From C.S.:
Also by C.S.
Other items:
Interesting article on Metro's legal status (Maryland injury Lawyer)
It’s no secret that despite great public puffery to the contrary, Metro remains the very prototype of the closed, Stalinist bureaucracy. But even acknowledging that, Metro’s day-by-day tactics in how it executes its shut-out-the-public strategy can still be stupefying, as recent events have once again shown.
All of which leads to an Unsuck challenge to Metro’s board of directors. More on that in a moment.
Faithful readers will recall that Unsuck filed three public record requests with Metro for information of vital concern to riders. One was about doors on Metrorail cars, which so often don’t work, throwing trains out of service and regularly delaying many thousands of riders. Another was about the affliction of manual train control, and when the system will return to automatic operation.
The third, to which Metro has finally provided a response, was about safety and reliability issues after Metro began the practice of placing its oldest cars in the middle of trains following the fatal Red Line accident. (Still no responses on the other two.)
We filed that third request in July 2010. Compelling rider interest couldn’t be plainer. Safety issues can get you killed, of course. And there has been long-running concern, reiterated again recently, that “bellying” the older cars is contributing to alarmingly low reliability for Metro trains, which causes all manner of delay.
It was 2 years, and over two months after we filed the request – under a Metro public records policy that requires the agency to repond in no more than 20 working days – that Metro recently delivered up a complete response to our request. After lo those nearly 800 days, here’s how it shakes out:
No urgency: Metro’s records policy allows for expedited consideration of requests, including for matters for which there is “an urgency to inform the public about an actual or alleged WMATA government activity.” Despite rider deaths and system meltdowns, Metro said there’s nothing urgent about what we wanted, as it denied Unsuck’s request for expedited treatment. The agency also refused to consider an appeal of its denial.
Nothing to see here: Metro’s policy provides a fee waiver if the information sought is “in the public interest because it is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations of WMATA and is not primarily in the commercial interest of the requester.” Even though Unsuck, a free public website with no revenue or paid staff, would have distributed the information publicly; even though local news media regularly pick up on items that Unsuck breaks first; and even though Unsuck provides the most regular, critical coverage of Metro (no brag, just fact) of anyone in Washington, Metro said it could not determine whether the records sought would be disseminated in a way that will contribute to public understanding. (In turning thumbs down, Metro had insisted on independent evaluation of how many hits the Unsuck site receives, even though the agency’s records policy has no such provision. The agency also cited shaky case law to support its position.)
Just pay up: After denying any urgency, and refusing to provide any fee relief, Metro nevertheless deigned to say it would be willing to fulfill the request – just send a certified check or money order for $1,818.
So, folks, that’s the ground game – how Metro puts on its fantasy goggles and twists its own procedures to keep things close to the vest.
So, if as a long-suffering rider, you might like some information about the safety or reliability of the trains you’re riding, not only doesn’t Metro think that’s important, but it also wants to hold you up for the privilege. Metro is willing to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars of your money to roll out things like its “Forward” or “Rush+” propaganda campaigns. But if you want to learn about things that could kill you, or that regularly delay your travel, sometimes for hours, then you’ve got to pay extortion to the same outfit that creates the problems.
All of which leads to the Metro directors challenge.
Plainly, the Metro staff, headed by cloaker-in-chief Richard Sarles, is out of control (on this and so many things) and will do what it wants. That leaves only the board.
Unsuck will now provide all the details of this request to each of Metro’s directors. We’ll ask them to stick up for the riders they represent. We’ll ask them to request in their own name, under authority of their position as director, the exact same material that Unsuck has sought, and to provide it to Unsuck if they get it.
We’ll see if even one director has the guts to step forward. (It’s worth noting, even though some directors don’t seem to understand, that the Metro staff works for the board, and not the other way around.)
And we’ll name names and let you know the results.
Also by C.S.
Other items:
Interesting article on Metro's legal status (Maryland injury Lawyer)
Jim · 644 weeks ago
fixwmata 105p · 644 weeks ago
spataps -116p · 644 weeks ago
unsuckdcmetro 92p · 644 weeks ago
Oh, and last I checked Freedom of Information is not determined by whether or not the news source is "friendly." Kind of defeats the spirit. It's PUBLIC information anyone should have the right to.
Here are Metro's specific policies. I don't see anything about what you're talking about.
https://wmata.com/about_metro/docs/pi_9_3_1.pdf
Love,
Rush+
spataps -116p · 644 weeks ago
The Anti-TB Guy · 644 weeks ago
POLICY/INSTRUCTION 9.3/0, 5/19/2005
Keep up the great work, Unsuck. We're rooting for you (and for train safety for everybody).
Mariterri · 644 weeks ago
spataps -116p · 644 weeks ago
Basically, Unsuck does do reporting but it's all totally in one direction. It doesn't give me a clear picture of the metro culture at all, and it's frustrating that I can't trust the author. Having someone to file FOAAs is great, but when they get personally hurt when it takes forever and vent their anger on the same site I'm trying to get news from is not great. What I'm saying is that sure, while metro should be quicker to respond to these things regardless of what outlet is reporting, it's just a fact of life that people don't like to be attacked. If Unsucks' goal is to attack WMATA, than fine. But if the real goal is to really improve the metro, which would be my goal, than taking a much more objective stance would be more productive.
anon · 644 weeks ago
"It doesn't give me a clear picture of the metro culture at all [...]" False
"Having someone to file FOAAs is great, but when they get personally hurt when it takes forever and vent their anger on the same site I'm trying to get news from is not great. " Misleading
"If Unsucks' goal is to attack WMATA, than fine. But if the real goal is to really improve the metro, which would be my goal, than taking a much more objective stance would be more productive." Disingenuous and ignorant.
"What I'm saying is that sure, while metro should be quicker to respond to these things regardless of what outlet is reporting, it's just a fact of life that people don't like to be attacked." Strawman
spataps -116p · 644 weeks ago
Please explain why it is not false, please show me some significant positive reporting this site has done. There've been a couple letters about helpful station managers, but there is a clear bias against WMATA. I would guess the site owner would probably admit that?
How in the world can you say that it's false that "I" don't get a clear picture. I don't. That's a personal opinion.
What is misleading about that sentence?
What is ignorant about wanting a more objective stance? I am genuine in wanting that.
A strawman argument is when you set up a false opinion and then knock it down. Where did I even set up an opinion in that sentence...?
Mariterri · 644 weeks ago
Guest · 644 weeks ago
hrh king friday 13 · 644 weeks ago
spataps -116p · 644 weeks ago
Macus · 644 weeks ago
Please explain. On second thought, don't.
spataps -116p · 644 weeks ago
Mariterri · 644 weeks ago
spataps -116p · 644 weeks ago
That's kind of not the point though. What I am saying is that the fact that WMATA views the site as hostile, regardless of whether or not that is unfair, is to be expected considering the content and style. Attacking someone usually doesn't produce great results. An occasional in depth expose is good, but that's not what we have here. More information would be great, but what's the best way to get it?
Do you think that this post complaining about the request is going to make them more likely to grant it in the future? I don't. And they're not going to magically change by themselves. So I see the two choices as continuing to vent about it and seeing little change or trying a different, more moderated tactic and maybe getting something done.
Also noticed I've been calling FOIA, FOAA, sorry for that previously.
C S · 644 weeks ago
Mariterri · 644 weeks ago
Chris · 644 weeks ago
Alb2non · 643 weeks ago
Ever Irritated · 644 weeks ago
spataps -116p · 644 weeks ago
anon · 644 weeks ago
spataps -116p · 644 weeks ago
Anon · 644 weeks ago
spataps -116p · 644 weeks ago
In Internet slang, a troll is someone who posts inflammatory,[3] extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community, such as a forum, chat room, or blog, with the primary intent of provoking readers into an emotional response[4] or of otherwise disrupting normal on-topic discussion. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troll_%28Internet%29
I am posting opinions that go against much of the commenters', but I'm not doing it off topic or to get a rise out of you. And my language is pretty reasoned, unlike, sadly, many of you.
Andrew. · 644 weeks ago
If it wasn't for this blog, I guarantee you that WMATA would be a lot worse off than it currently is now (if that's possible).
russell.j.coller.jr · 644 weeks ago
fixwmata 105p · 644 weeks ago
Automatic Train Control is smoother and still gives you the consistency of stopping in the same place every time. If you moved to the DC area in the last 3 years you've never experienced the automatic train control glory.
Hal · 644 weeks ago
Now, as a pregnant lady with horrible morning (and afternoon and evening and night...) sickness, I've just been puking into my purse in what I hope is a discreet manner. For the record, I've never had car sickness or sea sickness. Just wmata sickness. The fish breaks really don't help, either.
anon · 644 weeks ago
Hal · 644 weeks ago
Kathryn · 644 weeks ago
Jason · 644 weeks ago
n2deep · 644 weeks ago
Anon · 644 weeks ago
Red · 644 weeks ago
That is my beef with manual control.
russell.j.coller.jr · 644 weeks ago
Vienna Bound · 644 weeks ago
unsuckdcmetro 92p · 644 weeks ago
anon · 644 weeks ago
Vienna Bound · 644 weeks ago
Maybe Metro doesn't want riders walking all over the news story if made public to an audience perceived to be broader than the Unsuck readership.
How disappointing.
iolaire · 644 weeks ago
It’s better to force them to give the information and rely on your readers to foot the bill. People will pay through the teeth to support a good cause.
hrh king friday 13 · 644 weeks ago
Wayne · 644 weeks ago
ISmith · 644 weeks ago
Mariterri · 644 weeks ago
eed017 · 644 weeks ago
Hal · 644 weeks ago
Jason · 644 weeks ago
The problem here (other than the absurd two year delay) is that not only does Unsuck more than qualify for a fee waiver under WMATA's own rules, they're requesting something that already exists.
Hal · 644 weeks ago
Tim · 644 weeks ago
spataps -116p · 644 weeks ago
herpedWhenUDerped · 644 weeks ago
Remember rush+? Marketing scam. (How is that a scam? Marketing and implementing a plan that was intended to appeal to your customers without research our results... that's a marketing scam.)
"POS" probably expresses his frustration of all the negative aspects of metro.
Constantly ragging on people without reading, comprehending, and analyzing what had been presented to you is not going to lend you any credibility or earn respect. Sound familiar?
PS, as someone who has been on the internet nearly my whole life, you are indeed a troll.
blue w · 644 weeks ago
If you can name a specific document by a specific employee/group about an incident at a specific location on a specific day, you will do a lot better. Look at NTSB dockets or TOC meeting summaries for titles/names/dates/incidents.
spataps -116p · 644 weeks ago
Dan Stessel · 644 weeks ago
You're welcome.
Anonerly · 644 weeks ago
C S · 644 weeks ago
Thanks, folks, for lively discussion. A few thoughts:
-- Yes, I have HUGE problems with how Metro operates. But the attitude of the requester, whether Bambi-like or Limbaugh-ish, has exactly zero legal relevance in fulfilling public record requests.
-- Postive reporting? You'll find it on this site. I've written some myself, saying explicitly that hopefully, by praising Metro when it does well, more good things will happen. So far, not so much.
-- Re: tip jar and collecting the $1,818...thought about that, but concluded that only legitimizes a corrupt practice. As GHWB/Dana Carvey said, "Not gonna do it." Hence, the directors challenge.
-- Most people are only "mildly annoyed" with Metro? Best I can say is that's some alternative reality fantasy. Ask around -- lots of people very upset. And not without good reason (see Unsuck, last several years...)
(continued, one more item)
iolaire · 644 weeks ago
There is huge public interest in the topic of your FOIA request as illustrated by people putting down cash. You then go to the board and say Metro is out of touch, as illustrated by 60 people paying $1800 in three days so that they can have access to the information… At that point you have proved that Metro is out of touch, then you can proceed with your lawsuits.
You can stand on morals, but that’s not going to get you the requested information and its not going to communicate to the board what the public’s interest is.
C S · 644 weeks ago
iolaire · 644 weeks ago
Do you think the board is going to respond with the information?
If the board doesn’t not help you, are you happy to not have the information?
If you don't really need the information does that by default means Metro is correct in stating there is not “an urgency to inform the public about an actual or alleged WMATA government activity.”
Basically, if you’re not ready to put someone else’s money where your mouth is it re-enforces metro’s activities. People change bad FOIA responses via lawsuits and forcing the issue. If you really want FOIA information you better be ready to follow the rules and work within the rules – and/or fight it legally and that will be much more costly than just paying the fee.
iolaire · 644 weeks ago
Getting a group to cough up the cash is a story in itself. If you get some paperwork and you trying to pitch your analysis to the Post or Examiner it makes for a great lead the fact that a group of people came together and “freed” the information from the unreasonable WMATA.
You do run the risk of asking for the money and not coming up with enough, but there are web apps for that that would handle returning the money to the donors…
spataps -116p · 644 weeks ago
-The little positive reporting is usually something like a station manager was helpful, framed in a SO SHOCKING! way, often coming off as a backhanded compliment. 95% of it is negative. I would say Metro does a good thing when most every morning I wait no more than 5 minutes for a train, when they finally decided to invest in improving the system, when I get out of a Nationals game to find a metro train waiting at the platform and another a minute behind it. Many view this as providing the service we pay for, which it is, but it's not like the system is a disaster as portrayed here.
-Please explain how asking for the expenses they incurred while doing your FOIA is corrupt. It's fine to disagree with their conclusion about whether the penalty should have be given, but it's not going into some guys beer fund. Using words like corrupt instead of misguided or burdensome are what I'm talking about, it emits a clear bias that makes your reporting untrustworthy.
-I do ask around actually, I often get fun poked at for wanting to talk about the metro. I would say a select few people are very upset. Most people don't let things like a delayed commute ruin their day, and so are mildly annoyed or don't think about it. You live in a bubble of anger if you think that the entire city hates the metro. If it did, you'd see much more action.
burdensomeLol · 644 weeks ago
This is a biased blog. It's called UNSUCKMETRO! Bias may skew opinion, but if you prefer to swallow opinions rather than to read past that layer and come to your own conclusion, please do not vote.
C S · 644 weeks ago
spataps -116p · 644 weeks ago
trollerskates · 644 weeks ago
third rail · 644 weeks ago
It should read 20 CONSECUTIVE working days...
cool it · 644 weeks ago
asNietzscheSaid... · 644 weeks ago
Killing nine people? Get over it.
Making a pregnant lady vomit on her way to work? Get over it (just have a drink, dummy!)
Disregarding the law? Get over it. (this one's about the FOAA)
There are bigger issues than the metro, certainly.
Metro IS an issue. Issues should be resolved. Metro has failed to acknowledge and solve issues (please note, I did not say ALL issues, which would change the meaning of this sentence). Making these issues apparent may help metro address these issues. Solving issues is good.
Being apathetic or apologetic about issues affecting the public, especially those you have lived with your whole life, does everyone a disservice and is negligent of your role as a community member.