[PRCo] Re: pat__service__cuts__2007.01.23-changed to 2/1/07

[Herb Brannon]

Yes, I have enjoyed "the journey" for many years now and hope to keep enjoying it for many more to come. Yes, a few of them (co-workers) do think I am insane for "driving a public transit bus" and enjoying it. Oh well, maybe they should get another job. 
Herb Brannon



----- Original Message ----
From: John Swindler <j_swindler at hotmail.com>
To: pittsburgh-railways at dementia.org
Sent: Sunday, February 4, 2007 1:17:25 AM
Subject: [PRCo] Re: pat__service__cuts__2007.01.23-changed to 2/1/07


I was amused by your last paragraph, Herb.  Far too many people have 
condemned themselves to jobs in which they are there just there for the 
paycheck, and can't wait until retirement.  How much better to be able to 
enjoy the journey.

For most on this list - we have made our choices, either by choice or by 
circumstances.  But for the Joshua's and Derricks, find something you enjoy 
so that you will be able to enjoy the journey.

I've been told that if you work at your hobby, you'll find another hobby.  
Not necessarily so.

Of course there is a downside - many co-workers will be suspicious and 
wonder why you are not miserable like everyone else.  (:>)

John


>From: Herb Brannon <hrbran at sbcglobal.net>
>Reply-To: pittsburgh-railways at dementia.org
>To: pittsburgh-railways at dementia.org
>Subject: [PRCo] Re: pat__service__cuts__2007.01.23-changed to 2/1/07
>Date: Sat, 3 Feb 2007 16:48:44 -0800 (PST)
>
>If you ever come here you will soon see that I am "known" to the RTA 
>management  and also to the operators/mechanics  . I have been known to be 
>called "The Watchdog." I tend to keep an "eye" on things. Also, as a 
>statement of fact, I am a good operator. No accidents, no passenger 
>complaints, get commendations from riders, etc. These days you have to keep 
>an eye on them or they will steal you blind and sell you down the river!
>Also, this job, to me, is not work. It is fun! Today's managers really hate 
>to see a member of the working class having fun and doing the job 
>correctly. Too bad for them..............they are the fools.
>Herb Brannon
>
>
>
>----- Original Message ----
>From: Fred Schneider <fwschneider at comcast.net>
>To: pittsburgh-railways at dementia.org
>Sent: Saturday, February 3, 2007 6:51:41 PM
>Subject: [PRCo] Re: pat__service__cuts__2007.01.23-changed to 2/1/07
>
>
>Mein Gott.   Herb is just as cynical as John and Fred.   Watch the
>business long enough and you get that way.
>
>On Feb 3, 2007, at 4:21 PM, Herb Brannon wrote:
>
> > ----- Original Message ----
> > From: Several List Members
> > To: pittsburgh-railways at dementia.org
> > Sent: Friday, February 2, 2007 7:19:47 PM
> > Subject: [PRCo] Re: pat__service__cuts__2007.01.23-changed to 2/1/07
> >
> >> John Swindler wrote:
> >> why did PAT need more space when system
> >> ridership was declining.
> >> He thought they did it so the upper management could
> >> have the rarefied atmosphere of the Duquesne Club nearby.
> >
> > Public transit upper management, in many U.S. cities, are really
> > "full of themselves" these days. The guy running GCRTA came here
> > from Syracuse, NY. There he headed up a system with one operating
> > station (garage) and 102 buses. Immediately up arriving in
> > Cleveland he changed his title from General Manager to Chief
> > Executive Officer. His head swelled even before the ink got dry on
> > his contract! He forgot GCRTA is a public supported transit
> > authority, not a private company. Many times during public meetings
> > he has told elederly and disabled individuals who require public
> > transit that 'they should find another method to get around.' This
> > occured at at least two public meetings reguarding service cuts and
> > was reported in the Cleveland Plain Dealer and Cleveland Call &
> > Post. On one occasion tv channel 5's investigative reporter called
> > him to task on improper use of the taxpayers money for things such
> > as $100.00 per plate lunches, out of state golf outings and
> > excessive personal
> >  telephone bills. He was so blatant that he acutally got in front
> > of the tv cameras and said he "would spend money as he saw fit" and
> > they (tv channel 5) should "mind their business."
> >
> > I can see where the upper management of PATransit would probably be
> > no different. Too many of them are not in touch with the needs of
> > the public they are supposed to be serving.
> >
> >> the West Busway opened, the East Busway extension
> >> and Overbrook reconstruction were ongoing, and 24 hour service began
> >> on a few buses.
> >
> > Interesting to note that 24-hour service is beginning again. When I
> > worked at PATransit 24-hour service was offered on both the 42/38
> > and 35 car lines as well as many bus lines.
> >
> > Herb Brannon
> >
>

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