I have meetings in SJ today so I drove down instead of taking BART to SF. On my way down 680, I saw a hearse driving at 85+ mph. It was even weaving in and out of lanes to continue at its fast speed. I'm certain it was "unoccupied" but even so, it was a bit weird seeing a hearse cruising at such a fast speed.
I was behind the hearse for quite some time. It was in the fast lane and at times going nearly 90 mph, definitely faster than I can keep up. Maybe it was late picking up a coffin at a funeral home? Sure seemed like the driver was in a huge rush to get somewhere!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Clock is ticking..BARTcontract expires midnight
If there is no agreement, we at least have 72 hours notice before workers go on strike. Start thinking of commute alternatives but let's hope this gets resolved before the deadline.
Oakland Airport Connector Hot Button in BART Talks
I had just written about how much I disliked the AirBART-- mostly because of the terrible experiences I've had waiting and dealing with the unsafe surroundings. Again, maybe I've just seen the worst of it. I will always prefer to drive to OAK from Orinda unless there is a major pile-up on 880 or Caldecott Tunnel.
Personally, I don't feel the need for direct BART access to OAK. It would be GREAT to have, like the SFO connector, but when it comes down to it, is it necessary for me? No. But perhaps passengers living in Dublin, Concord, Pittsburg, and especially those at the other end of 80 freeway in El Cerrito, might find it very helpful as it will help them skip the major traffic pain points.
I've been very negative about the Coliseum BART station but let's focus on the positive for a moment. There is no easier way to get to an A's or Raiders game. I only wish it was that easy to go to a Giants and 49ers game. The MUNI connection going to AT&T Park is not terrible but it is a cluster ****.
Will a BART OAK extension increase ridership? I can't say but I sure hope BART has done their research and are certain that this is a project worth pursuing.
Personally, I don't feel the need for direct BART access to OAK. It would be GREAT to have, like the SFO connector, but when it comes down to it, is it necessary for me? No. But perhaps passengers living in Dublin, Concord, Pittsburg, and especially those at the other end of 80 freeway in El Cerrito, might find it very helpful as it will help them skip the major traffic pain points.
I've been very negative about the Coliseum BART station but let's focus on the positive for a moment. There is no easier way to get to an A's or Raiders game. I only wish it was that easy to go to a Giants and 49ers game. The MUNI connection going to AT&T Park is not terrible but it is a cluster ****.
Will a BART OAK extension increase ridership? I can't say but I sure hope BART has done their research and are certain that this is a project worth pursuing.
Friday, July 03, 2009
BART Unions Facts and Figures
Some of you may have seen www.bartlabor.com already and are aware of the figures. I've had a chance to read through it tonight and found a few facts disturbing but not surprising.
We've all heard by now that the average salary and benefits for union members is $114,466 for FY 09 and $116,237 in FY 10; more than double the average salary of a passenger. But have you seen the nearly ridiculous labor rules?
Now, it is my personal opinion that unions contributed to the downfall of the American auto industry, at least that is what I've come to believe after reading numerous news articles and case studies. Hence, I have to admit that I've never been a fan of unions but understand and respect (not necessarily agree with) what they seek to accomplish.
Take a look at these rules below (excerpts taken from http://bartlabor.com/?cat=11) They are similar to other union labor rules...inflexible but serve to (over)protect members. My goodness-- no wonder the train, stations, lots are in such poor shape. No wonder an escalator does not get fixed for days! No wonder certain critical elevators don't operate regularly!! Meanwhile, we actually thought our email complaints will make a difference in the quality of customer service?? What was I thinking? Sure, this website is managed by BART and not the unions but these facts and figures are validated. If someone from the unions would like to dispute these facts or publicize figures around BART management, please feel free to do so! We want and NEED to hear both sides.
Here are some rules:
Changing a Seat at BART – Not So Simple
Last year, BART installed new seats in 205 train cars as part of a major upgrade of the interior amenities of our system. While we hope the changes are a comfort to our riders, they may be surprised to know that it takes two employees at BART to change out a seat cushion and backing under current contract rules.
The contract allows a utility worker to unfasten the snaps that hold a seat cushion in place. But the two screws fastening a seat back can only be touched by a journeyman mechanic. BART changed some 26,000 seat cushions last year. As a result, we think it would be more efficient if one employee was authorized to service the entire portion of a seat. It would result in freeing up mechanics to perform more important, skilled work.
Paperless Pay Stubs Now Back To Paper:
In an effort to save money and reduce the amount of paper BART uses, we moved to an electronic pay stub format for employees two years ago. Most of our employees use direct deposit and under a new system they could access their pay stub information via secure computer login. In recent months, the Amalgamated Transit Union filed a grievance over the paperless system and an arbitrator has upheld the protest – meaning BART will now have to go back to paper pay stubs.
Station Maintenance – Walk the Line
Perhaps nowhere are work rules more arbitrary than when it comes to the “drip line” rule regarding maintenance at BART stations. Under this rule, one classification of worker – a patio worker — is allowed to clean the outdoor areas of a station up to the station’s drip line, essentially a rain gutter. Another type of BART employee – a System Service worker – has authority to clean only the interior spaces of a station.
This two-tier maintenance system leads to the irregular or partial cleaning of stations and is exacerbated by the fact that patio workers work only Monday through Friday while System Service workers are assigned to shifts seven days a week.
Beneficial Past Practices No Longer Benefiting BART:
A major reason that BART’s contract is stuck firmly in the past is the concept of “beneficial past practices” – a principle that has helped strengthen workers’ rights and protections but at BART has been manipulated to preserve outdated work rules.
Over the years, a series of arbitration rulings has allowed the unions to keep wasteful contract provisions. If BART operated in a certain way in the 1970s, the concept of beneficial past practices dictates that we must continue to do so today. This is no way for any business to survive and endure in today’s challenging economy.
Beneficial past practices impede our efficiency as a transit agency in a variety of ways. For example, BART is required to allow a certain number of employees to work on holidays at the rate of double time and a half. The number of holiday shifts is not tied to any particular need for staffing on any individual holiday. Instead, it is pegged to an average of workers operating on holiday shifts from the late 1980s.
Similarly, BART is required to staff certain facilities and certain operations units at levels dating from decades ago whether they are needed or not in 2009.
Building a Better Contract:
BART believes that many of the contract rules benefit workers and make our agency a safe and convenient transit option for riders. But clearly there are work rules now decades old that no longer make sense and serve only to limit efficiency and flexibility when they are needed now more than ever in our system.
We've all heard by now that the average salary and benefits for union members is $114,466 for FY 09 and $116,237 in FY 10; more than double the average salary of a passenger. But have you seen the nearly ridiculous labor rules?
Now, it is my personal opinion that unions contributed to the downfall of the American auto industry, at least that is what I've come to believe after reading numerous news articles and case studies. Hence, I have to admit that I've never been a fan of unions but understand and respect (not necessarily agree with) what they seek to accomplish.
Take a look at these rules below (excerpts taken from http://bartlabor.com/?cat=11) They are similar to other union labor rules...inflexible but serve to (over)protect members. My goodness-- no wonder the train, stations, lots are in such poor shape. No wonder an escalator does not get fixed for days! No wonder certain critical elevators don't operate regularly!! Meanwhile, we actually thought our email complaints will make a difference in the quality of customer service?? What was I thinking? Sure, this website is managed by BART and not the unions but these facts and figures are validated. If someone from the unions would like to dispute these facts or publicize figures around BART management, please feel free to do so! We want and NEED to hear both sides.
Here are some rules:
Changing a Seat at BART – Not So Simple
Last year, BART installed new seats in 205 train cars as part of a major upgrade of the interior amenities of our system. While we hope the changes are a comfort to our riders, they may be surprised to know that it takes two employees at BART to change out a seat cushion and backing under current contract rules.
The contract allows a utility worker to unfasten the snaps that hold a seat cushion in place. But the two screws fastening a seat back can only be touched by a journeyman mechanic. BART changed some 26,000 seat cushions last year. As a result, we think it would be more efficient if one employee was authorized to service the entire portion of a seat. It would result in freeing up mechanics to perform more important, skilled work.
Paperless Pay Stubs Now Back To Paper:
In an effort to save money and reduce the amount of paper BART uses, we moved to an electronic pay stub format for employees two years ago. Most of our employees use direct deposit and under a new system they could access their pay stub information via secure computer login. In recent months, the Amalgamated Transit Union filed a grievance over the paperless system and an arbitrator has upheld the protest – meaning BART will now have to go back to paper pay stubs.
Station Maintenance – Walk the Line
Perhaps nowhere are work rules more arbitrary than when it comes to the “drip line” rule regarding maintenance at BART stations. Under this rule, one classification of worker – a patio worker — is allowed to clean the outdoor areas of a station up to the station’s drip line, essentially a rain gutter. Another type of BART employee – a System Service worker – has authority to clean only the interior spaces of a station.
This two-tier maintenance system leads to the irregular or partial cleaning of stations and is exacerbated by the fact that patio workers work only Monday through Friday while System Service workers are assigned to shifts seven days a week.
Beneficial Past Practices No Longer Benefiting BART:
A major reason that BART’s contract is stuck firmly in the past is the concept of “beneficial past practices” – a principle that has helped strengthen workers’ rights and protections but at BART has been manipulated to preserve outdated work rules.
Over the years, a series of arbitration rulings has allowed the unions to keep wasteful contract provisions. If BART operated in a certain way in the 1970s, the concept of beneficial past practices dictates that we must continue to do so today. This is no way for any business to survive and endure in today’s challenging economy.
Beneficial past practices impede our efficiency as a transit agency in a variety of ways. For example, BART is required to allow a certain number of employees to work on holidays at the rate of double time and a half. The number of holiday shifts is not tied to any particular need for staffing on any individual holiday. Instead, it is pegged to an average of workers operating on holiday shifts from the late 1980s.
Similarly, BART is required to staff certain facilities and certain operations units at levels dating from decades ago whether they are needed or not in 2009.
Building a Better Contract:
BART believes that many of the contract rules benefit workers and make our agency a safe and convenient transit option for riders. But clearly there are work rules now decades old that no longer make sense and serve only to limit efficiency and flexibility when they are needed now more than ever in our system.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Still???
Now that the contract negotiations have been extended for 9 more days, the potential strike day is now July 13. Most of the passengers I've spoken with feel indifferent at this stage. Everyone is ready to either bear with the traffic or telecommute. Some have even scheduled their vacation in mid/late July.
Since these negotiations began, I have to say that I've become spiteful and bitter towards BART. It's not a comfortable ride but yet we pay a good amount each day. It's not exactly the most reliable ride either but we deal with it because it is the lesser of two evils. Most of the employees we encounter are rude and indifferent (but there are some that actually make an effort to help passengers...I want to be fair and point that out). And for clean freaks like me, it is 30 minutes each way of enduring smells, stains, germs, dander from all over. Suddenly, driving isn't that terrible of an option anymore, especially during summer when traffic is light. I actually drove to work a couple times recently and arrived in SF within 20 minutes, in the comfort of my own car, with coffee and a breakfast bar, and the liberty to listen to news radio continuously and talking on the phone.
I'm tired of all this. Shouldn't BART employees feel grateful that they have a decent job in this economy? And shouldn't BART management have better sense than to vote in favor of raises for themselves and to have the foresight years ago to better managed the budget so it wouldn't reach this desperate stage?
I'm sick of this. Maybe it's time for me to load some new tunes on my iPod and get ready to drive.
Since these negotiations began, I have to say that I've become spiteful and bitter towards BART. It's not a comfortable ride but yet we pay a good amount each day. It's not exactly the most reliable ride either but we deal with it because it is the lesser of two evils. Most of the employees we encounter are rude and indifferent (but there are some that actually make an effort to help passengers...I want to be fair and point that out). And for clean freaks like me, it is 30 minutes each way of enduring smells, stains, germs, dander from all over. Suddenly, driving isn't that terrible of an option anymore, especially during summer when traffic is light. I actually drove to work a couple times recently and arrived in SF within 20 minutes, in the comfort of my own car, with coffee and a breakfast bar, and the liberty to listen to news radio continuously and talking on the phone.
I'm tired of all this. Shouldn't BART employees feel grateful that they have a decent job in this economy? And shouldn't BART management have better sense than to vote in favor of raises for themselves and to have the foresight years ago to better managed the budget so it wouldn't reach this desperate stage?
I'm sick of this. Maybe it's time for me to load some new tunes on my iPod and get ready to drive.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
He said, she said...BART strike looming
Who to believe? BART management or the unions? Both sides are pointing fingers that the other is spreading falsehood. And the media is eating this game of 'he said, she said' up and presenting only the worst case scenarios to the public.
Even those within the unions are now saying different things. One says mediators will help the negotiations, the other says mediators will only slow the process and get us farther from achieving a compromise.
And who defines what is "unnecessary"? I don't remember passengers ever having the opportunity to fill out a ballot ranking what we find is necessary with BART extension plans?!?
If BART workers do strike, I am definitely going to ask my employer to allow me to telecommute. It will be more productive for me to do work in the 1.5 hours that I'd otherwise be stuck in bay bridge traffic.
BART takes its passengers for granted. We pay a handsome fee for a daily roundtrip ride to and from work. The sad truth is, we have little commute alternatives here. BART can continue to raise fares and we'd probably still have to fork out the extra mount. What else can I take? Transbay bus? I guess I could look into that as well. Carpool? I'd still be stuck on the bridge after passing the toll.
BART workers and management both claim they care about the passengers and do not want this disagreement to lead to strike. Do you believe that? Maybe they care a little but selfish interests come first of course.
Even those within the unions are now saying different things. One says mediators will help the negotiations, the other says mediators will only slow the process and get us farther from achieving a compromise.
And who defines what is "unnecessary"? I don't remember passengers ever having the opportunity to fill out a ballot ranking what we find is necessary with BART extension plans?!?
If BART workers do strike, I am definitely going to ask my employer to allow me to telecommute. It will be more productive for me to do work in the 1.5 hours that I'd otherwise be stuck in bay bridge traffic.
BART takes its passengers for granted. We pay a handsome fee for a daily roundtrip ride to and from work. The sad truth is, we have little commute alternatives here. BART can continue to raise fares and we'd probably still have to fork out the extra mount. What else can I take? Transbay bus? I guess I could look into that as well. Carpool? I'd still be stuck on the bridge after passing the toll.
BART workers and management both claim they care about the passengers and do not want this disagreement to lead to strike. Do you believe that? Maybe they care a little but selfish interests come first of course.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
This isn't Hawaii, people!
As my tweet indicated, I don't know what compels people to go shirtless and shoeless on BART just because the weather is hot. I really don't enjoy seeing people's sweaty bodies up close and could also really do without being forced to catch glances of people's feet. OK, it wasn't that many people going around without shoes and shirts but I did encounter at least 4 patrons like that today and 2 of them look like they were homeless.
You see that in Hawaii in casual eateries and the local Walmart but that's just the vibe and culture. On a BART train in the SF Bay Area during commute hours...not OK.
You see that in Hawaii in casual eateries and the local Walmart but that's just the vibe and culture. On a BART train in the SF Bay Area during commute hours...not OK.
Metro crash
I'd like to express my sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of the 9 passengers who lost their lives during Metro crash in DC. What a frightening and horrible experience for all involved. I hope that finding the cause of this crash will bring a little bit of peace and resolve to the families and all passengers affected.
I have a friend who takes the Metro daily. I haven't heard from him yet after sending an initial email right after news of the crash broke. I really hope he's OK.
I have a friend who takes the Metro daily. I haven't heard from him yet after sending an initial email right after news of the crash broke. I really hope he's OK.
Monday, June 22, 2009
About time!
Finally...hand sanitizer by the escalators!! About time! I want to see them by the train doors too! THANK YOU, BART!
Fare hike and maybe a BART strike on July 1st?
According to SF Chronicle, BART Management and Union leaders are in negotiations to determine a compromise. Rachel Gorodn reports, "Management hopes to slice $100 million from the deficit by cutting labor costs. The proposed savings would come by diminishing health care and pension benefits and changing work rules that would give management more say over employee assignments - measures BART officials say are necessitated by the economic conditions." A pact must be reached by July 1st.
A strike, actually, will work against BART and the workers' favor. Why? A strike and sudden termination in service will only force employers to increasingly embrace telecommuting. And after realizing that productivity doesn't decline with telecommuting, guess what? BART will only lose passengers..permanently. I'm not saying all employers will allow telecommuting all of a sudden, but even if 10% of them do, that is significant revenue loss for BART.
Also on July 1st, our fares will go up by 6.1%. Watch your ticket value! Not to mention, train service will decrease starting September.
The real losers in all this drama-- passengers who rely on BART to get to work and make a living.
A strike, actually, will work against BART and the workers' favor. Why? A strike and sudden termination in service will only force employers to increasingly embrace telecommuting. And after realizing that productivity doesn't decline with telecommuting, guess what? BART will only lose passengers..permanently. I'm not saying all employers will allow telecommuting all of a sudden, but even if 10% of them do, that is significant revenue loss for BART.
Also on July 1st, our fares will go up by 6.1%. Watch your ticket value! Not to mention, train service will decrease starting September.
The real losers in all this drama-- passengers who rely on BART to get to work and make a living.
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