Your Chance to Tell DC’s Unionized Metro They #FAIL…In Person!
Tomorrow, January 27 at 5:30, Metro will hold a public hearing to discuss its budget shortfall at Metro Headquarters, 600 5th Street. According to Metro, D.C.’s subway system is currently $40 million in debt, not chump change.
Never fear, Metro Executives have come up with a plan, “Metro needs to generate additional passenger revenue and reduce costs.” Ok, Metro has acknowledged a basic understanding of business principals -- expenses bad, transactions good. It could be worse, right? So how will Metro reduce costs?
“Some cost-reduction measures mean service cuts, and Metro is considering altering some bus routes, reducing hours of service for both Metrobus and Metrorail, and making minor service changes to Metrobus and Metrorail service. A possible fare surcharge of up to 10 cents also is being discussed. Additionally, consideration is being given to capitalizing the purchase of various parts and using capital funding for eligible costs of preventive maintenance.”
Well that doesn’t sound good. Service cuts will mean even more crowded trains. Reducing hours will mean less accessibility. Raising prices encourages people to use other forms of transportation. None of that sounds like it will give Metro the additional business it needs to remain afloat.
If Metro is counting on saving money through preventative measures, I wouldn’t hold my breath. Two thoughts on this:
- Why did Metro wait until its $40 million in the hole to implement cost saving measures?
- Preventative maintenance is predicated on the competency of a workforce. Honestly, I can’t remember the last time DuPont or Metro Center, where I enter and leave the Metro system, didn’t have broken escalators. I wouldn’t rely on the people who constantly make us hike up stairs to prevent things from breaking.
Any honest dicussion about cost reductions would involve renegotiating contracts with Metro’s overly paid unionized workforce. AWF’s own Brian Johnson wrote in a May 5, 2009 Examiner op-ed that “they [Metro] are increasing wages for unionized employees by $44 million.” With unemployment rising to double-digit levels nationally, Metro thought it responsible to give everyone raises. Now I’m no accountant, but the raise unionized Metro employee’s received is more than the deficit Metro has incurred since its inception. What is disconcerting about this last raise is its timing. When a company is creeping towards bankruptcy few responsible employers would give everyone a raise.
Metro’s situation is indicative of unionization: unions negotiate cushy contracts, perform subpar work, and then foot customers with the bill.
Annoyed? Let Metro hear it tomorrow.
Comments
Post Your Comment
Add a Comment