Some folks remember the dream this gentleman had?
About living in a nation where his children would be judged by the content of their character...
My recent posts have reflected on racist drivers and the union.
I was told a story today about the union and two racist drivers and their connections.
In its current form, the union supports discrimination and racism.
As a liberal organization, one of its policies is a reflection of the ancient "Affirmative Action."
It forces RTD to hire based upon race, skin colour and gender rather than upon qualifications - the content of an employee's character as it were.
So here's the story I was told:
At least 7 years ago there were two drivers on a bus making racist and religionist jokes back and forth between each other.
But there was a third person who happened to be another driver who was hearing all this interplay.
Eventually the two drivers were disciplined and asked to sign a sort of probationary agreement that allows them to remain with the company but reminds them that they are one strike away from being released if they don't improve their performance.
One driver refused to sign the agreement and was let go.
The other driver signed the agreement but during probation broke both state and local driving laws and a local ordinance and was let go as well.
This is where the story should end but remember, we are choked by a union that forces RTD to retain crappy employees.
The driver who signed the probationary agreement and was eventually fired went on to work at FedEx for the last seven years and is now coming back to drive once again for RTD.
That driver is getting his job back!
The guy who got fired because he wouldn't agree to the probation fought the decision with his union and against RTD's better judgement was not only given his job back but was paid back pay for the 9 months he was out of his job!
And as his previous behaviour had already shown to both his employer and everybody who had a brain cell, this driver went on to "lose it" with a passenger and beat the poor guy to within half an inch of his life.
He was fired again.
Had there been an ounce of justice in the system, that employee would not only owe that 9 months of back pay to RTD (the tax payers) but the union would also have to repay RTD (the tax payers) for all the months that they forced RTD to rehire and employ a driver who everybody already knew was bad business.
And if history has shown us anything, the driver who went to FedEx and is now coming back to RTD, shouldn't be allowed to or should sign an agreement to reimburse the company & tax payers for his salary if he hasn't changed for the better after his past two strikes against the system.
-------
Keep in mind these are stories I was told about the history of drivers and the union here at RTD.
While I trust the story tellers believe that what they told me is true, there is no real way to verify the veracity of the facts but it does support the ties that bind racism and sexism that are evident between the union and some of these drivers.
One more great fact about a union that forces RTD to be a party to these horrible and wicked practices & policies.
One more reason that the union has to go and hopefully will someday.
As Always, "Welcome aboard, Find your seats, Avoid the Unionists -
Let's Roll!"
Thursday, June 14, 2012
You Gotta Fight, For Your Right.....
To Be Union Free!!!
Ok, a little poetic license applied there.
By now we've all heard about the brouhaha in Wisconsin.
In a very democratic, union friendly state a conservative and anti-union Gov. Scott Walker is elected and tasked to trim back the public unions.
After he does what he's asked to do, the extreme left throws a recall election at him and in an overwhelming turn, he survives as do his actions against the unions.
While that sounds boring, keep in mind that he and his agenda not only survive but are supported and approved by a very liberal state, by a democratically controlled Senate and Congress in that state.
Good stuff right?
Gives us all hope.
Now to Colorado.
Some of y'all may have heard that Douglas County school district is in "negotiations" with the Douglas County Federation of Teachers (a union).
Three of the bigger issues are:
1) The School District collects union fees/dues - they no longer want to be the go between.
2) The School District no longer wants to pay union employees who leave the classroom to do union work.
3) There are Union Representatives who are also School District administrators. The School District (as well as many teachers) say this is an extreme conflict of interest, as during negotiations and strikes, these employees sit on both sides of the table, compromising their respective positions.
The Union has given in on these issues.
And now it's time to look at the union that controls RTD.
The Union (ATU 1001) is going to be in negotiations with RTD for a new contract by the first quarter of 2013.
And these same three points that Douglas County just hit on are also in place here at RTD.
RTD collects the (I call them extortion fees) dues for the union.
RTD should have nothing to do with this.
If workers had to pay the fees/dues from their "after tax" income, out of their pockets rather than pre-tax & before they even receive their pay checks, they'd be far more upset and bucking the system.
I found this quote:
Go figure!
Also, we have union employees (reps) who are also RTD employees and they are paid by RTD to work at the Union, away from work.
Most of these union reps are known for the brand new vehicles and homes they purchase during and after their terms in office.
I'm betting money that we are going to see some attempt at a strike next year.
The myriad of Drivers and Mechanics (all the same union) with whom I've spoken have all said they are crossing strike lines.
Nobody can afford time off, nobody wants to tick off the tax payer/voter/passengers.
And folks just can't seem to see the benefit of supporting a group of union reps who gave themselves raises when the tax payer couldn't afford it, when nobody at RTD got raises and funded by the union employees from our pay checks!
I'm sure there will be some who strike but you'll see most of us right back here at work.
And when they do strike, you'll still see Veolia & First Transit working their routes and filling in those routes RTD can't run because of the strike.
But you'll still see the majority of RTD Drivers & employees on the job.
We know how to beat the strike without suffering financial penalty and hard ship.
Keep an eye on Douglas County's School District negotiations and look for RTD's negotiations with ATU later this year and early next.
Call RTD and tell them you support them and you can't afford to pay these entitlement minded unionists the huge sums and benefits they feel that you owe them!
And call ATU and tell them to give it up or get busted (and kicked out of RTD) that you don't support their entitlement mindset - you don't owe them anything.
As Always, "Welcome aboard, Find your seats, Tell the unions to take a hike - Let's Roll!"
Ok, a little poetic license applied there.
By now we've all heard about the brouhaha in Wisconsin.
In a very democratic, union friendly state a conservative and anti-union Gov. Scott Walker is elected and tasked to trim back the public unions.
After he does what he's asked to do, the extreme left throws a recall election at him and in an overwhelming turn, he survives as do his actions against the unions.
While that sounds boring, keep in mind that he and his agenda not only survive but are supported and approved by a very liberal state, by a democratically controlled Senate and Congress in that state.
Good stuff right?
Gives us all hope.
Now to Colorado.
Some of y'all may have heard that Douglas County school district is in "negotiations" with the Douglas County Federation of Teachers (a union).
Three of the bigger issues are:
1) The School District collects union fees/dues - they no longer want to be the go between.
2) The School District no longer wants to pay union employees who leave the classroom to do union work.
3) There are Union Representatives who are also School District administrators. The School District (as well as many teachers) say this is an extreme conflict of interest, as during negotiations and strikes, these employees sit on both sides of the table, compromising their respective positions.
The Union has given in on these issues.
And now it's time to look at the union that controls RTD.
The Union (ATU 1001) is going to be in negotiations with RTD for a new contract by the first quarter of 2013.
And these same three points that Douglas County just hit on are also in place here at RTD.
RTD collects the (I call them extortion fees) dues for the union.
RTD should have nothing to do with this.
If workers had to pay the fees/dues from their "after tax" income, out of their pockets rather than pre-tax & before they even receive their pay checks, they'd be far more upset and bucking the system.
I found this quote:
"Ending the payroll withholding of dues has resulted in large drops in union membership in other locations."
Go figure!
Also, we have union employees (reps) who are also RTD employees and they are paid by RTD to work at the Union, away from work.
Most of these union reps are known for the brand new vehicles and homes they purchase during and after their terms in office.
I'm betting money that we are going to see some attempt at a strike next year.
The myriad of Drivers and Mechanics (all the same union) with whom I've spoken have all said they are crossing strike lines.
Nobody can afford time off, nobody wants to tick off the tax payer/voter/passengers.
And folks just can't seem to see the benefit of supporting a group of union reps who gave themselves raises when the tax payer couldn't afford it, when nobody at RTD got raises and funded by the union employees from our pay checks!
I'm sure there will be some who strike but you'll see most of us right back here at work.
And when they do strike, you'll still see Veolia & First Transit working their routes and filling in those routes RTD can't run because of the strike.
But you'll still see the majority of RTD Drivers & employees on the job.
We know how to beat the strike without suffering financial penalty and hard ship.
Keep an eye on Douglas County's School District negotiations and look for RTD's negotiations with ATU later this year and early next.
Call RTD and tell them you support them and you can't afford to pay these entitlement minded unionists the huge sums and benefits they feel that you owe them!
And call ATU and tell them to give it up or get busted (and kicked out of RTD) that you don't support their entitlement mindset - you don't owe them anything.
As Always, "Welcome aboard, Find your seats, Tell the unions to take a hike - Let's Roll!"
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
I Get Knocked Down...
But I Get Up Again...
I really can't wait for this new Smart Card to go live.
I Drive some extremely busy routes.
The only "busy" route I haven't gotten the chance to do on a regular basis is the 15 and I'm dying for that option to come to Platte so I can sign up!
That said...
These busy routes have a larger number of fare evaders.
Not a higher percentage mind you, just a larger pool.
When somebody doesn't pay the correct fare, it's my job to repeat the talk track:
"The correct Fare is "$X" and I'm not authorized to provide free rides."
I sometimes throw in the "We need to continue on the route, it's your choice whether to ride or not?"
Folks will stare at me, waiting for my "acceptance" of their partial fares or for some type of permission for them to not pay the correct fare so they can say, "The Driver said it was ok...."
I can't give it to you.
When you thank me after boarding without paying full fare, I feel like adding, "Please don't thank me, I'm not an accomplice to you breaking the law!"
The reason for the talk track is because every once in a while there is a Fare Inspector behind us who waits to see what choice the passengers will make, whether to board without having paid the correct fare.
With all these cut backs this year, we're seeing less and less fare enforcement.
It's left us Drivers feeling hung out to dry.
Me, I have almost given up on the talk track.
I start it these days but the passengers have already all heard it, and they know there's nobody to enforce it so fewer and fewer evaders care.
They don't even put in the effort anymore to come up with some type of excuse or to even put in 13 cents then ask for a transfer.
These days they just ignore me and hop on the bus.
I'm crying Wolf and they know it.
Drivers are instructed to hit the "fare" button on our radios and to record the incorrect fare on our fare boxes.
We even fill out "incident reports" but after all the reports I've completed, I've yet to see any results or enforcement outside of a couple of random inspections this vote.
When y'all ask why the Fares are being raised (soon) I'm going to be pointing at the other passengers around you and explaining that they are stealing from your pockets.
In the meantime, I'm getting knocked out behind this fare box and I'm starting to struggle with getting back up.
My light at the end of the tunnel is these new Smart Cards that will eliminate 90% of this evasion.
As Always, "Welcome aboard, Pay the danged Fare, Find your seats - Let's Roll!"
I really can't wait for this new Smart Card to go live.
I Drive some extremely busy routes.
The only "busy" route I haven't gotten the chance to do on a regular basis is the 15 and I'm dying for that option to come to Platte so I can sign up!
That said...
These busy routes have a larger number of fare evaders.
Not a higher percentage mind you, just a larger pool.
When somebody doesn't pay the correct fare, it's my job to repeat the talk track:
"The correct Fare is "$X" and I'm not authorized to provide free rides."
I sometimes throw in the "We need to continue on the route, it's your choice whether to ride or not?"
Folks will stare at me, waiting for my "acceptance" of their partial fares or for some type of permission for them to not pay the correct fare so they can say, "The Driver said it was ok...."
I can't give it to you.
When you thank me after boarding without paying full fare, I feel like adding, "Please don't thank me, I'm not an accomplice to you breaking the law!"
The reason for the talk track is because every once in a while there is a Fare Inspector behind us who waits to see what choice the passengers will make, whether to board without having paid the correct fare.
With all these cut backs this year, we're seeing less and less fare enforcement.
It's left us Drivers feeling hung out to dry.
Me, I have almost given up on the talk track.
I start it these days but the passengers have already all heard it, and they know there's nobody to enforce it so fewer and fewer evaders care.
They don't even put in the effort anymore to come up with some type of excuse or to even put in 13 cents then ask for a transfer.
These days they just ignore me and hop on the bus.
I'm crying Wolf and they know it.
Drivers are instructed to hit the "fare" button on our radios and to record the incorrect fare on our fare boxes.
We even fill out "incident reports" but after all the reports I've completed, I've yet to see any results or enforcement outside of a couple of random inspections this vote.
When y'all ask why the Fares are being raised (soon) I'm going to be pointing at the other passengers around you and explaining that they are stealing from your pockets.
In the meantime, I'm getting knocked out behind this fare box and I'm starting to struggle with getting back up.
My light at the end of the tunnel is these new Smart Cards that will eliminate 90% of this evasion.
As Always, "Welcome aboard, Pay the danged Fare, Find your seats - Let's Roll!"
I Love My Job - WE LOVE IT!
You know one of the top reasons on my list of reasons that I love this job?
The people slash customers slash passengers.
I love when I pull close to a stop and the folks standing outside see me, light up, smile and board the bus with an, "I'm glad to see you!"
That makes me happy.
I know they're glad to see me because I'm "not as bad as their other Drivers" so it's a guilty feeling when it makes me happy.
But hey, I'll take what I can get with this job.
LOL
I love the smiles, the warm welcomes, the sharing of facebook pages, the support and defense when somebody treats one of the other passengers like poop or even when another driver on the road almost hits us (the bus) and these regulars go nuts with swearing and sign language!
I love the loyalty they express.
I often joke about them cheating on me with other Drivers when I'm on another route.
I'm truly surprised that I know the lives and habits of sooo many customers across so many routes across Denver and the burbs.
This is only my Third year and I'm really shocked that I have gotten so close to so many customers.
I pictured that I'd just be some nameless and faceless warm body chauffeuring the cattle to and fro around the state.
It's turned out to be quite the opposite.
These folks have become family.
I look forward to the updates the next day/week and I'm actually sad & disappointed when somebody doesn't show.
And I hear the same when I don't show on their route the next day or week.
That's when I hear, "Boy am I glad to see your smile!"
That makes me happy and makes me look forward to the next time.
That's one of the top reasons on my list of reasons that I love this job.
As Always, "Welcome aboard, Wear your smiles, Find your seats - Let's Roll!"
The people slash customers slash passengers.
I love when I pull close to a stop and the folks standing outside see me, light up, smile and board the bus with an, "I'm glad to see you!"
That makes me happy.
I know they're glad to see me because I'm "not as bad as their other Drivers" so it's a guilty feeling when it makes me happy.
But hey, I'll take what I can get with this job.
LOL
I love the smiles, the warm welcomes, the sharing of facebook pages, the support and defense when somebody treats one of the other passengers like poop or even when another driver on the road almost hits us (the bus) and these regulars go nuts with swearing and sign language!
I love the loyalty they express.
I often joke about them cheating on me with other Drivers when I'm on another route.
I'm truly surprised that I know the lives and habits of sooo many customers across so many routes across Denver and the burbs.
This is only my Third year and I'm really shocked that I have gotten so close to so many customers.
I pictured that I'd just be some nameless and faceless warm body chauffeuring the cattle to and fro around the state.
It's turned out to be quite the opposite.
These folks have become family.
I look forward to the updates the next day/week and I'm actually sad & disappointed when somebody doesn't show.
And I hear the same when I don't show on their route the next day or week.
That's when I hear, "Boy am I glad to see your smile!"
That makes me happy and makes me look forward to the next time.
That's one of the top reasons on my list of reasons that I love this job.
As Always, "Welcome aboard, Wear your smiles, Find your seats - Let's Roll!"
47 Bottles of Beer on the Wall...
Is it possible to substitute shots of Tequila in this song?
I won't tell, I promise...
Only 47 shots left until the next vote.
This week has been an eventful if not fearful week.
Remember that scary driver I told you that I have to work with this vote?
That driver told me that I was not allowed to ride that driver's bus to our relief point, that I had to ride another and meet that driver later.
Turns out I'm not allowed to ride with that driver because of my gender and race.
I asked around about that driver and got some history.
It would appear there is an abundance of "history" and I'm not the first to feel this driver's racist and sexist wrath.
I arrived at my pick up point a few minutes too early and when the bus arrived, I boarded.
I didn't realize I was about 5 minutes early or that I'd met this driver's bus by accident until it was too late and I was boarding.
The driver gave me a look, rolled the eyes and made a few "under the breath" colourful remarks.
I hid in the back corner the whole ride out and got off early to wait for the next bus with hopes of making it out alive.
Of course the damage was already done and that driver came nearly 10 minutes late to our "relief point" (usually a minute or two early) and while riding back, placed a few phone calls within my earshot to that driver's supervisory friends.
Those calls have resulted in my harassment the last couple of days.
I'd spoken to my supervisor mentor and a couple of other supervisors I've grown to trust.
They all want me to file a report and "grievance."
My fear is that because I'm the less "senior" in this instance, I'll be banished to Boulder or East Metro and I can't afford to work that far from home.
That hardship will cost me my job.
Somebody else's hatred: racism & sexism will cost me my job.
So I'm going to have to watch my Ps & Qs, dot my Is and cross my Ts for the next 47 days and pray to God that I don't arrive at work early either!
I need to lay low, roll with the punches and hide under a rock for the next few weeks until I can get out of this driver's sight and out of mind.
Jeesh...
I'm not a drinker, can't stand it really but I sure could use those 47 shots of Tequila right now!
As Always, "Welcome aboard, Grab a Shot, Find your seats - Let's Roll!"
I won't tell, I promise...
Only 47 shots left until the next vote.
This week has been an eventful if not fearful week.
Remember that scary driver I told you that I have to work with this vote?
That driver told me that I was not allowed to ride that driver's bus to our relief point, that I had to ride another and meet that driver later.
Turns out I'm not allowed to ride with that driver because of my gender and race.
I asked around about that driver and got some history.
It would appear there is an abundance of "history" and I'm not the first to feel this driver's racist and sexist wrath.
I arrived at my pick up point a few minutes too early and when the bus arrived, I boarded.
I didn't realize I was about 5 minutes early or that I'd met this driver's bus by accident until it was too late and I was boarding.
The driver gave me a look, rolled the eyes and made a few "under the breath" colourful remarks.
I hid in the back corner the whole ride out and got off early to wait for the next bus with hopes of making it out alive.
Of course the damage was already done and that driver came nearly 10 minutes late to our "relief point" (usually a minute or two early) and while riding back, placed a few phone calls within my earshot to that driver's supervisory friends.
Those calls have resulted in my harassment the last couple of days.
I'd spoken to my supervisor mentor and a couple of other supervisors I've grown to trust.
They all want me to file a report and "grievance."
My fear is that because I'm the less "senior" in this instance, I'll be banished to Boulder or East Metro and I can't afford to work that far from home.
That hardship will cost me my job.
Somebody else's hatred: racism & sexism will cost me my job.
So I'm going to have to watch my Ps & Qs, dot my Is and cross my Ts for the next 47 days and pray to God that I don't arrive at work early either!
I need to lay low, roll with the punches and hide under a rock for the next few weeks until I can get out of this driver's sight and out of mind.
Jeesh...
I'm not a drinker, can't stand it really but I sure could use those 47 shots of Tequila right now!
As Always, "Welcome aboard, Grab a Shot, Find your seats - Let's Roll!"
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Let's Go For A Stroll
When I wrote about the new BRT being part Mall Shuttle, that struck a chord with many of my readers who sent me notes pointing out that in all this time, I've not mentioned the Mall Shuttle!
Really?
Sorry about that because I love driving up and down that Mall.
I can't believe that I've not talked about it.
The Mall Shuttle is both the easiest and the most difficult "route" that a Driver can drive.
It is a route that is snatched up almost immediately by the Senior Drivers so that few of us lesser Drivers get the chance but when we do....
I'm told the 16th Street Mall - at 1.7 miles long from the Civic Centre to the Denver Union Stations - is the longest outdoor Mall in the US.
The Mall Shuttle runs up and down the 16th Street Mall from early in the morning to late at night.
Stopping every block, at the light rail stations and at the Market Street Station (for the next 18 months!)
My advice to all passengers who want to traverse the Mall is to first just hop on and ride the shuttle around in a complete lap.
A complete lap takes about 40 minutes and you get to see every shop and every restaurant on the Mall.
Once you've seen where you want to go, hop off and you've less than a block to walk.
Another tip: Get on the shuttle EARLY, meaning at either end.
The shuttle fills up quickly and if you're riding on the weekend the shuttle runs less frequently so it fills up even more quickly.
During the Winter, more people means more warmth as even with the minimal heating offered in the passenger compartment, those doors are open all the time and it's freezing in the back!
During the Summer, the only "AC" is the open windows and it get hot and "fragrant" back there.
It's really not as bad as the jokes go.
I ride the shuttles before I relieve other Drivers and folks are always laughing and joking with one another.
If the Driver stops too quickly, we all swing into each other and that just provides laughs and I've even seen a few numbers exchanged - matches made by RTD!
The "Hard Part" of Driving the Mall is that there are thousands of people wandering this pedestrian experience.
Not counting the pedicabs and horse drawn carriages, the people are the biggest obstacles.
Because the Shuttles are Electric and CNG, the engines are small and almost silent.
Folks can't hear the shuttles coming at 15 miles an hour and even with the bells and horns, Drivers usually have to stop short, causing Passengers to fall into each other AND swear at the numpties standing in front of the shuttle.
The "Easy Part" of Driving the Mall Shuttle is that you really can't get lost.
It's hours and hours of driving up and back down the Mall.
Except for the "Crossovers" - those are usually construction & emergency vehicle detours that cause the Shuttle to have to cross from one side to the other and shuffle around the detour - but except for these crossovers, there are no turns so we can't get lost.
We are updating the shuttle fleet and some of y'all have seen the first two new shuttles.
Drivers call them by their numbers, 40 & 41.
These are all electric, no engines and even more quiet.
They are nicer for both the passengers and the Drivers.
Passengers get more windows, including in the roof.
Drivers get more room, including the steering column which now moves both the entire console up & down and the steering wheel out & in.
There are a myriad of improvements on this new generation of shuttle and there are improvements on the Mall.
The new Denver Union Station to the West (North) has extended the Mall Ride that extra half mile.
It has connections to light rail and once the underground station opens, to a huge - and I mean gigantic underground station.
I love the Mall Shuttle.
I love the throngs of people and the thousands of passengers every day who hop on and hop off all day long.
The best part of the Mall Ride:
IT'S FREE!
If you've ridden into the Civic Center Station or Denver Union Station on the Mall Ride, you've heard the automated voice say something like, "Thank You For Riding The RTD Free Mall Ride."
There are tons and tons of stories from my Mall Shuttle experiences but I'll save those for other posts.
I can't believe I hadn't written about the Mall earlier.
Sorry about that, folks.
As Always, "Welcome aboard, Hang onto a railing - Let's Roll!"
Really?
Sorry about that because I love driving up and down that Mall.
I can't believe that I've not talked about it.
The Mall Shuttle is both the easiest and the most difficult "route" that a Driver can drive.
It is a route that is snatched up almost immediately by the Senior Drivers so that few of us lesser Drivers get the chance but when we do....
I'm told the 16th Street Mall - at 1.7 miles long from the Civic Centre to the Denver Union Stations - is the longest outdoor Mall in the US.
The Mall Shuttle runs up and down the 16th Street Mall from early in the morning to late at night.
Stopping every block, at the light rail stations and at the Market Street Station (for the next 18 months!)
My advice to all passengers who want to traverse the Mall is to first just hop on and ride the shuttle around in a complete lap.
A complete lap takes about 40 minutes and you get to see every shop and every restaurant on the Mall.
Once you've seen where you want to go, hop off and you've less than a block to walk.
Another tip: Get on the shuttle EARLY, meaning at either end.
The shuttle fills up quickly and if you're riding on the weekend the shuttle runs less frequently so it fills up even more quickly.
During the Winter, more people means more warmth as even with the minimal heating offered in the passenger compartment, those doors are open all the time and it's freezing in the back!
During the Summer, the only "AC" is the open windows and it get hot and "fragrant" back there.
It's really not as bad as the jokes go.
I ride the shuttles before I relieve other Drivers and folks are always laughing and joking with one another.
If the Driver stops too quickly, we all swing into each other and that just provides laughs and I've even seen a few numbers exchanged - matches made by RTD!
The "Hard Part" of Driving the Mall is that there are thousands of people wandering this pedestrian experience.
Not counting the pedicabs and horse drawn carriages, the people are the biggest obstacles.
Because the Shuttles are Electric and CNG, the engines are small and almost silent.
Folks can't hear the shuttles coming at 15 miles an hour and even with the bells and horns, Drivers usually have to stop short, causing Passengers to fall into each other AND swear at the numpties standing in front of the shuttle.
The "Easy Part" of Driving the Mall Shuttle is that you really can't get lost.
It's hours and hours of driving up and back down the Mall.
Except for the "Crossovers" - those are usually construction & emergency vehicle detours that cause the Shuttle to have to cross from one side to the other and shuffle around the detour - but except for these crossovers, there are no turns so we can't get lost.
We are updating the shuttle fleet and some of y'all have seen the first two new shuttles.
Drivers call them by their numbers, 40 & 41.
These are all electric, no engines and even more quiet.
They are nicer for both the passengers and the Drivers.
Passengers get more windows, including in the roof.
Drivers get more room, including the steering column which now moves both the entire console up & down and the steering wheel out & in.
There are a myriad of improvements on this new generation of shuttle and there are improvements on the Mall.
The new Denver Union Station to the West (North) has extended the Mall Ride that extra half mile.
It has connections to light rail and once the underground station opens, to a huge - and I mean gigantic underground station.
I love the Mall Shuttle.
I love the throngs of people and the thousands of passengers every day who hop on and hop off all day long.
The best part of the Mall Ride:
IT'S FREE!
If you've ridden into the Civic Center Station or Denver Union Station on the Mall Ride, you've heard the automated voice say something like, "Thank You For Riding The RTD Free Mall Ride."
There are tons and tons of stories from my Mall Shuttle experiences but I'll save those for other posts.
I can't believe I hadn't written about the Mall earlier.
Sorry about that, folks.
As Always, "Welcome aboard, Hang onto a railing - Let's Roll!"
For Whom This Bell Tolls...
I read an online article this morning that I wanted to share with y'all.
Here is the article:
Unions suffered a resounding defeat in Wisconsin last week. They’re far from down and out, however. Unable to reverse their decline in membership under existing law, they are circumventing Congress and using the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to create an entirely new type of union. A new rule hatched by the Obama-appointed board, authorizes the creation of union cells—organizing a few employees within a company to gain a foothold—which will severely impact businesses.
Until recently, employees organized based on shared job characteristics—for example, all the hourly employees at a firm. The new practice allows micro-unions representing only a small minority of workers in a company. Instead of a grocery store’s employees having a union, the store could face separate unions for cashiers, shelf-stockers, and janitors.
The NLRB permitted this in its Specialty Healthcare decision last year, allowing organized labor to form unions by job title. A decision last month by one of the NLRB’s regional directors demonstrated just how harmful—and absurd—a policy this is. The regional director green-lit a union election at the Bergdorf Goodman department store. But most employees will not get to vote; only shoe salesmen will cast ballots. Not all shoe salesmen, however. Only those selling women’s shoes.
As the HR Policy Association explains:
With private-sector union membership down to 7 percent, labor leaders are desperate. Even the government unions are seeing workers quit en mass—when they have a choice. Columnist Charles Krauthammer described this lesson in Wisconsin:
The board’s tactics are in step with the Obama Administration’s penchant for skipping Congress completely.
“The recent decision at Bergdorf Goodman is an example of the labor board’s doing through regulation what we ought to be doing through legislation on the floor of the Senate,” said Senator Johnny Isakson (R–GA), who introduced legislation last year that would reverse the NLRB’s decision on the so-called micro-unions.
The practice will have devastating consequences for businesses and workers alike. Management could face contract negotiations with multiple union cells under one roof, which “increases the likelihood of industrial unrest and workplace disputes as different unions with differing goals represent different employees,” said Fred Wszolek of the Workforce Fairness Institute.
In addition to divided workplaces, workers will face diminished professional opportunities. As Heritage’s James Sherk has explained, “Over time, unions destroy jobs in the companies they organize. In manufacturing, three-quarters of all union jobs have disappeared over the past three decades, while the number of non-union jobs has increased.”
With organized labor cells, workers would be stuck in their current roles without the chance to advance through departments. Fragmenting the workplace into multiple bargaining units will make it very difficult for workers to work their way up through departments. They wouldn’t have the opportunities that Joe McFarland had when he took an hourly job at Home Depot in 1993.
McFarland started out working in the electrical aisle. Over the next 20 years, he learned all he could about other departments in the store, worked hard—and got promoted. He rose from his hourly job to Western Division President, where he now oversees more than 440 stores and 78,700 employees in 13 states.
If the electrical aisle employees had chosen to unionize, McFarland could have been stuck there. He wouldn’t have had the opportunity to train across departments and move up into management.
But big labor’s strategy isn’t about growing skills and advancing careers. It’s about grasping for any amount of power—and union dues—they can grab.
Here is the article:
Unions suffered a resounding defeat in Wisconsin last week. They’re far from down and out, however. Unable to reverse their decline in membership under existing law, they are circumventing Congress and using the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to create an entirely new type of union. A new rule hatched by the Obama-appointed board, authorizes the creation of union cells—organizing a few employees within a company to gain a foothold—which will severely impact businesses.
Until recently, employees organized based on shared job characteristics—for example, all the hourly employees at a firm. The new practice allows micro-unions representing only a small minority of workers in a company. Instead of a grocery store’s employees having a union, the store could face separate unions for cashiers, shelf-stockers, and janitors.
The NLRB permitted this in its Specialty Healthcare decision last year, allowing organized labor to form unions by job title. A decision last month by one of the NLRB’s regional directors demonstrated just how harmful—and absurd—a policy this is. The regional director green-lit a union election at the Bergdorf Goodman department store. But most employees will not get to vote; only shoe salesmen will cast ballots. Not all shoe salesmen, however. Only those selling women’s shoes.
As the HR Policy Association explains:
"The fact that hours, benefits (including the same health plans), and general productivity goals were common among all employees was dismissed because, among other reasons, the sale of women’s shoes ‘requires a distinct skill set from other sales associates due to the unique nature of the product they are selling.’"While the men’s shoe salesmen—or any other type of salesmen—at the store will not get a say in the union’s presence, these excluded workers will share in all the risks and downsides of unionizing. Strikes will also harm them, and if the union bankrupts the company, they will also lose their jobs.
With private-sector union membership down to 7 percent, labor leaders are desperate. Even the government unions are seeing workers quit en mass—when they have a choice. Columnist Charles Krauthammer described this lesson in Wisconsin:
"Without the thumb of the state tilting the scale by coerced collection, union membership became truly voluntary. Result? Newly freed members rushed for the exits. In less than one year, AFSCME, the second-largest public-sector union in Wisconsin, has lost more than 50 percent of its membership."Labor leaders and the NLRB have made several attempts to curb workers’ rights in recent years. They have tried to take away the secret ballot in union elections and to shorten the amount of time workers have to decide on unionizing. They have threatened to demand access to workers’ email addresses and phone numbers in workplaces that are targeted for unionization. The NLRB itself has its own scandals and has served as a revolving door for union big shots.
The board’s tactics are in step with the Obama Administration’s penchant for skipping Congress completely.
“The recent decision at Bergdorf Goodman is an example of the labor board’s doing through regulation what we ought to be doing through legislation on the floor of the Senate,” said Senator Johnny Isakson (R–GA), who introduced legislation last year that would reverse the NLRB’s decision on the so-called micro-unions.
The practice will have devastating consequences for businesses and workers alike. Management could face contract negotiations with multiple union cells under one roof, which “increases the likelihood of industrial unrest and workplace disputes as different unions with differing goals represent different employees,” said Fred Wszolek of the Workforce Fairness Institute.
In addition to divided workplaces, workers will face diminished professional opportunities. As Heritage’s James Sherk has explained, “Over time, unions destroy jobs in the companies they organize. In manufacturing, three-quarters of all union jobs have disappeared over the past three decades, while the number of non-union jobs has increased.”
With organized labor cells, workers would be stuck in their current roles without the chance to advance through departments. Fragmenting the workplace into multiple bargaining units will make it very difficult for workers to work their way up through departments. They wouldn’t have the opportunities that Joe McFarland had when he took an hourly job at Home Depot in 1993.
McFarland started out working in the electrical aisle. Over the next 20 years, he learned all he could about other departments in the store, worked hard—and got promoted. He rose from his hourly job to Western Division President, where he now oversees more than 440 stores and 78,700 employees in 13 states.
If the electrical aisle employees had chosen to unionize, McFarland could have been stuck there. He wouldn’t have had the opportunity to train across departments and move up into management.
But big labor’s strategy isn’t about growing skills and advancing careers. It’s about grasping for any amount of power—and union dues—they can grab.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Bus Rapid Transit - Here It Comes!
How many of you (us) saw the Artic "BRT" Bus at the Market Street Station today?
For all intents & purposes it's just a modern version of the current "9000" series Articulated buses we have in the Fleet.
Many of you recognized it.
Some of the differences:
Low Floor
Fewer Seats (Less Room for Passengers)
Plastic
Ramp rather than Lift in front
Can be "Hybridized"
Basically a combination of the current 1400 (Blue Hybrids) & the 9000 (Accordions)
The one on display today was on its way to be delivered from the factory to San Antonio.
Nabi swung through Denver to show us what we could be getting.
The configuration we saw obviously won't do for us here in Denver.
We need the 60+ seat max, windows that open, more room in back for strollers & bikes, etc etc etc.
This version of the Artic is heavier, ranking in at close to 70,000lbs - 35 tons!
Same 60' length as our current Artics and has a 125 (150 optional) gasoline tank.
The Nabi Rep said that this bus being delivered to Texas, as displayed was $838,000...
Gulp!
Obviously that doesn't represent (only suggest) what RTD might be paying for our new buses.
BUT STILL...
Whatever we end up getting, we'll have more of them and they'll run more frequently that the Light Rail would have to Boulder.
All told, this BRT system will cost less and provide more service than the Light Rail would have.
Nice.
Listening to Drivers talk about each of the model series of buses we have in The Fleet, you get to hear what they like and dislike about each model.
Drivers went ape when they were actually asked what they liked and disliked about the first of the new Mall Shuttles (1640) - freaking happier than pigs in mud that we get to have some input into a bus we'll actually drive.
But listening to Drivers about all the series of buses we have, the most common gripe/complaint is that it feels, seems and appears that the bus manufacturers don't have any actual Drivers in the Research & Design departments of their companies.
For the most part, the buses are neither intuitive nor convenient.
One or two things may be really well placed and really good ideas but those get offset by three or four things that seem to have been thrown in to frustrate and confuse.
So I asked the Nabi representative that all important question:
"Have you ever considered coming to Drivers while you're in the R&D phase of these new buses? Active Drivers, in the field, using the buses?"
This Rep up until this point was asking me questions, answering mine - up to and including the cost of the vehicle!
But as soon as I asked this, he turned and walked away.
Didn't even fake like he was turning to talk to another person.
Not even a grunt or pish.
LOL
Guess I hit a nerve...
Anywho, we got a glimpse of the new BRTs coming to Denver.
I hope you got your glimpse.
There will be a few more showings in Boulder & Brighton (I think?)
Call our info line at 303.299.6000 and ask them for more information.
They'll point you in the right direction.
As Always, "Welcome aboard, Smell that new bus smell, Find your seats - Let's Roll!"
For all intents & purposes it's just a modern version of the current "9000" series Articulated buses we have in the Fleet.
Many of you recognized it.
Some of the differences:
Low Floor
Fewer Seats (Less Room for Passengers)
Plastic
Ramp rather than Lift in front
Can be "Hybridized"
Basically a combination of the current 1400 (Blue Hybrids) & the 9000 (Accordions)
The one on display today was on its way to be delivered from the factory to San Antonio.
Nabi swung through Denver to show us what we could be getting.
The configuration we saw obviously won't do for us here in Denver.
We need the 60+ seat max, windows that open, more room in back for strollers & bikes, etc etc etc.
This version of the Artic is heavier, ranking in at close to 70,000lbs - 35 tons!
Same 60' length as our current Artics and has a 125 (150 optional) gasoline tank.
The Nabi Rep said that this bus being delivered to Texas, as displayed was $838,000...
Gulp!
Obviously that doesn't represent (only suggest) what RTD might be paying for our new buses.
BUT STILL...
Whatever we end up getting, we'll have more of them and they'll run more frequently that the Light Rail would have to Boulder.
All told, this BRT system will cost less and provide more service than the Light Rail would have.
Nice.
Listening to Drivers talk about each of the model series of buses we have in The Fleet, you get to hear what they like and dislike about each model.
Drivers went ape when they were actually asked what they liked and disliked about the first of the new Mall Shuttles (1640) - freaking happier than pigs in mud that we get to have some input into a bus we'll actually drive.
But listening to Drivers about all the series of buses we have, the most common gripe/complaint is that it feels, seems and appears that the bus manufacturers don't have any actual Drivers in the Research & Design departments of their companies.
For the most part, the buses are neither intuitive nor convenient.
One or two things may be really well placed and really good ideas but those get offset by three or four things that seem to have been thrown in to frustrate and confuse.
So I asked the Nabi representative that all important question:
"Have you ever considered coming to Drivers while you're in the R&D phase of these new buses? Active Drivers, in the field, using the buses?"
This Rep up until this point was asking me questions, answering mine - up to and including the cost of the vehicle!
But as soon as I asked this, he turned and walked away.
Didn't even fake like he was turning to talk to another person.
Not even a grunt or pish.
LOL
Guess I hit a nerve...
Anywho, we got a glimpse of the new BRTs coming to Denver.
I hope you got your glimpse.
There will be a few more showings in Boulder & Brighton (I think?)
Call our info line at 303.299.6000 and ask them for more information.
They'll point you in the right direction.
As Always, "Welcome aboard, Smell that new bus smell, Find your seats - Let's Roll!"
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