Friday, June 5, 2009
ERIK GIVES THE FRED CLUB PRESIDENT A CHALLENGE
TriMet Board President George Passadore wrote in his letter to the editor, "We are extremely proud of [general manager Fred Hansen's] leadership in making TriMet's light-rail system a model, not only in this country but around the world" (June 1).
Mr. Passadore, is TriMet's bus system also a model in this country and around the world?
Lest you forget, two out of three TriMet riders are on the bus. Despite the publicity given to the light-rail system, TriMet's dedicated bus riders often suffer on buses that lack air conditioning, or have broken wheelchair lifts. They wait at bus stops that are not ADA accessible or which lack adequate shelter from the rain.
Buses break down frequently or are too full to accommodate more riders. Also, the planned service cuts will affect bus riders disproportionately compared with MAX riders.
Is it acceptable to let Hansen leave TriMet's bus service in this state while taking a paid vacation?
It seems to me that Hansen has a lot of work to do right here in Portland. May I suggest you take some time out of your busy schedule to see what I see twice (or more) a day, five days (or more) a week as I ride TriMet's bus system?
ERIK HALSTEAD
Tigard