Unsuck DC Metro: Great NBC Folo on Parking Abuses

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Great NBC Folo on Parking Abuses

View more videos at: http://nbcwashington.com.

The metastatic employee is priceless: "Whose problem is that?"

Unsuck has asked GM Sarles what will be done. Stay tuned.

Update: Sarles issues reminder to employees (WMATA)

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+24 Vote up Vote down

Sweet Bobby · 728 weeks ago

If only Metro had a dedicated police force to make sure that laws were being obeyed in the system, this problem would be averted.

Oh, wait.

Nevermind.

+39 Vote up Vote down

none · 728 weeks ago

The attitude by ALL the Metro employees interviewed here is REPREHENSIBLE!!!!!

I cringe every time I think my fares go to pay entitled assholes like them.

Who's with me?

5 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

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Sam · 727 weeks ago

Aren't unions great? You can act like that but still be entitled to a mandatory pay raise.

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anon · 727 weeks ago

Sam before you make a comment, please know what you are talking about. There has not been a pay raise for the operators since '05! Now tell me this: Have you been on your job for the last 5 yrs., and haven't received a raise?

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Guest · 727 weeks ago

In case you haven't noticed, we've been in a recession for the past five years, and wages have fallen over that period. Why would you even dream of expecting a pay increase when others are tightening their belts?

This even affects professionals. I am earning less now as an attorney than I was five years ago; wages simply haven't risen back up to pre-recession levels.

In the real world (i.e. in a non-union job), raises are based upon performance. And by private industry standards, there are a large number of WMATA employees who are lacking in the performance department.

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abc · 727 weeks ago

I don't have a problem with good people who do a good job getting a raise. What I have a problem with is lazy, bad workers who get raises along with people who actually do a good job-this is the problem among many other things with unions. They screw the good and protect the bad.

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Sam · 727 weeks ago

Really? You mean ATU689 DIDN'T file a lawsuit in DC to enforce the Kasher arbitration ruling that says Metro is obligated to give a three retroactive 3% raises to all WMATA employees in ATU 689, regardless of the fiscal situation of WMATA?

ATU 689 may not have actually received the money yet, but it doesn't mean that they aren't fighting to be given their mandatory raise that they are "entitled" to.

+31 Vote up Vote down

Ted Williams · 728 weeks ago

Two takeaways:

1 Yet more evidence that many (most?) Metro employees are scum.

2. Metro Transit Police needs a thorough house cleaning, starting at the top.

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Guest · 728 weeks ago

Words fail me. They want to cut service, raise fares, and this is the gratitude Metro workers have for "earning" my hard earned money.

5 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

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Guest · 727 weeks ago

Metro workers pay taxes too ! It would be a little narcissistic to think it is just your money and "hard earned " huh, if you say so.

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D'oh · 727 weeks ago

Where did the poster say it was "just" his/her money? What does paying taxes have to do with raising fares to help pay salaries of scumball employees? I'm not followin' ya here, but then again, I used milk instead of vodka in my Wheaties.

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guest · 727 weeks ago

Again, before you make a comment, know what you are talking about. There has not been a pay raise for the operators since 2005! Have you been on your job for the last 5 years without a raise? Next time know what you are talking about before you speak.

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Anon · 727 weeks ago

You think Metro operators automatically deserve a raise? People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. Be thankful most people outside your jeter loving union friends believe in slavery and you're not held accountable for work performance like a majority of workers.

Welcome to Entitlement America 2011.

+3 Vote up Vote down

Guest · 727 weeks ago

Have you been on your job for the last 5 years without a raise?

I have, and I'm not even blue-collar.

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varun · 728 weeks ago

Looking forward to moving to walking distance of work!

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Meredith · 728 weeks ago

I honestly wouldn't have a problem with Metro employees not having to pay for parking (IN THEORY: keep reading), but in those circumstances, there should be rules about where they could park for free and what kind of passes they would have to display. When I worked at a restaurant, for example, we were required to park at the far end of the parking lot so that we didn't take up all the prime customer spaces next to the door. If Metro employees were able to park in a garage, far away, for free, I would kind of be OK with that.

But that's a theoretical argument. Why doesn't it work in practice? Because Metro doesn't have adequate parking. It would be one thing to fill empty spaces that weren't going to fill anyway, but I frequently was unable to find parking in Vienna when I used to commute via Metro (I've started slugging) and that's one of the largest parking facilities in the system.

So while I don't object to the principle of letting employees park for free (at any job) it obviously would be a bad financial decision and customer service system to allow Metro employees to park for free, and Metro police completely ignoring these violations is outrageous.

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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Guest · 727 weeks ago

Finally a little bit of common sense.
Most people dont pay to park at their place of employment.

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Joolz · 728 weeks ago

The vest on the dashboard thing is a long-standing tradition. Go to any Metro lot and see car after car with this not-so-subtle signal to the Metro Transit Police Department. This is SOP. Metro is pretending that it has just been informed and will investigate, according to the reporter. How stupid does Metro think we are?

3 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

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Exactly · 727 weeks ago

So true! Plus, ever notice the majority of the cars with vests aren't too shabby either? Check out the small lot in the kiss & ride section at Eisenhower and count the number of Mercedes/BMW/Cadillacs. It's rather insane how Metro is paying the entitled POS idiots in the news video enough to buy expensive cars, park them illegally on purpose, then do the absolute bare minimum. Oh, and yet Metro still needs more money-yeah RiGHT!

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Guest · 727 weeks ago

From this blog I have learned that vests can 1) allow you to turn any animal into a "service" animal, 2) get you free parking. What other great things can vests do?!

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Rory · 727 weeks ago

They're chick magnets. Trust me.

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Jason · 728 weeks ago

I don't see the problem. If an employee works at a shopping mall with a pay lot, the employee usually parks in employee spots for free. I'm curious to know if Metro employees at the Chinatown offices are required to pay to park at that lot or if it's free for Metro employees?

Riders are upset that fees are increasing and service isn't improving. So we take out our frustrations on those who wear the uniform. But asking metro employees to pay for parking won't do anything to change the fact that WMATA is broke and broken.

4 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

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Kara · 727 weeks ago

Well, for a start they would not have had at least the 'we need your dimes' increase!

The key words are 'employee spots'. They are not usually unlimited and in places that you want available to your customers. Combine that with there being more cars in Huntington than metro people working there and the length of time some cars are there and you are left with one conclusion: they are using it as a park and ride.

In addition to the vests some of them had parking passes for other lots (many expired, so they may not be employees at all). Even if parking is free it is common practice anywhere (like an apartment building) to require current and visible passes so you can make sure the people parking there are only the people who should be doing so.

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Ever and Anon · 727 weeks ago

Don't seen the problem? Tell me you are being facetious.

They are breaking the law, and flaunting it. Who is taking out frustration on the uniformed staff? Nobody. The uniformed staff are abusing the paying public. Since you seem so supportive, why don't YOU pay for all of Metro employee parking so I can pay less than $50+ a week just to get to work?

GO Unsuck! Once again you got the news station(s) involved and we may see improvement!

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Guest · 727 weeks ago

Uniform Staff? huh, are you saying that you think only uniform staff park there?
all metro employees park there.. the vests and hats probably union but the printed passes, most likely not union.. If that is what you meant..

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Sam · 727 weeks ago

The difference between this and your shopping mall example is that shopping malls usually have a excess of space and require employees to park in a specific area. Metro parking is a scarce resource. All this is doing is forcing people who are willing to pay to ride the train (remember, Metro employees ride for free even if they are riding for non-duty reasons) to either drive to a farther away station or - more likely - just avoid Metro and drive to their destination.

And regarding the Metro office, considering those spots are not available to the general public for revenue-raising purposes, who cares if they are free or paid for employees? They aren't taking away spots from customers there. If it is free, so be it.

RIders are upset that Metro annually complains about budget problems and says that riders need to make some sacrifices yet Metro is spending money inefficiently and irresponsibly. Overall, I think Metro is great but ATU 689 is destroying the entire operation. Almost every problem Metro has is related to its employees. Customers are willing to suck up the hot cars, door problems, headways. But when you see 4 Metro employees sitting around talking about the Redskins game for 20 minutes and then sue for a mandatory pay raise... there needs to be a change.

Here's a great tip - go to Pentagon station and observe the Metro employees. Because photo/video recording is not allowed, it is a safe haven for their actions. They know that legally no one can take their picture there.

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washingtondcmetro 20p · 727 weeks ago

As a retired Metro employee, it should come as no surprise that I have a different take on this than most passengers.

First of all, Joolz (above) is correct. This has been going on for a long time at multiple locations throughout the system. One could probably make a "past practice" argument to support it continuing.

I agree with Jason (above). Many, if not most, employees are allowed to park for free a their workplace. Requiring Metro employees to pay for parking will do little to improve the "Metro Experience" for passengers.

The fact is, most Metro employees actually do pay for parking. All employees who park in public lots must pay the same as anyone else. My understanding is that employees who park at the Jackson Graham Building (JGB) must also pay.

Money isn't always the main issue. As Meredith pointed out, the amount of parking is often inadequate. When I worked at Grosvenor from '94 to '98, this was a serious problem. There were several times when I got to the station to begin my evening shift and all available parking spaces were taken. All the 'prime' spots in the Park & Ride area were usually taken -- not by Metro employees, but by passengers who either didn't know or didn't care that they would be parked illegally after 3:30 pm. The same cars that were there at 2:50 were there at 5 and 6 pm. Transit and MoCo police rarely ticketed them either.

In any case, I (and other employees) had no legal place to park -- I'm including the spots along Tuckerman Lane. There was literally no place within probably a mile or more to park. So my choice was to either park in the bus loop (clearly illegal and asking for a ticket) or be late checking in. Usually a spot would clear up in time, if not I would try to park along the curb so that my car would not be obstructing traffic or blocking any vehicles. On four (4) occasions when I parked at a Park & Ride meter (because there were no other spots available and it was legal until 3:30) I got ticketed because I either got called away or forgot and didn't move my car before 3:30 pm. The Transit Police didn't seem to care that it was an employee's vehicle.

When I asked about the possibility of getting a few dedicated employee parking spots -- way at the back of the lot, the least desirable spots -- I was told no way, because it was such a political hot potato. These spots would have been subject to the same rules regarding payment as all of the others but it was still a non-starter.

It seems kind of petty and short-sighted to me to deny an employee someplace to park at their work location. I agree that it should not be the prime spots, but we need someplace to park. It's just common sense. If there is a problem at a station my guess is the folks stuck on the trains waiting for ATC, CMNT, or Power dept. to arrive probably won't care where they park, as long as they are able to respond quickly. No dedicated parking spots often = longer response time.

I read the comments on Unsuck DC Metro and the WTOP website. I agree with some of the criticisms and negative characterizations. I won't begin to defend the actions of all metro employees, but many/most are doing a dirty, dangerous, thankless job. They are not the enemy. When I was in ATC I worked with some very intelligent, competent, and conscientious technicians. They did the best they could in any given situation. Most of the Metro employees I know (technicians, train operators, mechanics, supervisors) do not fit the stereotype (lazy, overpaid, knuckle-dragging, incompetent, rude, etc). I my experience, most were/are decent people just trying to make a living and do the best they can. It is not fair to lump them all into one big group.

Thanks for riding Metrorail. We regret the inconvenience. ;-)

11 replies · active 727 weeks ago

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Anon · 727 weeks ago

My ancestors did and many family members now do a dirty, dangerous and thankless job too. They are coal miners. Do you approve if they get to break all and/or any laws at the expense of innocent others?

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washingtondcmetro 20p · 727 weeks ago

Of course not.

However, there are legal concepts like "adverse possession" that essentially say that if a person breaks the law long enough (by trespassing) the property in question becomes theirs.

If I were an attorney defending this practice (which I'm clearly not) I would point out that this has been going on for decades in some locations and has been tolerated by WMATA management and the Transit as well as local Police.

That said, I agree that employees should not be parking in the prime spots near station entrances.

As I said in my original post:

"It seems kind of petty and short-sighted to me to deny an employee someplace to park at their work location. I agree that it should not be the prime spots, but we need someplace to park. It's just common sense."

I realize that parking is a huge issue in and around D.C. and all major cities, but if a business (any business) is to function, its employees must be given _somewhere_ to park.

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WTF · 727 weeks ago

No, you don't need to be handed _somewhere_ to park. Take public transit, that's what it's there for.

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Guest · 727 weeks ago

As an attorney, let me tell you that you have NO conception of the doctrine of adverse possession, and it has NO bearing on this matter. You have no idea what you're talking about.

The fact that others have broken the law in the past and were not punished does not justify you breaking the law now.

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washingtondcmetro 20p · 727 weeks ago

I clearly stated that I am not an attorney (and don't play one on TV). I do have a basic understanding of adverse possession, but I agree it was not the best example to use in this case.

The primary concept that applies is what is sometimes referred to (at least with regard to union/management contracts) as 'past practice'. The idea that if something continues long enough it sets a precedent of sorts, regardless of what the contract says.

In this case, I believe (but I'm not sure) that the land in question belongs to Metro. It has been designated as "Kiss & Ride" parking, but in fact has been used as employee parking -- with the full knowledge (in most cases) of WMATA management and the state, local, and transit police. I'm not saying that it's _right_, I'm merely stating a fact. I'm not suggesting it would be a good idea, but an argument could be made that at least some of those spots should therefore be converted to employee parking.

This has been going on for years, sometimes decades. On-duty employees -- police, operators, technicians, mechanics, administrators, custodians -- have gotten used to parking in certain areas and (generally) not being ticketed.

I agree with the majority of posters here that this should not continue, but the fact is that if we want the stations to open on time, if we want techs and mechanics to respond to problems and emergencies (snow, mechanical and/or electrical failures, etc) as quickly as possible, they MUST have someplace to park. I hope most people can agree with that.

I understand the anger and frustration over this -- in fact I posted here about my experiences at Grosvenor when the shoe was on the other foot and passengers were using the Kiss & Ride spots for long-term parking. I would suggest though that in this case the anger be directed primarily toward WMATA. It is their decades-long refusal to provide parking for employees (at stations that have public parking) that led to the current situation.

This problem would all but go away if Metro would simply designate a few of the least desirable spots in every lot and/or garage for employee parking. If it would make everyone feel better to force the employees to pay for parking, fine. Most employees already pay for parking anyway. As I mentioned, all employees who park in regular lots, including at Metro HQ, must pay the same rate as passengers. The money is a secondary issue. The main thing is having someplace to park.

It seems to me that the main obstacle is politics. WMATA is afraid that if they _openly_ provide parking for employees -- even if it's 1/4 mile from the station -- people will riot in the streets. So they do nothing. At the same time, they realize that employees do have to park somewhere, so they turn a blind eye to what's depicted in the video clip. The result is worse than if they'd just bite the bullet and designate a few spots for employees.

+9 Vote up Vote down

Metro Ryder · 727 weeks ago

Lots of places provide parking to employees at a cost. There should not be an expectation that employees get free parking. At my place of work I have to pay to park. I can pay a monthly fee at a discount, but there is no guarantee of a spot, or I can pay a higher daily fee. Space is scarce in this region.

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@kara_h · 727 weeks ago

That is what I was wondering. Almost everyone I know that works downtown parks in one garage or the other: private sector, federal, what have you. Said garages usually have signs out advertising their rates.

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L A Cochran · 727 weeks ago

I always assumed that Metro employees had their own (free) lot. Huh.

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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guest · 727 weeks ago

They do. They are suppose to report to their pick station. They are given a plastic placard that is assigned to them with number code that matches number they signed for when they received it. I noticed I did not see any of those hanging in rear view mirror. They can be traced back to tthe owner by the number. Metro employees can ride the train and busses for free. I wondering how they clocked out??

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dcn8v · 727 weeks ago

If there's no parking for Metro employees, why don't they just use public transportation to get to work? Free parking is not a right that comes with employment- just ask anyone who works in the District.

6 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

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Anon · 727 weeks ago

Excellent idea!

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Paul · 727 weeks ago

They probably don't use metro to get to work because they don't want to be late.

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Guest · 727 weeks ago

would that be employment everywhere or just in your world ? because I have free parking, im employed, and I have that right.

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abc · 727 weeks ago

My guess is many of them can't use it because we have a system that is inadequate. I run into the same problem. Nothing runs early enough to get me to a place on time. They don't even open the metro stations until 5 something. The buses mostly don't run any earlier than this either and buses in the early morning times are often late because there is no accountability for the drivers to get there ontime. If I have to be at work any earlier than 6:30 at one location and 7:15 at another, I can't take the public transportation system because I won't make it on time. So right or wrong I would assume that is why they drive.

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washingtondcmetro 20p · 727 weeks ago

I think most Metro employees who are able to use the system do so. After all, we can ride for free. There are some issues that arise however. With shift work, the trains sometimes aren't running when the employee checks in and/or out. Some employees live in outlying suburbs and their work location is the first station they get to. Others would have to drive right past where they work in order to go to a train yard, park there, walk to the nearest passenger station, and then take the train back to their work location. There are other reasons, but believe me, very few people drive if taking the train is at all practical.

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NEBTD! · 726 weeks ago

That's real smart. Who would be driving or operating the train if they were waiting on the public transportation to get to work.

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Matt G · 727 weeks ago

This is such a great video. I love how the employees reacted when they were caught with their hands in the cookie jar. <<<drives away...>>>

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John · 727 weeks ago

This got so much coverage that Richard Sarles had a press release regarding this issue. Ladies and Gentleman, it is now obvious how we can get some real attention. ANYTIME you have to deal with a metro employee, have your iphone/droid/camera ready. Be ready to roll, and be ready to send it to various outlets. Sending it to metro will just end up being ignored as most claims are.

2 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

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Everly Anon · 727 weeks ago

And post on Unsuck! Of course. :D

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John · 727 weeks ago

Of course to unsuck, they'd be the first of the various outlets to send it to!

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Guest · 727 weeks ago

Cry me a river about free parking. Look at those rides--those employees could pay for parking. C'mon.

What's even worse, however, is the attitude they had when they were busted. Not a one of them acted ashamed.

The dude in the truck is the face of Metro I know best.

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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Guest · 727 weeks ago

The attitude is you don't like me I don't like you... If metro dosn't want me to do it they will ticket me and Ill find something else. I don't care what you think, metro pays me and yes stupid ,I pay taxes too. You should feel ashamed for even thinking I give a crap what you think, you self centered idiot.. you are no-one. You are to self asorbed to realize that you don't matter to me. -------- Not my feelings personallyl but that is the attitude I saw on that face.

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Metro Ryder · 727 weeks ago

Press release sounds like Sarles is just going to investigate Huntington, but we all know that parking is abused all over the system.

4 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

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Sam · 727 weeks ago

Yep. Meanwhile, they'll all just drive to Eisenhower Avenue and park there instead. Then Sarles will come back saying "Everything is better; they are no longer taking the parking spaces at Huntington."

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WTF · 727 weeks ago

At least, given the lack of roads and bridges, that will add an extra hour to their commutes.

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Guest · 727 weeks ago

clever.

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abc · 727 weeks ago

They probably already do, they do the same at King Street and Braddock Road and those stations hardly have any spots at all.

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hrh king friday 13 · 727 weeks ago

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Apparently you believe in STEALING, bithces!!!

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F'n JD · 727 weeks ago

Takeaway - Taborn needs to be fired.

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Guest · 727 weeks ago

I wonder how long it took to find the "dark skinned" metro employees vs the " light skinned " patrons to act appalled at the "dark " very evil metro employee... I wonder why they didn't interview any of the white and black non union employees who were there also. Well I hope you say thank you to the "dark" station manager who opened on time for you to get on the train... that would be so nice of you. Maybe you should thank the train driver as well because I don't know any non union people capable of driving the train.

14 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

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@kara_h · 727 weeks ago

Oh thank you sir for doing the job you draw a salary to do! Oh, and letting me get to my job after I paid money to do so (what is usually being late between friends)? Wow! You are a deity! :)

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Guest · 727 weeks ago

You must make less money, damm ,and you probably don't like that.

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@kara_h · 727 weeks ago

The discussion is about breaking the law. I was only responding to a statement that did not have to do with it but it looks like you want to continue it, okay.

First I look at how much I get accomplished in a typical day.

Then I look at how much work kiosk-guarders fail to get done in a day.

Umm, maybe I am wrong, but if they actually are making more money than me should they not be the ones doing more work? Or are they so overworked they want to trade jobs? :)

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KWM · 727 weeks ago

Oh the RACE CARD! Yay! I was wondering when someone would pull that out. Get over it. It's stealing, No one gives a hoot about the complexion of the person doing it.

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Guest · 727 weeks ago

Media seems to, thats why they did it. You are following like a sheep

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Guest · 727 weeks ago

That dosn't sound like race card as much as the media always likes to put a black face on union... probably because of the pending contract now in court of appeals. Im sure there is a lot of resentment over a group of people getting such a raise, Im sure the media is attempting stil to start angry dialoug regarding the union... there are 3 unions ,you should inquire about the others. If you read enough of this then you would realize race is truly an issue. always has been. but this was media presentation.

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Ann · 727 weeks ago

Dude! If you are running MS Windows, go to your START button on the bottom left hand side of your screen. Scroll up to PROGRAMS. Then, move your cursor up to Microsoft Office. In the folder, you will find a program called Microsoft Word. Open it. Go to FILE on the menu bar. Scroll down to OPEN NEW DOCUMENT. Type your message. Run a spell check and a grammar check. MS actually tells you how to fix your spelling and grammar. Then, cut and paste the text into the comment box on this webpage. I realize that there are different versions of MS and MS Word. If you have trouble, post another message and I'll help you out. CTR-A selects all text. CTR-C copies the text. CTR-V pastes the text. If you are using a Mac, I'll help you there as well. It terrifies me that you might actually be operating a train or fixing a rail when you can't grasp the basics of the English language.

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@kara_h · 727 weeks ago

Okay, let us follow this to the logical conclusion. Where are all these non-minority station managers and train conductors you are hiding from us? (Note the phrasing to cover the token latino/a ones, otherwise it is a pretty monochrome union.)

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Guest · 727 weeks ago

If you read some of the other commments you will see that the "race Card" caused the most angry , nasty , name calling comments of all. No doubt it is still about complexion. I wish it was true that people didn't give a hoot. I think you wish it was believeable that no one gave a hoot. the comments say differently. Your response indicates your problem with race.

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KWM · 727 weeks ago

See, here's the thing. I don't know what you look like, and you don't know what I look like, and that shouldn't matter anyway, just as no one made the people featured in that news article park illegally. The original blog entry featured cars, not people, so no way to tell who's who there either. Whether every other person, off-camera or on-camera, who violated these rules is white or black or other, it doesn't matter. The people on camera are in fact parked illegally -- and there's now photo evidence of that.
The only people who cry race in situations like these are the ones trying to deflect attention from the real issue. The sad thing is that everytime someone cries racism for lame crap like this, that person dilutes and nullifies the claims of people who have a genuine problem, and I agree that there are many. Ever heard of the boy who cried wolf?
Makes me crazy when we can't just deal with the issue at hand without dragging a lot of irrelevant nonsense into the mix. Grow up, and deal with the consequences of your actions, regardless of who you are or what you look like. Try as you might, you cannot make illegal parking a race issue.

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abc · 727 weeks ago

Your the one who made this a race issue. No one said anything about dark, light, black or white before you mentioned all of these including dark 3 times. I also don't get why black people think that the customers who they are supposed to be serving owe them something, but when they are the customer they are the worlds biggest complainers. Okay well maybe not all blacks but a lot of them. Same problem in this apartment complex that I lived at-largely black staff, rude, and thought that the tenants owed them something and treated the tenants like dirt-lying, scamming, and refusing to do any maintenance. So people moved out and there level of people moved in and now from what I've heard at Hunting Point on the Potomac(formerly Hunting Towers) people are pissing in the elevators, throwing garbage everywhere, and you can't even have a package delivered without it getting broken into. In other words metro employees also want to treat customers badly then complain when the quality of them goes down because people with money and more options leave.

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abc · 727 weeks ago

They didn't interview any white employees because metro has racist hiring practices and doesn't hire them to begin with-and don't tell me they don't exist because DASH is a very racially diverse organization with drivers of all races and ethnicities. Yes you bring up a good point-metro hiring all dark skinned people is racist-I completely agree-they should fix that. Maybe you should try thanking us light skinned patrons as we are the reason that you have a job. Oh and yes I do believe in slavery, Jackie.

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ksu499 · 727 weeks ago

METRO management is appalled. They will issue strongly worded memos until the practice stops.

3 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

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Guest · 727 weeks ago

what else is there to do, If they are like anyone else, they get a ticket, like you.

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WTF · 727 weeks ago

If I was illegally parking on my employer's property, I would expect more than just a ticket.

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Guest · 727 weeks ago

Indeed. I don't know too many companies that would retain employees that regularly steal from them.

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washingtondcmetro 20p · 727 weeks ago

There is no question that all (or at least most) of the vehicles in the video were parked illegally.

Yes, people should obey the law. Sometimes they don't. Sometimes they get caught, sometimes not.

The fact is that in my experience over 27 years at Metro, the parking regulations were not routinely enforced -- whether the vehicles belonged employees or passengers. People (both passengers and employees) knew this and would take advantage of the situation. That's just human nature.

As I mentioned in my original post:

"[At Grosvenor] All the 'prime' spots in the Park & Ride area were usually taken -- not by Metro employees, but by passengers who either didn't know or didn't care that they would be parked illegally after 3:30 pm. The same cars that were there at 2:50 were there at 5 and 6 pm. Transit and MoCo police rarely ticketed them either."

That may still be the case for all I know.

Where were the news crews then? Where are they now? Why the spotlight on Metro employees?

It's no secret that many people do what they can get away with, especially when it comes to traffic laws and parking regulations. There are also some that simply do not care if they get caught or are issued a ticket. I recall one passenger at Grosvenor who whipped his Range Rover into a metered Kiss & Ride spot at about 3:15 pm and started dropping quarters into the meter. Trying to be helpful, I pointed out that there was no parking in that area of the lot after 3:30 pm (some people honestly did not know this and were thankful when I pointed it out). I suggested that he might want to park at one of the 'red' meters (same cost) about 100 feet to the south. His haughty reply went something like this:

"Parking tickets are just a cost of doing business", then he turned and walked away.

I realize two wrongs don't make a right. I tell that story to point out that there are plenty of people out there who flaunt the law and/or have a sense of entitlement and/or are arrogant. Only a small fraction of them wear the Metro uniform. Many are wealthy and because fines aren't tied to income they can go through life breaking laws left and right. Sure, they get caught once in a while, but the fine is pocket change to them. Where is the outrage over people like that?

All I'm saying is we should be even-handed in our criticism and not just pile on one group of people (Metro employees in this case). If illegal parking at Metro stations is a problem then the police should enforce the regulations, simple as that.

The main point I'd like to make is that employees must have someplace to park. Not on the sidewalk with velvet ropes, but somewhere. IMO it should be free. I understand that some people must pay for parking, but generally that is because their employer does not have their own parking lot. All across America, the vast majority of people are provided free parking a their place of employment, that's just a given.

As for the stereotyping of Metro employees, it is no better than stereotyping minorities. Are there lazy, rude, incompetent Metro employees? Sure, there are employees like that everywhere. There are also rude, obnoxious passengers. But majority of passengers and Metro employees are decent people. Most Metro employees don't deserve the criticism and hatred that is directed at them.

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abc · 727 weeks ago

Well seeing the ugly oversized gas guzzlers driven by the rude inconsiderate metro employees I think that resolves the debate as to if we are overpaying metro employees. Not that I didn't know this already.

2 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

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washingtondcmetro 20p · 727 weeks ago

It may be that some Metro employees are overpaid. Others may be underpaid. Metro is currently having a hard time recruiting competent employees to work in my old dept., Automatic Train Control (ATC). Apparently once most of the qualified applicants are made aware of the working conditions they decide the pay is too low -- or they would not do the job for any amount of money. It is very dangerous -- several Metro employees have been killed in the last few years. The most recent fatal accident in January of 2010, killed two of my former coworkers, both were veteran ATC techs. Employees who work on the wayside (the tracks) are in constant danger from the 750 volt third rail, trains, and often Track dept. equipment -- not to mention the more common slips, falls, cuts, and broken bones. They are expected to work outside in all conditions -15 degree wind chill, blizzards, pouring rain, 100+ degree heat with 90% humidity. Most of the underground train control rooms (TCRs) are saturated with 'tunnel dust' (as are the stations BTW) and there is a constant 60 cycle hum from the electrical equipment. Upon entering a TCR for the first time, many people will say, "How can you stand this noise?!" An ATC tech has to be a jack of all trades -- electronics tech, grease monkey, mechanic, custodian, delivery person, etc. Many technicians simply do not want to work in the conditions Metro subjects their employees to. They're looking for a Monday through Friday, 9 (or 8) to 5 job in a clean, air conditioned environment.

What most people do not realize is that the pay for all members of ATU Local 689 is tied to the "top operator rate" -- the highest base pay for a bus driver or train operator. The starting pay for an ATC tech (and other techs and mechanics) is 90% of the top operator rate. If Metro needs to raise the starting salary for certain positions, they must give _everyone_ a raise. That's obviously not possible so management is pretty well stuck trying to convince people that the job isn't that bad after all.

Finally, the oversized gas guzzlers are usually purchased by those employees who practically _live_ at Metro. They work huge amounts of overtime (OT) to afford those toys. To be honest, when I was still at Metro I was often surprised by some of the vehicles I'd see parked in the lot -- luxury cars, high-end sports cars, and SUVs. The majority of the cars were ordinary commuter cars -- Civics, Corollas, etc, but there were some expensive ones mixed in. In addition to working a ton of OT to afford the fancy cars, we don't know how the employees got those vehicles. Maybe some are from police or wholesale auctions or were otherwise purchased used. Also, from talking with other employees over the years I got the impression that many of them really couldn't afford their mortgage and/or car payments and/or kids college tuition. I don't expect them to get any sympathy. All I'm saying is that just because a person is driving a Lexus it does not necessarily follow that they are independently wealthy or even in good financial shape.

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SO WHAT! K.M.A** · 726 weeks ago

That's the real problem, your mad because my truck looks better and I make the money. You people don't have anything else better to do than to harass us about parking. Seriously? Really? Parking? Jealous a** people.

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Tom · 727 weeks ago

I rarely visit this website...and now I remember why. This is a site for cry babies.
I have lived in the D.C. area most of my life and remember what it looked like before Metro. Every area that Metro has opened a station has become renovated and attractive. Both residential and business development near Metro continues to generate substantial revenue. Could you imagine what this metropolitan area would look like without Metro?
As far as this parking situation, find a "real" issue to spend your energy debating.
I wonder how many of those who post here are doing so while being paid by their employer. Really, use your time doing something positive. It will make you feel a lot better than fussing about employees trying to park.

8 replies · active 727 weeks ago

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unsuckdcmetro 92p · 727 weeks ago

Welcome back!

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A. Wilson · 727 weeks ago

Turn that frown upside down Mr. Virtue. :)

Oh, and the areas around any of the above-ground Orange Line stations are eyesores with virtually no development.

Just sayin'

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Anony · 727 weeks ago

So if bitching about Metro employees parking illegally is a waste of time, what's bitching about a blog post?

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guest · 727 weeks ago

All very interesting comments. So, we should take away from this. Nobody is allowed to have free parking at their place of work. they should drive crappy cars, and last but not least never ever make more money than you. No matter how much overtime they have to do, how many weekends they work double shifts, no matter how they "gasp" save and invest their money. If they work for metro, they should be poor. Is that the take away here?

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abc · 727 weeks ago

Really I got a different message from your posts. Here is what I learned:
1. Metro employees hate light skinned people
2. Metro employees like to call people stupid, although most of them probably don't even have a college degree or know proper English.
3. Metro employees think they are above the law since they come largely from a race who ancestors enslaved each other.
4. Metro employees like to play the victim.
5. Metro employees only care about getting more money-they don't care if it causes other to suffer by having to pay more money, if it causes people to quit using public transportation, and ultimately they don't get that this will ultimately cost them their jobs.

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washingtondcmetro 20p · 727 weeks ago

Good post 'guest'.

There have always been people who look down on blue collar workers -- Metro employees included. When they find out that someone they consider "beneath them" may actually earn more than they do it hurts their self-esteem and they lash out.

The fact is, there are many people working in blue collar trades that have an annual income higher that that of many white collar workers -- usually because they work a lot of OT.

We all make our own choices. There is nothing preventing those who think Metro workers make too much from applying for a job.

What I find interesting is that many of the people who complain about how much Metro workers are paid wouldn't take a job at Metro if it was offered to them.

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snm · 727 weeks ago

I'd like to file a formal complaint that the commenter used an ellipsis when a comma would have been the better choice.

Clearly, what we have here is a positive thinker!

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anti Tom · 727 weeks ago

Clearly, you think all riders are trying to enslave you.

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abc · 727 weeks ago

Saw vests today in the King street parking lot.

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zigzag · 727 weeks ago

This is for the person says him self EXACTLY is your problem metro employees parking illegally or THE KIND OF CAR THEY ARE DRIVING wake up and say something need to be corrected or ...........

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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Now What B**** · 726 weeks ago

The only thing that need to be corrected is the fact that you people are JEALOUS of metro workers and Metro need to stand behind their employees and tell all of you to MIND YOUR DAMN BUSINESS!!!

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zigzag · 727 weeks ago

where did the reporter parked? Was not the reporter used to have bullying when he was teen now he act like good samaritan

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zigzag · 727 weeks ago

Did the reporter analizes how these techs are treated while they are uses revenue train to transport from station to station for work some youngs like the same age as the reporter they are making fun on these techs in the crowded I am the witness one of these says to these techs IS THESE THE CLOTH YOU USING FOR HALOWEEEN. It could be funny but is this how these hard worker should be treated