Tuesday, July 31, 2012
TRIMET IS SO BROKE THAT THEY HAVE MONEY TO INSTALL THESE EVERYWHERE INTERNALLY
These 'deluxe' and extremely expensive flat screen TV's broadcast Trimet propaganda 24 hours a day to employees:
CLICK HERE
EXECUTIVE COWARDS
Seen on Facebook:
Talk about chicken shit. Today is Art Winslow's last day (he is retiring.) Instead of a manager presenting him with his 35 year pin, which is customary, they pussed out and asked a Lead to do it. They act all tough behind the scenes, but haven't got the courage to face someone when they no longer have anything to lose.
Talk about chicken shit. Today is Art Winslow's last day (he is retiring.) Instead of a manager presenting him with his 35 year pin, which is customary, they pussed out and asked a Lead to do it. They act all tough behind the scenes, but haven't got the courage to face someone when they no longer have anything to lose.
TRIMET SUCEEDS IN DRIVING ANOTHER OLD TIMER OUT
Seen on facebook:
12 days short of a full 20 years at Tri-met and I have decided enough is an enough so today was my last day!
Thank you Mr Mc forskin for turning the best job that I ever had into a job that I hate to get out of bed to go to. Its sad when you get ready to leave work and you check to make sure that nothing that says Tri-Met is showing because you are no longer proud of where you work and don't want people to know you work for Tri-Met for fear someone would run you down in the street
12 days short of a full 20 years at Tri-met and I have decided enough is an enough so today was my last day!
Thank you Mr Mc forskin for turning the best job that I ever had into a job that I hate to get out of bed to go to. Its sad when you get ready to leave work and you check to make sure that nothing that says Tri-Met is showing because you are no longer proud of where you work and don't want people to know you work for Tri-Met for fear someone would run you down in the street
A COUPLE CLASSIC TWEETS
There’s a dude sitting outside of Anna Bananas on Alberta airing his balls out for the bus patrons.#trimet
— ::B (@BBrkdwn) July 31, 2012
@bbrkdwn Didn't you know? That's one of the signals you can use to flag down a TriMet bus. Doesn't work so well with school buses though.
— Trimet Cares (@TriMetCares) July 31, 2012
TRIMET ACTIVIST 'HB'
Dear leaders of this union,
I have been wondering what “is” going on in the battle that “we”
are in??? A battle, which should have
started in 09”, with the end of the old contract??? Since then, this union has been silent on “all”
issues of important to “all” its members.
The communications between “us” and you have been non-existent at
best. This “is” unacceptable, then and
now! I and others have said this time
and again, “WHAT IS THE PLAN GOING FORWARD!!!!!” Since the elections, “we” have not heard a
single thing, from “all leadership” on any issues, other than, “MERCER (file or
not to file), and ULP’s. This really
means very little (but necessary) in the bigger theme of things going forward. Some of “us” know that these are “not” the
big picture and the next CONTRACT, “is”. This is the battle that will determine the
future relationship with the company. “What
is the plan”???? Leadership “is” not
mobile, leadership is quiet, leadership has no new ideas, and leadership is not
willing to speak to the media and use it to “our” advantage (although I heard “your”
vice president come out and say, “its total war”. This “is” an empty attempt at best.). What are “you” going to do??
I know that some of “you” are going to ask me “what have you
done?” I and others have taken the last pieces
of information that came from “you” and posted in some of the transit center
that operators frequent, so that they can read the most recent information that
“you” have put out. Some of “us” know
that operators don’t always go up to the union board in their individual
garages (due to long schedules of straits, split shifts and extra board work) and
read the information in real time, this “is” one of the biggest negatives “we”
have as a union. So to do something
different than “you”, “we” decided that everyone needs to understand, this is a
different union, than the, DO NOTHING, of the past.
For the leaders that I have talked to in the past, I AM
CALLING “YOU” ALL OUT!! “We” need to
rebuild this union so that “ALL MEMBERS” can be involved in, NOW and NOT LATER,
when it’s too late. No more hoping
waiting, it’s July 31, 2012, August is next, “WE” ARE RUNNING OUT OF TIME!
Monday, July 30, 2012
This woman fumbled for her fare for 5 minutes
I never understood the ignorance of some of the bus riders
LEGALLY BINDING CONTRACT-says the a-hole that run TRIMESS
( of course my answer would be to the trimet management FUCK YOU)
Portland Tribune and Community Newspapers - Sparks fly in Clackamas rail fight
Portland Tribune and Community Newspapers - Sparks fly in Clackamas rail fight
TriMet union employees protesting labor decision with defiant bumper stickers:
With the usual highly ignorant comments from the Oregonians highly ignorant readers
http://blog.oregonlive.com/commuting/2012/07/trimet_union_employees_protest.html
http://blog.oregonlive.com/commuting/2012/07/trimet_union_employees_protest.html
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Merlo Garage Recieves More Hand Me Downs
Saturday, July 28, 2012
OPAL
Bus Riders Union: The Film
Wednesday, August 1
Food @ 5:30 PM
Film Screening @ 6:00 PM
OPAL Office: 2407 SE 49th Ave
Bus Lines: 4, 14, and 71
LABRU
Bus Riders Union is a riveting documentary that tells the story of the early years of the Bus Riders Union in Los Angeles, an organization that has led the fight for transit justice in LA and around the country for nearly 20 years. The LA BRU is a close partner of OPAL, and served as a model for the formation of Bus Riders Unite. The film screening will be followed by a discussion of what we can learn from the experiences of the LA BRU to further strengthen our own local movement for transit justice. Email Hector hector@opalpdx.org or call the office to RSVP and to get more information about this event.
Wednesday, August 1
Food @ 5:30 PM
Film Screening @ 6:00 PM
OPAL Office: 2407 SE 49th Ave
Bus Lines: 4, 14, and 71
LABRU
Bus Riders Union is a riveting documentary that tells the story of the early years of the Bus Riders Union in Los Angeles, an organization that has led the fight for transit justice in LA and around the country for nearly 20 years. The LA BRU is a close partner of OPAL, and served as a model for the formation of Bus Riders Unite. The film screening will be followed by a discussion of what we can learn from the experiences of the LA BRU to further strengthen our own local movement for transit justice. Email Hector hector@opalpdx.org or call the office to RSVP and to get more information about this event.
MERCER FOLLOWS REED GROUP IN HASSLING EMPLOYEES
Those of us who have dealt with the REED GROUP know how awful they are. (Another move by Trimet to torture its employees)
Well read this about MERCER (taken from Facebook)
Well read this about MERCER (taken from Facebook)
SOUND FAMILIAR?
All too many ATU members can identify
with a bus driver who is attacked. And some even know what it feels like
when a battered driver tries to contact a dispatcher through an
on-board call box and… nothing happens.
That’s what happened on July 19, when a rider assaulted HART bus operator Colin Brown after entering the bus and paying the fare, hitting him 20 times with her fist. Brown had to use his cell phone to reach the agency’s dispatch center. Emergency responders finally took him to the hospital where he was treated for a concussion and other injuries. Read more here.
With a deep concern for the safety of its members, Local 1593- Tampa along with the ATU International are demanding that the HART board “immediately intervene and restore our confidence in being able to perform our duties in a safe work environment.”
ATU and the Transport Workers Union (TWU) continue to address the issue of attacks on transit worker through a joint committee that’s working hard to find ways to protect transit workers.
That’s what happened on July 19, when a rider assaulted HART bus operator Colin Brown after entering the bus and paying the fare, hitting him 20 times with her fist. Brown had to use his cell phone to reach the agency’s dispatch center. Emergency responders finally took him to the hospital where he was treated for a concussion and other injuries. Read more here.
With a deep concern for the safety of its members, Local 1593- Tampa along with the ATU International are demanding that the HART board “immediately intervene and restore our confidence in being able to perform our duties in a safe work environment.”
ATU and the Transport Workers Union (TWU) continue to address the issue of attacks on transit worker through a joint committee that’s working hard to find ways to protect transit workers.
“Last
month a Los Angeles bus driver was shot to death while on duty. A New
Jersey bus operator was stabbed seven times. Lower profile offenses
such as spitting and verbal abuse are becoming part of the job,” ATU
President Larry Hanley said. “The public is also at-risk. Transit
agencies must put the safety and security of their operators and
passengers first.” Read full statement.
UNION LOSES ANOTHER ONE
We met with TriMet re the Mercer enrollment audit. Although we
disagree, at this time we are encouraging our members to participate by
submitting the appropriate paperwork.
Bruce
Bruce
I bought a beer from Mary Fetsch
She was manning the Lopoc table....
She did a double take but then recognized me, but she told me "that Steve (Fung) was already there" so it might have triggered her memory.
I didn't think she would recognize me.
Poor Mary, I thought she looked a little rough to be honest.
She did a double take but then recognized me, but she told me "that Steve (Fung) was already there" so it might have triggered her memory.
I didn't think she would recognize me.
Poor Mary, I thought she looked a little rough to be honest.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Thursday, July 26, 2012
WE LOVE THE LIGHT RAIL
MAX trains on the east side are
disrupted after a vehicle blocked the tracks. Expect delays through at
least 5:30 p.m. as regular service returns.
| Unsubscribe or change settings
|
||
| trimet.org · m.trimet.org 503-238-RIDE (7433) |
 | |
BOSTON INCREASES ITS FARE EVASION TICKET
From $15 to $50!
A ticket that actually mirrors the offense.
I've always been offended by Trimet $175 fine for a $2.00 ride on a vehicle that is going that way weather anybody pays or not.
OMG!
Twitter is currently down for <%= reason %>.
We expect to be back in <%= deadline %>. For more information, check out Twitter Status. Thanks for your patience!Twitter appears down across much of planet - Houston Chronicle
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Does Tom Hanks actually like the light rail?
I'm not totally convinced after watching his video:
Actually, HOLLYWOOD STARS, do all sorts of things for all sorts of reasons.
Now I ask you, would Mr Hanks really have been bothered making that little video if he wasn't asked to?
N-O-P-E!
And why does he appear less than thrilled?
Actually, HOLLYWOOD STARS, do all sorts of things for all sorts of reasons.
Now I ask you, would Mr Hanks really have been bothered making that little video if he wasn't asked to?
N-O-P-E!
And why does he appear less than thrilled?
So I'm Intensely Curious
About making a scheduled 'meeting' with Beth DeHamel as she requested on the ninth. Of course, I'm not going to just go there and bow to her unquestionable logic. What I want to do is turn the tables on her.
My most base idea is to demand a compromise. I'll hear what you have to say about the budget, but by that, you have to give me answers and they better mean something, because I'm going to take those answers as gold and I'm going to make them known. Pretty much this will be an interview so you better make sure you're telling the truth. That kind of thing. It'll make em look good if they're making big promises and telling the truth, it'll show if they give half-answers and whatnot, and if they're straight up lying, smile, because you're on candid camera.
And I'd ask questions, too. I'd want to know what they're truly planning for the service cuts- when they say they're splitting the 12 and 94, will the 94 run all day? At what frequency? And what are the base ideas for next year? Any plans of putting back into the system? If so, what? If not, why? What are the plans for the Saragoza Million?
Odds are, if I traded questions with her, I'd bring an OPALite or two with me. Maybe it'd be Jared, the policy guy. I'd love for it to be Lynne and Terrence, the OITs with attitude and gumption. It'd just be nice to have someone back me up, especially since I'm apparently shaming them and all.
I don't know just how well this would go over, which is why I'm bringing this to the editing room- here. Give me some ideas! What terms do I set? And what do I do if they get accepted? I would love to turn this into my own sort of setup for OPAL to get answers. I'll be going in as a journalist, practically. :P
~Cameron
My most base idea is to demand a compromise. I'll hear what you have to say about the budget, but by that, you have to give me answers and they better mean something, because I'm going to take those answers as gold and I'm going to make them known. Pretty much this will be an interview so you better make sure you're telling the truth. That kind of thing. It'll make em look good if they're making big promises and telling the truth, it'll show if they give half-answers and whatnot, and if they're straight up lying, smile, because you're on candid camera.
And I'd ask questions, too. I'd want to know what they're truly planning for the service cuts- when they say they're splitting the 12 and 94, will the 94 run all day? At what frequency? And what are the base ideas for next year? Any plans of putting back into the system? If so, what? If not, why? What are the plans for the Saragoza Million?
Odds are, if I traded questions with her, I'd bring an OPALite or two with me. Maybe it'd be Jared, the policy guy. I'd love for it to be Lynne and Terrence, the OITs with attitude and gumption. It'd just be nice to have someone back me up, especially since I'm apparently shaming them and all.
I don't know just how well this would go over, which is why I'm bringing this to the editing room- here. Give me some ideas! What terms do I set? And what do I do if they get accepted? I would love to turn this into my own sort of setup for OPAL to get answers. I'll be going in as a journalist, practically. :P
~Cameron
HOW TO REFORM TRIMET.......
OPAL’s basic problem, activist Cameron Johnson said, is that TriMet board members don’t currently see the group as a potential threat.
“We need to make them sweat a little,” said Johnson, who was celebrating his 18th birthday by attending the meeting. (Johnson didn’t, for his part, speak in favor of visiting board members’ homes.)
How to reform TriMet? 10 interesting ideas from a transit riders’ union | Portland Afoot
“We need to make them sweat a little,” said Johnson, who was celebrating his 18th birthday by attending the meeting. (Johnson didn’t, for his part, speak in favor of visiting board members’ homes.)
How to reform TriMet? 10 interesting ideas from a transit riders’ union | Portland Afoot
*fanfare*
Wow, so okay! I totally can post on this blog now. What shall I use to mark this monumental occasion? What sonnet shall spring forth from my words of wisdom? What brilliant post can I use to leave my legacy on this blog? What incredible, original, shocking truth will I bring to light in this commune of the wise?
...screw it, here's another picture of TriMet doing weird stuff.
~Cameron
Cameron Johnson has a little chat with Beth Dehammel
"I am really disappointed that the only time those of you with power at TriMet ever bother to speak with a rider is when you are personally offended."
And I'll say this. I'm pretty offended too, Ms. DeHamel
Read his entire post HERE!
GUESS WHAT?
When you operate a monopoly and gas prices hit historic highs that just stick around you tend to get more business.
TriMet celebrates record boardings, but WES rail service still costs taxpayers whopping $13 per rider | OregonLive.com
This follows the exact same trend that most other transit districts are experiencing around the country so nothing spectacular there.
TriMet celebrates record boardings, but WES rail service still costs taxpayers whopping $13 per rider | OregonLive.com
This follows the exact same trend that most other transit districts are experiencing around the country so nothing spectacular there.
A SHOCKING STATISTIC COMES THROUGH
A huge drop in weekend MAX ridership! ITS HUGE! OVER 10%!
Bus
Weekly trips were up 1.4 percent to 1,224,700
Weekday trips were up 1.5 percent to 193,400
Weekend trips were up 1.4 percent to 193,000
Rush-hour trips were up 0.2 percent to 60,000
MAX
Weekly trips were down 3.1 percent to 842,020
Weekday trips were down 0.5 percent to 131,800
Weekend trips were down 11.3 percent to 183,020
Rush-hour trips were up 0.3 percent to 38,600
Bus
Weekly trips were up 1.4 percent to 1,224,700
Weekday trips were up 1.5 percent to 193,400
Weekend trips were up 1.4 percent to 193,000
Rush-hour trips were up 0.2 percent to 60,000
MAX
Weekly trips were down 3.1 percent to 842,020
Weekday trips were down 0.5 percent to 131,800
Weekend trips were down 11.3 percent to 183,020
Rush-hour trips were up 0.3 percent to 38,600
IF THE EUROPEANS CAN'T STOP THE MONEY MASTERS US AMERICANS ARE DEAD
The Europeans are a culture that is not divided like the American culture is. And one by one each state and its citizens are losing benefit after benefit, life is becoming more miserable each day for the Europeans.
Why should we care about Europe when in the USA its all about "i got mine you get yours"? (no such thing as brotherhood in this country)
Because what we have just witnessed at Trimet was the Scott Walkerization of Oregon and its new conservative hero NEIL (the rat) MCFARLANE (aka McFührer)
The GREEKS are hanging themselves on trees and take a good look at Spain, because soon enough us American's will be right there. Of course there will be no millions of people in the streets here, because 'we just don't care about THOSE people'.
Why should we care about Europe when in the USA its all about "i got mine you get yours"? (no such thing as brotherhood in this country)
Because what we have just witnessed at Trimet was the Scott Walkerization of Oregon and its new conservative hero NEIL (the rat) MCFARLANE (aka McFührer)
The GREEKS are hanging themselves on trees and take a good look at Spain, because soon enough us American's will be right there. Of course there will be no millions of people in the streets here, because 'we just don't care about THOSE people'.
Why Trimet refuses to charge at it's park and rides
Are park-and-pay lots in commuters' future? | Local News | The Seattle Times
(nothing must disrupt our rail service, NOTHING)
(nothing must disrupt our rail service, NOTHING)
Trimet driver Larry Porter makes Best of Portland 2012
TriMet driver Larry Porter was the most talked-about man in the country for one night in May. On a Wednesday afternoon, Porter, 48, was about to begin his route when he saw a man by the side of the road beating a woman. He called 911, but for two minutes, he watched with growing anxiety. He yelled that the police were coming, but that just made the man punch harder. Feeling he had to do something, Porter pulled the bus over. At 5-foot-10 and over 300 pounds, he needed barely any effort to knock the man flat on his back. Then he easily pinned him down for the 20 minutes it took the police to arrive. The story made the night’s news and got syndicated across the country. Porter says friends called from out of town, but the attention became too intense for this accidental hero, and he and his wife had to leave town for a weekend. “It’s like I told my boss,” Porter said: “I’m not looking for a pat on the back.” ALEX TOMCHAK SCOTT.
http://www.wweek.com/portland/article-19474-best_of_portland_201.html
http://www.wweek.com/portland/article-19474-best_of_portland_201.html
TRIMET COMM CENTER BY TIME AND CHANNEL
Is available for downloading or listening HERE!
This is from today and will be available for 24 hours.
This is from today and will be available for 24 hours.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
SOCK PUPPETS MEET TOMORROW-I HERBY SURRENDER
I was contemplating going to the meeting tomorrow and making quite a scene but after conversations and contemplation I have come to the conclusion that the WORLD WIDE MOVEMENT TO DESTROY LABOR HAS HIT ME PERSONALLY and hereby submit my surrender to the forces of evil. If Trimet operators aren't willing to fight then its hopeless and I am wasting my effort at the sock puppet meetings.I'll consider myself lucky that I am getting anything for retirement, and who knows how long that will last now that KING MCFARLANE rules without any way of stopping him.
I've created this little video as my visualization of the break up between Trimet and it's employees and decent health care.
I've created this little video as my visualization of the break up between Trimet and it's employees and decent health care.
TRIMET MARCHES ON
It's like they just don't acknowledge any sort of labor dispute going on.
They amaze me, really. These people are pro's! As much as I hate em I have to respect their ability to manipulate events. They are well aware there is a hardcore group of militants (such as myself), but they know we are a 'fringe' group without any real power hence of no real threat to anything they are doing. And they clearly control the conversation. As long as they control the conversation we can't win.
They amaze me, really. These people are pro's! As much as I hate em I have to respect their ability to manipulate events. They are well aware there is a hardcore group of militants (such as myself), but they know we are a 'fringe' group without any real power hence of no real threat to anything they are doing. And they clearly control the conversation. As long as they control the conversation we can't win.
ATU PRESIDENT BRUCE HANSEN RESPONDS TO MCFARLANE
At this time, TriMet's last statement regarding COLAs is that they
will be paid out, on or before August 24th. COLA increases to retirees'
pensions will take a little longer, with no set date at this time.
Notable tweets
This adorable song about bikes was written by a TriMet employee, back when he was a country singer in Alabama in 1980: bit.ly/OX4tdq
— Michael Andersen (@PortlandAfoot) July 24, 2012
At Caterpillar, Pressing Labor While Business Booms
The worldwide movement to destroy labor rages on as the fake recession created by the The Money Masters had engineered.
Caterpillar-booming in Profits, can use the fake recession to break its union-just like Trimet is doing. Millions unemployed by the The Money Masters has made it easy for companies like Caterpillar and Trimet to break unions.
Profitable Caterpillar Pushes Workers for Concessions - NYTimes.com
Caterpillar-booming in Profits, can use the fake recession to break its union-just like Trimet is doing. Millions unemployed by the The Money Masters has made it easy for companies like Caterpillar and Trimet to break unions.
Profitable Caterpillar Pushes Workers for Concessions - NYTimes.com
Monday, July 23, 2012
DON'T FORGET THE MCFARLANES CHEERLEADERS TO MEET
Meeting
Wednesday, July 25, 2012, 9 a.m.
Location
City of Portland Building, Auditorium
1120 SW 5th Avenue
Portland, OR
1120 SW 5th Avenue
Portland, OR
Oakland, California Airport selling 13 year old buses
eBay link
Oakland, California airport selling 13 year old Gillig Advantage buses (made in nearby Hayward, California).
Oakland, California airport selling 13 year old Gillig Advantage buses (made in nearby Hayward, California).
Albany, New York CDTA selling 14 year old buses
Ebay link
Capital District Transit Authority in Albany, New York selling its 14 year old Orion VI buses (also made in upstate New York).
Another bus on eBay
And another one
Capital District Transit Authority in Albany, New York selling its 14 year old Orion VI buses (also made in upstate New York).
Another bus on eBay
And another one
SEEN ON FACEBOOK-MCFARLANE TRYING TO DRIVE HIS EMPLOYEES INSANE
Anyway here is the best suggestion yet on how to handle this:
Idea!!! It's understood that we do not have the ability to go on strike against our employer. But.. Who says we can't all lay our head in our hands at the same time and have a mass "nervous breakdown" and go out on workmanship comp? Then the next day everyone matches down to the courthouse and sue McF personally for mental anguish. He has caused this for all of us. Our message would ring very clear... And we'd all get paid!!!
UPDATE:
I'm pretty sure if McF and the board found themselves in a financial position that required representing 1000 or so law suits claiming harassment and mental anguish they'd leave us alone!! I wonder if Trimet and the city would throw them under the bus and make them pay the law bills themselves.
Damn wouldn't that make great front page press, "Neil McF and cronies claim personal bankruptcy in the wake of 1000 lawsuits lodged by Trimet employees. Side story... Milwaukie Light Rail opening ceremonies are still planned next week!!!" I'd fucking love it!!!!
McFührer proclaims ERB award means nothing!
Posted by Neil McFarlane at Jul 23, 2012 08:15 AM | Permalink
Late last week, we received an important decision from an Employment Relations Board (ERB) Administrative Law Judge. If you remember, because of financial concerns, TriMet froze cost of living adjustments (COLAs) and passed on increased insurance premiums as of January 1, 2011 for union members while we negotiated a new contract. The ERB ruled TriMet had the right to “freeze” both insurance premiums and COLAs – but because we implemented the freeze in reaction to our belief that the union was engaging in delay tactics and not bargaining at the table in good faith, ERB found in this case that we had implemented the freeze for both lawful financial and unlawful retaliatory reasons.
LONG TIME TRIMET CRONY/INSIDER DICK FEENY BLAMES UNION AND LEGISLATOR FOR ALL TRIMET WOES
And this is who this man REALLY IS:
. A TriMet lobbyist for 25 years, Feeney worked with the Oregon
delegation to secure more than $2 billion in federal light-rail
construction funds. Through his efforts and others Portland ranks third
in the nation behind only New York and Los Angeles in garnering federal
transit-construction dollars. As evidence of his work and the support he
enjoys by many, a stop on the new Interstate light rail line has been
named in his honor. SOURCE:HERE!A long time CRONY of Neil Mcfarlane who has absolutely NO CREDIBILITY in making such pronouncements!
SEEN ON FACEBOOK
Fare Inspector insists that 'there is no entrapment involved' in issuing citations:
I'm some one who enforces the fare. Having tvm that don't work make it hard to enforce the fare. If I come across some one who claims a tvm does not work I'll wright them a citation then verify if the tvm is working or not if it is not working I void the citation so no entrapment involved. If their are too many tvm's down in an area I like to go check busses it makes it hard to enforce the fare when I step on a bus and everyone has an all zone ticket this is as bad as down tvm's in my opinion so please give people what they pay for. And on a last note Trimet does now get money for the citations that I write but not very much after the fine gets lowered to $50-$60 and none if they do community service.
I'm some one who enforces the fare. Having tvm that don't work make it hard to enforce the fare. If I come across some one who claims a tvm does not work I'll wright them a citation then verify if the tvm is working or not if it is not working I void the citation so no entrapment involved. If their are too many tvm's down in an area I like to go check busses it makes it hard to enforce the fare when I step on a bus and everyone has an all zone ticket this is as bad as down tvm's in my opinion so please give people what they pay for. And on a last note Trimet does now get money for the citations that I write but not very much after the fine gets lowered to $50-$60 and none if they do community service.
Joe Rose says Trimet fails its customers with social media
Is TriMet still missing the bus when it comes to using social media to communicate with its riders?
A lot of riders seem to think so.
TRIMET HAS SOLD OUR FUTURE AWAY FOR LIGHT RAIL ADVENTURES
And even if the federal government may legally contribute up to $850 million, it is under no obligation to do so. It routinely provides a lot less. Consider the experience of Tri-Met's Portland-Milwaukie light rail project. For years, Tri-Met planners assumed that the federal government would pay 60 percent of project costs. But when funding allocations were actually made, the feds only paid 50 percent, forcing Tri-Met to come up with $150 million in additional revenue and cost savings. The agency borrowed heavily against future payroll tax revenues, a move that has worsened the very difficult financial situation that is now forcing Tri-Met to raise fares and slash bus routes.
Expert panel failed its duties with light rail funds study | The Columbian
Expert panel failed its duties with light rail funds study | The Columbian
Our live transit feed getting world wide attention
Greetings from TampaBay!
I
love your blog postings. What I am writing to you about is how are you
doing the trimet live streaming feeds? We are in need of feeds for our
own dispatch/supervisor radio transmissions from our employer HART. I
was wondering what your set up was.
Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks for any assistance you could give me.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
TODAYS DISPATCH
By time and type Available for download or listening HERE!
(will be available for 24 hours but we are putting them up on YouTube again also)
(will be available for 24 hours but we are putting them up on YouTube again also)
Jason confronts 73 driver with rules in hand-driver says he doesn't care about the rules
I know that many of my fellow drivers will be unhappy about this post but I spent 15 years at Trimet trying to undue the damage that these type of operators have done to the public and our public perception.
In this clip we will see that the driver of 73 train 2 on this last Saturday afternoon tells Jason to his face he doesn't care about the rules and he 'can call Trimet all he wants'.
We have already seen Trimet defend this operator in a previous clip and Trimet ignores my complaint, I am in the same league as Erik Halstead, two people that Trimet refuses to deal with because we show the side of Trimet that they refuse to acknowledge.
These horrible operators are more prevalent than you think. They have been dragging down this agency for years and I place full Blame on Trimet management for allowing these operators to function unimpeded.
The public should be aware that it is the management that has created this monster that has gotten beyond their control. Now they attempt to pass blame to the union due to their management incompetence.
In this clip we will see that the driver of 73 train 2 on this last Saturday afternoon tells Jason to his face he doesn't care about the rules and he 'can call Trimet all he wants'.
We have already seen Trimet defend this operator in a previous clip and Trimet ignores my complaint, I am in the same league as Erik Halstead, two people that Trimet refuses to deal with because we show the side of Trimet that they refuse to acknowledge.
These horrible operators are more prevalent than you think. They have been dragging down this agency for years and I place full Blame on Trimet management for allowing these operators to function unimpeded.
The public should be aware that it is the management that has created this monster that has gotten beyond their control. Now they attempt to pass blame to the union due to their management incompetence.
Civic pride, on a bus
 |
| An Albany Parks & Recreation bus, seen here at the Albany Transit department's parking lot next to the Amtrak station. Wouldn't it be nice if TriMet actually created a series of buses that were wrapped for each city TriMet served? A City of Forest Grove bus, a City of Tigard bus, a City of Milwaukie bus, a City of Troutdale bus, and so on... |
13 year old bus being scrapped!!!!
 | |
| Oh, the horrors! This 13 year old Cherriots EZ-Rider bus sitting in a scrapyard in the Salem Industrial Park. If this were a TriMet bus, it'd be in operation, probably looking very much the same as in this condition, but expected to carry riders in daily service. |
Seen on Facebook-from an operator
Was waiting to make a reilief
at 82nd Max and a ticket machine repair guy was there working on
machine.He said machines were junk and that even though he was fixing
it, he would be called back again for repairs tomorrow or next day
HOLY F@#$ING S@#T
JOB DRIVES BUS DRIVER TO SUICIDE!
AUSTIN, Texas — KVUE.com reported that an off-duty Capital Metro bus driver boarded a bus, then shot and killed himself in front of bus passengers Tuesday night. The driver pulled over and the passengers evacuated the bus. No one was else injured.
In a statement released on the incident, Capital Metro said the employee had been placed on suspension for disciplinary reasons earlier in the month. For the full story, click here.
Off-duty Cap Metro employee commits suicide on bus | kvue.com Austin
Blast from the past
I can't believe the amount of material that I have accumulated over the years-its really impressive.
Anyway I remember when I used to be able to film while driving and there was a spectacular lightning show going on:
Anyway I remember when I used to be able to film while driving and there was a spectacular lightning show going on:
CLASSIC TRIMET TWEETS
@pdxcommute thanks! Had to wing it out there this morning, the bus drivers seemed confused and annoyed. I don't blame them! What a mess.
— Iris Tyto Alba (@irisbarnowl) July 22, 2012
Alan Eiesenberg rants on current events
OPERATORS (or anyone else for that matter) YOU WANT TO GET IN SHAPE?
 |
| Business owned by Trimet Operator Michael Giles |
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Who's going to be next
First they came for the communists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist.Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.
My tweet To Michael Anderson (who I consider the most credible transit reportedr in PDX)
@PortlandAfoot I know that @pdxcommute works for the anti union Oregonian but whats your excuse for not covering this: atu757.org/ERBDecision391…
— AL M (@APMargulies) July 21, 2012
NEIL MCFARLANE HAS CLEARLY BROKEN HR RETALIATION POLICIES
It is a violation of state and federal law, as well as TriMet policy, to retaliate against employees or customers who have filed a complaint of discrimination, participated in an investigation of unlawful discrimination, declared misuse of public funds, or engaged in other legally sanctioned, appropriate behavior.
And here we have the Employment Relations Board stating clearly the Mcfarlane "retaliated" against his very own employees because he didn't like the way things were going with the union: (of course you have to click on the pic)
Just one more in the long list of illegal and unethical actions this man has directed at his employees. What a slug.
Even Claudine made the express line
I believe I may be the only operator ever to not be listed in the express line. The irony in my case was that I qualified FOR ALL THREE CATEGORIES-15 years service/promotion to full time/and retired.I bet ya that's never been done before I am proud to leave with such grace!
And this name is VERY FAMILIAR:
Rogene Clements, Coordinator Employee Programs, 18 years;
Retired:
Claudeen Hendren, Bus Operator, 13 years.And this name is VERY FAMILIAR:
Rogene Clements, Coordinator Employee Programs, 18 years;
Trimet HACKS conducting another PHONY 'worldwide' search
Remember the farce they pulled when they put that clown Mcfarlane in charge? They said "we are conducting a world wide search to find the best person to lead our 'gem' of a transit agency. Then they hired a capital projects guy rather than a transit guy. Just another in the long line of lies and charades they pull at Trimet. Well they're at it again, listen to some of this BS:
Executive Director, Finance & Administration
(so much salary in our "budget stressed" environment that we don't dare list it
Portland is frequently cited as one of the best places to live in the world, and we're here to help keep it that way. Through regional partnerships and effective transportation and land-use planning, we're working to preserve the things that make this place special, like our thriving downtown, our clean air, our walkable neighborhoods and our spirit of sustainability.
(so much salary in our "budget stressed" environment that we don't dare list it
Friday, July 20, 2012
TOP STORIES
SO HOW SCREWED ARE WE? TRIMET EXPLAINS
TRIMET IGNORING ELRB ORDERS
The Pièce de résistance-TRIMET YOU WILL PAY US BACK FOR YOUR ILLEGAL MANEUVERS
TRIMET ORDERED TO INFORM ALL EMPLOYEES ABOUT ITS 'ILLEGAL ACTIONS"
TRIMET EMPLOYEES ORDERED TO BE MADE WHOLE AFTER OUR UNETHICAL MANAGERS BREAK THE LAW
AND HERE WE HAVE IT-TRIMET IMPOSED THE HEALTH CARE COSTS IN RETALIATION
Remember when McFührer said Oregon law gave him permission to impose his commands
SOME GEMS FROM THE NEWEST RULING ABOUT OUR LYING MANAGERS
Trimet final offer "illegal"
ARBITRATOR SAYS 'TRIMET CAN BE SUED'
ARBITRATOR CALLS OUT YET ANOTHER LIE BY TRIMET
ARBITRATOR LEVELS SCATHING ATTACK AGAINST TRIMET M...
ARBITRATOR ACTUALLY CALLS OUT TRIMET LIES
TRIMET IGNORING ELRB ORDERS
The Pièce de résistance-TRIMET YOU WILL PAY US BACK FOR YOUR ILLEGAL MANEUVERS
TRIMET ORDERED TO INFORM ALL EMPLOYEES ABOUT ITS 'ILLEGAL ACTIONS"
TRIMET EMPLOYEES ORDERED TO BE MADE WHOLE AFTER OUR UNETHICAL MANAGERS BREAK THE LAW
AND HERE WE HAVE IT-TRIMET IMPOSED THE HEALTH CARE COSTS IN RETALIATION
Remember when McFührer said Oregon law gave him permission to impose his commands
SOME GEMS FROM THE NEWEST RULING ABOUT OUR LYING MANAGERS
Trimet final offer "illegal"
ARBITRATOR SAYS 'TRIMET CAN BE SUED'
ARBITRATOR CALLS OUT YET ANOTHER LIE BY TRIMET
ARBITRATOR LEVELS SCATHING ATTACK AGAINST TRIMET M...
ARBITRATOR ACTUALLY CALLS OUT TRIMET LIES
GOOD BYE LINDA
Linda starred in many of my daily videos WHO STOLE LINDA'S LUNCH?
 |
| Linda had enough and quit in the middle of her shift |
Another fine bus stop
 |
| Rear door of the rear bus empties out into a landscaped area, with little miniature signs admonishing people who walk on the landscaping. A MAX stop would NEVER be designed like this, but it's OK for a bus stop? I'm sure Jason McFarlane and Neil McHuff have a PERFECTLY logical justification why this bus stop was designed and built two years ago like this...I'm sure it was more efficient and safer and all that....I'm sure. |
Another fine TriMet bus stop
 |
| No bus schedule information despite a huge schedule sign holder for it. Another bus stop loathed by those who need transit information, but perfectly acceptable by Jason McFarlane and Neil McHuff. |
SEEN ON FACEBOOK-A SUPERVISOR
I love my job. I love my job. I love my job.
YES IT'S MY FUCKING FAULT THAT THE RED LINE ISN'T RUNNING TO THE AIRPORT!!!
I love my job. I love my job. I love my job... — at Gateway Transit
YES IT'S MY FUCKING FAULT THAT THE RED LINE ISN'T RUNNING TO THE AIRPORT!!!
I love my job. I love my job. I love my job... — at Gateway Transit
Trimess always has money to hire bureaucrats
Employee Programs, Coordinator
(god these people just make me want to scream with their hypocrisy)
(god these people just make me want to scream with their hypocrisy)
SO WHAT LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THE 'IMPOSED CONTRACT' MAY BE ILLEGAL?
This-first we will look at the section of the Arbitrator's decision that applies:
And now we will look at the final Order of the Employment Board
QUOTE FROM PAST PRESIDENT JON HUNT
I always respected Jon for his ability to organize protests and actively lead these protests:
“We’re going to war,” said Jon Hunt, Local 757 vice president. “You can
guarantee there’s gonna be no labor peace until Randy Stedman and Neil
McFarlane are in the unemployment line.” [Stedman is TriMet’s recently hired labor relations director; McFarlane is TriMet’s general manager, whose resignation Local 757 has been calling for.]
Cost of Youth Pass
"TriMet estimates that its own cost of providing the service is $2.7 million, entirely from reduced fare sales."
10,810 PPS high school students
Retail TriMet Youth pass is $27/mo
PPS students are in school 40 weeks per year
10,810 * $27 * 12 * 40/52 = $2,694,184/year
Why is PPS paying full retail price? Employers under the Universal Pass program do not pay the full price -- they pay based on ESTIMATED USAGE. Why is the formula different for PPS?
My hunch --
In the past they probably scratched their heads and said "hey TriMet, if we can get BETC to get you some dough, then let's do it." But now that BETC is gone, Sam is not willing to fudge the numbers to TriMet's benefit. Even Mary F. herself said that the youth pass program only costs TriMet "a couple hundred thousand" dollars for extra buses.
Sock puppets are meeting to approve everything listed here
Meeting Wednesday, July 25, 2012, 9 a.m.
City of Portland Building, Room C1120 SW 5th Avenue Portland, OR
Help Bus Riders Unite Hold TriMet Accountable!
(I really need to get more involved with these folks but they seem to be doing just fine without me)