Chicagoist: CTA Testing Safety Shields for Bus Drivers

Von Erich

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 23:53:01 -0600

Bus drivers are the only controllers that are in the same open space as the passengers. $800 per bus...that's about the cheapest expenditure I've seen for the CTA. And the cost to potential savings ratio is something no one can argue with. But: "Some beefy drivers also say the shields make the operator quarters too tight." Lose some fargin weight. "Beefy" in this context is not only an insult to the word "beefy", but an insult to the drivers that are in fact beefy, and not fat. I've seen some drivers that could carry the load on their shoulders while I've seen others us the wheel to scratch their stomachs. You're being accommodated with something that will save your life. Do you complain that there aren't enough glass shards in your doughnuts? And another thing, 60 passengers sitting and standing without restraints and a driver is worried about being pinned? Come on. That's like a sky diver complaining their parachute slows them down too much. Unions are for the birds. The reps will always find something to complain about. Grievances are their best friends.

welsey

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 22:56:21 -0600

Drivers on the buses in London are encased in their own little compartment. I think it makes sense, although it does kind of end the solidarity with the driver that I've always enjoyed as a sort of security blanket on the bus. With the option to lock themselves in a drivers-only panic room, I'm left to face the owl-run sexual harassment and volume-non-regulating probably crazy bus riders on my own. Although, I suppose I could always ask to sit on the drivers' lap in event of hostile takeover.

cmaceachen

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:24:45 -0600

These are on all the S State St buses. Most drivers don't use them. I probably wouldn't either, but you might as well give them the choice.