42 replies to this topic

[CNJRoss]

DCist, 5/27:
 

Union Demands That The Streetcar Open And Fired Workers Be Rehired

 

Standing just a few feet from the tracks that she helped to meticulously maintain for a year, Germaine Wells watched in the sunlight as empty streetcar after empty streetcar passed her by on a Friday afternoon.

 

The petite electrician is no longer responsible for ensuring that the gleaming red cars don't get waylaid by trash or that they make it back into the car barn safely.

 

Wells was fired unceremoniously about three months ago, she says.

 

When asked what happened, she responds with "I'd like to know myself!" But Wells, one of the first people to sign a union card with the Amalgamated Transit Union, has a deeply held suspicion.

 

It is one that ATU, whose Local 689 represents Metro workers, shares: namely, that eight workers were fired for signing union cards or being vocally supportive of efforts to organize.

 

The ATU has filed an unfair labor practice complaint with the National Labor Relations Board, but it could be weeks or months before it gets resolved.

 

Continue here.

[CNJRoss]

 

"DC Streeetcar" news, 3/23:

 

 

DC Streetcar News/Updates

 

The APTA Peer Review is Complete and Results are In!

DDOT announced the findings of the APTA Peer Review of the H Street/Benning Road Streetcar system. The APTA peer review panel provided a list of tasks for DDOT to complete prior to launch, but stated that there are no fatal flaws preventing DC Streetcar from providing passenger service. Simulated service will cease temporarily to address Capital Repair needs. Read more here.

 

Now the results are "really" in; APTA has released the "formal" report.

 

WTOP radio, 7/9:
 

Independent report identifies more problems with the D.C. Streetcar line

 

WASHINGTON — Broken streetcar rails, inadequate training for workers and a lack of staff with technical expertise of running a streetcar line are among the problems that should be corrected before the D.C. Streetcar could begin serving the public, a report released Thursday says.

 

Commissioned by the District Department of Transportation, the report by the American Public Transportation Association details 18 recommendations for the $200 million H Street line.

 

SNIP

 

The report writers recommend that DDOT identify a single individual to serve as the project manager and to also hire someone with the technical knowledge and light rail experience necessary to run the line.

 

“Without direct operational experience, it is difficult for DDOT staff to effectively analyze recommendations from contractors. This results in blurred lines of command and delays in decision making,” according to the report.

 

DDOT Director Leif Dormsjo says the disorganization is being fixed and the project is back on track. The streetcar line could be ready for passengers in a few months.

 

 

More here. 

[KevinKorell]

Amazing that this drags on and that so many poor decisions were made.

 

I think Kansas City's streetcar comes online in early 2016.  Let's see who ultimately wins that race.