METRO: "We just can't get it done" (cont'd)
KTRK-13's Katisha Cosley reports that Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee's recent meeting with METRO workers turned into a big gripe session over workplace safety and security:
In the past few days, two drivers have been attacked on their buses. One woman driver was raped. And as police look for who was responsible, some METRO drivers are sounding off.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee called a meeting with the Transport Workers Union to talk about security training with the drivers, but ended up getting an earful about their own safety concerns.
"The bus radio is a joke," said one driver.
"METRO needs to better equip these buses with cameras, so we can feel a little safer on buses," said another.
Another driver voiced her concern, saying, "I shouldn't have to sit there 40, 45 minutes waiting on METRO police to come to my aid."
One by one, METRO bus drivers took turns telling the congresswoman about safety flaws on their buses.
"I think it's appalling," said Jackson-Lee.
Several drivers who spoke said they've had their own run-ins with passengers before.
"It took about 14 minutes, 12- 14 minutes, for METRO police to get there," said a driver during the meeting. "We finally, in the process of struggling with him, had to call HPD."
METRO, whose PR spokesmen are usually quick to respond to criticism via their expensive (but little-read) blog and the traditional media, had no comment for KTRK:
We did talk to METRO police Friday and they said they aren't available for comment. However, they say they are trying out a new camera system. Right now, they have 10 cameras on 10 buses.
10 cameras on 10 buses (out of hundreds) and a slow-to-respond police force with a bumbling chief -- no wonder bus drivers are concerned after recent events!
KPRC-2 could not get a comment from METRO for their story either:
KPRC Local 2 called METRO several times on Friday for a response. The calls were not returned.
It all seems in line with our suggested new METRO motto: "We just can't get it done."
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 07/21/07 02:40 PM | Houston Transit | Print | Comments (10)
Previous Entry | Home | Next Entry
ADVERTISING
DISCLAIMER
All content © 2004-09, blogHOUSTON and the respective authors.
blogHOUSTON.net is powered by Nucleus.
Site design and Nucleus customization are by Kevin Whited.