Friday, December 25, 2009

Monday, December 14, 2009

MICHAEL OLIVER LIBEL SITE

Michael's Life Living with HIV/AIDS: December 13, 2009 Sunday Morning
By Michael Oliver
The weather has been freezing here in Portland all weekend. Friday night we did stay in. Made salad and a Cornish hen for dinner. Saturday, since it was so nice outside, we took a drive in the afternoon along the Willamette front in the 65 Cadillac ... Present I work for Trimet as a operator for the lightrail system. I live in Beaverton, Oregon. On January 7th, 2009 I was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. I hope my daily strengths and struggles will help you with yours. ...
Michael's Life Living with HIV/AIDS - http://gaysarethenextminority.blogspot.com/

GOOD STUFF IN HERE

December 14, 2009

LITTLE ICE, PLENTY OF PRACTICE

The weekend of Dec. 11-13 was a good “dress rehearsal” for a snow and ice event. For example, smart preparation Friday night meant we started Saturday morning ready to deploy either a chained or an unchained bus fleet. Thank you to everyone who worked long hours and solved problems creatively this weekend. Thinking about your own readiness? Check out the “TriMet Never Closes” link on TriNET’s homepage. Wondering what TriMet’s doing differently this year? See “Changes to our approach” on the Operations homepage.


H1N1 VACCINE SUPPLY INCREASES; EVERYONE IN PRIORITY GROUP URGED TO GET VACCINATED

Until recently health care providers were focusing on the highest risk people in the vaccine priority group. Now supply is large enough that officials want to make sure everyone in the priority group – including healthy children – get the vaccine. To help ensure people can find vaccine, www.flu.oregon.gov has a vaccine locator that provides lists of clinics and pharmacies offering both H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccine. You can also call the Oregon Public Health Flu Hotline at 1.800.978.3040. The vaccine supply is increasing and soon state health officials expect to open up vaccinations for everyone. The priority groups being encouraged to get vaccinated right away includes:
pregnant women;
children and young people aged 6 months to 24 years
people aged 24-65 with underlying health conditions
people caring for infants 6 months and younger
health care, emergency, and frontline law enforcement workers

HELPERS AND SERVERS NEEDED FOR HOLIDAY DINNERS

Two hour shifts are available for the Holiday dinners at Powell, Center and Merlo. On the menu: turkey, ham, potatoes, gravy, stuffing, rolls, beans, ambrosia salad and pie. Join the fun and share the joy of the holiday season!


Merlo – Thursday, December 17 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (contact Helen at 503.962.2071 to volunteer)

Center – Friday, December 18 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (contact Debi at 503.962.4963 to volunteer)

Powell – Friday, December 18 from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (contact Ken at 503.962.3321 to volunteer)



DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION YOU'D LIKE ANSWERED

TriNET is home to an updated list of questions and answers about the new Free Fare Zone to possible changes to TriMet work areas related to work on Portland Milwaukie Light Rail. If you’d like to submit a question, go to the Q & A page on TriNET.


TIME TO RISE TO THE CHALLENGE

The Charitable Contribution Campaign ends this week. Don't miss out on the opportunity to help out some great organizations and to be eligible for the door prizes. Employees can make a one-time donation or make regular donations through payroll deductions, plus contributions are tax deductible. Details are available on TriNET or available at each TriMet facility. Return pledge sheets to Robin Rudiger/HR2, or call Robin at 503.962.5810 with questions.


DID YOU RECEIVE YOUR BENEFITS CONFIRMATION STATEMENT

January 2010 statements were sent to all employees’ internal mailstops last Friday. Please review your medical and dental plan elections. If you made changes to your covered dependents make sure they are listed on the confirmation statement. If you elected to participate in the Dependent Care Spending or the Medical Spending accounts, your first deduction will occur on January 20, 2010. Errors with your enrollment information or have questions? Please contact the benefits department by Friday, December 18 at 503.962.7625.


DID YOU MOVE THIS YEAR?

W-2s for 2009 will be issued in late January 2010. Please be sure to verify your address on your paycheck. If any changes need to be made, please submit the address change form to Payroll by December 31, 2009 to ensure your W-2 gets mailed to the correct address.


TRIMET U CLASSES
Click here for upcoming classes with openings.


Service Milestones
20 years: Kihunyu Njoroge, operator

15 years: Garth Attaway, Terrence Ledoux, Jonathan Mathews and Kathryn McMahon, operators


Retired

Randy Black, operator,

34 years of service

Congratulations
Frank Zaccone, December operator of the month

Cynthia Warren, mini-run operator of the quarter

Alan Bentley, rail operator of the quarter

DONT FORGET, TRIMET NEVER CLOSES-JUST ASK FRED

by Fred Hansen, General Manager — last modified Dec 11, 2009 02:23 PM


During inclement weather, TriMet plays a critical role in keeping the region moving. Whether traveling to work, the doctor or the store, people turn to us to get where they need to go. To meet the needs of our region, we must deliver reliable service during inclement weather. It is important for each of us to come to work and support all efforts to deliver quality service.

TriMet has several information tools and support materials in place to help employees get to work under tough conditions and provide quality service.

Weather forecasts – When we receive forecasts of weather conditions that may affect service, information will be sent via email, posted in the facilities and on TriNET to give employees time to make any necessary arrangements.

Service Emergency Information Line – 503-962-6222 – In event of inclement weather or another potential service disruption, employees can call the Service Emergency Information Line to hear a recorded message.

Employee support at the facilities – We have air mattresses for employees to use if they wish to remain on site rather than travel home during the event. We also have non-perishable foods and coffee at each facility.



Service Emergency alternate duty – We have identified alternate duty assignments for non-union, non-service delivery staff who are not serving as Ride Guides, but would like to help during an event. Duties range from answering phone calls to making coffee for employees who come in from the field. For more information about these opportunities or to sign up, visit http://trinet.trimet.org/cms/departments/organization-development/inclement-weather-information/service-emergency-alternate-duty.


Winter preparedness tips – The Winter Preparedness information on TriNET, located at http://trinet.trimet.org/cms/departments/organization-development/inclement-weather-information/winter-weather-tips, lists ways employees can prepare for inclement weather.


Ride Guides: This year, we will again deploy Ride Guides to enhance our customer service presence on the street. To volunteer and receive Ride Guide training, visit TriNET at http://trinet.trimet.org/cms/departments/customer-service/ride-guide.


Our goal during any challenging event is to get our riders where they need to go in the safest, quickest, most comfortable way possible. We need everyone at work and pitching in to make this happen.


Thank you.

Monday, November 30, 2009

PEOPLE

On the Move

John Sturdavant, from journey mechanic to LRV assistant supervisor

Service Milestones

35 years: Paul Sharp, rail supervisor
20 years: Dan Caufield, director operations planning and development
10 years: Tobbi Countryman, Jeff Grimes, Deborah Moyle, Jeannine Simonsen and Anita Underwood, operators
1 year: David Hupperich, marketing associate; Sydeny Nguyen, program scheduling engineer; Janet Portillo, customer service specialist; and Denise Woodward, communication specialist

Retired

David Bennett, rail operator,

10 years of service

Tom Gonzales, journey mechanic,13 years of service


Garald Ottoboni, track maintainer,34 years of service

Michael Wilson, journey mechanic30 years of service



FEARLESS FRED HANSEN SAYS

TriMet offers a critical service in a very complex environment. More than 300,000 times a day, someone boards a TriMet bus or train. In the vast majority of cases, they have a good customer service experience and complete their trip without incident. But, as recent unfortunate events have reminded us, sometimes the customer’s experience isn’t what we’d like it to be.

I know that each of you has to balance multiple demands from internal and external customers—not just the people who ride the system, but also coworkers, managers, the public and other stakeholders. As always, I trust you to rise to that challenge with compassion and professionalism. Sometimes it’s as simple as imagining yourself in the other person’s shoes. When there’s a delay, most of us like to be thanked for our patience. When we’re concerned about safety, we need to know that our concerns are being taken seriously. When we give feedback, we expect and value a timely response.

We are a customer service organization that goes the extra mile. I know for a fact that there are numerous examples of employees who “do the right thing” countless times throughout the day. Often, it takes almost no extra time or special skill to let the other person know that you understand what they’re going through.

Yet when something goes wrong, we can run the risk of losing sight of the reason we’re all here —the customer. Today, I am asking each of you to think about how your decisions and actions each day can renew your commitment to customer safety and customer service. With this focus, there is no doubt we can not only meet, but exceed our customers’ expectations.

Thank you.

BUS DRIVERS HAVING FUN

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Friday, November 27, 2009

GETTING OUT

Employee Spotlight

Service Milestone1 year: Patricia Benson, Mark Brittell, Jose Cabrera Jr., Dennis Feaver, Stephen Feeback, David Goates, Steve Johnson, James Mendez and Bob Reaves, mini-run operatorsRetiredRobert Benesh, operator,18 years of serviceWilliam Cahill, journey mechanic,24 years of serviceMichael Dodge, journey mechanic,30 years of serviceMike Grove, maintenance manager,38 years of serviceRobert Hiestand, journey mechanic,32 years of serviceMichael Heisler, operator, 11 years of serviceFloyd Hodel, assistant supervisor bus maintenance, 38 years of serviceBarbara Missildine, operator,11 years of serviceTimothy Plein, operator, 13 years of serviceTom Rowberg, operator, 19 years of servicTheodore Whitney, journey mechanic,36 years of service


Thursday, November 26, 2009

they need 2 cut bak

they need 2 cut bak svc on this line...15 min svc&i havnt even carried 20 people ye

Thursday, November 19, 2009

MAX PLATFORM ACTION
BANTA GOING BYE BYE?

FWD: says May 2007. Also,

FWD: says May 2007. Also, Twitter report: Train with mechanical problems at Merlo Rd/158th 3 hrs ago)

FWD: does? but yeah, says

FWD: does? but yeah, says it's to head Valley Metro in Phoenix)

FWD: good 4 him...he serves

FWD: good 4 him...he serves top job
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FWD: Banta finalist for AZ

FWD: Banta finalist for AZ transit job; also wanted to wanted to redo his dept 2 mos ago)
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AETHIEST ADS ON THE BUS

Sunday, November 15, 2009

REMEMBERING WHEN THINGS WERE SIMPLER

BILL LINGO IS LOSING HIS MIND IN AUSTRALIA










THIS IS WHAT BILL IS DOING:
""Bill found a lonely Black Sheep on their farm. Oh no!
Bill was farming when a lonely Black Sheep wandered onto their farm in FarmVille. This poor sheep was abandoned because she's a bit different from other sheep. She feels very sad and needs a new home.""
==============================
Bill found some Premium White Mystery Eggs to share with their friends!
Bill was collecting eggs from their Chicken Coop and found these mysterious eggs...

HIT BY YELLOW LINE

VIDEO
Other errors on the Portland Mall
Misc buses and trains on the Portland Mall
Columbia County Rider's former Cherriots bus

MY DRIVE TO WORK 11/11/09

MY DRIVE TO WORK 11/11/09 from al m on Vimeo.

KGW RUNS A DECENT STORY ON CELL PHONES --GOOD INTERVIEW WITH TRIMET SPOKESWOMAN BEKI WITT

MAYBE MARY AND BEKKI SHOULD SWITCH JOBS!

$166 Million, plus $700,000, plus $150,000

TWEATS

TWITTER
TWITTER
TWITTER
TWITTER
TWITTER
23RD AT BURNSIDE CLOSED

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THIS PIC WAS POSTED AT CENTER ST










Basically someone in management (color printer) has posted pictures of a motorcycle smashing into a car and saying it was from a driver on a cell phone. A total lie.
The real story is here.
http://www.cmsnl.com/news/what-a-155-mph-motorcycle-crash-looks-like_news176.html

KATU IN BED WITH TRIMET MANAGMENT? I THINK SO!

ALEX ANSARY

SWINE FLU

ERIK HALSTEAD ON KATU

"That is total KATU bullshit. The photos are CLEARLY taken when the bus isn't in motion. Ironically Shellie is seen IN HER VEHICLE talking on her cell phone, what the fuck is that about?

Meanwhile, Mary Fetsch has no problem hanging out bus Operators to dry (because that's typical TriMet attitude towards the bus system) instead of saying, "Well we are concerned about it - however the vehicle was clearly stopped, and the passengers were never in any danger.""

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Confused motorists on the Portland Mall: 6th Ave

VIDEO

Confused motorists on the Portland Mall: 5th Ave

VIDEO
CBC News Ottawa Ottawa transit strikes could end forever with vote
WHAT'S BOB UP TO?

MERCURY LOOKS AT BUS LINES

ARTICLE

YOU WANT RELIABILITY? YOU GOT IT!

Due to mechanical problems with a Red Line train at the Kings Hill/SW Salmon St station, MAX Red and Blue line service in both directions near PGE Park has been disrupted. Shuttle buses are transporting riders between the Goose Hollow/SW Jefferson St and Galleria/SW 10th St stations. Riders should add extra time to their trips.
BREAKFAST AT SANFORDS!
E-BOARD TO TAKE UP LETTER

MY DRIVE HOME AFTER GETTING THE LETTER

VIDEO

IT WAS ALL AN ACT-THEY LIED TO ME

IT WAS ALL AN ACT-THEY LIED TO ME from al m on Vimeo.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

TRIMET OFFICIALLY PULLS THE PLUG ON MY BLOG


gates open a PCC...dispatch says

gates open a PCC...dispatch says they r closed! hopefully this wont strand som riders! trimet site tells people to catch 52 at PCC says reg rdr

ATTACK ON BUS

VIDEO

TRIMET WAGES WAR ON LEGS

VIDEO
GREEN LINE STEALS BUS PASSENGERS

FRED'S VACATION SLIDE SHOW

TriMet General Manager Fred Hansen recently served as Adelaide’s Thinker in Residence. Come hear about his experiences! Fred will host two sessions on:

  • Monday, November 16 from 1 to 2 p.m. – Holladay Street, Conf. Rm. 1

  • Thursday, November 19, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. – Center Street, Conf. Rm. A/B

TRIMET ON TWITTER

TRIBUNE

CUTS WILL SAVE $

PEGGY HANSON

LETTER

Monday, November 9, 2009

RELIABILITY IS US

Due to a mechanical problem with a MAX train at SW 5th and Clay, Yellow and Green line service downtown has been disrupted. Shuttle buses will carry riders between Pioneer Square and Rose Quarter. Riders may also take regular bus service or Red or Blue line trains through downtown or across the river. Crews are working to move the stuck train and restore Yellow and Green line service. Riders should expect delays

WATCHING THE WES-SEATS AVAILABLE

I'M READY FOR MY COURT APPEARANCE

SEPTA STRIKE ENDS-details provided by punkrawker

a minor change in the National Healthcare language and agreed to pay for three years of dental coverage.
Other details in the proposed contract included:
-a $1,250 signing bonus with a five-year contract
-a 11.5 percent wage hike over five years
-a 2.5 percent raise in Year 2 and a 3 percent raise in each of the following three years; no increase in the first year
-a gradual increase in employee contribution to their pension fund from 1.5 percent to 3 percent
-no change in employee contributions to the medical plan
me: EXCELLELNT!
chad: I put the link in the Septa Strike Ends blog entry

SEPTA STRIKE ENDS-details provided by punkrawker

a minor change in the National Healthcare language and agreed to pay for three years of dental coverage.
Other details in the proposed contract included:
-a $1,250 signing bonus with a five-year contract
-a 11.5 percent wage hike over five years
-a 2.5 percent raise in Year 2 and a 3 percent raise in each of the following three years; no increase in the first year
-a gradual increase in employee contribution to their pension fund from 1.5 percent to 3 percent
-no change in employee contributions to the medical plan
me: EXCELLELNT!
chad: I put the link in the Septa Strike Ends blog entry
THE VACATION NEVER ENDS FOR SUNSET BOB

SEE HOW THINGS WORK IN OUR GREAT "DEMOCRACY"

The nation’s unemployment rate has reached 10.2 percent, the highest it has been in twenty-six years.

The Dow closes above 10,200 -- its highest amount in more than a year.
HOW OTHER COUNTRIES DO HEALTH CARE-SICK AROUND THE WORLD

KHRIS ALEXANDER

well its nice to go back to work but not nice to be treated like crap and ignored by R.E acting chief.15 more days and I'm off the board yeah!

14 VOTES SHORT FOR SINGLE PAYER-BUSINESS WINS AGAIN

Sunday, November 8, 2009

CALLED INTO THE OFFICE-THE PLAYLIST

The playlist is multiple movies that play right after each other, new movies will be added as this saga unfolds.

SOME INTERESTING QUOTES FROM A UNION OFFICIAL

"Anytime I see B.T. or A.M names on a letter, I get a little worried"

"I've turned over a few things that they have already tried to do"

"There's freedom of speech in this country at least I think so and just because B or A don't interpret the constitution doesn't mean its not there"

"A"+"B" have to understand that this is not their company and sometimes these guys really believe that they own this place, I'm sorry, I don't mean to be so adamant but they are both a couple of butt heads"

"I used to work here when this was a good company, but then this little "f" asshole running around, and the "B"+"A" asshole, the morale at the training dept is so bad with those two its beyond your imagination"

AND THE BEAT GOES ON, AND THE BEAT GOES ON, AND THE BEAT GOES ON AND ON AND ON AND ON....

+It should be obvious why I am so fascinated with the people of TRIMET.+