I am writing in defense of Sandi Day, the bus operator involved in an incident on April 24. (TriMet General Manager Fred) Hansen's comments and public reprimand of an employee ("TriMet GM faults bus driver in crash," News, June 10) demonstrate a lack of professionalism. In addition, his comments serve as coercion for internal investigators deciding on the operator's employment fate. (Based on Portland's small size, the comments probably serve to influence the police investigation, as well.)
Hansen, as general manager, should acknowledge the excellent customer service Day was providing when she made the requested night stop. In addition, he should understand the stresses under which operators work: serving mentally challenged or otherwise distracting customers; navigating roads filled with increasingly unobservant, selfish, and unskilled motorists; possessing responsibility for monitoring fare payment, stops and schedules.
In addition, Hansen should acknowledge that to make scheduled times, TriMet operators must, "push," speed limits and that most drivers -- probably even Fred Hansen -- make turns at more than 5 mph.
Hansen should take responsibility for the agency's deficiencies. If he, as I, have been disappointed with the overall aggressiveness and lack of defensive driving by an increasing number of TriMet operators in recent years, he should recognize that this is primarily a function of hiring practices. As general manager, he should display more professionalism.
MIKE DOANE Beaverton
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