Speaking of Speaking Out...

I mentioned that I've been reading the online comments that folks have been posting about their experiences with their Drivers.
I've found a ton all around the US and a bunch right here on the Front Range.

Most of the negative comments were about Drivers that are forced upon RTD by the Union.
If we didn't have a Union, RTD could fire the bad guys and reward the good Drivers.
Then y'all wouldn't have these dorks driving for you and ruinging your days.

Then I came to a complaint that a Driver had pulled over at a 7-11 or some such and left the passengers on the bus, alone for like 10 minutes or more while the Driver had gone inside to eat his lunch.
And somebody posted a reply defending that Driver, explaining that it's written into the Union contract with RTD that Drivers must take breaks.
Ok, first if that is the truth then there is one more reason the Union has failed you, the passenger/customer.
Secondly, while I've never been told I have to take a break or that it is Union law that I must, even if it was a rule, we're professionals. You pay us to drive.
Not eat.
We can eat on our own time.
We can bring food and drink and nibble/sip now and again if our fat butts can't go a whole couple of hours without!
There is no excuse for stopping and leaving customers on a bus while we go eat or drink.
There are soooooo many restrooms at the various stations.
There are sooooo many lay overs at the various stations.
We have plenty of time to recover, take breaks, restroom stops, smoke, what ever.
There is no reason [excluding emergencies] nor excuse for inconveniencing you, the customer/passenger with our needs while we're on the clock.

The next time you get dis-service like that, reach behind the Driver and grab a number.
Remember I've told y'all about those numbers?
They match the bus, the Driver and the route.
You call in with the time & date and that number and RTD will know all the rest of the details.

Call in with your comments and complaints.
Reward the good and punish the bad behaviour you like and dislike from your Drivers.

Don't be shy, speak out.

As always, "Welcome aboard, find your seats - Let's Roll!"