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kevlaf983
Age: 41
Joined: 28 May 2007
Posts: 99
Location: Ottawa, ON, Canada
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 Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 5:40 pm Post subject: OC Transpo - Transit disruption |
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| Quote: | Article Link - http://www.ottawasun.com/News/OttawaAndRegion/2008/02/26/pf-4876654.html
Transit disruption
Bus drivers' union says mismanagement behind OC Transpo service woes
By DEREK PUDDICOMBE, CITY HALL BUREAU
Union officials say OC Transpo is a mess, morale is at its lowest and hiring more drivers to put more buses on the street isn't going to fix anything.
Andre Cornellier, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 279, said it's unfair drivers are being blamed for service cuts in March.
Several weeks ago, the city's director of transit services announced a cutback in rush-hour service on major routes until the end of March. One of the reasons cited was the number of drivers who are off on long-term disability. The city is considering hiring replacement workers.
Cornellier said the reason fewer buses are on the street isn't because of a shortage of drivers.
"We have 10 drivers every day in the garage not going out on buses because there aren't enough buses," said an angry Cornellier.
"We have drivers sleeping on benches in the garage waiting for vehicles. If you hire extra workers, there are going to be more drivers waiting for a bus. It's nothing more than mismanagement."
Cornellier also argued service levels are impacted because some buses are too old, can't be repaired because parts aren't available, and mechanics are being shuffled around, taking them away from major repair work.
"The problem is there just aren't enough buses and the ones we do have aren't up to par," he said.
Cornellier and union representative Jamie Larkin said some of the newer buses have difficulty operating in Ottawa's climate.
"... They (the city) knew that before they bought them," charged Cornellier.
Cornellier and Larkin blame the city's management style for recent service level reductions.
For example, Larkin told the Sun that last September a decision was made by OC Transpo to move some mechanics dedicated to fixing major repairs from the maintenance garage at St. Laurent to another city garage. The reason was to free up some work space at the St. Laurent garage. However, there was little if any work for the mechanics at the new location.
"They sat around for six months," said Cornellier. "They literally did nothing. This is not just the union mouthing off. It just doesn't make any sense."
They have also said workers have been promised new tools and more garage space but haven't received anything.
Union officials are concerned repair work is being farmed out to shops in Renfrew, Kemptville and other independent garages in the city. Coun. Steve Desroches noticed a bus earlier this year travelling near Renfrew. He made an inquiry and was told it was out for repair work.
"We have to ask that if this is the case are we getting good value for our tax dollar," said Desroches.
The union will bring its concerns to council April 16.
City officials said they presented their case regarding service adjustments during last week's transit committee.
"We have no further comment at this time," said the spokesman. |
Bang up job OC and city council!   |
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