 7 percent in 1960.
Cannibalize bus services in an effort to force people onto rail, and watch the transit numbers slide. It's the hot trend.
 MaxRedLine Here!

MCFARLANES BULLSHIT

The mainstream (misinformation) media always publishes Trimet 'press releases' (propaganda) verbatim. The mainstream media might as well be part of Trimet's propaganda department.

“One of my top priorities during my tenure is to reinvest in our system,” says TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane. “Accelerating the bus purchase schedule furthers TriMet’s mission to provide valued transit service that is safe, dependable and easy to use.  (you fucking lying piece of shit, your top priorities in your 20+ career at Trimet is too see the bus service dismantled while you grow your beloved 'crime train')

The ERB ruling means TriMet will not have to cut service or raise fares this year. However, McFarlane says the agency will face a financial crisis within a few years if the union does not agree to additional health care concessions.   (this is the real Mcfarlane, build rail, hand out millions upon millions to his buddies at CH2M HILL and all his other crony contractors, and destroy the union)

TRIBUNE PROPAGANDA HERE

TriMet Max #123 A/C Waterfall

YouTube

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

LATEST SEEN AND HEARD ON TRIMET

But not seen on TRIMET'S HOW WE ROLL BLOG!
 TRIMET SCANNER TWEETS

Completely unacceptable level of service. Let me know if you need more CS forms filled out. I will fill out a hundred more.  

SPEAKING TO THE TRIMET SOCK PUPPETS IS A TOTAL WASTE OF TIME

And I can prove it using Warner's own words

LOVE THESE 'VINE' MOVIES

Remember to turn on the sound in the upper left corner of the movie

THE COMPLETE BOARD OF PUPPETS MEETING

Starring the cavalcade of overpaid , ego inflated transit executives;


Neil "i got mine you get yours" Mcfarlane






Randy "unions? what unions?" Stedman
 Harry "i don't see anything unsafe" Sapporta!
Dave "what time is lunch" Auxier
-----------------------------------




PART 1
PART 2
PART 3


This presentation is brought to you buy TwoLonelyGuys because Trimet has no interest in the public seeing any of their proceedings

The 2LonelyGuys

ORS 267.090(3) (Relating to the terms of a TriMet Board Member)

267.090 Directors; appointment; term; vacancies; Governor to fix time of first meeting. Except as provided in ORS 267.112:

She is scaring everyone. (at TriMet Bus Line 78)

CLICK HERE!
AND HERE!
AND ONE MORE TIME!

Good ole CH2M HILL

Always found where government boondoggle money is there for the taking. Article HERE! 
Speaking of CH2M Hill you might remember this EXCELLENT ARTICLE

STABBING ON MAX TODAY


As always it was the trimet bloggers getting the news first

BEING A TRIMET BUS DRIVER CAN KILL YOU


TRIMET SCHEDULING FAILURES


Pic of ms Lomax (her back to us) giving tour to state auditors of Powell.

Who knows if they will talk to the rank and file

STEDMAN TALKS ABOUT ERB DECISION

There were no outrageous claims during this meeting,mostly factual, completely opposite of how it was presented to the media

MCFARLANE TALKS ABOUT RECENT STABBING OF A TRIMET DRIVER

TriMet wins Willamette Week's Best Lost and Found

BEST LOST AND FOUND
The former owners of a floral-print plastic giraffe, bright pink Razor scooter and slide guitar will probably never see them again. Such is the fate of 80 percent of the objects that wind up at TriMet’s lost and found, a rectangular 500-square-foot, fluorescent-lit backroom in TriMet’s Southeast Portland headquarters (4012 SE 17th Ave., 962-7505, trimet.org).
Most businesses have a lost and found where people return to claim misplaced possessions. But for TriMet riders, that range expands to 52 miles of MAX light rail, 79 bus lines and 14.7 miles of WES commuter rail. “People leave their items for every reason under the sun—they’re tired, distracted or have had a long day at work,” says TriMet spokeswoman Angela Murphy. “But it all ends back in the same place.” There have been penitentiary blueprints, bones from Portland State University’s biology department and an urn filled with cremated remains. TriMet’s lost and found keeps these orphaned items for two weeks before donating them. Last year, 21,258 items were unclaimed.
There are a few success stories—three ukuleles were recently reunited with their owners. Station agent Mark Rotella says people who do find their items are ecstatic. “They usually want to hug you,” he says. “I’m like, ‘No, thanks.’” SARA SNEATH.

--Willamette Week

FACIAL EXPRESSIONS OF BOARD MEMBERS AT THE BEGINING OF LANES OBJECTION

LOL!

PATRICK STANELY AT TODAYS BOARD MEETING

Gives a nice speech about proactive vs reactive management styles and poor scheduling

ALEX HAWK ASKS: "ARE WE A TRANSIT AGENCY OR ....?"

He tells the true story of Trimet growth and priorities

Tweets from this morning's TriMet board meeting


TRANSIT EXECUTIVES FEEDING AT THE PUBLIC HOG TROUGH

One issue that is not on the table in the talks between BART and its unions is the system’s generous buy-back policy for unused sick, holiday and vacation leave — which can be a gold mine for all workers, but particularly for managers.
The most prominent beneficiary of the policy was Dorothy Dugger, BART’s former $298,700-a-year general manager, who amassed 80 weeks of unused vacation and sick time in 20 years at the agency.
To pay it off, BART allowed Dugger to take “terminal leave,” which kept her on the books as an employee for more than 19 months after her exit in 2011. She earned $333,199 during that time without so much as ever setting foot in the place.
What’s more, staying on the payroll allowed Dugger to accrue an additional 17 weeks of sick and vacation time totaling $98,000 — some of which apparently came on top of the $333,000 and change.
All this was on top of the $920,000 that Dugger collected as part of a settlement with BART directors who had botched an attempt to fire her.
Although Dugger’s case is the most extreme, she is not alone.

BART’s golden ride into retirement | Matier And Ross | an SFGate.com blog
(and this executive class has the nerve to attack the working class)

DRIVING A TRIMET BUS HAZARDOUS AND RATTLING WORK


“I’m hugely disappointed. I thought I was a valuable employee,” he says.”I’ve given them 110 percent every day that I work.” (Dan Martin about Trimet)
While waiting on a bus platform in the Lents Neighborhood on 82nd Avenue and Powell Street with another female bus operator, he said he was approached by a frantic man screaming that he had just had a gun pointed at him. Martin directed the man to a nearby unmarked police car, but almost immediately a gun-wielding man came around the corner where Martin and the operator were standing.
Referring to that moment when the gun was brandished, Martin says with dread, “that gun only had a small barrel, but I tell you it felt like a cannon to me." In that instant he says his mind raced as he thought about his daughter and girlfriend, as well as the safety of the driver next to him who he said was “freaking out.”

Read the whole article at PORTLAND OBSERVER

Lane Jensen objects to Tiffany Sweitzers continuing on the sock puppet board

The Trimet code clearly states a defined period for Trimet board members. So how is it that Sweitzer gets to break those rules and continue on the board instead of just leaving the seat vacant. Something is not right there and Lane objects to this obvious rule violation

TRIMET TO PAY UP ITS DEBT?

That is what was said at Todays board meeting. I'll believe it when I see it

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Trimet execs get new furniture and brand new facilities

And Trimet union employees get shoved into prefab trailers

THIS IS THE TYPE OF BEHAVIOR YOU ENCOUNTER WHEN RIDING MAX

is Trimet safe? Not these days

BART NEGOTIATOR USING SAME TACTICS AS TRIMET NEGOTIATOR

"Manipulation, deception, stall tactics, not resolving problems. Surface bargaining which is intended not to move bargaining forward," said SEIU Local 1021 President Roxanne Sanchez.(sounds just like Trimet)

ABC NEWS HERE!

Tiffany Sweitzers term is expired yet she continues on the board?

Her position should remain vacant. I don't see how she can just continue voting on matters at Trimet.

Read more about this at:
PORTLAND TRANSIT LANE

ALL BUS DOORS MUST BE CLOSED-PARNOID NATION (not issued lately)


Interesting Trimet public records requests

Trimet making enemies everywhere

THE 'REAL' ELRB STORY BY PRESIDENT ATU 757 BRUCE HANSEN

Bruce Hansen took a 20k/yr pay cut while Trimet execs hid raises to their 6 figure salaries

For Immediate Release July 23, 2013

Contact Bruce Hansen

ATU President Asks the Public to Judge

Late Friday afternoon, July 19th, the Oregon Employment Relations Board issued its decision in the hotly contested case between TriMet and the transit union over last year’s interest arbitration decision. By Saturday, TriMet’s highly paid public relations department was churning out claims of victory. “In our opinion,” says Union president Bruce Hansen, “this is a good example of TriMet management’s belief that people will believe an untruth if it is shouted loud and long enough.” Hansen said that by any measure, the Union clearly won the case. You be the judge. Below are the wins and losses:

ERIK HALSTEAD VS 3 TRIMET SUPERVISORS

Apparently Trimet has not provided an 'official' answer to Erik's complaint about 2 buses that almost ran him off the road. In this video he brings his concerns to Trimet supervisors

TRIMET VERY LATE REPORTS

This post is updated several times per day

Trimet working hard to increase max ridership

We all know that light rail ridership has slipped considerably dropping about 10%. We also know that Portland had been selected by the federal government as the showcase for its rail construction handouts.
So Trimet is working furiously to get light rail ridership back up and will spare no dollar to accomplish that task

TRIMET PROPAGANDA HERE!

IF YOU WERE AN EMPLOYEE IN 2009 EXPECT A CHECK

From Trimet press release:

As part of the original arbitration award, Arbitrator Gaba ruled that TriMet must refund $3.6 million in premiums that employees paid prior to the arbitration award. (notice how Trimet ignored Gabba's order)

Trimet has refused over and over to refund the illegal charge that was imposed on union members because  Mcfarlane was angry with union leadership. And despite numerous court rulings Trimet has refused to return the illegally confiscated union members funds. One of  Trimet strategies is ignoring court orders. 
Let's see if they actually do what the court tells them to do, they usually dont

So how much is your refund, that depends on which coverage you selected. In my case I selected the most expensive option so expect a full refund. There are about 1500 union employees at Trimet.

If the refunds were split evenly that would be $2400 per employee!

UPDATE FROM ATU 757 BRUCE HANSEN:
∙ Finally, ERB’s agreement with the Union that health insurance costs could not be collected retroactively means that TriMet must now pay union members over $3.1 million because of TriMet’s prior wrong doing. (TriMet has appealed that decision so payments are still pending the outcome of that appeal) (so once again Trimet will not honor the court decision but drag it out using tax payer funds to appeal, they have no ethics at Trimet executive level, they cheat, they lie, and they distort)

UPDATE #2 FROM THE LAST BOARD MEETING
  28m
$3.6 million going to be refunded for union members

Public records requests hide things from the public

Trimet has a $9 million dollar 'public affairs' budget and a separate 'marketing' budget yet they put a premium charge on all public records requests that require research. Certain things should be easily available to the public.
6/24/2013 Lane Jensen n/a
Requesting / Reviewing Records
Video evidence from 6/24/2013, Bus 2283, Block 1950, from 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM






Trimet construction creating chaos

Bicyclists got hit hard by Trimess
 (see where it takes you, literally)
BikePortland.

TRIMET LIES AND DISORTIONS

Those of us who follow Trimet management understand exactly who they are and how they operate. Most operators never see the side of Trimet management that I did because most operators just show up , do their jobs and go home. I got involved with politics as well as operating that video camera before there were rules against that so I became a prime target of their ruthlessness.  The management took a big turn towards the dark side when Mcfarlane took over with his 'my way or the highway' philosophy.

What we do know is that Trimet management has a culture of distortion and downright lies. You see that culture close up and personal when you are a targeted employee. And we see that culture in every-single aspect of the 'public face'. They say one thing while doing another, you basically can't believe anything out of that propaganda department. Let's take a look at this recent TRIMET 'press release' regarding the ELRB ruling. I'm only going to reprint the most obvious distortions and lies

You really wanna be a bus driver?

It's hazardous work for an unforgiving company. One action leads to most violent attacks on bus operators, ENFORCING THE FARES.

The 'real' story

 (from a reader)
"Has anyone done any research into non union perks?" , this "is" the million dollar question, especially if you have over 70 non-union employees that make $100,000 or more, but that doesn't included benefits. Out of those 70+ what is there benefits packages,100% or 90/10 or the advertised 85/15? Plus, what impact does this have on the op costs, like they say the union contract has(since, salaries are part of the op cost)?? Maybe the Audit will uncover this and make it public? This "is" the story that Joe Rose "will not" touch, he is only concerned about op using cell phones, LOL what a joke hack!
The real story is why do they owe $900 million dollars towards union retirement benefits, and why are they trying so hard to get out of it. This is why they have been spinning everything on the union since the $175,000 dollar man came into the picture, "it's the union's fault" is their talking point, we have to do cut backs (when we don't have to),and blame the union. We claim that we have a shortfall (when we don't)and blame it on the union (while we take 3%+  raises at the same time). Contracting the system and expanding at the same time while claiming "broke",its all the union contract, no its business as usual. Remember, they have a full "spin" department, that works 247 on "all" things led by that $175,000 guy.
"You can fool some of the people sometime, but not all of the people all of the time."

Monday, July 22, 2013

WAR AGAINST TRANSIT WORKERS

It's rather odd that all these companies that don't have the 'richest benefit package in the industry' are asking for the exact same givebacks as the Transit district that has the richest benefits package in the world. Something is not right, or Trimet is lying.

Despite progress, bus strike looms

This dog and pony show is starting to bug me!


Blast from the past!

KATU HAS LEAD THE TV MEDIA IN ATTACKING TRIMET WORKERS-from 3 years ago


Interesting that the bumbling Mary Festch used to work for them

Check out this attack on a bus driver

Bus driver attack suspect surrenders - YouTube

Adventures Lara the Trimet bus driver-episode 9

According to this list bus driver is the 7th most stressful job

20 most stressful jobs - best, greatest of everything ranked User Contributed Rankings - ShareRanks.com

Max Red line gets it right

MaxRedline: ERB Finding: Bad-Faith Bargaining By TriMet

Best comments on the Oregonian article on the ELRB

The Truth About TriMet Public Relations

Click Here!

Sunday, July 21, 2013

TRIMET SPIN DOCTORS AND ITS COMPLICIT MAINSTREAM MEDIA

Very Lively and mostly intelligent debate over at the Oregonian on Joe Rose's story on the last ELRB decision.
But this story is the quintessential example of SUPERB (hey I've said if there is one thing that Trimet does right its propaganda, they are the best in the business) propaganda techniques and how its used to influence public opinion.

Trimet and mainstream media are saying  
State board upholds TriMet contract requiring union members to pay more of their health care costs

Is that what the ruling of the ELRB actually said? Nope they never issued any such ruling, here is what the headlines should be saying instead of the fictional headlines:
TRIMET ORDERED TO CEASE AND DESIST VIOLATING ORS 243.672(1)(c)


If there were 'real' news sources they would have  quoted the ruling for the headline

TOM HORTON'S COMMENT THAT WAS DELETED ON THE OREGONIAN

[I have a problem with any press, media, reporter, or journalist who stands behind First Amendment Freedom of the Press, but then engages in active CENSORSHIP OF THEIR READERS/LISTENERS/VIEWERS FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF SPEECH. So, here’s what I wrote, that Joe Rose and his OregonLive masters ultimately censored, twice. It was the first comment in this thread, then again the 54th comment when I reposted it; I posted it shortly after Rose himself linked his article to his Facebook Wall. I said (to the best of my memory)]:

You’re a jerk; you know that, Joe Rose?

Saturday, July 20, 2013

JOE ROSE TRIMET PROPGANDA

READ MAINSTREAM PROPAGANDA HERE

cwherewetku

 cwherewetku

Ya want to give the TriMet folks a hard time about their pay & benefits package do ya? You know, the ones who get that HUGE $2,000 a month retirement after 30 or so years of service. No, no...not the General manager guys who get $15-18K a month and pay 100.00 a month (yea, decimal is in the right place) for their insurance..I'm talking about the guy/gal on the front line. THAT'S who you're moanin about? You actually BELIEVE evry single thing Rose has spewed from his mouth as Gospel?

What about all these "superstar" athletes that throw a ball around for an hour or sink a ball in a hole? They perform a very vital public service of....hmm..let me think...ahh, nothing? Ok, so they give you something to look at while you're decompressing after a hard day at work, but ya gotta put your house in foreclosure to afford to go to a game with tickets, food, parking, etc. But I'm fairly certain that they said "Ya know, I feel kinda sad for the poor stiff riding that bus over there...don't pay me all those millions. Give me a couple a grand a month. I'll manage ok. Oh, and give me crappy insurance too."

You don't seem to mind paying for that. Oh, well that's different! You guys are Public Servants! So is the dweeb (excuse me, "professional ball thrower) throwing the ball. He works for you (and me).

You guys crack me up. You don't mind paying $200-$400+ to go watch a silly game but ya wanna cry over my trying to get decent health care.
Continue with the gospel Reverand Rose.


 15 Minutes Ago

REGARDING THE ELRB RULING

Randy Steadman and Neil Mcfarlane are paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to lie and distort to the public

TRIMET SAYS THEY WON THE ELRB DECISION

On Saturday, however, TriMet released a much different statement. It quoted Executive Director of Labor Relations and Human Resources Randy Stedman as saying, “This ruling reaffirms our contract award and allows us to continue realigning health care costs with the market and, in turn, begin putting those savings into service. Union health care benefits remain a platinum-level(never an end to the false propaganda with the liars in charge at trimess) plan under the Affordable Care Act. With this contract award, we’re moving toward financial sustainability, but we have more work to do.”(fuck you steadman you lying hack)

We were already aware that the new health insurance was applied, not sure what else is going on with this disgusting company that is  working hard to screw all its past employees is up to.

TRIBUNE TRIMET PROPAGANDA RAG HERE!

TriMet bus driver recovering from Southeast Portland stabbing

Story Here!

TRIMET COURT DECISIONS


Mercury article on Trimet court defeat

Click Here

Two bus drivers see bloody bicyclist and offer no help

Admittedly "discombobulated," Boston-El needed a passenger's help to rack his bike, he said. Another passenger told him, "You're dripping blood," and asked the TriMet driver for paper towels. 

But neither that driver, Boston-El said, or the one piloting the No. 4 that dropped him near Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, offered him aid. 

TriMet's Mary Fetsch is puzzled by that. "We see this all the time," she said. "If our operators witness something, even if TriMet isn't involved, they call in for help. It's a very active role we play, calling for medical assistance."


Steve Duin: For Albert Boston-El, a hard fall and lasting bruise | OregonLive.com

Friday, July 19, 2013

TRIMET vs ATU 757

 It's not a complete victory for the union but at least Trimet cannot ask for money back. (cold hearted greedy executives get raises and have the nerve to try to get money back from blue collar workers the scum)  The court did not vacate Gabba's ruling however.

TRIMET ORDERED TO 'CEASE AND DESIST' TRYING TO COLLECT RETROACTIVE HEALTH COSTS

Mcfarlane has been breaking the law over and over and over yet he remains in power supported by a corrupt Governor and corrupt board of directors.
The Oregon Employment Relations Board rendered its decision in the contentious case between TriMet and the Amalgamated Transit Union. This was the case decided by Arbitrator Gaba in July 2012 that created a new labor agreement. The Union had objected to TriMet’s changing its proposals about contract issues during the hearing before Gaba.
The ERB’s 47-page decision is being “closely reviewed” by the Union, says ATU President Bruce Hansen. He did note that “the Union was completely cleared of any wrongdoing by the Board. On the other hand, the Board found that TriMet violated its legal duty to bargain in good faith.”
The agency has been ordered to reimburse certain funds it withheld and also ordered to cease and desist from trying to collect retroactive health insurance premiums from employees.