Bus Stop
- Wade
I've been a regular bus-rider since the summer of 2001-- far from a grizzled veteran, but long enough to take it for granted. Reality struck today, when Metro Transit drivers walked off the job to protest the state's latest contract offer.
I don't blame the drivers. The last proposal (basically) doubled healthcare costs, promised a 1% raise over two years, and took away several retirement benefits. The governor says that there is no more money to offer. Which is probably true-- after all of the benefits to Minnesota corporations have been doled out, the coffers are truly empty. I'm nervous about tonight's measurable snowfall; is there any money left to pay for plowing?
Tim Pawlenty's mismanagement is apparent. His "we tried everything we could" line is disingenuous, since the state was unwilling to budge on their last offer even when the drivers wanted to negotiate. MTCO and Pawlenty want only one thing: complete concession from the bus drivers on all points.
This should surprise no one. Let's be honest, the folks who ride buses aren't the same people who voted Pawlenty into the governor's mansion in 2002. However, by forcing commuters off of the bus and onto 35W, the Pawlenty people won't be able to drive their Tahoes and Excursions as fast on their way into work.
They're not the real losers here. Neither are people like me, who (grudgingly) drive. No, the real losers are people who depended on the bus as their sole source of transportation to their jobs. If I live in north Minneapolis with no car and my only source of income is a minimum wage job at the Mall of America, what do I do? Call in sick and hope the strike is settled soon? Buy a car I can't afford?
It's a shame the Met Council and Governor Pawlenty don't see these people... as they speed past in their SUVs.
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