As Macfarlane said, Trimet is actually two distinct organizations. One focuses on building boondoggle projects that primarily serve business interests, the other focuses on serving the citizens of Portland and getting them where they need to go.
Now lets look at two transit districts, one is has been around for years, is the fifth largest in the country, 2,296 revenue vehicles and
operates all of the five major types of transit vehicles: regional (commuter) rail trains, "heavy" rapid transit (subway/elevated) trains, light rail vehicles (trolleys), electric trolleybuses, and motor buses.
The other is relatively young in transit district terms, and has 791 revenue vehicles.
The old larger transit district charges $2.00 base fare and tokens can be purchased at a discount of $1.55.
The little transit district charges $2.10 base fare and no discounts are available.
The big transit district offers health insurance for its employees with no premium or deductibles.
The little transit district does that, but is telling the public that if they don't stop doing it then they will be 'strangled'.
Doesn't it make one wonder about the management policies of the little transit district, called (TRIMET)while the big transit district, which has lower fares and much more service( SEPTA)can provide what the little one can't?
1 comment:
SEPTAs commuter rail fares are correct tho, based on distance traveled, oh, and it actually goes where people need to go, from the 'burbs into the city, the commuter rail even goes to the airport (thats right, not puny light rail, but real full size commuter rail. Amazing where electric trains can go. SEPTA also has electric Trolleybuses, and lots of new buses.....
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