Back In Action – and More…3 min. read

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On behalf of the Silicon Valley Transit Users, I want to thank our fallen members of our Armed Forces on Memorial Day. Without your sacrifice, none of us would be able to enjoy the freedoms in our republic we enjoy right now.

Let’s also thank Andrew Boone, Monica Mallon, and Judy Purrington for helping to keep the group running behind the scenes  They haven’t had time to formally help update the web site; hence why you have not seen any updates on here from them.

Personal issues I described previously resolved (for now), I want to address some Silicon Valley and other public transit issues. Read more below.

Infection Scares On Buses and Trains

By now, you’ve read about how someone infected with measles may have exposed other riders aboard Caltrain and San Francisco’s MUNI.  Around that same time period in April, you’ve heard about how VTA had to remove 12 buses from service after four bus drivers were infected with scabies.  According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the buses infected ran on the 22, 55, 88, and 522 Rapid lines.  The infected buses were all based at VTA’s North Yard in Mountain View.

While VTA gave their statement on the issue, here’s what ATU Local 265, the labor union who represents VTA’s bus drivers and other “front line” personnel, had to say over Twitter:

Here’s the quote from John Courtney, spokesman for ATU Local 265, courtesy of KRON 4 News:

VTA was made aware that a driver was infected with Scabies over a week ago and instead of taking a proactive approach to protect VTA riders and drivers VTA management dropped the ball.  The Union has been warning VTA that the absence of good policies to handle situations such as this one will haunt them some day.

Speaking from my own experience, these infection incidents are all symptoms of our nation’s health care crisis.  Particularly in Silicon Valley, people must now choose between seeing their doctor and paying for necessities like food, clothing, and shelter.

Here’s a tip I have to help prevent such infections from affecting other people.  If you are feeling sick in any way, STAY HOME if at all possible.  It’s not worth risking your health, and the health of other people, just to go outside.  If you must go out, make sure it is only to your doctor or urgent care clinic where you can be checked.  Have a friend or relative take you to the doctor or clinic.  Can’t afford a doctor or clinic for a check-up? Here are some tips to help you afford your doctor or clinic. Also, talk to your doctor or clinic about payment plans and information on other insurance you may qualify for.

Previews Of Future Articles

Here’s a preview of an article that is being worked on, for the June 6 VTA Board Of Directors’ meeting (Adobe PDF document):

and…

Given this, what are YOU are willing to do and learn to help add and restore VTA bus service in Santa Clara County?  Please comment below.

Eugene Bradley
Founder, Silicon Valley Transit Users

P.S. a new version of the Calendar is being tested for your use and information purposes.