A Candid Chat With Jason on the 54

Reprinted from the Oregonion commentary section by Steve Dunn

Because I bused to work on Wednesday, relieving me of the ice snow storm angst, I was reminded of how essential TriMet is in the worst of times.  So I kept riding, looking for a guy who was willing to talk about the drivers who never get a snow day.

I wasn't expecting total, unapologetic candor. I wasn't expecting "I really enjoy my job. My only issue is with management.  Our management in the garage are complete and utter morons."

I wasn't expecting: "People have a real issue being behind a bus.  They'll do just about anything to get in front of the bus, and even if that means turning right in front of hyou and cutting you off.  For whatever stupid reason, it's against the law to run them over.  You weed a few of them out and you won't have to pay for it later.

I wasn't expecting Jason on the 54.

A former bouncer, born and raised in Hillsboro, Jason drives out of TriMet's Merlo garage.  I caught him inbound from the Beaverton transit center on a shift that began at 4:28am Wednesday and would keep him moving with overtime, until 7pm.

He wasn't complaining. "My job is extremely stressful," says Jason, who was cool with the quotes as long as I didn't use a last name.  "You're face to face with your customers.  You're dealing with people who don't know what they're doing behind the wheel of a car.  The stress level is amazing . . . but I wouldn't trade this for anything.   I don't have to swing a hammer.  I'm not mucking concrete.  I'm not strapped behind a desk.  I'm outside, sheltered from the weather, and the views are amazing."

Well, most of 'em, anyway.  His view on management?

"They've been behind a desk for far too long.  They don't get it. They can't understand the aggression we face. There are drivers, literally, who never check to see if passengers are paying.  Most are afraid to deal with the aggression.  Quite frankly, they're afraid of being assulted.  I don't blame them"

His view on fare jumping?

"It's happening more and more on MAX than on the bus.  On the bus, you have to face someone.  If I get a person who does it on a regular basis, I'll stop the bus, point that person out, and let everyone know we're not leaving until that person gets off or pays their fare. Usually, it doesn't take very long for the passenger to take care of the problem for me."

On fare inspectors?

"A figmentation of the imagination.  There are 500 busses on the road and four fare inspectors dedicated to busses.  I've seen them twice in four years."

On passenger expectations and his role in anger management:  "They have a high expectation level.  They expect you to be on time, no and's, if's or but's.  I'm the person they see.  I'm the complaint department.  I'm a sounding board for someone to vent on.

"Sometimes, people just want someone to yell at. You have to let things roll off your back. Maybe they just broke up with a girlfriend. They had a fight with their wife. More than likely, it's not about you."

And the snow? the ice? The freezing rain? The dark of night?  Cake Driving Jason said, is a lot easier on the days when the snow is coming down and Oregonians (like me) are running scared: My chains bust right through the snow and ice.  I don't have to worry about the schedule as much."

And the first time human contact ---- increases exponentially.  

"I greet everyone who gets on the bus, and nine times out of 10 you get no acknowledgement whatsoever" Jason said.  "On days like this there are a lot more thank-yous."