• Reasons behind empty buses • Homeless just hoping for the basics, respect Reasons behind empty buses In response to the letter in The Garden Island, May 30, about empty buses: I am a retired worker for the New York City Subway.
• Reasons behind empty buses • Homeless just hoping for the basics, respect
Reasons behind empty buses
In response to the letter in The Garden Island, May 30, about empty buses:
I am a retired worker for the New York City Subway. I worked for the department of Car Equipment Emergency Response. I worked in the field (Subway stations) and in my later years as a supervisor in the Command Center that was once located at 370 Jay Street Boro Hall Brooklyn. If you have seen the older movie version with Robert Shaw, Walter Mathau and Jerry Stiller, “The Taking of the Pelham 123,” that is where I worked.
Public transportation is pretty straight forward in its operation wherever you go in this country or abroad. When a train operator finishes his tour of duty he may be ending it at the other end of the line from his point of origin or at a point where there is no terminal or maintenance facility, where other operators are located.
Due to overtime costs and public safety, an operator is not allowed to transport the riding public for more than the safety limit time alloted. The operator will “dead head” the train or bus, “run lite,” back to the terminal or maintenance facility where the train or bus will be serviced or picked up by another operator for continued service. All of this is just simple procedure for public safety and to avoid overtime costs.
Just to check my facts, I called my friend, a Kauai Bus operator, and repeated just what I have written. He concurred. Too many people just like to whine and complain, rather than check some straight forward facts of operation.
Chester Mazurowski, Kapaa
Homeless just hoping for the basics, respect
First I would like to thank Mr. Caldwell (TGI May 25) for his acknowledgement and services he mentioned for the homeless. Many need programs and medications to just get through the day. As for “sanctuary,” I’m not looking to sleep on property or expect accommodations. I even make sure the homeless do not intrude on their property. Yes, I agree there are many churches who have and do serve those in need.
I volunteer at St. Michael’s and Salvation Army to say “Thank You.” And I too take advantage of “Laundry Love” and am thankful. But as for the other services, it is difficult for many to reach out due to the lack of transportation. Or as me, I’ve been told, “You are an eye sore,” “Why are you here?” and “You must leave” even when there for Bible study.
I owe the others an apology for bringing this issue out of the back alleys, parks and beaches. They have thanked me but also been more abused. We are homeless but not helpless. Many have pride and self esteem but are quickly put down to which I am so sorry. We need to address and reach out to help.
Like me, many need a roof or many need medication. I preach from my “Recovery Bible” about drugs and drinking. A few take heed but many need more than just me.
Remember, Jesus was homeless but he served us.
Mark Segreti, Kapaa
