HSR procedures are totally apathetic

Ridership is down 2 per cent for the first four months of the year -- a $600,000 hit to the budget if the trend continues all year. It's the first sustained revenue drop the system has seen since 1995.-July 22, Spectator Article

"There's no doubt in my mind that it's connected to the economy,"-transit director Don Hull.

This well may be part and parcel but after a recent problem I had on a bus and the disappointing way it was handled I believe many of the HSR's problems are internal. There was a recent case to back up my assumption involving assault to which drivers have done nothing out of fear of violating HSR policy.

Spectator Article Feb. 28-The Hamilton police services board is calling for a review of the relationship between police and the HSR after a woman was pulled off a bus and beaten...When the driver stopped, the girls dragged the woman off the bus and continued to beat her. Neither the passengers nor the driver intervened.

According to current HSR procedures, drivers are to report any on-board incidents to a superior and are not specifically required to intervene.

I have personally witnessed a similar incident and blogged about which fortunately ended different because of a driver who cared to challenge "HSR procedure"

Excerpt from my post from 5/21/07- I grabbed a bus for home, and the reality of the inner city came crashing down when I witnessed an attempted mugging of a young girl by two teen female "gang bangers" at the stop at Barton and John. Thank god it was broken up by the male bus driver before anyone was hurt.

This leads me to the most recent incident of HSR apathy and disregard for commuter safety. Here is a detailed account of the incident taken from the emails sent to the HSR and several city officials.

Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 1:57 AM
To: HSR Customer Service
Subject: complaint about a driver

Date:Tuesday 12:44AM
Bus Route Info:Barton 2 West Bound
Location:Bell Manor Loop

Incident: At 12:30 I got on the Barton bus, shortly after 4 males, obviously intoxicated, entered the bus greeted the driver in a way that I felt they knew each other in some way. One male carried a 24 of beer,entered first and proceeded to crack the cap and begin to consume it. The driver entered and I assume did his regular check before departing, never said anything to this passenger. This male then proceeded to pass this beer around and then crack a second and due the same. The foursome continued to drink, unattested by the driver until they departed at the centre mall. Several passengers noticed their behaviour a couple, including my self gave strong indication of the circumstance. I mentioned to the last of the foursome before he got off that his actions just got the driver in some problems, to this the driver responded with a "so what". If this driver is not reprimanded or/and removed from this route a copy of this email will be sent to the mayors office and need be it the Hamilton Police pending your reaction. Can I remind the HSR who pays their bills? The people who pay fares to ride your buses and who expect a safe commute.

From: HSR Customer Service
Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 8:15 AM
Subject: RE: complaint about a driver

Hello,

Your complaint has been forwarded to our Operations team for investigation. Their process dictates that they respond within 10 business days at which time we will let you know when the investigation is complete.

Details of the action taken can not be disclosed as per the Federal Privacy Act which states that all communication between an employer and employee is strictly confidential.

To: Sam Merulla(Ward 4 Councillor), forwarded to Diane Piedimonte(Administrative Assistant to Councillor Sam Merulla, Ward 4) Don Hull(HSR Transit director)
Sent: Fri Jul 10 16:39:43 2009
Subject: Fw: complaint about a driver

Mr. Merulla,

I am forwarding a copy of the following email that has been sent to Mayor Fred, considering this HSR trip took place in your riding, the one that I currently reside in.

Automated Response:I will follow up asap.

To: Mayor Fred Eisenberger
Sent: Friday, July 10, 2009 4:31 PM
Subject: Fw: complaint about a driver

Mr. Eisenberger,

I ask you for a second of your busy schedule too hear me out. The following is a copy of the two emails that I have sent to the HSR concerning a driver I had the unfortunate pleasure of being served by back on June 23. As you read you will realize the HSR: which receives a lions share of mine, and the other thousands of commuters dollars annually to provide a sound transport system; failed me miserably, and now refuses to offer a basic rebuttal their own mandate says I am entitled too.

I have yet to hear from any of the above parties at this time about the outcome. The only ones who have shown any support where other drivers who apparently know in detail of the complaint.

Later,
Kenaz

Canadian troops bid farewell to Pte. Sebastien Courcy

I found this fitting song composed by MacPhee, Schram, Howe in my files simply entitled "Ode To The Canadian Soldier "and uploaded to imeem. Please give a listen. The lyrics pay tribute to the men and women who are "Fighting for freedom and staying the course. Pte. Sébastien Courcy from 2nd Battalion, Royal 22nd Regiment A Canadian soldier fell to his death Thursday while conducting operations in the Panjwaii district of Afghanistan. Pte. Sébastien Courcy was a member of 2e Battalion, Royal 22e Regiment -- known as the Van Doos -- based at CFB Valcartier outside Quebec City. He was the fifth Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan this month, along with at least 42 other NATO military personnel. Courcy, 26, arrived in Afghanistan in April and was part of an operation to separate the insurgency from the population in Panjwaii district. The young soldier had joined the military in 2006. This was his first deployment in Afghanistan. He is the 125th Canadian soldier to die since the Afghanistan mission began in 2002. Earlier this month, Master Cpl. Patrice Audet, 38, and Cpl. Martin Joannette, 25, were killed in a helicopter crash at an American forward operating base in Zabul province. Cpl. Nick Bulger, 30, was also killed this month when the convoy he was in struck a roadside bomb in Afghanistan's southern Zhari district. Master Cpl. Charles-Philippe Michaud, 28, died from injuries he received on June 23 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted patrol in the Panjwaii district. Peace, In a tribute to the fallen soldier, Padre Normand Cholette said he was an enthusiastic and meticulous soldier who served as a confidante to his brothers in arms.

Two Canadian soldiers killed in helicopter crash

I found this fitting song composed by MacPhee, Schram, Howe in my files simply entitled "Ode To The Canadian Soldier "and uploaded to imeem. Please give a listen. The lyrics pay tribute to the men and women who are "Fighting for freedom and staying the course. Cpl. Martin Joannette, left, and Master Cpl. Patrice Audet, right Master Cpl. Patrice Audet served with the 430 Tactical Helicopter Squadron based in Valcartier, Que. Cpl. Martin Joannette was with the 3e Bataillon, Royal 22e Regiment, also based in Val Cartier, Que. Two Canadian soldiers have died in a Griffon helicopter crash in Afghanistan, along with another coalition soldier. Three other Canadians were injured. The killed Canadians have been identified as Master Cpl. Pat Audet, 38, and Cpl. Martin Joannette, 25. Both were based in Valcartier, Que. Audet served with the 430 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, and Joannette was with the 3e Bataillon, Royal 22e Regiment. Two of the injured soldiers were able to return to duty, while the third was listed in stable condition. Insurgents were not involved in the incident, suggesting the helicopter may have suffered from mechanical failure possibly caused by a dust storm. Audet was on his first deployment to Afghanistan. Joanette, although younger, was on his third deployment. "Their contribution here in Afghanistan was incredible, and we will remember their sacrifice always,"-Canadian commander Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance. Canada lost four soldiers in as many days. Cpl. Nicholas Bulger died from an IED explosion on July 3, and Master Cpl. Charles-Philippe Michaud died the next day, succumbing to injuries he had suffered in a bomb blast the previous month. The latest casualties bring Canada's military death toll in Afghanistan to 124 since the mission began in 2002. Peace,

Canadian soldier from Quebec succumbs to wounds suffered in Afghanistan

I found this fitting song composed by MacPhee, Schram, Howe in my files simply entitled "Ode To The Canadian Soldier "and uploaded to imeem. Please give a listen. The lyrics pay tribute to the men and women who are "Fighting for freedom and staying the course. Michaud served as a mentor to his fellow troops and was a model soldier.-Col. Jean Marc Lanthier, commander of the 5th Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group A soldier injured last month in Afghanistan has died of his wounds. The soldier was identified as Master Cpl. Charles-Philippe Michaud, 28. He was wounded June 23 when he stepped on a mine in the Panjwaii district. Michaud becomes the 122nd Canadian soldier to die during the Afghanistan mission. Master-Corporal Charles-Philippe Michaud is from the 2e Batallion, Royal 22e Regiment based at Canadian Forces Base Valcartier, near Quebec City. Peace.

Bomb kills soldier,narrowly killing top commander

I found this fitting song composed by MacPhee, Schram, Howe in my files simply entitled "Ode To The Canadian Soldier "and uploaded to imeem. Please give a listen. The lyrics pay tribute to the men and women who are "Fighting for freedom and staying the course. Corporal Nick Bulger's job was to protect the life of Canada's top commander in Afghanistan, Brigadier-General Jonathan Vance. "IEDs are the tools of cowards," Brig-Gen.Vance Brig.-Gen. Vance's armoured vehicle slipped past a powerful, buried bomb in the restive Zhari district west of Kandahar City. Cpl. Bulger's vehicle, travelling just 15 metres behind, wasn't so lucky: It triggered an explosion that killed the married father of two girls and injured five other members of Brig.-Gen. Vance's security detail. The security unit is comprised mostly of veterans. And while Cpl. Bulger - the 121st Canadian to die in Afghanistan since 2002 - was on his first tour, he'd already made an impression. Bulger was a member of 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton. Peace.