Long (20+ min.) video essay on why the T is making a big mistake in its frenzied drive to remove the mid-train attendants. Has a good overview of the T's debt crisis, but saying the Orange Line was "revered for its reliable and on-time service" before its attendants were eliminated might be a bit of a stretch.
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By FranklinRider
Tue, 11/22/2011 - 11:06am
Your friendly MBTA carmen's union.
This video should be taken with a few grains of salt.
Carmens Union
By Scott10690
Tue, 11/22/2011 - 12:25pm
Not affiliated with the Boston Carmens Union. Personal project. Personal view points.
Honesty is the best policy
By FranklinRider
Tue, 11/22/2011 - 2:45pm
Just be honest.
I'm assuming you are the same Scott James Page who created this video. If so, I think you need to just say you are a member of the Boston Carmens Union. You are a union member and this is you and your union's viewpoint. Be proud and own it.
Secondly, I think you should just be honest and say this is really about protecting the jobs of some of future union members. I think most people would respect that a lot more than some poorly thought out excuse of "safety".
Mr. Franklin. If I spent
By Scott10690
Tue, 11/22/2011 - 7:01pm
Mr. Franklin.
If I spent several months composing a written essay, compiling a photographic essay, and recording video essay as well as spending 4 hours doing a voice recording with a friend and another 8 hours editing this video together (complete with a dedication at the end to the "hard working men & women of the MBTA" why on earth would I deny being affiliated with the Boston Carmens Union?
I am however proud of the Carmens Union. Their work on the Carnahan Bill and other similar legislation is exemplary of what the T needs to be involved in doing to solve their fiscal problems. I am merely an individual who would like to work towards improving the quality of Boston's transit.
You may not have to agree with my work or my view points but don't cut me out to be something I'm not.
-Scott James Page
I could write a 20 page essay to respond
By Mark-
Tue, 11/22/2011 - 11:18am
Life is short. 20 minute videos don't get watched.
I take the Orange Line every day and hardly notice any difference. It takes a few seconds longer at every stop for the operator to stroll to the other side of the cab and look out the window.
The operators can yell and mumble at passengers (or, occasionally give us reasonable, understandable, and informative announcements) just as easily as the door guards. Time for the Red Line to let it go.
I'm not too sure...
By MassMouse
Tue, 11/22/2011 - 12:20pm
IMHO - I've taken both the Red line and the Orange line during rush hour. The Orange line trains are shorter, and don't have as much drama as the Red line trains. It seems that added worker may help... if anything, it's another voice screaming at passengers to move into the car so the doors can shut.
I sometimes think commuting in this city should be considered a contact sport ....
Same size
By Mark-
Sat, 11/26/2011 - 3:23pm
Both Red Line and Orange Line trains are the same length, 6 cars (although the Red Line cars are slightly longer I think). I ride both almost every day, and I see equal drama, or more often, the lack of it.
Mark, Red Line trains run in
By Scott10690
Sat, 11/26/2011 - 7:23pm
Mark,
Red Line trains run in 6 70-foot-long car consists. Every train is 420 feet long. The Orange Line runs its trains in 6 65-foot-long car consists. Each train is 390 feet long. The Blue Line runs its trains in 6 48.5-foot-long car consists. Each train is 291 feet long. The Green Line runs articulated cars that are 74 feet long. Two car trains are 146 feet and three car trains are 222 feet.
Just to add to the record most MBTA buses are 40 feet long. Except for the 2003 Neoplan AN460LF's and 2009 New Flyer DE60LF's which are 60 feet long.
Hi Mark, As the writer and
By Scott10690
Tue, 11/22/2011 - 7:04pm
Hi Mark,
As the writer and director of this film I'd like to take a moment to respond to your comment. My argument isn't necessarily that "doom" and "gloom" will come to the T as a result of OPTO, but more less that it is more responsible to have two people on board (a ration of 2 employees to over 1500 riders) than to have one employee on board and another in a seemingly useless position on a platform. I hope you can take a moment sometime this weekend to watch the whole video. I've spent several months working on it and I hope you can appreciate the arguments put forth.
Thank you,
Scott James Page
Best argument, by far
By dirtywater77
Tue, 11/22/2011 - 12:49pm
From the video's narration: "In early 2011, a Red Line train attendant put an end to several weeks of terror created by a rogue snake loose in the subway, when she captured the reptile."
Those were the longest weeks of my life. Dark days. Terrifying days.
Dark, terrifying days
By anon
Tue, 11/22/2011 - 5:09pm
Yeah.. by the end of it, we had all had just about enough of those motherf
Oh yes, the orange line has
By J
Tue, 11/22/2011 - 12:56pm
Oh yes, the orange line has been a disaster. Does the video mention that service was improved at all hours, because now they had more staff to runt rains?
And the "passengers will DIE!" fear campaign obviously didnt materialize?
Why can 10 car trains in other cities run with one, or even NO employees, yet the red line is so terrifying it needs 2 for the medial task of opening doors?
I wonder if the elevator door people had campaigns like this.
"Without us, fingers will be squashed!"
Feedback
By Scott10690
Tue, 11/22/2011 - 1:11pm
Thank you for the feedback J! Watch the video and your questions will be answered.
2 MBTA employees = 1 subway employee anywhere else?
By JCK
Tue, 11/22/2011 - 1:18pm
"Why can 10 car trains in other cities run with one, or even NO employees, yet the red line is so terrifying it needs 2 for the medial task of opening doors?"
This is the real point. How can almost every other subway system manage without the attendent but Boston, for some strange reason, needs them?
This does not speak well to the quality of the MBTA employees if the union is arguing that two of their members are needed to do the job of one.
Hi JCK, I'd like to take a
By Scott10690
Tue, 11/22/2011 - 7:12pm
Hi JCK,
I'd like to take a moment to respond to your comment on my video essay. Boston is not the only system utilizing TPTO. New York's MTA, New York's PATH, and the Toronto TTC all use Two Person Train Operation. In addition to those three cities, Chicago (which eliminated its second operators in 2001) recently had a push by city aldermen to bring back conductors to all CTA trains. As the video states in the chapters "Location! Location! Location!" and "Safety Is Our Number One Priority" the position of Train Attendant is derived from the old days when trains literally needed an attendant to crank open the doors on all cars. This function can now be 'trainlined' - meaning controlled from a central point. The Boston Subway system, however, is known for its awkward dimensions (such as poles and curved platforms) that make viewing the platform difficult. The video argues that Train Attendants are better equipped to monitor all six cars doors around said curves and poles. I hope you can take some time to view the video with unbiased eyes and enjoy the arguments put forth.
Thank you for your comment,
-Scott James Page
Philadelphia and London are
By anon
Tue, 11/22/2011 - 9:58pm
Philadelphia and London are two other old systems besides Chicago with curved platforms or poles near the edge, and both have used single person operation for many years. Advancements in technology over the last 30 years (pressure senstive edge doors, much sharper/clearer video monitors, passenger call-back boxes, even passengers having cell phones to report an emergency themseles)make it much easier for one person to safetly operate and monitor a long train. You really don't do much to make the case why its not a problem in other older networks, you just keep metioning how Boston is diferent than the newer systems San Francisco/Washington/Atlanta/Miami etc. Show us some numbers from Philadelphia, Chicago, or London to prove that things are less safe with one person operation. Also, a lot about the Orange Line, but no mention that the Blue Line has been one person since the 1990s.
Hi Mr. Anonymous, First I
By Scott10690
Wed, 11/23/2011 - 1:23am
Hi Mr. Anonymous,
First I would like to say thank you for taking the time out of your evening to watch my video. Although we disagree on the topic I greatly appreciate your feedback. I'd like to answer your comment to the best of my ability.
The reason I compared the MBTA to newer subway systems, namely the Washington WMATA & San Francisco BART/Muni, is because those are the systems the MBTA chose to cite in their arguments for OPTO. This video serves as a counter argument to the MBTA's points.
I chose not to include the Blue Line and its conversion to OPTO in 1994 because I felt it wasn't comparable to the Red Line. While the Red Line operates 420ft long trains and the Orange Line operates 390ft long trains the Blue Line's newly upgraded 6 car trains only reach a length of 291ft (far below the length of Red or Orange Line trains). While the Red Line operates trains with a 'crush-load' capacity of nearly to 1600 passengers and the Orange Line operates trains with 'crush-load' capacity of nearly 1400 riders the Blue Line's crush load is a mere 870. While the Red Line has an average daily ridership of 192,000 people and the Orange Line has an average daily ridership of 141,000 people the Blue Line has an average daily ridership of only 44,000 people. I considered the three factors listed above and added the fact that Blue Line trains travel a much shorter distance between destinations and realized that the lines just aren't comparable to one another.
Thank you again for watching the video and taking the time to comment,
-Scott James Page
The MBTA stated in their
By anon
Wed, 11/23/2011 - 11:46am
The MBTA stated in their single person operation news releases
"Of the six cities with subway systems existing before 1996, Boston is the fourth to convert to Single Person Train Operation".
The other 3 systems that converted (that weren't run that way from the start like WMATA or BART)were Philadelphia (SEPTA), Chicago (CTA) and Cleveland (GCRTA). New York has also converted some of their shuttles. The MBTA did not just make comparisions to new systems. There is clearly a trend of older systems converting to single-person operation. I ask again, how is the MBTA unique when compared to Chicago, Philadelphia, or London?
A peak period Blue Line train probably carries as many people or more as an off-peak Red Line train. The Blue Line has had no major problem with single person operation for over 15 years, the technology that would be utilized to operate the Red Line trains as one person is the same as the well proven use on teh Blue Line.
With all due respect Mr.
By Scott10690
Wed, 11/23/2011 - 9:25pm
With all due respect Mr. Anonymous I seriously don’t think you understand the arguments put forth by the video essay. The argument isn’t that OPTO is impossible or that Boston is the first older system to try to convert. The argument is that given the infrastructure (tunnels, platforms, and trains) we have here in Boston TPTO is the better of two possible options. It’s a viewpoint – my viewpoint. I back my view point up by identifying the benefits of split door control in regards to keeping the trip running smoothly, the additional benefit of a platform safety sweep in regards to Right of Way violations, and the benefits of having an additional employee already on board in case of an emergency, derailment, or crash.
I’m the first to admit that crashes and derailments are far from common occurrences but I’d advise you to read the testimonies given by Jimmy Zhu and Charlie Hannah (Green Line operators serving as Trailerpersons during the Boston crash on 5/8/2009) to the NTSB in their investigation of that accident. Both were injured themselves (particularly Mr. Hannah) yet still sprung into action to prep the scene for emergency personnel to arrive.
Also Chicago aldermen cited a rise in crime and platform safety concerns in their recent bid to return conductors to their positions.
You are absolutely entitled to your opinions on OPTO vs TPTO and its affect on the MBTA’s Red, Orange, and Blue Lines. In fact I encourage you create a video essay to promote your viewpoint.
So, what happens when that technology
By roadman
Wed, 11/23/2011 - 10:37am
(specifically the cameras and video screens) breaks down due to age or damage because it hasn't been maintained or repaired? Especially when such technology is placed in a harsh environment that is as demanding as MBTA subway stations are.
As an example, look at the Charlie faregates. The system is barely five years old, yet on a daily basis I see faregates being repaired, faregates out of service, faregates tagged as "smart card only", or faregates in full service that still won't accept my VALID monthly pass Charile Ticket.
Sadly, the T's management is so hell bent on getting rid of labor and making the system "technologically advanced", that they don't look at the larger picture when making these types of decisions.
Agreed. No idea what protocol
By Scott10690
Wed, 11/23/2011 - 10:55am
Agreed. No idea what protocol will be at Park Street southbound when a video monitor goes out and the Motorperson literally can not see the length of the train (he or she will only see the first 4.5 cars).
They will simply place an
By anon
Wed, 11/23/2011 - 11:51am
They will simply place an inspector there and wave a flashlight. The cost of paying overtime to an inspector a few times a year (if that) when a monitor goes out would still be far less than the cost of having two crew members on every single train. Even if they had to schedule an inspeactor at Park St. on a regular basis to help with doors, it would still be less.
Blue Line has had no problem
By anon
Wed, 11/23/2011 - 11:48am
Blue Line has had no problem with this technology for over 15 years. They have since replaced the original video monitors with newer ones.
The NYC subway has some
By anon
Wed, 11/23/2011 - 1:43pm
The NYC subway has some platforms that require monitors even with two people working the train. (Their trains are up to 660 feet long, and some platforms are curved and have pillars.)
They seem to have found a way to keep the monitors working in a very harsh environment.
(But that doesn't necessarily mean the T will keep its monitors working. Many of them already show Windows error screens much of the time.)
The ones installed on the Red
By anon
Wed, 11/23/2011 - 4:02pm
The ones installed on the Red Line aren't being used yet, and have not been fully installed yet (which might explain some of the error screens).
"Aren't being used yet" ?
By Scott10690
Wed, 11/23/2011 - 8:48pm
"Aren't being used yet" ? Seriously?
They've been on since at least April. Motorpersons have been watching them since the beginning of the Summer rating. And recently practice OPTO trains started running using the cameras/video monitors.
There is no change coming to that infrastructure. It is fully in place.
If "it's fully in place", why
By anon
Thu, 11/24/2011 - 7:01pm
If "it's fully in place", why are they now waiting for the Spring rating to start SPTO when the original target was Fall 11? Its not all ready yet.
Lets read a little more
By Scott10690
Thu, 11/24/2011 - 9:52pm
Lets read a little more carefully my friend. I said the infrastructure is fully in place. Not that the required training hours were completed, or that the disabilities group's concerns have been addressed.
Also (and I may be wrong on this) I believe the roll out was re-scheduled to January 2012 (aka the Winter Rating).
The screens will not be fully
By anon
Fri, 11/25/2011 - 10:32am
The screens will not be fully supported and maintained until they are required for regular use (which they are not yet). If a Red Line motorperson or inspector calls in a blank screen right now, do you think they will rush to send out a tech person to investigate/repair when they are not yet required for daily use?
Single person operation will not be starting until March 2012 at the earliest.
Medial?
By anon
Tue, 11/22/2011 - 2:34pm
"Medial task"? Is that similar to a medial strip like the Rose Kennedy Greenway?
I'd rather they automate the
By JF
Tue, 11/22/2011 - 1:04pm
I'd rather they automate the motorman's position and keep a human to operate the doors and do all the other duties of the conductor. Vancouver's Skytrain and London's Docklands network have very successful automated trains. Both systems keep a human conductor onboard to work the doors, operate the train in emergencies, provide security etc. If the T could automate the motorman's position they could save on labor costs without sacrificing customer service.
Already automated?
By aldos
Tue, 11/22/2011 - 2:49pm
According to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Line_%28MBTA%29#O...), the Red Line already runs on ATC (does anyone know if this is true?). To my understanding, this means that all the motorman has to do, with the exception of emergencies, is to push a button to make the train leave each station. One would think that this person would be able to take on the duties of opening and closing the doors and making announcements as well, especially since most of the announcements are already automated.
The ATC on the Red and Orange Lines
By roadman
Tue, 11/22/2011 - 4:15pm
is a semi-automated system. It sends information about the maximum speed for a given section of track to the trains and will apply the brakes if a train exceeds said maximum speed or runs past a red signal.
However, normal speed and braking control is still handled by the operator.
word
By aldos
Tue, 11/22/2011 - 5:45pm
word
I respectfully suggest you Google
By roadman
Tue, 11/22/2011 - 3:26pm
"WMATA automatic mode accident" and read some of the results.
Warning: You may change your opinion once you do this.
I suggest you google
By anon
Tue, 11/22/2011 - 5:00pm
"Metrolink accident",
"MBTA accident Government Center" and
"MBTA accident Riverside"
I'd suggest you'd read the
By Scott10690
Tue, 11/22/2011 - 7:20pm
I'd suggest you'd read the interviews with the 6 operators involved in the non-striking cars of the Boston Green Line crashes of 2008 and 2009 to understand how important Two Person Train Operation is. Their first hand accounts of aiding uninjured passengers off the trains and directing rescue personnel to those requiring immediate medical assistance. That's something the people in the 2 recent crashes on the DC Metro and the two crashes on the San Francisco Muni didn't have.
Negligent employees comes down to hiring and training. Faulty computer technology is unpredictable.
Thank you roadman for the
By Scott10690
Tue, 11/22/2011 - 7:14pm
Thank you roadman for the support!!! Hope you enjoyed the video.
Scott James Page
I'd feel more of a pang if...
By Sally
Tue, 11/22/2011 - 1:25pm
these guys didn't get to retire after 23 years of service with a full pension. I love having real live T employees driving ains and staffing stations, but seriously--what other job (and heck--there may be some out there) let's you retire at 42 or 43? Insane and in these economic times, indefensible.
At least it's not like the
By NotWhitey
Tue, 11/22/2011 - 3:33pm
At least it's not like the old days. When a mechanic in a maintenance shop dropped a wrench on the floor, he couldn't pick it up. Cleaning the floor was the job of another union, so he'd have to put in a call and wait before he could finish tightening the nut.
Someone could make a a lot of $$$
By North Begginer
Tue, 11/22/2011 - 9:16pm
Writing a tell all book about the crazy shenanigans, bureaucracy, corruption and inefficiencies at the T
My favorite juicy tid bit is. The T has giant vent fans built into the walls that vent air outside. They never turn them on because the EPA doesn’t want all the toxic break dust exhausted outside. Also the Fire dept has control over the vent fans. They are only turned on in emergency. (smoke present)
So it’s always hot as hell into November in downtown underground stations. Some trains are still using AC. We could have fresh air flow but instead burps and farts linger down there for months.
Who can top that?
MBTA vent fansGraddf
By anon
Wed, 11/23/2011 - 1:32pm
Could you provide some links about this venting issue, especially the part about how the fans are supposed to provide everyday air but the EPA won't allow it?
Everything I'm finding says the fans are designed for emergency use.
What?
By BostonUrbEx
Thu, 11/24/2011 - 12:29am
Uhmm, vents run regularly all the time. I've personally heard and even saw the fan at the end of the Blue Line tunnel running. And as I recall, there's a spot on the sidewalk on Tremont across from the common where you can hear Green Line trolleys and feel a strong upward wind. Maybe they don't run as often, or not all run, but some certainly do. I wish there was one running near Haymarket, I don't think I've come across a station hotter than Haymarket in the winter.