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Transit Amendment"We're just thrilled that voters have decided that it's definitelytime to invest more in transportation, transit in particular,''said Lea Schuster, executive director of Transit for LivableCommunities. "The voters of Minnesota have been telling theLegislature and the governor for years that they want to investmore in roads and transit.”

"We have a lot more to do to properly fund our transportationinfrastructure,'' added Rick Krueger, executive director of theMinnesota Transportation Alliance, one of the amendment'schief backers. "This amendment is necessary, but it's only thebeginning step.'' He predicted legislators would considerother taxes to pay for a much larger backlog of transportationprojects.

The amendment, which was supported by almost everyoneexcept the teacher's union, dedicates all motor vehicle sales-tax revenue after June 2011 to transit and highways, effective-ly restoring amounts that had been gradually diverted else-where over the past couple of decades. The changes will bephased in over five years.

PawlentyWhile Pawlenty won a second term in Tuesday's election, theDemocratic-Farmer-Labor Party took control of theMinnesota House of Representatives from Republicans andincreased their majority in the state Senate. He wants to set acooperative tone, he said, "so that everybody can make someprogress." That's what voters want, he said. By unseating 19Republican incumbent legislators in the election, they sent amessage that called for "more bipartisanship" and leaders whowork together.

Democrats Victorious"We are going to be very, very focused on core and basicissues," said Margaret Anderson Kelliher, a state representa-tive from southwest Minneapolis who is expected to bechosen as the next speaker of the Minnesota House.

Kelliher predicted that the Democrats' new 85-49 Democratic-Farmer-Labor majority in the House will move quickly toapprove funding for all-day kindergarten programs statewide,

Continued on bottom of page 16

Election 2006

I am happy to report that we have ratified our first contract with MVTransit in Burnsville. This was a big step forward in our organizingefforts. We will now look to other properties to move forward anotherorganizing drive.

I am also happy to report the passing of the MVST amendment thisNovember. This was a very important vote for the future of transit andour jobs. We need to remember there is a five year faze in, so don't lookfor a lot of changes right away.

I would like to take a minute to talk about payroll. We are in a fight tokeep our payroll members part of ATU. This is a fight we take very seri-ously. I have been informed by the Council that they will petition theBureau of Mediation Services for a unit determination. This means theydo not believe payroll employees should be part of the ATU. We do.There is a 1996 Bureau of Mediation Services decision that states theyare ATU jobs. If we were to allow the Council to just make them AFSMEor non-rep employees without a fight, who would be next. We need tooand will fight this petition with everything we can.

Having payroll employees as members of the ATU is a big benefit to allthe members. They have the ATU contract knowledge and past practiceknowledge to make sure everyone is paid right and make corrections assoon as possible if there is an error.

In addition to trying to take our jobs, the company computer programHASTUS that is being used to do operator payroll is not programmedcompletely right. Payroll employees have been pointing out the errors tomanagement to try and help insure that proper payment to operators ismade. Even with ATU members trying to help other members, all operators should check their checks to make sure they are right.

Union Office Phone612-379-2914

e-mail:office@atu1005.com

website:www.atu1005.com

THE

PRESIDENT’SCORNER

Michelle Sommers

Page 2

LOCAL 1005OFFICERS

PRESIDENT/BUSINESSAGENT

MICHELLESOMMERS

VICE-PRESIDENT

JERRY EWALD

RECORDINGSECRETARY/ASST.BUSINESS AGENT

SCOTT TOLLIN

FINANCIALSECRETARY/TREASURER

CHUCKGUDKNECHT

Calendar

EDUCATIONCOMMITTEE - 2:30 PMDEC 19 NICOLLETJAN 16 HEYWOOD

EXECUTIVE BOARD& UNION MEETINGDEC 26 - MPLS.JAN 23 - ST. PAUL10:00 AM / 7:30 PM

UNION OFFICE PHONE612-379-2914EMAIL:OFFICE@ATU1005.COMWEBSITE:WWW.ATU1005.COM

I would like to wish everyone a happy holidayseason and best wishes in the New Year!

Page 3

Education Committee

SCOTT TOLLINADVISOR

CHAIRMEMBERS ROTATE

SOUTHLIZ GOLDBERG

VICE CHAIR

HEYWOOD OFFICEOPEN

NICOLLETTHERESA COLLINSDOROTHY MAKISTEPHEN BABCOCK

LAYOUT

OVERHAUL BASETOM CAMPBELL

RUTEROPEN

EAST METROOPEN

HEYWOOD GARAGELANCE WALLACE

EDITORIAL BOARDKEN DOLNEYDAN ABRAMOWICZ

Continued on Page 5

Year in Review 2006Liz Goldberg

Internationally The year was filled with conflict and violence with

The Iraq War, the Sudan's ongoing massacre, intensified Middle Eastconflicts, Iran's nuclear program and the Taliban resurgence in

Afghanistan and Pakistan.

On the national level Controversy surrounded President Bush in the fight against terrorism

War in Iraq, the expansion of executive privilege, domestic surveillance and Guantanamo's alternative interrogation procedures.

Society and science In West Virginia, 13 miners are trapped 12 die,

"New horizon" space craft launched to Pluto, water found on Saturnmoon, Enron Executives convicted, "Discovery" lifts off to the

International Space Station, Java, Indonesia 800 die in Tsunami, Italywins fourth world cup, Pluto demoted, 49 die in Kentucky plan crash,

"Atlantis" with crew of 6 lifts off to the International Space Station andthe Pope's remarks outrage Muslims.

Meanwhile At Home in Minnesota,Relative calm ensues with higher energy prices, higher property taxes,

State, county and city budget shortfalls and reduced county and state andcity services. Luckily we were supported by the assurances of our gov-

ernor with - "No new taxes" -but pawlenty more fee's.

Then on March 5, 2006 Minnesotans and the world heard the news-Minnesota Twins center fielder Kirby Puckett #34 suffered a massive

stroke at his home in Arizona. He died the following day. Kirby playforwith the Minnesota Twins from 1984-95, and led the Twins to World

Series titles in 87 and 91. His gregarious personality and dynamic styleof play endeared him to fellow players and fans. After being forced toretire at age 35 in 1997 due to loss of vision in one eye from glaucoma,

He was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001. Kirby Puckett isregarded one of five greatest sports figures in Minnesota history.

Born in Chicago March 14, 1960- died March 6, 2006.

January-November union election results began 2006 with the first woman presi-

dent in our 72 year union history - "Michelle Sommers" newly electPresident/Business Agent for the ATU Local 1005.

-A Constitutional Transportation Amendment designed to provide trans-portation, an additional $300 million in revenue each year will be pre-

sented to voters in the 2006 November elections.

-East Metro Operator Jim Clancy 3050# retired after 40 years of serviceto Metro Transit.

Page 4

Transit Safety and Security Committee2006 Summary

Members:Jim Chisholm, Management Advisor, TCC David Rogers, Chair, RailJerry Larsen, HeywoodMary Vasterling, South Theresa Collins, NicolletDennis Engebretson, East MetroScott Sternthal, Ruter Operator(Substitute)

There was no meeting in Sept.

OctoberOthers in Attendance

Chad Loeffler TCC Supervisor Officer Art Hart, MTPDChuck Wurzinger, Act. Man. ofMaint Admin. Lee Bennett, Asst. Manager,Street Ops.Georgia Stinson, Asst DriectorBus Trans.Dennis Dodge, MJR SafetyJohn Suttles, Heywood Operator Maddads liaison

For complete details please see theSafety and Security Board located inevery garage.

TCC: Chad Loeffler. TCC isconcentrating on Route 17 on timeperformance for the Septemberpick.

Questions/comments: Jim: Twinsshuttles were a success all around.Over 187 extra buses on thestreet. No safety incidents report-ed. Regular route service back ontrack by approximately 5:30pm -6pm. Excellent job by mainte-nance getting extra buses onto thestreet. Jerry: Passengers very sat-isfied with service.

Georgia: Big thanks to MichelleSommers at ATU for having theforesight to request agreement

ahead of time and have Unionvote in September. Shuttleswould not have been without theagreement being in place.Theresa: It shows what Transitcan do on short notice or in anEmergency. Georgia: Wednesdayafternoon's human chain workedwell on keeping crowds back andmoving the buses out.

David: "Vote Yes" campaign signsare out and about. Union hassigns and stickers. Lee: MetCouncil must be impartial towardsAmendment.

Maintenance: Chuck Wurzinger:Second fan installed in 10 busesas a test. Bus numbers are as fol-lows: NIC - 949, 1069, FTH -811, 1033, MJR - 867, 870, STH -995, 996, EMET - 820, 822. Newartics also have 2 fans. Operatorsshould report use, especially onbad weather days. Vents onGilligs: New vent identified tosolve problem. When problemwas investigated, more air leakswere found. Velcro was not work-ing to cover vent. Maint toreplace vent with new one andcaulk air leaks. Steering wheelissue of material coming off andstaining driver's shirt: More timeneeded to research issue.

Questions/comments: Fundingwill most likely be available for amajority of buses. This will be asignificant commitment of money.A survey made be requested.

Dennis Dodge: There is a problemwith small mirror inside newartics at MJR that able op to seerear door, mirror is a convex mir-ror. Chuck: New Flyer is awareof problem and working on fix.New Flyer is also paying penalty

Continued on Page 11

AT THE GARAGESOUTH

Contact Liz Goldberg

CongratulationsTo Wendy Rouleau (EM Op#6903) and JonathonHendrickson (Rail Op # 64180)who recently married December3rd, 2006. Both from South,Wendy and Jon met, fell in loveand became engaged here. Ourbest wishes to you both!

"The Great 2006 Chili Cook-off" Results

First place to RobinGerdesmeier (So Dispatch) forher "White Chicken Chili", BobBenson (Garage Cord) placedsecond and Butch Schiro #1071third. Mr. Benson and Mr.Schiro originally tied for secondwith a coin toss resolve."Butch… maybe try whitebeans next year?"

Holiday & Farewell Event onDecember 14th

A holiday potluck coupled witha "Good-by Gathering" for the12/16/06 departure of ATM'sBarb Keener and Kathy Caseyto be held with some possiblesurprises! Kathy and Barb; youare both extraordinary! Youleave with our hearts.

Special Commendation to DianeRude EM Op# 9204

Diane's hijacker told her "thathe would sing her a song andthen kill her" while holding herhostage on the 21 routeNovember 9, 2006. Grateful foryour safe escape- we award youthe "Southsider Medal ofHonor" for your bravery,courage and cool intellect.(Diane is a former Southsider)

Page 5

AT THE GARAGEHeywood

Contact Lance Wallace Dr. # 64434

AT THE GARAGELRT

Contact Bob Boyle Or

Mark Ammend

We are nearing the end of anotherhighly successful year here at rail.

As I write this we have people inNew York signing off on the ship -ping of LRV125 which will be thefirst of our three new trains.

Final approvals and paperwork arebeing done to get the constructionof the Northstar facility up in BigLake started by this coming spring.

This means we will be adding about5 blocks of track to Hiawatha toreach the new intermodal stationthat will serve us and Northstar aswell as the new Twins ballpark.

Plans are also gaining speed for theCentral corridor which is expectedto be operational by 2014.

Happy Holidays andHappy New Year

from the Rail.

-1/29 & 1/30: The 1005 union membership accepted a second (similar tofirst but different pay structure) union contract offer from Metro Transit.

The agreement passed 67% yes and 33% no.

February-February ridership reaches 5.3 million- 4.7% higher than the goal to

reach 71 Million by the end of 2006.

March-2/13 A serious snowstorm resulted in 550 calls waiting for TCC

response, 47 bus accidents, 15 service vehicles including commercialvehicles and some mechanics used their personal vehicles.

Metro Transit received 4- dozen commendations for operators.

-Accomplishment honors were awarded to Engineering & FacilitiesJanitorial employees; Timothy Swickard, Leads-Larry Brady and Kathy

Nistler.

-March ridership attains 6.2 million riders- 5.8 above goal.-Aurbia Lee Johnson Op #2222 received 12 commendations for March

-The new Chicago Lake Transit Center opens for business.

April-Jon Avery MJR Op #88 retired after 38 years of service.

Jon was the winner of the very first Bus Roadeo in 1975 and was thehighest seniority at his facility.

-Jim Klueckman South Op #350 to compete in the 2006 InternationalRoadeo in California.

-Ridership reaches 5.8 million and is up 2.9% from goal.

-Delores Lennon Patterson an active union member who served as dele-gate to several Conventions and one of the founders of the Local 1005

Woman's Caucus passed away.

May-Commendations for the first three months are up 19% and Complaints

down 18%

June-Minnesota State Retirement System will increase contributions by

employee/employer beginning July 1, 2007- from the current 4% to 5%.The increase is needed to keep pensions fully funded.

-Using a federal grant Metro Transit Police department purchased twoSegways for $6,000 each. Segways are able to move quickly in tight

areas and position riders higher up than average people.

-Metro Transit Rail Mechanics took fourth place in the International RailRodeo in New York City. The winners were Chris Anderson, Steve Cobb

and Ed Meyer.-John Humphrey promoted from Rail Supervisor to Rail Transportation

Manager - John began Metro Transit as a Bus Operator.

-ATU 1005 Union Picnic at Battle Creek Park proves successful and

Year in Review Continued

Continued on Page 6

AT THE OFFICEHeywood

Looking for someone to let usknow what is going on

Page 6

AT THE GARAGEEast Metro

Cheryl Kienietz-Hall

Holiday Celebration &Employee Recognition Party

East Metro's holiday party washeld Wednesday- December13th and a grand time was hadby all. Metro Transit providedthe menu, as follows: Breakfast:French toast, sausage and fruitLunch: Ham and Turkey dinnerwith all the trimmingsEve snacks: Fruit, cookies,cheese, and ham/turkey sand-wiches

Diane Rude Operator #9204Grateful for your safe returnand we are proud of you!

East Metro FactsThe last pick the number EastMetro drivers increasedby a single digit over FTH.Heywood has more work, butEast Metro has more drivers.(This pick we will probably getmore trippers)

Goodbye and HelloVicki Shimek, AssistantTransportation Manager's, lastday at East Metro is December15. We will miss her!Jay Kluge will start as an ATMon December 15.

possible annual union event.

-Met Council approves light rail along the central (University Ave) corri-dor by a vote of 15-2. Central corridor will be 11 miles, 16 stations

operated by 31 trains every 7.5 minutes during rush hour.

-6/23-Dennis Gilson #2922 Metro Transits highest seniority operatorretired with 41 years of service.

-6/8-Former ATU Local 1005 President Ron Lloyd retires, he originallyjoined MTC in 1979.

July-Metro Transit plans to buy 314 replacement buses over a five- year plan.

Buses would be 40-ft low-floors and half would be hybrid-electrics.-July ridership 5.2 ahead of goal with more than 5.8 million rides for the

month.

August-ATU 1005 sponsored charity bike run held to benefit Big Brother Big

Sisters.

-Ray Hartfiel and Dan Syverson Instructors in the rail division receives "Achieving Excellence employee award" both Instructors began as Bus

Operators.

August ridership of 7 million is the highest in more than 23 years.

September-Plymouth Metrolink recommended to the Plymouth City Council thatLaidlaw Transit Services operate the city's express routes starting Dec

1st. Metro Transit has operated these routes since 1990.

-Metro Transit Payroll staff to move to the Met Council building onRobert St. in St. Paul.

-September ridership up almost 10% from last year.

October-Heywood Operator Jack Berner #8927 became a seven-time

winner after coming in first at this years competition and will go on tocompete in the International Roadeo in May.

-State announces that it will review DUI arrests and will suspend CDLlicenses up to one year if they had not been suspended already.

-Utility relocation begun in preparation for the Northstar commuter Railservice to Eventually meet up the Hiawatha Light rail line.

-Site of former Snelling Bus Garage may be exchanged for property nearVandalia Ave and Wabash Street in St. Paul.

-Metro Transit Rail rodeo held on 10/14. Rail Operator Mark Ammend#9217 and Electro-mechanical Technician Vern Goble placed first.

-Jon Capell former GM of MTC from 1986-1991 passed away. Capellbegan as a bus driver in 1970.

Year in Review Continued

Continued Page 8

ATU 1005.COMContact Jerry Ewald

Get the latest info from theunion website. Meeting agen-das, grievances coming beforethe membership, Officer's emailaddresses.

Get connected. Union strengththrough member involvement!

My father was an immigrant at the age of twelve from Toscana, Italia, and mymother was in immigrant from Wisconsin! They had five sons (I being the last) andone daughter. I was raised in St. Paul, and attended twelve years of parochial schoolunder the rule and ruler of some ruthless nuns. Growing up I enjoyed playing sports -hockey was my favorite. I played goalie for a V.F.W. league, and one year we won theState Championship.

After graduating from high school I went on to school at St. Paul Technicaland Vocational Institute, in the Hotel Restaurant Management Program. I worked as achef at the Lexington and as the pastry chef at the Radisson-St. Paul.

I married a fellow St. Paulite and together we raised four sons. All four boysare now married and with families of their own. I am fortunate to be the grandfatherof six little Rossinis!

Over the years I have volunteered for the Minneapolis Aquatennial (18 years) and as one of those notori-ous Vulcans for the St. Paul Winter Carnival (5 years). Both experiences were rewarding ways for me to give backto the community and great fun.

I am now remarried to a Minneapolis Public school teacher with a passion for bella Italia. And she doesnot have to drag me off to Italia every summer, as it is now one of my favorite places to live 3-4 weeks every sum-mer. It is a wonderful experience to visit the village of my father's childhood and connect with some relatives.Our dream is to spend more time there when we are both retired.

In 1975 I began my "life at MTC," as on operator out of the old Snelling and then move to the Northside.When South opened in 1980 I started dispatching there. I have spent time at all the garages. I joined the PeerSupport team about 10 years ago. In the late 90's I was elected 2nd Vice President of our Union. It was a greatlearning experience for me, and made me a stronger union member. I moved to Nicollet Garage about two yearsago. This past summer after Curt Botner shifted from bus to lightrail, I was elected to replace him as a BoardMember for the Operators at Nicollet. I quickly realized being a Board Member can be very time consuming andchallenging. (I thank my fellow dispatchers and the management at Nicollet for understanding the time I mustspend away from my dispatching desk.) I am available just about any time to answer questions, listen, or representmy fellow union members at arbitration meetings or discussions. We all need to be involved in our union to makeour professional lives better.

Meet the Executive Board Members Mike Rossini - Transportation Board Member For Nicollet

Page 7

Chuck Feucht - Maintenance Board Member for East Metro

I was born in Saint Paul in 1962. I am married and have 3 children and 3grandchildren. My dad is a 30 + year retired Metro Transit Driver. (Richard Feucht)

My first job was a union job at Country Club Market in 1976. I worked thereuntil I graduated from Archbishop Brady High School in 1980. At the suggestion ofmy father and some friends I applied and was hired at Metro Transit in Sept of1980. I started working at Snelling garage.

I became a board member in 2006 when Gary Rosenberger decided not to run.(We lost a good one when Gary left). I had been through enough problems with thecompany and decided to use that experience to help fellow employees. This beingmy first year as a board member, it has been a busy one, I've learned alot.

I look forward to the years to come. People can get ahold of me through work.

Page 8-A bus Operator refused to drive a particular bus because she stated it violated her religious beliefs. Metro

Transit accommodated her and said that it will deal with future issues relating to this on a case-by-case basis.

-Jeanne O'Neill Nicollet Operator #2116 scored the highest among first-time participants at Metro Transits BusRoadeo and received Rookie of the Year recognition.

-Darell Hanson Nicollet Operator #9289 and Heywood Operator Duane Lundgren # 0289 will competeat the State Bus Roadeo in second and third place respectively.

-Complaints are down nearly 15% and commendations up 6% for the first nine months of this year.

November-Minnesota voters approved the Transportation Amendment. -Pawlenty wins over Hatch by a sliver.

East Metro Operator # 9204 Diane L. Rude is held hostage after her bus was hijacked.Diane escapes safely and hijacker apprehended.

DecemberAll 1005 members had a wonderful holiday - Made oodles of cash and retired early.

Year in Review continued

Instructor #9082Married to Brad Maki February of 2005, 4 children together (27, 26, 25, 23)2 grandchildren (10, 5 weeks) Live in Coon Rapids in a townhouse. I love the partof not having a lot of upkeep, BUT I miss having a huge garden. I love cooking,which is a blessing because when Brad was diagnosed with nasopharyngenal cancer,I do extra duty with 90% home cooking and juicing. He is doing great, and I hopehe is an inspiration for others on quality of life after being diagnosed with cancer,and how we can help to cure our ills through diet along with the new technologiesout there.We have a happy home, good family and friends, and hope to share many moreyears together.

Meet Our Newest Education Committee Member Dorothy Maki

MV Transit - B LineATU members at MV Transit have approved their first contract. It was approved by 100 percent of

those voting. The contract runs through 05/31/2010.

HBO - Hacking DemocracyTry to watch the HBO Special Hacking Democracy. It is an eye opening look at the fraud in elections

going on in this country. YouTube.com has a nine part miniseries, each lasting about nine minutes, that will giveyou an idea on what is going on. You will never look at elections the same again.www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnSURWFCkeM and www.blackbox voting.org/

By-Law ProposalsThe By-law Committee will meet on February 7, 2007 at the Union Office. The bylaw committee will meet onFebruary 7th, 2007 at the union office, 312 central ave in Minneapolis. Members wishing to appear before thecommittee regarding any by-laws submitted may do so between the hours of 1:30 and 3:00 P.M. on the abovedate. Submitted by-law changes will be read at the January 23, 2007 membership meeting. Proposed changeswill be taken under consideration by the By-law Committee, read and acted on at the membership meeting onFebruary 27, 2007.

Page 9

AT THE GARAGENicollet

Contact Theresa Collins #1378 orStephen Babcock (Stores)

We made $1,660.95 for thisyears garage sale. Thank you toeveryone that donated theiritems for this event. A specialthanks to all the volunteers;without your help it wouldn'thappen. (See Photos on pg. 19)

Signe Martell #150, Ron Gayle-shop, Debra Mills #9946, MariaFlores # 6942, Lori Nguyen #2018, Lisa Callahan # 6716, SamWalker # 5877, Dan Wagner #7713, Darell Hanson # 9289,Sonnie Samuels # 1337, TheresaCollins # 1378, Shirell Johnson #5906, Dave Zapata-shop, JosephPratt # 66213, Charles Ricard-shop, Debbi Sievers # 64222,Kathy Jones-shop, Mary Green-shop. Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!

Remember to start saving youritems for next years sale.

Congrats go to the rodeo win-ners: Rookie of the year:Jeanne O'Neill # 21162ND place winner: DarellHanson # 9289

Good luck to John Edwards #9270 on your retirement.

The Nicollet Holiday Party willbe held on Wed., Dec 20th.

Retirees CornerDorothy Maki

We would like to introduce you to a new feature in our unionpaper. It is a column that will be devoted to the retirees. Our retireeshave developed a tradition of meeting at several locations through out thetwin cities on set days and times. Everyone is welcome.

The second Tuesday of the month at 8:30 AM, Barnacle Bills isthe place to be. It is located just off Shinglecreek Blvd. On TuesdayNovember 14th there were 25 retirees in attendance. The café devotes awhole back room with a special horseshoe set-up just for them.

I was seated next to Jim Parlow #936 MJR, RichardHardenbrook #693 EM, and Freddie Brown #9106 MJR. Jim is a funnyanimated guy. He is a good friend with Richard and they recently wentdown to Florida for the air show in Lakeland. Richard is a pilot and hasflown for 40 years and just sold his airplane for a speedboat. At thispoint, Jim interjected that, "You know Miami vice banana boats? That'sthe kind he has." LOL! He also spoke of some harrowing adventures inNew Mexico with a one seater.

Freddie had a funny story of his son Keefe Brown #66253 abrand new driver out of FTH. Keefe called one evening after work,"Dad, dad, I missed my turn, are they going to fire me?" Arnie Entzelwas there and did a small presentation on the passing of the transit bill.He does a good job with disseminating information and passing it on tothe group.

Richard Shinn #8963 EM is enjoying his retirement too. He saidhe wouldn't mind if the company let retirees drive again and might checkit out. The waitress stopped by and sat down for a few minutes to visit.She really enjoys having the group of drivers come by every month.

The food was good, the company was even better. I look for-ward to joining them again soon (with a camera too!) Next: South St.Paul VFW 111 Concord Ave, December 13th @ noon.

Northside Breakfast ClubMeets the second Tuesday of each month, 8:30 AM at Barnacle Billslocated at Shingle Creek Parkway and Freeway Blvd Brooklyn Center.

Southside Breakfast ClubMeets the first Wednesday and the fourth Thursday of each month locat-ed at Bridgemans, 800 W. 66th Street Richfield.

St. Paul Retiree Lunch ClubMeets the second Wednesday of month at 12:00 PM. The St. Paul retireesclub has moved it's meeting place from the Wells Lanes to the VFW Postlocated at #295, 111 So. Concord Exchange in South St. Paul.

Metro Transit Mechanic TeammateMeets the third Tuesday of the month at Old County Buffet located on2000 South Robert.

Retirement Benefits:Retirees after 12/31/92 pay$49.80 a year dues. If youretired before it is $25.80. Forthose dues you recieve $1000 indeath benefits from the Intl. and$100 or flowers from the local,depending what the next of kinwants.

You can vote for officers in elec-tions and attend union meetings.

Page 10

AT THE GARAGERuter

Contact Dan Abramowicz #6225dan6225@comcast.net

The 3200 series New Flyers arehere.

The "Accident Free AwardsLunch" was held December13th in celebration of one weekfree of accidents. The garagemembership was treated to deli-cious Subway Sandwiches.

The "Holiday Party & ATMHugh Hudson's Farewell Bash"featured a complete turkey din-ner with all the traditional trim-mings on December 15th. Hughwill be going to Heywood duringthe routine management shake-up and switch around.

MJR welcomes ATM KathyCasey (currently from South)now joining the MJR team.

CRYPTO by PAT KELEHANEach letter stands for another. If you think X=O, for example, it would equal Othroughout the puzzle. Clue: T=E

X U A Z B Y C W V D C T F T W Z T S G C

X H T B D W X B Q X B T J G K K S X M N

D B V X B D U M B T J G C T M W X A D K K

W Z T C W B T T W C. Z T Q D C W Z T

C Y K T U W O U Y P Z W!

(Answer on page 19 )

A Special “Thank You”to the following

Minnesota TransitAmendment Volunteers

Mike Carter, East MetroTerry Dolney, East MetroSteve Book, OHBTerry Mudge, OHBJohn Lund, OHBTodd Eaddy, NicolletBeth Bennett, NicolletBeth Fisher, East MetroTheresa Collins, NicolletTwyla Macintosh, NicolletJohn Macquire, TMSA-RailPaul Slesar, TMSA-OHBR.C.C.T.C.Bill Andre, TIC

To those we missed, we apol-ogize; we appreciate theefforts of all involved!

TheEducationCommittee

& TheEditorialBoardwishes“Happy

ers are behind glass, not alwayseasy to get new printout of pad-dle. Georgia to check on.Theresa: Rt.554, difficult turnfrom EB Diamond Lake Rd ontoSB Nicollet with cars parked inparking lane. Lee will look in to.Jerry: Buses having difficulty on2Av N between 5th and 6th Sts.Lee: Continue to check detours.Dennis E: Regarding rough streetsin St. Paul. Four complaints in St.Paul were fixed after calling intoTCC.

MADDADS: John Suttles.Maddads has been riding Rt.5since June, primarily between thehours of 4p-8p. Now beginningsecond quarter of riding. 10months left on 14 month contract.Buses seem to be calmer withMaddads onboard. Maddads arelooking to expand to Routes 16 &21. Customers bring their issuesonto the bus, the issues them-selves usually don't start on thebus. Measuring the success of theprogram is still being worked on.Maddads will come back toNovember TSSC meeting.

Questions/comments:Art: How many Dads ride pernight? John: 4 dads and Johnride, 2 up front and 2 in the rearof the bus. Dads wear greenshirts. David: Many positivecomments have been heard aboutprogram. John: Original hourswere determined so that workingpeople would see a difference,working people who wantedsomething to be done. Hours willbe changing, possibly to 8p-mid-night. David: If Maddads rideroute 21, will they then not rideroute 5 anymore? John: Detailsstill be worked on, efforts to con-tinue on route 5 would be made.Peter Bell and Peter McLaughlinwill be riding with Maddads on

Page 11fines for delays to buses. Otherproblems with 3200 series articsinclude steering and artic joints.

Dennis E: In regards to vents,sometimes vents are missing.Chuck: Continue to write buses upfor vent problems. Vents will beincluded in inspections if notalready.

Georgia: In regards to rattling onbuses - can restricted duty opsride buses and put tape on whatneeds to be tightened in bus.Sometimes to difficult to identifywhat is the problem when bus isstill. Rear doors also rattle.Chuck: Touch bars on rear doorssit in socket, the goal being tohave them not stick. Futureorders of buses will not havetouch bars on rear doors. Bus 815at MJR has new system installed.New system is Acoustic WaveSystem which uses sound wavesto activate door. Chicago andPhoenix transit systems currentlyuse system. Chuck: Door won'topen unless activated by operatorand the bus has to be going lessthan 3 mph.

Dennis Dodge: What about thefarebox rattle? MJR has two testbuses that have a gasket inside offarebox that has significant impacton softening rattle. Mary: Anywork on enunciators on newbuses? Chuck: Unsure if it is amandate or option in the new busspecs. Eventually enunciatorswill be added to the hybrid buses.Of the 76 new buses in 2007, 20will be hybrid with 15 assigned toFTH and 5 assigned to NIC. Ofthe the 56 new buses in 2008, 25will be hybrids with majorityassigned to NIC. These buses willbe assigned specific routes, start-ing with routes that use theNicollet Mall, routes 10, 11, 17and 18. Dennis E: What is cost of

enunciators? Chuck: All costsunknown. Some estimates are$1000 per bus, but that does notinclude support. Georgia: Thereis always the possibility of agrant. Chuck: New buses willstill have microphones.

Theresa: Regarding bus seat cush-ions - bus cushions don't stay inplace. Customers slide out ofseats when bus stops, seats fallout on turns, looks sloppy.Chuck: Metro Transit is request-ing extra seat clip from Americanseating. Once we get more clips,should help problem but we willbe committed to extra clip. New3200 series artics have seatssnapped in, it takes work to getthem out. Maintenance is current-ly working on seat replacementsfor 400 series, 500-520 series,3000 series buses, replacing hardseats with slightly thicker cushion.Dennis E: Regarding driver's seats- old driver's seats can't adjust seatbottoms low enough, need to beable to be lowered. 400 seriesbuses seem to be main problemwith bumpy seats that go up anddown. Chuck: Continue to writeproblems up, be specific on BOSlip.

Street Operations: HASTUS/Atisdetour interface now workingproperly. When ops check in,they should print a new paddle ifthere are new messages (detours)listed. City of Mpls is nowinstalling Hi-Frequency signs atbus stops along affected routes.Criteria for Hi-Frequency is serv-ice operates at least every 15 min-utes from 7a-6p Mon-Fri, and 9a-6p Sat. City of Mpls also mayfine 'Drink' bar for litter clean upat Hennepin/Warehouse LRTStation.

Questions/comments:Scott: MJR and East paddle print-

DSSC Minutes Continued

Page 12October 9. Theresa: Buses needno swearing/cussing placards.Jim: Marketing is already workingon a rules sheet/card, maybeMaddads and marketing can gettogether, Jim to check on. TSSCto work with Maddads on handout

Police Report: Officer Art Hart.MTPD reports 4 assaults on driv-ers - 3 in St. Paul and 1 in CoonRapids. Suspects in all caseswent to Jail. Locations of inci-dents were Rice/University,Spring Brook Dr, and another atEast Metro Garage. Please con-tinue to collect courtesy cards.Witnesses are very important toprosecution. Chief Jack Nelsonwill retire in October. DaveIndrehus will take over as interimChief. MTPD will be adding 2 to6 officers. MTPD now has 40 FTofficers, 70-100 PT officers. Acouple K-9s will be added, fundedby a federal grant.

Questions/commentsTheresa: Peer support memberscurrently get list of assaults sentto them. Jim will check on.Theresa: Nicollet mall operatorsare very tired of bikes and taxison the Nicollet mall. Art: MTPDwill stop them when they can.There is an officer that does extrastrong enforcement of bus laneswhen available. Theresa: Whatabout jay walkers, can anythingbe done? Art: Jay walkers are nota priority for the city of Mpls.There are not enough officers totake care of jay walking problem.Pedestrians have right of way.

Safety: Dennis Dodge.

Questions/comments:David: What is status of defibril-lators at garages? Dennis Dodge:Will check with Brenda/Mike.Scott: Is there a policy on takingand using CPR while on duty.

Can the company take actionagainst an operator who uses CPRon a passenger? Dennis Dodge:Doesn't believe that there wouldbe a problem, but will check in to.

Other: Minutes of future TSSCforums will be taken. New policyon wrapped buses will be testedduring 2007. New policy willinclude limiting wrapping ofbuses and trains to no more than50% per side. Policy also pro-hibits wrapping of street side win-dow next to door, and rear win-dows on bus. Train doors may bewrapped. Unlimited number ofbuses and trains may be wrappedas well.

TCC: Chad Loeffler, No TCCReport. No Questions orComments.

Maintenance: Chuck Wurzinger.Nicollet Maintenance recently dis -covered problem with fan parts,

there were incorrect parts for rightside fan. Maintenance to investi-gate. In regards to overhead ventproblems - Maint will be gettingcord to seal off unwanted air thatflows onto operators heads. Newvents have been installed onnewer buses.

Questions/comments: Van: Whatis the timeline of project?Chuck: Cording should be rela-tively quick once products arrive.Jerry: What about vent problemdown by feet? Driver's are stuff-ing schedules into vents to directairflow. Chuck: Problem could berelated to fan problem that wasnoted above. Chuck has notlooked into issue but will get itlooked at.

Van: Chuck Ahlberg visited MJRto test drive Artics. After openingfront floor panel they noticedopenings that can look down ontothe street. Panel is directlybehind farebox. Bus 3118 wasbus that was test driven. Aircould be coming thru causingissues as well. Chuck will inves-tigate.

Theresa: Two Questions - what isstatus on 4-way flasher beeping?Chuck: Maintenance has met withbus rep and they can attempt toput silicon wrap on to softennoise. Maint has not forgottenabout issue, still working on it aswell as other things. Other Maintissues are more priority and takingprecedent.

Theresa: Question #2 - Status ofsomething to protect driver'sknees from banging into fareboxesand steering wheel. Chuck:Maintenance still looking intoissue, but hasn't got to it yet.

Theresa: Driver's having difficulttime tying down large scooters.Sam: Metro Transit just found out

NovemberOthers in Attendance

Chad Loeffler TCC SupervisorOfficer AJ Olson, MTPDChuck Wurzinger, ActingManager of Maint AdminLee Bennett, Asst. Manager,Street OpsGeorgia Stinson, Asst DriectorBus Trans.Phil Walljasper - RiskManagementJohn Suttles, Heywood Operator,Maddads liaisonBrenda Himrich - Manager ofBus & Rail SafetyJeff Wostrel - East Metro GarageManagerBob Gibbons, Director of PublicRelationsSam Jacobs - Director of BusTransportationScott Tollin - ATUVJ Smith - MADDADS represen-tative

DSSC Minutes Continued

Page 13that Federal Requirements say thatscooters do not have to be tieddown. Jeff: Recent dialogue isn'tnecessarily tying down scooters,but rather how can we make surescooter doesn't tip over? Tiedowns won't stop top heavy scoot-ers to tip over. Georgia:Experience at State Fair - requestswere made to those in scooters toget out and sit in a seat. Initialobservations are favorable.

Safety: Brenda Himrich: Scootersfalling down is a national prob-lem. Safety went to MetroMobility to investigate betterways. Conclusions were incon-clusive, Metro Mobility havingproblems as well with what to do.Easter Seal Project Mobility isconducting a Nationwide study ofMobility devices on public trans-portation (buses).

Mark and Tether program lookspromising. Nothing is done to thebus, wheelchairs and scooters ofpassengers are modified to makeit easier to secure them on thebus. New voluntary standard(WC-19) developed by ANSI - Tobetter secure chairs and survive inaccidents. We are updating thehow to ride information on theweb site. .

When reviewing customer com-plaints with the new Yield signson buses, customer complaintshave gone up for buses pullingaway from bus stops. Reductionsin complaints about cell phoneuse, red light running.

Preventing passenger fall handoutis being finalized, will be pocketsize and on hard copy stock. Tipswill be given out to driver's only.Tips have already been placed inTAKEOUT. Safety and purchas-ing still working on bid for defib-rillators, hopefully bids will go

out next week.

Questions/comments: David: Howoften do we have scooters tippingover. Brenda: Happens more thanyou think. Phil: Metro Transitwould most likely still be heldaccountable due to no fault clause.Van: What is operator's liability incase of scooter falling over?Brenda: Safety investigates everyscooter accident. Responsibilitywill be determined by what wenton, what was asked, etc. Georgia:If customer wants to be securethen Transit has to secure them.

Dennis: What is the mandatorytie-downs? Sam: 3 tie-downs nec-essary, lap belt not necessary ifcustomer doesn't want it. Dennis:Can more outreach be done toagencies. Brenda: Safety willcontinue to attempt to educate.Phil: First amount of money willbe paid regardless due to no-faultinsurance laws. Once largeramounts are sought, Risk willattempt to question who is liable.Brenda: Metro Mobility will denypassengers rides if the wheelchairis defective.

How can we know ifwheelchair/scooter is defective?Mary: What on customers sayingabout bus operators pulling awayfrom stops? Brenda: Unknown,complaints are categorized. Van:In regards to tips on preventingpassengers falls - shouldn't sched-uling be involved if operatorsneed to take more time for passen-gers. Brenda: Scheduling issuesare being taken up on anothervenue.

Street Operations: Snow Stormupdate - why must we driveartics? We need them to makepull out. New idea is to pullartics off routes that are known tohave problems with artics and

replace them with 40 footers.Artics will then be placed on otherroutes that usually use 40 footers.

Questions/comments: Theresa:Considering we lose a significantamount of service on snow stormdays regardless, why not keepsome operators at the garage andnot make pull out to conserveresources. Jeff: Training of busoperators is concern when begin-ning to re-deployment of 40 ft andartic buses. Dispatchers mayhave difficulty with re-deploy-ment with lack of training foroperators. Before procedure ismade up, garages should haveidea of percentages of operatorswho can drive an artic. Georgia:Customers who are regulars willshow up instead of driving, regu-lar customers realize that they willbe late. Seats will be full andmany standees. Theresa: Transitstations need to be salt and sandedquickly to assist. Dennis: InMarch '06, no advanced plowing,sanding that hurt as well type ofsnow.

David: Are there specific placeswhere buses get stuck. Jim: Noknown report for locations. Van:MJR is a main artic garage, withextra 40 ft buses (reserve fleet).Company costs go up by going toget stuck buses, when maybe costsavings can be done by activatingthe reserve fleet.

Brenda: Too difficult to tell whichwarnings are going to be real badand which will fizzle. Jim/Sam:Approximately 4000 maintenancehours are used to get the reservefleet up and running for the StateFair, and similar hours would beneeded to get reserve fleet run-ning.

Theresa: Nic driver's having diffi-cultly on Saturdays at Uptown

DSSC Minutes Continued

Page 14Station. Private vehicles areparked in the lot adjacent to theUptown Station with theirbumpers hanging over curb intodrive lane for buses. Also vehi-cles are traveling EB thru UptownStation because it is difficult tosee Do Not Enter signs with busesparked there. Dennis: Operatorsconcerned about taxi use in buslanes. Lee: Taxi's have bus laneprivileges. Jim: Call TCC if taxi'sparking in bus stops. Van: Rt.764has bus stops to close together.Lee to investigate

Risk Management: PhilWalljasper: March 13, 2006 wasindeed a special day, over 100claims for the one day. Fixedobject collisions - 7th St/Nicolletnow in top spot for claims,Heywood garage now in secondplace. Risk attempting to runreport showing problem areas.There are no significant factors.Minnesota no fault insurance poli-cy makes it difficult to determinewhere problems exist. Routes 5,21, 16 are numbers 1-3 respec-tively, in amount claims for thisyear.

Questions/Comments: Brenda:Mike Conlon has investigated cor-relation between late buses and anincrease in accidents. Jeff: Lateservice committee has been work-ing on fixing late routes. Scott:Are drivers that use all of recov-ery time being taken into accountwith investigation. Jeff:SmartCom data is trying to findportions of route where there areproblems. Reports also take lackof recovery time into account.Brenda: Would be interested tocompare earlier in the year com-pared to now to see if there is adifference. Van: Has managementlooked at structural changes tofacilities where there are high

number of collisions with fixedobjects. Sam: If a structuralimpediment is found to be a prob-lem, then action would be taken.No structural problems have beenfound. Theresa: Any thoughtsabout putting signs are rear of bussaying "Do not make right turn infront of Bus", similar to the Yieldsigns currently on buses. Phil:New cameras currently on buseswill assist in defending claims.

Police: Officer AJ Olson: Bombthreat on LRT this week. Trainwas stopped at Franklin, evacuat-ed and searched with dogs - noth-ing found. Southbound trainstopped as well as a precaution.Arrest was made a couple hoursearlier after reviewing videosurveliance from platform andtrain. One operator assault thispast month, Nicollet/38th St, oper-ator assaulted by fare evader.Suspect found and charged.Police would like to remind oper-ators to ask for fare once and onlyonce. Safe zone participation cutback to M-F only. Some num-bers for safe zone officers - 112felony arrest, 1049 misdemeanorarrests.

Questions/comments: David:Formal request to have help atHennepin/Warehouse on theweekends. AJ: Officers continueto assist with problems atWarehouse, especially the nightofficers. David: What is situationwith robberies near LRT plat-forms? AJ: MTPD to do extrapatrols in areas. Jerry: What isMPD policy to drop people off atbus stops and have them ride thebus. AJ: It is not the MPD policyto drop people at bus stops whoare DK. They should be going todetox.

MADDADS: John Suttles: VJSmith, president of local MAD-

DADS present. Route 5 calls toTCC have gone down. Numbersfor months are as follows: June63, July 58, August 47, Sept 58,Oct 43. Maddads not recognizedby all operators, stronger effortwill be made to let operatorsknown who they are and whatthey are doing. Maddads adopteda shelter at BCTC. Maddads dooutreach while on buses toencourage to people to changetheir lives and get where theywant, helping people with theirproblems that they bring onto thebus. Maddads give out referralswhile on the bus. Denver andKentucky have called inquiringabout the program. Program alsoassists police with as many prob-lems that can be taken care ofwithout police intervention.

Questions/comments: Jim: Placardstill in development for buses.John and VJ to attend next forum.

Other: Mary - Wrap update - Allnew wraps for 2007 will be limit-ed to no more than 50% of win-dows on any one side of a bus.Estimates are that 50% of wraprevenues will be lost without fullwraps. Window directly next tofront door will remain clearalways. Contracts already inplace for 2007 will continue to becomplete wraps.

Respectfully submitted,Chad Loeffler, RecordingSecretary

DSSC Minutes Continued

ScholarshipsInformation for the Union Plusscholarship and the Internationalscholarships are on the educationpage of the ATU 1005.com

Five scholarships will be awardedfrom the International, post-marked no later\than 1/31/2007.

Page 15

Job TipsTheresa Collins

1. We all need work bags, so get a pilots bag that is on wheels and has a pull-up handle. This will help yourback when walking through the bays and to and from relief points.

2. Always write up bad order buses, we have a great maintenence department who will make repairs, and do agood job of pre-tripping your bus and this will cut down on senseless service calls.

3. If I have a situation on my bus, and feel I may get a customer service call I will get a courtesy card from apassenger who will back up my story. I put the date, bus #, route, direction and time on the card and keep it inmy work bage. If I happen to get a complaint I have protection.

4. When passengers are cussing or swearing, I will say loudly and clearly " Out of consideration for the rest ofthe passengers please watch your language" usually this will work, however, call control for backup.

In a recent interview with Mark Crooks from Customer Relations, I was surprised to find that in the first threequarters of 2006, customer relations was contacted 47,087 times with complaints. Out of the more than 47,000complaints, 75% were handled by customer service. 11,632 or 25% are sent to the ATM'S or other divisions.51% of the original 47,087 calls were verified through the smartcom radio system as unfounded.

There are five categories forCustomer Service:

1) General Bus Operations 703 passengers passed up at busstops, 488 buses late,156 busesearly.

Some suggestions to avoid thesecomplaints would be, to leaveyour terminal on time, never atime check early, double check abus stop as you approach it, checkdetours and carefully read yourpaddleboard to ensure the correctroute.

2.) Operator Behavior668 complaints for rudeness, 189operator not helpful.

Some suggestions to help avoidthese complaints would be: showwillingness to help, treat everyonefairly, smile, be patient.

3.) Safety243 complaints were from passen-gers who called in to say the driv-er left stop before they were seat-ed. 226 complaints are from other

motorists calling in about unsafemerges/lane changes.

Some suggestions to help avoidthese complaints would be: waituntil passengers are behind theyellow line, say " please hold on Iam leaving", make smooth &steady stopping and acceleratingalways signal in and out of busstops, check your mirrors maneuver your bus carefully intoother lanes.

4.) Mainline excessible Service(EEO-Diversity) complaints224 complaints for insensitivity tothe disabled.

Some suggestions to help avoidthese complaints would be:remember that all customers thatrequire the use of the lift arehuman beings, wait until the dis-abled and elderly are seatedbefore leaving the stop, call yourstreets loud and clear for the visu-ally impaired, be patient, under-standing, show a willingness to

help.

5.) Fare Problems(this is when customers call inabout any fare issues)

Explain nicely what the customerneeds to do with misread cards use your best judgement whenencountering expired transfers(what's a few minutes?), ask forthe fare one time. (Its not worthan injury over $2.00)

Drive in a safe and consistentfashion. Customer service shouldonly come second to driving. Ittakes more effort to be mean thannice. We owe it to our customersto be safe, nice and helpful. Asmile goes along way. Greetevery single passenger that getson your bus. Our passengers areJOB SECURITY.

There were 896 commendationscalled in for operators in the firstthree quarters of 2006. LETSGET THOSE HIGHER FOR2007.

Customer ServiceTheresa Collins

Page 16reduce school property taxes, extend state-subsidized health insurance to children not now covered by insuranceand allow small businesses to buy employee insurance coverage through the same state program.

The DFL defeated an incumbent Republican state auditor, incumbent Republican secretary of state and addedone more Democrat to its congressional delegation. DFLers regained control of the Minnesota House.(Democrats moved from trailing Republicans by two seats to leading them by 36 seats.) Senate Democrats nowhave a 21-seat majority, up from nine seats currently.

Both majorities fall short of the veto-proof margins Democrats would need to be able to override a Pawlentyveto without Republican support. Minnesota House and Senate changes, as well as Republican congressionaldefeats, mostly resulted from voter dissatisfaction with President George W. Bush and the war in Iraq. Bushsaid the changes are a sign of democracy at work.

Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press

Election 2006 Continued

Automotive Service ExcellenceUntil the early 1970s, consumers had no way to distinguish between incompetent and competent

mechanics. In response to this need, the independent, non-profit National Institute for Automotive ServiceExcellence (ASE) was established in 1972. ASE's mission is to improve the quality of vehicle repair and servicethrough the testing and certification of repair and service professionals.

At present, about 420,000 professionals hold current certifications. They work in every segment of theautomotive service industry: car and truck dealerships, independent garages, fleets, service stations, franchises,and more.

Here's how ASE certification works: Prospective candidates register for and take one or more of ASE's40-plus exams. The tests are grouped into specialties for automobile, medium/heavy truck, truck equipment,school bus, and collision repair technicians as well as engine machinists, alternate fuels technicians, parts spe-cialists, auto service consultants, and collision damage estimators. Upon passing at least one exam and afterproviding proof of two years of relevant work experience, the test taker becomes ASE certified. Certification, however, is not for life. To remain certified, those with ASE credentials must be retested every fiveyears.

Paper/Pencil tests are conducted twice a year at over 750 locations around the country and are adminis -tered by ACT, known for its academic and occupational testing programs. In addition, selected tests are offeredin a computer-based testing (CBT) format at 200 sites for two five-week periods each year. The exams stressknowledge of job-related skills.

Motorists benefit from ASE certification. It is a valuable yardstick by which to measure the knowledgeand skills of individual technicians as well as the commitment to quality of the repair facility employing ASE-Certified professionals.

ASE, working with transit unions and transit properties around the country, have been developing certi-fication tests for transit mechanics. The tests completed thus far are Electrical, Engine, Advanced EngineDiagnostics, HVAC, and Brakes. These tests are similar to the tests now being used by Metro Transit.

The Amalgamated Transit Union working with other transit unions is in the process of developing train-ing programs for mechanics that using the same task lists that the certification tests were developed from. TheUnions goal is to have the best trained mechanics in an industry that is constantly introducing new technology tothe transit bus and to provide the safest most comfortable ride to the operators and riding public

Source: ASE Automotive Service, www.ASE.com

Page 17

Hijacking As you know, one of our drivers, Diane Rude #9204, a 14 year driver from East Metro, was hijacked on

Thursday, November 9th at 6:32 am. Anderson, a passenger who boarded the bus in Minneapolis, Diane noticedhim "acting very strangely". She told police she believed people got off the bus during the ride to St. Paulbecause of Anderson's behavior. Police described Anderson as emotionally disturbed.

She was alone at Broadway and Kellogg with him aboard the bus. As she neared the end of the line,this passenger appeared over Diane with a scarf which he placed around her neck, strangling her. He orderedher to continue to drive, which she did. He forced her to go through red lights and he was singing and scream-ing, reciting verses from the bible, telling her she's the one, to find a quiet place, it is her time. "Take me some-where quiet so that I can sing to you and then kill you," the passenger told Rude.

During this time she was able to activate a silent alarm. The alarm allowed police to locate the bus by itsGlobal Positioning System. She also let the passenger know what streets she was at, which helped control Centertrack her by listening in. In order to try and keep him calm she tried to sing along with him and talked triviawith him. She was driving where he wanted.

She noticed the St. Paul Police behind her bus. She stopped the bus near a gas station and told the manthat she needed to use the restroom but he told her she wasn't going anywhere. This gave police enough time tosurround the bus with weapons drawn and apprehend the suspect.

Diane feels this situation needs to be addressed for several reasons: One: She feels that when driversbring customers to the end of the line, we are putting ourselves into a safety risk. Two: We cannot see directlybehind the driver's seat, where this individual was sitting. She would like all operators who feel the same way,to contact their Safety and Security Representatives for this to be addressed at the next meeting. If they areunable to do this, send copies of their incident reports that have been filed concerning any "end of the lineissues".

Diane was very terrified, angry, alone, scared, nervous and still feels afraid. She does not want anyother driver to go through this type of situation - EVER! This is why she wants to change the policy for opera-tors bringing passengers to the end of the line. Please contact your Safety and Security Representatives or DianeRude or Theresa Collins, #1378, to get the ball rolling.

She has contacted Peer Support to help her get through this ordeal and wanted all her fellow bus driverfriends to know she is trying to get this through. She is grateful for all of your support.

RADThe Rape Aggression Defense System

One out of every eight women, at least 12.1 million have been victims of forcible rape. It is estimat-ed that 1.3 women are raped every minute in the United States.

Diane urges all female Operators need to attend RAD. The Rape Defense System is a programof realistic self-defense techniques for women. The course begins with awareness, prevention, riskreduction and risk avoidance, while focusing on the basics of hands-on defense training.

You do not need any prior experience to attend these classes or be in top physical shape to par-ticipate. You can check the program locator on the web site to locate a program in your area the aver-age cost for the basic physical defense program for women is about $25 some instructors offer this pro-gram as a community service through the local police department. Many colleges and universitiesoffer RAD program as a credit course.

Over 250,000 women have attended RAD basic physical defense program. The basic physicaldefense program is a minimum of nine hours and can be up to a semester long from those instructorswho teach for college credit. Men who wish to become RAD instructors must have a law enforcementbackground or be willing to submit to a background investigation.For more information go to: www.rad-systems.com

RetirementsCongratulations to

Employees who Retired in SeptemberSnow,Glenn A, FT. Op. #2680, East Metro Gar.

Langhoff,James N, Mech. #3305, Ruter Gar.Newquist,Jerome E, FT. Op. #9214, Hey Gar.Douglas,Roxinne E, FT. Op. #973, Nic. Gar.

Ybarra,Paul A, FT. Op. #1211, Hey Gar.There were no Employees who Retired in October

Congratulations to employees celebratingAnniversariesDecember

5 YEARS12/17/2001, Bergevin, Scott A, Schedule DisplayCoordinator, #371612/17/2001, Patrin, Thomas D, Mech., #561812/17/2001, Ray, Daniel G, Mech., #561912/8/2001, Peterson, David A, Bus Op. FT, #245412/8/2001, Tsering, Karma, Bus Op. FT, #245712/8/2001, Vang, Yer, , Bus Op. FT, #245512/3/2001, Adams, Mitchell, Bus Op. PT. Day, #244912/3/2001, Foster, Harold A, Bus Op. PT. Day, #245012/3/2001, Key, Henry, Money Counter, #244312/3/2001, Ngo, Tony H, Bus Op. FT, #244412/3/2001, Young, Tanya A, Bus Op. PT. Day, #1046

10 YEARS 12/16/1996, Timmins, Richard A, TIC. Rep, #349112/14/1996, Muhammad, Demetre, Bus Op. FT.,#8641

15 YEARS12/2/1991, Blake, Dennis D, Bus Op. FT., #919612/2/1991, Hayes, Daniel T, Bus Op. FT., #9194

20 YEARS12/8/1986, Gilbertson, Judy A, Bus Op. FT., #72612/8/1986, Quist, Lawrence R, Bus Op. PT. Day,#70612/8/1986, Starr, Wanda Y, Bus Op. FT., #708

30 YEARS12/20/1976, Vanhofwegen, James C, Bus Op. FT.,#934

35 YEARS12/2/1971, Shand, Daniel J, Bus Op. FT., #242

January5 YEARS1/7/2002, Seaberg,Scott A, Bus Op. FT, #24611/7/2002, Brown,Linda K, Bus Op. FT, #2459

1/7/2002, Helgesen,Donald G, Bus Op. FT, #24581/12/2002, Larson,Ron L, Bus Op. FT, #24661/12/2002, Bruce,Richard D, Bus Op. FT, #24671/12/2002, Baumann,Lance, Bus Op. FT, #24651/22/2002, Irving,Mary E, Credit/Coll.Analysis1/28/2002, Hacker,Tina K, Con. Fare Rep, #24821/28/2002, Dahl,Phyllis M, Bus Op. FT, #24691/28/2002, Kelley,Paul N, Bus Op. FT, #2474 1/28/2002, Caouette,Paul L, Bus Op. PT , #24801/28/2002, Yang,Neng L, Bus Op. FT, #24811/28/2002, Hennes-Staples,Maria, Bus Op. PT, #24791/28/2002, Wallace,Kermit A, Bus Op. FT, #24711/28/2002, Brain,John S, Bus Op. PT , #24721/28/2002, Lambus,Jeffrey, Bus Op. FT, #24771/28/2002, Vernon,Gerald E, Bus Op. FT, #24761/28/2002, Jhamgarian,Frieda M, Janitor, #37191/28/2002, Robbins,Erick W, Bus Op. FT, #24681/28/2002, Bolden,Clifton, Bus Op. FT, #2473

10 YEARS 1/18/1997, Glynn,Robert H, Bus Op. FT, #97021/27/1997, Feldkamp,Daniel M, Bus Op. FT, #97031/27/1997, Rennock,Vanetta M, Vault Puller, #9704

15 YEARS1/4/1992, Dolney,Terrance M, Gen. Disp., #92021/4/1992, Leko,Stephen J, Bus Op. FT, #92011/6/1992, Kramer,Steven D, Bus Op. FT, #92061/6/1992, Rude,Diane L, Bus Op. FT, #92041/13/1992, Smith,Aaron L, Bus Op. FT, #92101/13/1992, Juettner,James G, Gen. Disp., #92131/28/1992, Rahaman,Abdul M, Sen. Mech., #92241/28/1992, Williams,Ronald, Bus Op. FT, #92191/28/1992, Ammend,Mark M, Train Op., #9217

20 YEARS1/26/1987, Findorff,Ross A, Bus Op. FT, #3901/26/1987, Haugen,Keith D, Bus Op. FT, #734

30 YEARS1/24/1977, McClurg,Roxanne L, Bus Op. FT, 31

35 YEARS1/17/1972, Kochsiek,Ronald V, Bus Op. FT, #27381/24/1972, Zimanski,Kenneth B, Bus Op. FT, #27411/27/1972, Stevens,Ian, Ld Money Cnter, #31471/31/1972, Turnblom,Richard G, Bus Op. FT, #2512

A Special Appology for missing 30 year employee3/26/1976, Bob Benson, #2538 So. Gar. Coordinator

For retirement parties and deaths ofmembers, please look on theATU1005.com website.

Page 18

Nicollet Garage

Sale

$1660.95 was raised for the support of the“Nicollet Club”

Submissions for Letters to the Editor are subject to approval of the EditorialBoard and space considerations. Letters to the Editor are solely the opinion ofthe author and do not represent endorsement by ATU Local 1005 or the EducationCommittee. If you have an editorial to submit, please contact a committee mem-ber or our advisor Scott Tollin at: stollin@atu1005.com No Letters were submitted

LettersTo TheEditor

Answer To CRYPTO:ON CHRISTMAS EVE THE BUS OPERATOR WORE FULLBODY ARMOR AND REFUSED TO CALL THE STREETS.HE WAS THE SILENT KNIGHT!

Page 19

Stores Dept. TakesInventory Recently

John Christensen, Wayne Eastman,Mary Jorgenson and Bruce Biddickcounted stock at Nicollet facility.

If you have events/pictures send toScott Tollin at the Union office.

Nicollet Auction Nicollet's resident Artisan, Dusty#939, has created a Floor Lamp &

End table for this year's Raffle (andalso some of his handcrafted pens)!!!Don't miss out on this opportunity!!!

Tickets-$1.00, 6 tickets for $5.00For tickets: contact Joel Terrell

(x5148), Theresa #1378, Louie-dis-patch (x5144) or any Nicollet

Manager

Drawing will be held 12/22/06

Happy HolidaysLocal ATU 1005

The Twinkle Bus Says it all this Holiday Season!!The twinkle bus was put together by the tremendous efforts of Greg Vaughn, Terry Hinchcliffe,

Howard Melco and Joe Gilles from OHB.