Quote:
Originally Posted by 99SL2_Modder
Again, we have no buses smaller than 30'. The late runner suburbs are all Eldo's...which are the 30's. And yes, I agree about the suburb routes. They never fill up and could easily run a Champ down this way (F450 with a bus back) but they're all in Germantown.
Also, the Hybrids are not run out here, because of the low pop routes. They're run currently in high pop (Southern), and are being looked at for Midvale and Gheny.
1% is ONLY the mechanics. Everyone else pays different amounts.
Also, there's nore than 1 union in SEPTA.
Also, these aren't my opinions, what I state are facts. I did not come here asking for assistance because this doesn't effect me in the least. I felt that maybe SOME people on this board use mass transit to move around the city without wasting gas.
Again, you're only stating partial information. Gather it all and then come up with a fight.
And yes, I ignored the leasing option, because that would make sense and we know that would work. That's why SEPTA doesn't do it. I also agree that an audit should be done to figure out where the hell it's all going, because I've seen what the CEO's drive, and it sure as hell aint luxury. The drivers make the cash. They're the ones with Lexus' and all.
If the company had the ability to move people from one location to another depending on workload, they would have to provide the ability for their tools to be transported. This also brings up the issue that people really don't want to see a SEPTA tow truck with workers boxes on the back. Because that's a good use of money. It would also slow down a LOT of progress on buses. The work flow changes daily, not weekly.
I'm attacking what I see as an opinion formed without full facts. If you're going to strike, do more research first. That's what I've been saying.
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1% to my knowledge is not ONLY the mechanics, as the article I read, discussing the strike in 05, stated "the union wants SEPTA to continue to cover 100% of health care and SEPTA wants union members to pitch in 5% gross to help differ costs, they settled on 1%", hardly a compromise . As this strike was not just mechanics but all SEPTA personnel, one can only deduce that they are referring to ALL SEPTA employees. If you can provide valid, dated documentation to prove otherwise then I will believe you, but as of now I must go with the information I found, that came from a reliable source, 6abc. Knowqing that SEPTA wanted 5% and got 1% there is an obvious area that needs attention. Either coverage needs to be cut or employees need to start paying their share. Personally, I would push for employees to cover 100% of the costs, but thats just me, as that is what I currently have to do.
As I stated, and you confirmed, the buses they are using in some areas are overkill. This increases the operating costs.
So now we have come up with a few solutions to the current quandary SEPTA finds itself in.
A. Invest in smaller, more efficient models to handle lighter traffic areas.
B. Increase employee contributions to Health care by 3% and Life insurance will no longer be provided. It will be offered but will be 100% paid for by the employee.
C. Lease some of the outlying area routes so SEPTA can target its efforts on highest traffic areas.
D. Freeze all Pensions, all vested amounts will remain untouched and will be paid out upon retirement. Going forward all employees will be entered into opt out Roth 401(k)'s. They will have a default contribution rate of 4% of which SEPTA will match.
And there you go. Those changes alone will save millions. If I had the time I would look longer to try and find out the inner workings of the company but I don't feel like it. If I did I am sure I could find countless other changes.
Basically, my point is, I find these problems to be manufactured. There are a number of things SEPTA and the unions can do to run more efficiently. A rate hike to me just shows the unions arrogance and lack of concern for anything other than their own survival.