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HEADWAY 2

Marvin Holen and Kenneth Hahn

rTABLEreCONTENTS

A Word from the General Manager 4Brenchley Steers to a 10th Place Finish . . . 4Employees Make Metrolink Debut Success. . . 5RTD to the Rescue 6RTD Asked to Test Fuel-Cell Technology. 7DBE's Pat Padilla Honored 8RTD Trains Braille Teachers 9Major Civic Organization Salutes District . . 9Workers' Comp Costs Top $90 Million . 10The Winner's Corner 10RTD Bus Timetables Get Facelift 11Lighterweight Bus is on Horizon 12A Haunted Headquarters Halloween 13Public Commendations 15Scheduling Changes 17Shifting Gears 18In Memoriam 18Quality Service Goes to Division 7 19Flag Flies at 9 19Back in Business 20Commendations 21Single Father Households 26By George 30How to Market RTD to Those Who Don't Ride . 31Recreation News 34

Neither the Headway nor the RTD endorses theproducts or verifies the accuracy ofthe claims madein the advertising, which has appeared, appears,and will appear on the pages of the Headway. Theadvertising is simply a revenue-generating mea-sure. Further, we reserve the right to reject anyobjectionable ad.

A Tribute to Kenneth Hahn

Outgoing Supervisor Kenneth Hahn, affection-ately referred to the father of public transportationin Los Angels County, was honored November 12 ata regular meeting of the RTD Board of Directors.

"You are in truth a humanitarian," MarvinHolen, RTD Board president told the graciousHahn in front of a packed house. "The only othertime this boardroom is filled is when there is athreatened fare hike."

Echoed Charles Storing, RTD Board vice-pres-ident: "Anyone who can hold the trust and confi-dence of the people for as long as you have is secondto none."

Hahn, who spearheaded the passage of Proposi-tion A, the half-cent sales tax that provided betterbus service, listened as RTD Director Evan Ander-son Braude praised his comMitment to the citizensof Los Angeles.

"I have grown up listening to how you and GlenAnderson (Braude's father) won the west. Your son,Jimmy, and I were in the city attorney's officetogether," said Braude. "I wanted to congratulateyou on your many years of public service. You area friend of all the people. I wish you a long and happyretirement."

Holen then presented Hahn with a proclama-tion from the RTD Board, as well as a farebox lastserviced in 1969. The farebox, incidentally, is typ-ically given to RTD executive staff members whenthey retire.

Said Hahn, "This is the best board I've everworked with."

"The workhorse of transportation are the bus-es," nodded Mas Fukai, Hahn's appointee, as ap-plause broke out in honor ofthe man responsible forit all.

HEADWAY 3

A Word from the General Manager

I am very proud toreport that thededication oftal-ented RTD em-

ployees once again hasput the District in thenational spotlight.

The South Coast AirQuality ManagementDistrict, recognizingRTD's leading role inthe research and devel-

opment ofalternative fuels, has informed our Main-tenance Department that it wishes to have theDistrict test one of three buses to be powered by aphosphoric acid fuel cell.

Fuel cells are yet another up-and-coming meth-od of powering buses and cars without the smog wenormally associate with gasoline and diesel. TheU.S. Department of Energy has researched fuelcells extensively in recent years. The cells havegained more attention as their efficiency has im-proved.

The demonstration project, co-sponsored by theDOE and AQMD, is scheduled to begin in 1994.RTD was chosen not only for its outstanding recordin the testing of other alternative fuels, but becauseit has an Emissions Testing Lab that will be ex-tremely useful in measuring emissions from fuel-cell buses.

Exactly what is a fuel cell? Instead of providingpower through combustion or a common batterychemical reaction, a fuel such as methanol or com-pressed natural gas is injected into the cell, wherea chemical reaction called "ionization" takes place.

Part of the ionization process is "dissociation,"which separates carbon from hydrogen. Hydrogenis then used with oxygen from the air to generateelectrical energy that propels the bus's electricmotor.

The fuel cell utilizes a more efficient reaction toproduce power and results in fewer, and less harm-ful, emissions. Because water vapor and carbondioxide are the only emissions, theAQMD considersfuel-cell vehicles zero-emission.

The clean-air implications of fuel cells are ofprime interest to RTD. One of our continuing goals

is to find ways to put clean-air buses into service tohelp lower smog levels. Fuel cells offer yet anotherway.

The 29-foot test bus will have 24 seats and willbe 96 inches wide. Many of our operators willrecognize that 96 inches was the width of buses weused in the 1940s, '50s, '60s and '70s. As with anyother budding technology, there will be kinks toiron out when we start testing the bus. I have nodoubt, however, that our alternative fuels team willproduce the same quality results they are achievingnow with methanol, compressed natural gas andparticulate traps.

The performance of all RTD employees during1992 continues to demonstrate that when it comesto creativity, talent, dedication and concern, we aresecond to none in the public transportation indus-try.

Man F. Pegg

Howard Brenchley Steersto a 10th Place Finish

Substituting for an ailing Daniel Keosababian,Operator Howard Brenchley out-maneuvered doz-ens of competitors from around the country tofinish 10th in the 17th Annual International BusOperators' Roadeo in San Diego. lt was the secondhighest place finsh ever for the District.

The Division 12 operator, who was notified onlydays before that he was to represent the District,tallied 608 points overall out of a possible 650.Brenchley, you many recall, placed second thissummer in the RTD Roadeo. He has captured theDistrict's title five previous times.

HEADWAY 4

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RTD Employees Help MakeMetrolink Debut a Roaring Success

W hen commuter raul came to Union Stationin Los Angeles in late October, the RTDwas ready with its buses to transportpassengers from the train station to theirjob sites downtown. And in the afternoon

the RTD was there, too, with buses operating on theirreg-ular routes from downtown to make timely connec-tions with the departing afternoon trains.

So, too, on a lesser scale in suburban stations --Glendale, Burbank, Van Nuys, Chatsworth and El Mon-te all had regular RTD service available to help patronsmake their commuter rail connections. .

Long days of planning, scheduling, and printing ofnew timetables were seen by RTD employees before theOct. 26 Metrolink opening of service. In all, 55 RTD lineswere designated to accept Metrolink fare media -- ticketsand passes -- beginning November 2 after a week of freerides on commuter rail's three routes.

Who were some of the players behind the scenes at

HEADWAY 5

RTD to the Rescue

Mike Brewer and Callier Beard

The woman who boardeci the last Metrolinktrain ofthe morning in Pomona looked scared whenshe disembarked at Union Station. Scheduling'sCallier Beard and Mike Brewer, who, with ScottPage, Rob Goldman and Martha Butler were guid-ing train patrons to RTD buses, noticed her first.

"She told us her husband had requested thatshe save him a seat aboard the train while he founda parking place," Beard said. "But he apparentlydidn't find one in time because the train left with-out him."

Beard says it was the last train of the morning.And to make matters worse, the woman thoughtthat Metrolink was offering free round trip ridesthe first week of operation.

"She thought she-could take the train back toPomona right after getting off," she said. "And hereshe was-- alone at Union Station, which was foreignto her, without her husband; and with no money."

Brewer says he and Beard gave her a ride to theEl Monte busway so that she could take the busback. They gave her a couple of dollars, which shewas reluctant to take.

"She seemed so embarrassed," they said.That afternoon, two huge, beautiful bouquets

of flowers arrived at the headquarters building.They were sent to Beard and Brewer. The card

read, "Thank you for taking care of my mom andputting her on the bus today."

Signed, Oscar Benitez.

. . • cont'd from page 5

RTD Headquarters?Long and sometimes

lively sessions of theMetrolink Task Forcewere conducted by Op-erations Planning Man-ager Jon Hillmer andSenior Planner CallierBeard. Planning Direc-tor Dana Woodburytook negotiations downto the wire and obtainedan agreement on termsof acceptance ofMetrolink fare media.Planners Scott Page andCarol Silver, along withSchedule Planners MikeBrewer, Art Henry andMadeline Van Leuvanwere called upon for spe-cific tasks in reroutingand extending RTD buslines to serve Union Sta-tion more closely, andto serve incompleteMetrolink stations atBurbank and Chat-sworth.

On deck atthetrack-side or upper bus termi-nal at Union Station onthat warm fall Mondaymorning for theMetrolink debut wereDirector of SchedulingSteve Parry, who rodein from Santa Clarita ina somewhat dubiousmood. Schedule Manag-er Frank Schroeder, aSunland resident anddaily bus rider, took theMetrolink in from Bur-bank and comparednotes with Parry afterarrival at Union Sta-tion. Hillmer, Page,Beard, and Brewer were

busy behind a tablegreeting arriving trainpassengers, providingthem with transit in-formation and assuring

some bewildered com-muters that yes, the 400series RTD express bus-es would take them todowntown work desti-

nations.City of Los Angeles

Department of Trans-portation had its Com-muter Express buses allover the upper passen-ger terminal, to the ex-tent that it was difficultto find RTD's buses inberths 9, 10, 11 and 12at the far northern endof the area despite signsRTD had posted. ByTuesday, Oct 27 and thefollowing day, theLADOT busestended tothin out a bit. They'rescheduled to disappearaltogether when theMetro Red Line subwayopens for service to thepublic.

Layout SupervisorSusan Chapman pro-duced an attractivemapand diagram of UnionStation that pointed outwhere passengers couldboard and alight fromRTD buses. PrintingServices Manager AlMoore and ProductionEstimator MichaelKennedy taxed theirmachinery in the base-ment Print Shop, andpushed employee shiftsinto extended hours toprint new timetables forthe more than 55 linesinvolved in whatamounted to a major"shakeup" of bus ser-vice.

As a result, timeta-bles were timely andavailable to the publicthat first week of com-muter raul service. Forthe first time, the cov-

Continuedonpage 28 . .

HEADWAY 6

Actor Eci Begley, Jr. (center) joins Rich Davis, director of equipmentmaintenance; Alan Pegg, general manager; and Vince Pellegrin,alternate fuels engineer in announcing RTD's selection as the firstpublic transit Operator to test an in-service bus poweredby a phosphoricfuel cell.

Pellegrin points to the three-dimensional model of the fuel cell. In thebackground are Begley, Davis and Pegg. Actor Begley has long beeninvolved with environmental issues.

RTD Asked to Test Fuel-Cell TechnologySelection is based on RTD's long record of success with alternative fuels

R TD's pioneering ef-forts in the researchand development ofalternative fuels intransitvehicles have

earned the District the opportu-nity to be among the first organi-zations in the nation to test ul-tra-low emission phosphoric acidfuel cells in buses.

The fuel-cell testing programis sponsored by the U.S. Depart-ment of Energy, and is co-spon-sored by the South Coast AirQuality Management District(AQMD).

In a letter, announcing theAQMD's intention to have RTDas a fuel-cell demonstrator, Dr.Alan C. Lloyd, chief scientist atthe AQMD, wrote: "Based onfirst-hand experience workingwith (the) . . . fine engineers onyour staff, we are very confidentthat they would do an excellentjob of testing and documenting

equipment to quantify fuel-cellemissions readings as best aspossible, Lloyd wrote.

The so-called "test bed bus"(TBB) equipped with a fuel cellthat RTD will test is set to arrivein early 1994. The 29-foot buswill have 24 seats and will be 96inches wide.

the bus's performance."In addition, RTD was chosen

because fuel cells are powered bymethanol, a fuel RTD alreadyhas successfully demonstrated.RTD's Emissions Testing Facili-ty also offers the expertise and

HEADWAY 7

Padilla (right) is joined at the awards luncheon by proud sister,Diana Freyre and mot her, Helen Juarez."We think she's wonderful,"Freyre told the others at the table.

DBE's Pat Padilla Honored

P at Padilla, managerof RTD's nationally-renowned disadvan-taged business enter-

prise program, was honored Oc-tober 16 by the Pasadena organi-zation, Women at Work.

Padilla, selected to representthe RTD from among its 8,900employees, was one of 18 womensaluted at the group's12th anniversary Med-al of Excellence lun-cheon of the PasadenaHilton Hotel. She waspraised by Women atWork's Gerda Steele,for her direction of theDBE program, whichserves to maximize par-ticipation of minorityand women-ownedbusinesses.

At the District, Pa-dilla supervises fourequal opportunity rep-resentatives in a questto shatter the glass ceil-ing and ensure thatwomen earn the re-spect in the workplacethat their hard work has merit-ed.

UnderPadilla's coordination,the RTD last fall launched a high-energy campaign to increase thenumber of minority-owned busi-nesses working for the District.When she joined the department,less than 14 percent of contractswere awarded to DBEs in federalcontracting opportunities out ofa total of nearly $17.2 million. Injust nine months, the programhas nearly tripled the amount ofmoney which has been awardedto small businesses, particularly

those run by women.The RTD, with her guidance,

simplified the disadvantaged cer-tification process and now pro-vides extensive certification, pre-bid and pre-award technical as-sistance. In addition, Ms. Padil-la, who used to be the District'semployment manager, conductsoutreach seminars and work-

shops and closely monitors con-tractors to guarantee that disad-vantaged business enterprisesreceive a fair share of RTD con-tracting opportunities.

Padilla received her bachelorof arts degree in 1981 from Cali-fornia State University, LongBeach. She served as director ofthe Hispanic Commission on Al-cohol and Drug Abuse and herefforts at establishing the firstbilingual recovery house in thestate of California earned heraccolades from both the city andcounty. She received three awards

Pat Padilla at the podium

from the county of Los Angelesand the mayor's office for thatcenter, which helps a tremen-dous clientele, in Highland Park.

Padillaand her hus-band, Fer-nando, live inthe AnaheimHills. Theyhave threedaughters.

Women atWork i s a non-profit careerand job re-source centerthat servesthe GreaterLos Angelesarea. lt offersspecial pro-grams to as-sist single par-ents and dis-

placed homemakers, shelter res-idents, women interested in non-traditional jobs, dislocated work-ers, and older workers.

HEADWAY 8

RTD Trains Braille Teachers on Blue Line

What' s it like for a visually-impaired person to ride the Blue Line?130 Braille Institute staffers -- some blindfolded or wearingrestrictedvision goggles found out during a special Los Angeles to Long Beachtrip. The excursion, coordinated by Sheryl Carrerow of Local Govern-ment and Community Affairs, sensitized staff to the obstacles BrailleInstitute students face when using the Blue Line. Carrerow providedemergency and safety information during the hour-long trip.

The Braille Institute is a private, non-profit organization thatprovides training, services and programs to more than 34,000 legallyblind and visually-impaired persons each year. The programs andservices are provided free of charge.

The District provided the training as part of its on-going effort tocomply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

"Sometimes people slip throughthe cracks because they're not inthe mainstream," says Carrerow."This exercise pro vided profes-sionals who work with the seeing-impaired the opportunity toeducate their students to beproficient, independent users ofpublic transportation."

Major Civic Orgainization Salutes Districtlutching abird of par-adise bloom, RichDavis, director ofequipment mahlte-

nance, accepted on behalf of RTDa major award from the civicorganization, Los Angeles Beau-tiful.

At its 35th award ceremonyheld in early October at the Sher-aton Grande Hotel in downtownLos Angeles, Los Angeles Beauti-ful praised outstanding organi-

° zations, like the RTD, which= strived to preserve beauty andenhance the quality of the urban

= environment.

Paul Como, director of OCPM, Rich Davis, director of equipmentmaintenance, Ed Walsh, director of facilities maintenance, and PhilMeyers, director of facilities engineering accept the L.A. Beautifulaward on behalf of the RTD.

HEADWAY 9

The Winner's Corner

Cholesterol-fighter Richard Cuevas, a Division 1 operator

Workers' Comp Costs Top $90 Million since 1990

RTD Board President Mar-vin Holen joined numerous localbusiness ownersWednesday, Oct.7 at a rally against escalatingworkers' compensation costs,sponsored by the Los AngelesEconomic Development Corpo-ration (EDC), a non-profit orga-nization.

EDC is made up of large andsmall local business firms andlocal government agencies thatinclude the City and County ofLos Angeles, the City of Glen-dale, Long Beach and others.

Holen said the RTD has beenhit to the tune of nearly $90

million in workers' compensa-tion costs over thelastthreeyears.

More than a third of the costof workers' compensation paidby the District since 1990 hasbeen for the administration ofthe state-mandated program andattorney fees.

"1f RTD could cut its totalcosts by onethird, we could placean additional 75 buses on thestreets during rush hour to easeovercrowding, not to mentionimproving both traffic conges-tion and air quality," added Ho-len.

Since 1990, the RTD cost of

workers' compensation has av-eraged $30 million a year. Overthe three-year period, RTD hasspent $17.3 million in adminis-trative costs, $14.6 million in law-yer and other related fees and$29.8 million in medical costs.

"These costs are exorbitant,when you realize that only a thirdof the RTD costs over the lastthree years, or $28 million, actu-ally went to injured employees,"said Holen.

Holen noted:

• RTD workers' compensationcosts are approximately 4.5percent of the District's$683.4 million annual bud-get.

• 12.6 percent of fares collect-ed goes to pay workers' com-pensation claims.

• Fourteen cents of every $1.10base cash fare is being spenton workers' compensation.

• $5.30 of every $42 regularmonthlypasses goes for work-ers' compensation.

Congratulations to Division1 Operator Richard Cuevas, wholowered his cholesterol to below200 in just three months. Thebus operator says his cholesterolwas so high, he was turned downfor instu-ance. He says he changedhis eating habits, substitutingfish and turkey for meat and

munching on "lots of fruit."Cuevas, who has worked at

the RTD 10 years, says he wasinspired by his father who is 68years old, but looks 50. "I stoppedeating junk food and drinkingbeer," he says. "I feel better andhave much more energy."

"RTD over the years hasworked to reduce workers' com-pensation costs and will contin-ue to improve our administrativeefforts," said Holen. "We at theDistrict view this as a non-parti-san issue and look to both thestate legislature and the gover-nor to develop a reform packagethat will be fair to both the em-ployee and employer."

HEADWAY 10

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RTD Bus Timetables Get Faceliftby Rick L. Jager,Senior Communications Rep.

LINE 128MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY SCHEDULE

NO SERVICE OPERATED ON SATURDAY. SUNDAY AND THE FOLLOWING HOLIDAYS: NEW YEAR'S DAYMEMORIAL DAT, INDEPENDENCE DAT, LABOR DAT, THANKSGIVING DAY AND CHRISTMAS DAY.

LINE 128MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY SCHnDULE

NO SERVICE OPERATED ON SATURDAY, SUNDAY AND THE FOLLOWING HOUDAYS: NEW YF-AFFS DAV,MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAV. THANKSGIVINO SATANS CHRISTMAS DAT.

EASTBOUND

Older Timetables New Timet ablesR TD has recentlycompleted upgrad-ing nearly all of theDistrict' s 240 time-

tables in an effort to make themeasier to use, improve their read-ability and overall appearance.

The District' s Schedulingand Operations Planning De-partment undertook this projectsome two years ago in an effortto make the bus timetables userfriendly and easier for the publicto understand.

The improvements includethe use of a larger, computer-ized laser-printed type and Page-Maker layouts instead of pastlayouts that were done manual-ly. The new timetables also in-clude a computer-generated mapcompared to the old maps thatwere prepared by hand.

This newest upgrade to theDistrict's timetables contrastswith the last production im-provements made in 1988 whenthe District began using a dot-

matrix computer font which hadto be manually laid out and wasoften difficult to read.

RTD has now computerized40 of the maps used either in thetimetables or as summary mapsused by operators, TOS personneland instructors. This enables theDistrict to make changes to thetimetable without having to man-ually lay-out the entire schedule.

In addition, RTD is experi-menting with a "New Format"timetable that simplifies theschedule by including new chartsthat give the service frequency inminutes and approximate traveltimes similar to those used on theBlue Line timetables.

So far, two timetables for Lines70 and 18 have the new format.These lines were chosen for thisparticular upgrade because theyoffer continuous end-to-end ser-vice.

These "New Format" chartswill enable the rider to estimatewhen the next bus will arrive and

the travel time to their destina-tion. RTD currently distributesapproximately 12 million time-tabl es annually.

HEADWAY 11

Lighterweight Bus is on Horizonby Anthony Greno,News Bureau Rep.

When it comes totechnology and innova-tion, RTD is an out-standing leader in thepublic transit industry.

Alternative fuelssuch as methanol andcompressed natural gasare used daily in reve-nue service on thestreets of Los Angeles,as are particulate trapson bus exhausts alongwith the additive Avo-cet to convert bus en-gines to methanol fromdiesel.

And RTD's chassisdynamometer at theCentral MaintenanceFacility can analyze sixtypes of gas emissionson two levels each.

Newest on the tech-nological horizon is the"dream bus," a lighter-weight, low-floor vehi-cle that has the poten-tial to revolutionize thebus industry in theUnited States. And, ifmanufactured in South-ern California, the Ad-vanced TechnologyTransit Bus--ATTBamong specialists--could provide a newsource ofindustrialjobs.

Assistant GeneralManager Arthur T. (Art)Leahy discussed theAdvanced TechnologyTransit Bus for federalofficials recently at

hearings held in LongBeach.

"Preliminary find-ings in the search for anew technology busshow the need for alighter-weight, non-die-sei powered, low-floortransit bus that could

be built byusing provenaerospace technolo-gies," Leahy told mem-bers of Defense Conver-sion Commission, a con-gressionally mandatedunit of the Defense De-partment.

The commission'spurpose is to review theeffects on the U. S. econ-omy of reduced defensespending. Members alsoare exploring ways thegovernment can helpworkers and companiesmake the transition to

the post-Cold War eraof scaled-back defenseproduction.

Leahy presented aprepared plan, whichalready has been sub-mitted to the FederalTransit Administration

Art Leahy

for funding to start theinitial phase ofresearchand development.

"Composites suchas carbon fiber materiallinked with aluminumunibody structures havebeen identified as possi-ble alternatives to re-duce weight," Leahysaid.

"The RTD is inter-ested in a low-floor busconfiguration becauseof its improved abilityto accommodate theneeds of the disabledpopulation, while elim-inating the relativelyhigh cost and low reli-ability associated withcurrent technologywheelchair lifts."

Leahy added thatthe International Com-posites Institute, a re-search body headquar-tered in Canada, hasconfirmed the techno-logical and economicfeasibility of a bus withadvanced compositematerials.

"Light erw eighttransit vehicles will sig-nificantly decrease fuelconsumption by in-creasing average milesper gallon," Leahy said."Hence, the develop-ment of a lightweightbus will provide the

Continued on page 29

RTD Gets Federal Grantfor Lightweight Bus

The RTD has announced that it will receive a $4million federal grant to develop an ultralight bususing materials similar to the kind used on theouter shell of the B-2 stealth bomber.

The funds will be coming from the FederalTran sportation Administration (FTA). The Dis-trict will kick in an additional $1 million for theresearch project to develop the bus, which wouldweigh about 10,000 pounds less than ordinarybuses.

Marvin Holen, RTD Board president, said fourprivate companies Hughes Aircraft Co., Lock-heed Corp., Northrop Corp, and Rockwell Interna-tional Corp. -- are expected to bid on the $5 millionproject.

Outgoing U.S. Senator John Seymour said:"The technologyto createlightweight busesis readilyavailable through California's aerospace industry,and projects like this will create thousands of jobsin California."

The $4 million federal grant covers the cost ofthe first of three phases. Federal involvement isexpected to increase to a total of $21.7 million. TheRTD will invest $798,000 of local Proposition Cfunds to help fund the first phase.

HEADWAY 12

Information Operators Becky Mooreand Marcia Standifer teamed up incostume for this picture. Moore (on theleft) dressed as Olive Oyl; Strandiferspent Hallo ween cts Minnie Mouse. Thetwo were part of the crew who decoratedthe room for a special lunch.

Rose Johnson answered thetelephone as apirate. Johnson, whohas worked for the RTD 18 years,said no one said anyt hing about herdress."What's so funny about this picture?," you ask. She looks

perfectly coiffed and groomed a sterling example of a superbtelephone information officer. Well, the only problem, is --meet George Marino, who had quite a time making his wayto work Halloween morning. "The people on the street keptcalling, 'Hey, baby,' the 3-year RTD man says. "You shouldhave seen the security guard. He just stared at me.""I look like my sister," he said, chuckling, "This is fun."

11-launteilIleaaquatierstialloween '32

Renee Balderrama did not down around with RTDcustomers calling in for information. If they onlyknew!

HEADWAY 13

eld%

Would you give these folks candy if they came to your door on Halloween? The suaveJohn Bilco, project engineer from Transit Systems Development is flankedby (fromright) Hope Powell, human resources analyst; Babara Olson, human resourcesanalyst; and JoAnn Smith, human resources analyst.

John Bilco from TSD must have the holidaysconfused this is not the season with mistletoe! Theengineer, who, incidently, hails from Transylvaniaand dressed up as Dracula every Halloween, ispictured trying to plant a kiss on Typist-ClerkJessica Acosta's cheek. Human Resources' CarmenSison and Linda Huffer look on.

Janet Wentz,position controlcoordinator, wasamong the winnersat the Halloweenbash.The RTD is always looking for the best applicant.

Would you will be willing to ask this man for a job?Actually, Al Rice, assistant director of humanresources, is anice guy. He ispictured with BarbaraOlson.

HEADWAY 14

OMMENDATIONS

Thanks for a Job Well Done!

Division 3201Ricardo SuarezHector Valdez

Division 3202Clarence JackAnthony Marquez

Division 3203Andrew KellamLarry Pollard

John BotteyAllison BurtonHeriberto BrandRosa MacklinRobert MaitinoJames NossUrsula PriceFrankie RamosUrsula PriceMike TurnerDonald Van DykeDavid Wilson

Division 3218Charles ConnerIgnatius ArellanoLawrence Le VineBryant RobinsonCeleste SearsCatherine SilvaSteve Woods

TOS Harry Bayless

•

Dear RTD:On September 21, in a hurry

to get to an appointment, I forgotmy checkbook and my day'sagen-da on a Line 92 bus operated byMr. Eddie Lopez.

lt was not until I was aboutthree blocks away that I realizedthat I was missing those items.

Of course I had to go throughthe hassle of calling the bank tofreeze the account, calling thepeople who give me my job as-signments to askthem about twoweeks of appointments. I had tomake another call to void a checkI just received that day.

Suddenly my life was verymiserable.

Today, I received a card fromRTD informing me that my be-longings were turned in and Ihad to pick them up. I went to theRTD Customer Service Centerand I was so surprised to receive

everythingjust as I had left them,including the $20 bill I had in mycheckbook.

The kindness and honesty ofOperator Lopez was greatly ap-preciated. Mr. Lopez sets the ex-ample of what we, the users ofRTD, would like to see in everyofficial service provider.

•Dear RTD:On Saturday, July 18, my

mother-in-law was reported miss-ing from her retirement home.She was found wandering thestreets around Vermont and 7that three in the morning on Sun-day.

I'd like to express our fami-ly's heartfelt thanks to the alertbus driver, Lucio del Cid, whonoticed her confused state andalerted RTD police. They, in turn,called LAPD, which had a miss-ing person's bulletin out on her.

I' d like the bus driver to knowI truly appreciate his concernand actions for a distressed eld-erly person. Who knows whatwould have happened to her ifhehad not called in?

He is a true good samaritan.Thanks and appreciation alsogoes out to the RTD police staff.

Sincerely,Wen dy HirotaWoodland Hills

(The two officers were lateridentified as Sean Richardsonand Richard Mana.)

Dear RTD:I have been riding your bus

lines for 46 years so I have seenmany different drivers. I wouldlike to say that your driver Ursu-

Continued on page 16 . . .

Division 3205Kenneth KempJames Mayle

Division 3206Andrew HarrisJohn Homan

Division 3207Pete Avila, Jr.Michael ChapelJames LawsonOrlando MedranoJose RegueroWilliam Vander-Ploeg

Division 3209William Altem eierLoren Hubler

Division 3210Paul ScottJim ShortersJuan VasquezKenny Willis

Division 3215

HEADWAY 15

Public Commendations. . . continued from page 15

la Price is a very kind person --she has a smile or good word foreveryone getting on. I was re-cently on a bus and all the peoplegetting on welcomed her with agood "Hello." lt proves she hasmany friends.

This is good news for you --hope you will let her know shehas made lots of friends on the180 line.

Sincerely yours,Kathleen GillP.S. I am 93 years old. I was

born in 1899.

Dear Operator Dan Garcia:On a recent morning as I ap-

pro ach ed the HeadquartersBuilding, I witnessed bus 8652pull over to the curb on MainStreet farside of Winston Avenueof about 6:41 a.m. The operatorwaited for a woman Who wasrunning frantically to catch thebus. As she boarded, she smiledfrom ear to ear in obvious appre-ciation. She was clearly gratefulbecause the operator was courte-ous enough to wait for her.

I am told that you were theoperator at the wheel of 8652.

This letter is to advise youthat I caught you doing some-thing right. "You are to be com-mended for your courteous andcaring customer service. I amdirecting your division managerto credit your record with a well-deserved commendation. I amproud of operators, such as your-self, who quietly carry out theirresponsibilities with courtesy,dignity, and pride.

Please keep up the fine work!Sincerely,Dan IbarraDirector of Transportation

•Dear RTD:On behalf of the community

and the American Red Cross, Iwould like to thank you for all ofyour hard work and enthusiasmin support of your most recentblood drive.

We were able to collect 41pints of lifesaving blood whichhas helped to save over 160 lives.That is significant and I hopeyoupersonally feel good about yourefforts. We couldn't have done itwithout you.

Thank you again for yoursupport of the American RedCross and specifically for your

Dear Chief Papa:Our small community of

Highland Park has been plaguedby vandals and shoplifters and,consequently, our merchants aresuffering and are suspicious ofeveryone.

However, a few days ago, Iwitnessed an arrest madebythreeyoung officers from the TransitPolice Department. They han-dled this arrest so efficiently --there was no shouting or brutal-ity, and in spite of being outnum-bered they remained calm andcourteous. Thank you to OfficerMichael Jules and the othertwo officers (I did not get theirnames). Congratulations on ajobwell done -- keep up the goodwork!

They are welcome in ourneighborhood anytime.

Sincerely,Jean-Marie DurandHonorary Mayor, Highland

Park

commitment to the communityblood collection process.

Sincerely,Loretta M. FreemanDonor Resource Development

Officers Tony Hackett (above)and Victor Cerda (below) areamong the outstanding TransitPolice officers who have receivedpraise from the public. Hackettruns the force's DARE unit; Cerdais the subpoena control officer.

ocal Mayor Thanks Transit Police

HEADWAY 16

CHEDULANGES

Angus, Aerwin A.,from Transit Police Of-ficer (Trn) to TransitPolice Officer.

Bedard, Jack, fromElectronic Communica-tions Technician toMaintenance Specialist.

Conn, Lawrence R.,from Assistant Manage-ment & Budget Analystto Management & Bud-get Analyst.

Davidson, Jacque-line, from Senior Sec-retary to Staff Aide.

Diaz, Roger, from La-borer "A" to Painter.

Escarcega, Albert,from Service Attendantto Electronic Commu-nications Technician.

Flesch, Timothy P.,from Mechanic "B" toMechanic "A".

George, Rickie D.,from Transit Police Of-ficer (Trn) to TransitPolice Officer.

Griego, ChristopherJ., from Transit Police

Officer (Trn) to TransitPolice Officer.

Hamilton, Gary W.,from Electronic Com-munications Techni-cian to Systems ElectroCommunications Tech-nician.

Johnson, Brent E.,from Transit Police Of-ficer (Trn) to TransitPolice Officer.

Keltner, Brian E.,from Transit Police Of-ficer (Trn) to TransitPolice Officer.

Kim, Pyung C., fromElectrician to TractionPower Inspector.

Ledesma, Luana L.,from Customer ServiceAgent I to Senior Cus-tomer Serv Agent II.

Lee, Deborah J., fromMechanic "B" to Me-chanic "A".

Lowe, Gladys Liz-zette, from AssistantManagement & BudgetAnalyst to Management& Budget Analyst.

Matias, Gisleno F.,from Mechanic "C" toMechanic "B".

Mendoza, Steven,from Transit Police Of-ficer (Trn) to TransitPolice Officer.

Moreno, Alberto,from Mechanic "C" toMechanic "B".

Nacar, Arnold G.,from Maintenance Spe-cialist to Rail Equip-ment Maintenance Su-pervisor.

Olavarria, Steven A.,from Transit Police Of-ficer (Trn) to TransitPolice Officer.

Padilla, GwendolynY., from Stock Clerk toStorekeeper.

Pine, Robert W., fromMechanic "A" to Me-chanic "A" Leader.

Reyna, Mary E., fromHuman Resources Ana-lyst to Assistant Coun-sel.

Royster, Jerry D.,from Transit Police Of-ficer (Trn) to TransitPolice Officer.

Sawires, Shaker M.,from Supervising Engi-neer to ConstructionClaims & SpecialProjects Officer to Act-ing Assistant GeneralManager, Facilities andProcurement.

Scearce, Timothy D.,from Transit Police Of-ficer (Trn) to TransitPolice Officer.

Serrato, Rodolfo C.,from Transit Police Of-ficer (Trn) to TransitPolice Officer.

Smith, Edward J.,from Maintenance Spe-cialist to Rail EquipMaintenance Supervi-sor.

Sumagaysay, PrimoM., from Traction Pow-er Inspector to Electri-cian.

Tillman, George K.,from Transit Police Of-ficer (Trn) to TransitPolice Officer.

Tovar, Enrique I.,from Mechanic "B" toMechanic "A".

Villalobos, Armando,from Mechanic "C" toMechanic "B".

Weissmann, Mark S.,from Transit Police In-vestigator to TransitPolice Sergeant.

Williams, Neal E.,from Mechanic "B" toMechanic "A".

Wilson, Lucy, fromCustomer Info Agent Ito CCTV Observer.

Zazueta,Robert, fromMechanic "C" to Me-chanic "B".

HEADWAY 17

eEFTINGARS

Armstrong, Fred D.,began with the Districton May 11, 1987 andretired as a General Ser-vices Supervisor on Sep-tember 10, 1992.

Browning, Joseph,began with the Districton May 31, 1966 andretired as a Utility "A"Leader on August 31,1992.

Campbell, Trevor R.,began with the Districton May 09, 1979 andretired as a Bus Opera-tor Full-Time on August24, 1992.

Diaz, Rogelio, beganwith the District onApril 14, 1972 and re-tired as a Mechanic "A"on September 17, 1992.

Dickison, Bill R., be-gan with the District onMarch 16, 1973 and re-tired as a Transit Oper-ations Supervisor onSeptember 21, 1992.

Gardner, Samuel, be-gan with the District onMay 29, 1971 and re-tired as a Transit Oper-ations Supervisor onSeptember 16, 1992.

Jackson, Dora M., be-gan with the District onSeptember 22, 1975 andretired as a Utility "B"on October 17, 1992.

Johnson, Tommie L.,began with the Districton September 06, 1969and retired as a BusOperator Full-Time onSeptember 09, 1992.

jones, Joshua A., be-gan with the District onSeptember 20, 1969 andretired as a Bus Opera-tor Full-Time on Sep-tember 30, 1992.

Martinez, Manuel P.,began with the Districton August 03, 1976 andretired as a Utility "A"on March 30, 1992.

Moore, Eddie, beganwith the District onDecember 08, 1960 andretired as a Utility "A"on September 21, 1992.

Moran, Michael A.,began with the Districton March 15, 1987 andretired as a Bus Opera-tor Full-Time on August20, 1992.

Smith, Bobbie J., be-gan with the District on

October 12, 1980 andretired as a Bus Opera-tor Full-Time on July02, 1992.

Tiffany, Rogers H.,began with the Districton September 16, 1969and retired as a Sched-ule Clerk on September30, 1992.

Ahumada, GilbertoP., began with the Dis-trict on May 20, 1990, asa Bus Operator FullTime and passed awayon September 11, 1992.

Fonner, James A., be-gan with the District onSeptember 23, 1946, re-tired as a ScheduleChecker and passedaway on January 07,1989.

Garcia, Alexander J.,began with the Districton January 21, 1972,retired as a Bus Opera-tor Full Time and passedawayonAug-ust 19, 1992.

Gauch, Fred J., beganwith the District on Oc-tober 28, 1961, retiredas a Bus Operator FullTime and passed awayon May 12, 1992.

Graham, Melzer L.,began with the Districton January 16, 1935,retired as a Electricianand passed away onMarch 27, 1990.

Villalon, Teresa I., be-gan with the District onJune 19, 1967 and re-tired as a EquipmentRecords Specialist onSeptember 15, 1992.

James, Arthur, beganwith the District onJanuary 02, 1980, as aService Attendant andpassed away on Sep-tember 16, 1992.

Kapitan, Michael, be-gan with the Districton August 24, 1924, re-tired as a SupervisorC.C.C. Office andpassed away on Sep-tember 28, 1992.

Moser, Howard D.,began with the Districton January 12, 1943,retired as a Bus Opera-tor and passed away onJune 09, 1992.

Nelson, David P., be-gan with the Districton September 15, 1942,retired as a T.O.S. andpassed away on August10, 1992.

Ruff, Johnnie, beganwith the District onJune 08, 1963, retiredas a Traffic Loader/ExSched. Chlu-and passedaway on May 07, 1992.

In Memoriain

HEADWAY 18

All Shook upat 7!

On the same day that Division 7was presented with the QualityService Trophy, operators werebusy bidding for new lines as partof the quarterly shakeup. On awhim, Art Leahy, assistantgeneral manager, sat down andran the shakeup.

Quality Service Trophy Goes to Division 7

Division 7 grabbed the Qual-ity Service Trophy for the monthofAug-ust, according to Ken Mill-er, acting assistant director ofmaintenance. The division, forthe second time this year, im-proved its pull-out rate by a great-er percentage than did 11 of theother divisions for the month.

Miller says that Division 7achieved a99.09 percent for 7,036pull-outs accomplished. All of theother divisions except 5 and 16had a slight reduction.

Division 5 improved by .01percent and Division 16 by .12percent (tied with 7). Miller de-cided to award the trophy to Di-vision 7 because it makes morepull-outs than the Pomona divi-sion. But Miller was quick to

in Memoricun

Shea, Ralph E., began with theDistrict on June 20, 1939, retiredas a Division Dispatcher andpassed away on June 07, 1992.

Turpin, William H., began withthe District on December 21,1959, retired as a Traffic Loaderand passed away on August 09,1992.

Veil, Emmett H., began withthe District on February 19, 1925,retired as a Foreman and passedaway on May 28, 1992.

White, Walter J., began withthe District on March 27, 1971,retired as a Bus Operator Full-Time and passed away on July15, 1992.

point out that Division 16 hasachieved a 100 percent perfectpull-out this year for Live out ofthe eight months evaluated.

On hand for the presentationat Division 7 on October 14 wereDan Ibarra, director of transpor-tation; Art Leahy, assistant gen-

eral manager of operations; EdVandeventer, assistant directorof transportation; and Ken Mill-er.

Division 7 Manager EmilioCaballero and Acting ManagerJoe Putt received the trophy.

Flag Flies atDivision of the Month honors

for September went to Division 9in El Monte.

The division's win was basedon strong across the board per-formances on the equipmentmaintenance side, according toRich Davis, the department's di-rector.

On the transportation side,there were impressive improve-ments for reductions in lost timefrom work-related injuries andtraffic accidents per 100,000 hubmiles.

Both Davis and Dan Ibarra,director of transportation, saythat their performance consis-tency plays a large part in Sep-tember's award.

This is, by the way, Division9's third award since the pro-gram began nearly two years ago.

HEADWAY 19

Employee Suggestion Program winners are, from left, AlexanderAftanas, Rudy Melendez, Albert Sampson, Nathaniel Willis, BillDellosa, Antonio Bernardino, Don Smith and Gary Ward.

Back in BusinessPop ular Employee Suggestion Program is Recharged

Nine employees, whose inven-ti ons have saved the District thou-sands of dollars, collected awardchecks at a short ceremony at theCentral Maintenance Facility inlate October. You may remem-ber that the Employee Sugges-tion Program had been suspend-ed for several months because ofthe District' s budget crunch. But,because of the District's deter-mination to reward employeeswhose brainstorming has savedthe RTD millions of dollars an-nually, the program has been in-cluded in the fiscal year budget.

The honored employees in-cluded CMF's Rudy Melendez,Bill Dellosa, Alexander Aftanas,Tom Duncan, Gary Ward, AlbertSampson, Don Smith, NathanielWillis, and Antonio Bernardino.

RudyMelendez, supervisorof the Paint Shop, developed thenew bus paint scheme. The newcolor scheme has improved theimage ofthe buses, enabling graf-fiti tobe removed far more easily.This has significantly reducedthe time required to repaint thevehicles. This idea has an annualcost savings of $400,000 for eachof the first four years. Melendezwas awarded $1,000 for his clev-er and cost-saving idea.

Bill Dellosa, a fareboxtechnician, substituted a nyloninsert for the existing nut on thelocking pin assembly on the bot-tom of the fareboxes so that thefarebox would no longer get stuckin the receiver vault. The win-ning suggestion has been imple-mented with no repeat failures todate. His idea represents an an-nual cost savings of $38,610.

Alexander Aftanas and

Don Smith will split $100 fortheir drilling and tapping of twoholes to the Neoplan buses, whichallows the doors to beused inter-changeable. Aftanas is a mechan-ic A. Smith is an equipment main-tenance supervisor. Their modi-fication represents an annual costsavings of $513.

Tom Duncan was creditedwith designing a tool and proce-dure to repair air conditioningcoils while still on the buses,which eliminates the removal andreplacement time. lt also is amuch safer procedure than theprevious one. The suggestion hasbeen implemented and representsan annual cost savings of $14,500.

Gary Ward and AlbertSampson split a $1000 awardfor their desig-n of a pitman arm"puller" that allows the steeringbox housing to be repaired orserviced without having to re-

move it from the 503 Neoplanbuses as was the previous proce-dure. This "puller" saves manylabor hours, coach down-time,and is a safer procedure. lt hasbeen implemented and representsapproximately $24,000 in annu-al cost savings.

Nathaniel Willis and An-tonio Bernardino share a$1,0000 award for their designand implementation of a metalguard to protect routinely dam-aged bill module sensors and en-coders on the fareboxes. lt is asimple but very effective addi-tion that saves the District about$115,250 annually.

Human Resources Nina Ca-poccia oversees the EmployeeSuggestion Program. If youwould like to contribute yourideas and inventions, give Nina aring at 2-7172.

HEADWAY 20

MENDATIONS

Columbus Burnette has been selected RTD Bus Operator of the Month for August. The 29-year veteranhas maintained a good record through his nearly 30 years of service. He has had only three avoidableaccidents. He has not missed work due to illness since January of 1989.

Burnette works out of Division 7 in West Hollywood and drives Line 2 along Sunset Boulevard fromdowntown Los Angeles through Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Brentwood to Pacific Palisades.

In his spare time, he enjoys fishing and likes to travel. He and his wife, Mary, have been married for 30 yearsand live in Inglewood. They have two daughters, Arlene and Alvetta and a grandson, Renex. Burnette alsohas a son-in-law, Albert Cleaves, who works as an RTD operator in Sun Valley.

HEADWAY 21

Bert Tetley, a 25-year operator, has been selected as RTD's top Blue Line train Operator forthe third quarter of 1992. Tetley began his career with the District in 1967 at RTD's Division8 in the San Fernand° Valley. During his tenure at the RTD, he has received numerous lettersof commendation and has received the highest number of merits attainable. In addition, hehas had no missouts since 1989. In February of 1990,just prior to the opening of the Blue Line,Tetley received a transfer and was a member of the first train Operator training cl ass.

He and his wife, Gloria, reside in Mission Hills and have been married for 32 years. They havethree grown children and two grandchildren. His hobbies include collecting coins and guns.He enjoys hunting. He also is a model railroad enthusiast.

Donald McKenzie has beenchosen Information Operator ofthe Month for September 1992.McKenzie's personal dynamicsand communicative skills farexceed that of the averageemployee. With the District since1990, he maintains an impeccableattendance record, receivingnumerous commendations andawards. He was previouslyselected Operator of the Month inJanuary of 1991. He is an avidreader and is rarely without agood book. He especially enjoys agood horror story. He is the fatherof three.

HEADWAY 22

Jennet Guerrero takes home Empoyee ofthe Month honors for September. She worksas a word processor in the AdministrationOffice. Her boss, John Rivenas, says her workperformance is excellent. She is cooperative,creative, and takes initiative in resolvingdaily work problems.

Pictured below is Angel Noriega, a mechanic Ain the Engine Teardown Section. He was chosenCMF Employee of the Month because his workperformance is tops! His boss, CMF ProductionManager John Rivenas (on left) salutes his goodattitude and says he hos great rapport with everyonein the shop.

Manny Alvarez, a bindery operator in the Print Shop was selectedEmployee of the Quarter by the Scheduling and Operations PlanningDepartment. Alvarez, who has been with the District for more than nineyears, "kept it altogether, kept the other departments happy when thePrint Shop was down two bindery operators," according to his boss,Mike Kennedy. Alvarez works with an automated paper cutter andmulti-binder and always knows the correct direction of the grain ofpaper. Bindery, by the way, is a specialty within the printing industry.Pictured with Alvarez is Steve Parry, director of scheduling andoperations planning.

HEADWAY 23

RTD Board Vice-President andLa Puente City CouncilmanCharles Storing recentlycongratulated October Operatorof the Month Enrique Serrano,who, as it turns out, also lives inLa Puente. Serrano has been withthe District a whopping 32 yearsand has recorded only 3 sick daysin the last 23 years! He has earnedall sorts of honors andcommendations, including a 31-year safe driving award. Serranowas introduced to the Board of aregular meeting in late October.Weil have bigger story on him inour next issue.

Prince Williams, an RTDoperator out of Division 18, retiredthis October atter 23 years ofservice with the District. Williamswas praised by the Board for hisservice to the patrons. He isflankedby Board Director AntonioVillaraigosa and GeneralManager Alan Pegg.

HEADWAY 24

Victor Yacobucci was named CMF Employee of theMonth for September. He is a mechanic A in the midlifesection. He specializes in modifying the tools andequipment needed for the program and has received amonetary award for designing a safety device for theGrumman engine.

Antonio Rodriguez was named CMFEmployee of the Month for September.He is a mechanic A in the EngineTeardown Section. His boss, JohnRivenas, with whom he is pictured, sayshis work performance is consistentlyhigh and he performs his duties withlittle supervision. Rodriguez knows alot about his job, says Rivenas.

"Our people routinely go beyond the call of duty,"Dan Ibarra, director of transportation told theRTD Board of Directors November 12. "ErnestScotti did what any Operator would have done."

Scotti, the Division 15 operator, who saved the lifeof a three-year-oldboy who had stoppedbreathingon board his bus, received congratulations fromBoard directors. Pictured above is Director JimTolbert, Director of Transportation DanIbarra, Director Nick Patsaouras, ErnestScotti, and General Manager Alan Pegg.

The humble Palmdale resident, who stopped hispacked bus on the 560 line, picked up the lifelesschild and ran into a nearby doctor's office, wasfeatured on Channels 2 and 4 and in the DailyNews and was chosen Citizen of the Week by KNXradio.

HEADWAY 25

Single Father Households:Fastest Growing Family Group

Between 1985 and 1989, sin-gle-father households became thefastest growing family group inthe United States, according tonew data released by the Bureauof the Census.

mlammuSIIn

By 1991, there

were 1.4 million

single-father

families in the

United States.

demand for gender neutral fam-ily policies, like the Family RightsAct of 1991, and will continue tocause changes in corporate atti-tudes aboutmen's work and childcare needs.

Attention all Dads! If youare looking for childcare nearyourj ob oryour home, please callthe District's Dependent CareCoordinator at (213) 972-7155.

(Excerpted from Issues in HRJuly/Aug-ust 1992)

Two Equipment MaintenanceEmployees Wed!

The number of single fatherscaring for their children rose 33.1percent in the late '80s. By 1991,there were 1.4 million single- fa-ther families in the United States.

This number is still smallcompared to the 8.7 million sin-gle-mother families. The rapidgrowth of single-mother house-holds in the early 1970s signaledlong-term changes in family lawand structure, including the risein no-fault divorce. The currentgrowth of single-father house-holds also reflects long-term so-cial trends, including changes incustody laws and a growing num-ber of never married fathers car-ing for their children.

Many of us who consideredsingle-parent families as a wom-en' s issue are beginning to reviseour assumptions. lt is clear thatsingle fathers have as many ofthe same needs as single moth-ers.

The rapid rise in single-fa-ther families has spurred the

Equipment Main-tenance SupervisorSteve Mullaly andQuality AssuranceClerk Mary Martinezwere married on Sat-urday, June 6 at a can-dlelight ceremony atthe Chapel L'Amour inLas Vegas.

Several RTDfriends and familywere there to celebratethe happy occasion.Stella Duncan ofequipment maintenance admin-istration was the matron of hon-or and Thomas Duncan of Divi-sion 10 served as best man. Steveand Mary's three sons attendedto the groom and were there togive the bride away.

Mullaly has been with theDistrict for 17 years; Mary for 23years. The couple makes their

home in West Covina.Our best wishes to the newly-

weds and may their happinesscontinue!

HEADWAY 26

Tony Bernardino,communications techni-cian

"I'd like to be an engi-neer. That's the fieldin which I got my de-gree. I got nine yearsexperience with mi-crowaves. Then I gotlaid off. So here I am -- in a stable job atRTD. One day, 171 get

an engineering position. I'm working on it."

If you could have any job at RTD, which would it be?

Rudy Melendez,supervisor, Paint Shop

"I'd like to be a divi-sion manager. I am in-spired by friendsing the job now. I likedealing with peoplerather than workingstrictly by the book.There are a tot of vari-ables to making pull-out when you're a di-

vision manager. Yes, I know it's a tough job,but that's part of life. I'm getting my experi-ence now being in charge of the Paint Shop."

Mario Perez-Cebal-loshuman resoilrcesanalyst

"I'd like to be the chiefexecutive officer forthe new M. T.A. I thinkthat Los Angeles is onthe cutting edge ofpublic transporta-tion. I would find itvery exciting to be in-

volved in fulfilling the transportation needsof people in so many different counties in LosAngeles. I would rely a great deal on gettingdynamic transportation experts (just likeClinton got the right experts in his winningcampaign). And I would allow people in thecommunity to give direct input on what needsto be done and how they can be a part of theprocess."

Scott Mercer,bus operator, Division 12

"rd like to be a radiodispatcher or road su-pervisor. rm looked upto as a person withgreat knowledge.There is an operatoradvisory group whichis being formed andrve been nominated to

represent my division. The election will beheld soon. As a bus operator, I help people,which I really like. As a dispatcher or roadsupervisor, d be helping both the operatorsand the public to get through the situationsthat arise."

HEADWAY 27

State of Security at District TAXE A BITE OUT OF

RIM C hief Sharon Papa re-

members the day shewalked into the Head-quarters Building and

said "Good morning" to the secu-rity guard on duty. "He told methat I should be wearing my IDbadge and I told him, "Yeah, Iguess I should."

"He wondered what depart-ment I worked for, and I laughed,"she says, smiling. "I thought hewas kidding."

Papa finally realized that hedidn't know who she was, that hewas one of the few security offic-ers she hadn't personally inter-viewed for the job. "I told him,"she recounts to Headway. "Hewas so red. He said somethinglike, 'Oh my God, I'm so sorry.' "

Papa, though, was much im-

pressed by his insistence that sheproduce her badge.

She teils Headway that it isimperative that employees weartheir badges and report to theTransit Police any breach of se-curity. Her officers say there havebeen too many times that anemployee calls, complaining "Mypurse was rifled through. lt hashappened oncebefore." Papa saysshe wants to know the very firsttime it happens.

Since there has been muchdiscussion by employees as tohow safe the building really is,we sat down with Papa and theofficers who are charged with itssecurity and talked about whathas happened inside.

Lieutenant Elston Burnley,who spent eight hours in the

building one Saturday searchingfor any weak spots that might beaccessible to suspects, oversees aspecial patrol that has workedundercover in the Headquartersbuilding.

That patrol has caught sever-al suspects in the building after-hours, who were "very good ofcoming in the building throughthe windows."

He points to one incident lastyear in which a suspect used afire hose, securing it in five dif-ferent places on the Headquar-ters' roof. He scaled the side ofthe building until he found anopen window on the fifth floor.According to Burnley, the sus-pect stole personal checks from aMetro Rail consultant' s coatpocket. Officers traced the

Metrolink SuccessContinued from page 6 . . .

ers of many RTD timetablessported a Metrolink symbol forthe blue-ink series made effec-tive October 25, 1992.

Bus operators were eitherpuzzled or contemptuous of thecontrol gate and "ticket" requiredto gain access to the south drive-way of Union Station. AssistantVehicle Operations ManagerJohnnie Johnson and SeniorTOS Fred McReynolds p a-trolled the RTD bus berths top-side to check load factors. In-structors Fred Flunker, JohnJung, George Dixon and Oz-ell Smith were at the parking lotgate in the morning to assist op-erators in overcoming the for-mality of the control gate and

tickets for the first couple of days.The afternoon shift was handledby Instructors Beverly Jones,DemetriusJones, Charles Mc-Millan and Joe Gonzales.

Acting Superintendent ofInstruction B.J. Harris, whoattended all ofthe Metrolink TaskForce meetings had the job ofrelaying to RTD operators thespecific details and instructionsof operating buses on lines serv-ing Metrolink stations. RTD op-erators studied their new "pad-dles" closely as they travelednorth of Figueroa and oth erstreets toward Sunset Boulevardand Macy Street. The lower-levelbustenninal for Metrolink wasn'tfinished in time, so lines 55 and60 had to make stops on MacyStreet outside Union Station, andgo on to lay over at Terminal 31in front of the Central Mainte-

nance Facility at Macy and Vignesstreets. The Macy Street stop wasfilled with newspapers, dust anddirt from construction and thesidewalk offered a piece of ply-wood as a bridge over a trenchcut for electrical installations thathadn't been completed.

The first week of commuterraul free to the public sawpassenger volumes in excess of6,000 persons per day, far aboveoriginal estimates of the South-ern California Regional Rail Au-thority, the five-county agencyresponsible for Metrolink. As thesecond week of service opened,with the free ride over and pas-sengers having to pay full fare,volum es on the heavily usedPomona train dropped to lessthan 1,400 on the 12 Metrolinktrains arriving at Union Stationeach weekday morning.

HEADWAY 28

checks. When one check turnedup as a rent check in the land-lord's office at the hotel nextdoor, they knew they had theirman. A resident of the hotel, thesuspect was tried and convicted.

Another time on the fifthfloor, employees complained thatpurses, money, and calculatorswere disappearing. Burnleyplanted his officers in the build-ing from five in the afternoonuntil four a.m. On this particularevening, after midnight, they no-ticed a suspect in the corner.

"He was the picture of healthand was unusually short," re-called Burnley. "He was just outof prison. My officers corneredhim on the roof. He lived in thehotel next door."

Since the arrests ofthese sus-pects, there have been no morereports of stolen computers orcalculators, accordingto Captain

Ronald Eutsey.He and Burnley saythey have

made numerous improvementsin the security of the building:Maintenance crews have replaceddoors with bad locks, replacinghinges with still stronger ones."We replace the batteries on theemergency exits every 90 days,"he says.

He says that when an em-ployee calls, concerned that some-thing is amiss, "We will senduniformed police down. We willassign it to a detective, who willpursue the matter, until it is re-solved."

Burnley, who is the WE TIPcoordinator for the District, em-phasizes that employees reluc-tant about calling Transit Policeand revealingtheir names, shouldcall 1-800-78-Crime. Bumley saysWE TIP has paid a substantialamount of reward money to em-

ployees with information on al-leged assailants.

Papa says that RTD Policecontinue to walk footbeatsaround the perimeters of the

wwwwnnn•"The security guards

hired to police the

building are top men

and women who come

out of the best guard

schools. They're certi-

fied by the state and

receive regular, up-to-

date training."

building between 4th and Springand 4th and Main. Eutsey says

Continued on page 32 . . .

Light erweight Buscontinued from page 12 . . .

transit industry with increasedfuel economy while decreasingundesirable emissions into theatmosphere."

According to EnvironmentalProtection Agency reports, Lea-hy said, Los Angeles ranks high-est in the nation for undesirableozone and pollutant standardsindex emissions into the atmo-sphere.

Among the design, engineer-ing and manufacturingfirms con-sulted by the RTD on "dreambus" technology are FuturaCorp., Amerigon Corp., Crane-Carrier, General Electric, andGraham Sales Corp.

Leahy said hybrid electricalpower technology is being exam-Med to employ electric motors todrive two or all wheels on the

vehicle. The source of electricalenergy would be a small clean-airdesign engine. "The ultimatedesign goal is to eventually incor-porate either fuel cells or newgeneration batteries," Leahy said.The type of design envisionedcould also be used for electrictrolleybuses, he said.

Significant weight reductionsthrough the use of composite ma-terial, specifically designed en-gines and over-all systems inte-gration is another area being re-searched.

"The RTD believes there is apotential to lower vehicle weightfrom the 28,000-pound range ofcurrent transit buses to the vi-cini ty of 16,000 pounds. Obvi-ously a lower-weight vehicle hasmany advantages in that it wouldrequire less power to accelerate,would reduce wear and tear ondynamically loaded components

such as brakes and transmissions,and should reduce infrastructuredamage to roads and bridges."

As currently projected, theAdvanced Technology TransitBus program would require $27.7million over 47 months. The RTDis requesting $3,999,689 in grantfunds from the Federal TransitAgency to start the first phase.

RTD is seeking the funds as amember of an innovation taskforce sponsored by the U.S. De-partment of Transportation andthe Ontario, Canada Ministry ofTransportation.

"This is a bus that wouldbetter serve the public and theenviromnent, as well as improvemaintenance efficiency by usingnew technologies," Leahy said."Imagine the prospect of knock-Mg 12,000 pounds or six tons offthe weight of buses in the city!

HEADWAY 29

Special Thanks to Senior Instructor

Cristobal Medina from Division 15

Dear Mr. Cristobal Medina,transit operations supervisor:

On behalf of the individualswith developmental disabilitieswho are served by WTP, I thankyou most sincerely for the excel-lent presentation given by youand your staff on September 21.

Your presentation made clearRTD's mission to sensitize driv-ers to riders with disabilities. ltwas extremely beneficial to haveRoger and the other drivers inattendance. I felt that they had alot to offer in the way of informa-tion and tips to the clients, and I

By George

also feel that they came awaywith a favorable impression ofthe abilities of WTP clients, aswell.

In our commitment to nor-malization, we try to use the realthing when we are teaching anew skill or behavior. The in-depth tour of the bus itself, inconcert with mies and regula-tions and procedures, was thebest use of avisual aid that I haveever seen in any presentation,ever.

I look forward to future train-ing, visits to the Blue Line andT hey never die.

Just like old Volkswa-gens turning into Bajabugs, old RTD coach-

es are resurrected to lead newlives. Operator Frank Flores tookpictures of old RTD coaches work-ing the streets of Mexicali duringa recent vacation. He said notonly were the buses runningstrong, but they fell into morepotholesthan Spring Street couldproduce in a lifetime.

Operator Leo Camacho saidthat while he was on vacation inthe Yucatan, he saw a 7300 Flx-ible still painted red, black, or-ange and white. To make it moreweird, it was a coach he drove atthe Division 9 yard years ago.Not only do you see operatingbuses, but they make good sta-tionary buildings also.

There's also an articulatedcoach on Interstate 15 near Co-rona that farm hands use in thefields. There's also one in Lake

RTD offices, and the opportunityto talk with employment officialsabout our group work services. Iappreciate your willingness tocreate such a mutuallybeneficialpartnership and I look forwardto seeing you again soon.

Sincerely,Gail Peters, M.A.Program ManagerWork Training Program, Inc.

Elsinore that has been convertedto a chicken house. As you driveacross the landscape ofthe south-west you will see buses in Neva-da, Arizona and Utah. So, justlike oldtimers coming back topay dominos, just look aroundand there may be an old coachsomewhere nearby.

Got a story about life afteryou leave the yard? Drop me aline at Division 3209.

-- George Pepper

HEADWAY 30

How to Market RTD to Those Who Don't RideDistrict is among the first transit properties in the country to study riders

By Bill HeardNews Bureau Representative

A new series of consumer sur-veys is providing important in-formation that will help the RTDmarket its services to those whodon't currently ride the bus. Thesurveys also indicate just howmuch transit riders rely on RTDbus service to get them wherethey're going.

The initial survey, whichdrew opinions from 3,000 LosAngeles Countyresidents an swer-ing a 12-page questionnaire, in-dicated that the typical non-rid-er is a 43-year-old Caucasian,married and a homeowner. Non-riders have an average annualincome of $39,000 and either ownan automobile or have access toone.

A majority of regular RTDriders are less affluent and do notown a car or have access to one.Most ofthose surveyed (58%) saidthey will continue to depend onbus service and one-in-four willuse it even more in the comingyear. Among transit-dependentriders, 50 percent or more paycash to ride the bus.

"The surveys are helping theRTD understand who our cus-tomer is," says Harry Goldsbor-ough, Marketing Departmentpromotional program manager."With this information, we'll bebetter able to deliver RTD servic-es to our customers and targetour public information to identi-fiable markets."

The RTD has taken a leader-ship position, Goldsborough says,bybecomingthe first known tran-

sit property in the nation to con-duct marketing research in thesame way consumer companiesseek information about their cus-tomers. The main feature of thisresearch technique is the 3,000-member "consumer panel" ofrid-ers and non-riders who haveagreed to be surveyed repeatedlyas information is needed.

Since conducting the initialsurvey of the consumer panel,two telephone surveys have beencompleted. Approximately 400riders and 400 non-riders weresurveyed. They wereasked abouta variety of issues, including the30-year plan for mass transit,graffiti and vandalism, passen-ger safety during the civil distur-bances, and the environment.

"Each survey gives us a snap-shot of public opinion at any giv-en moment," says Gary S. Spiv-ack, assistant general managerfor planning and public affairs."With such information in hand,we can plan different service pro-grams and make our promotionsand public information materi-als more effective."

The studies indicate that RTDriders believe bus lines shouldhave equal priority with new railsystems in the 30-year mass tran-sit plan. About 75 percent saybus lines should have higher pri-ority, while 71 percent say railand bus should receive equalfunding. And, although non-transit riders have a preferencefor rail (69 percent), a majority -- 54 to 59 percent -- would bal-ance bus and rail priorities.

One of the surveys, taken inearly May following the civil dis-

turbances, showed that "the pub-lic feels overwhelmingly that theRTD did all that was necessary toensure the safety of its passen-gers...." Among riders, 89 per-cent held that opinion, and 94percent of non-rigers agreed.

Survey respondents heldstrong opinions ahr,ut graffiti andvandalism. More than half be-lieve the penalities for thesecrimes are not severe enough.Minors usually are granted pro-bation or given a term of commu-nity service. There also was sig-nificant support -- 71 percent ofthose surveyed -- for the idea ofrequiring parents to pay for van-dalism damage caused by theirchildren.

On the environment, mem-bers of the consumer panel saidair quality is their number oneconcern, with global warming avery close second. Ocean ecolo-gy, overdevelopment and wild-life extinction also ranked highamong environmental problemswith the group. The vast major-ity try to contribute to the envi-ronment by recycling aluminumcans, newspapers or other mate-rials.

The results of a third tele-phone survey are now being stud-ied. The information it provideswill further expand upon theknowledge the RTD is develop-ing about the needs and desiresof the public both those whocurrently ride the RTD, and thosewho will in the future.

HEADWAY 31

State of Securitycontinued from page 29

that he wishes employees whowalk down 4th street would notwalk around the corner and usethe Main Street entrance, butwould, instead, walk directly intothe entrance on Spring Street,even though they might have totake two elevators to get to theirdestinations.

And, he cautions, if you dohave to work late, please moveyour car into the building.

He also warns employeesabout the alley in back of theHeadquarters Building. Employ-ees, although they been warnednumerous times about the alley'sdanger, continue to use it as ashort cut. "We have made numer-ous arrests in the alleys," he says,sternly.

Papa says that the securityguards hired to police the build-ing are top men and women. Shesays they come out of the bestguard schools and are certifiedby the state and receive regular,up-to-date training.

"They're better than most ofthe security guards around town,"she says, proudly.

As far as security in the divi-sion goes, Papa says a draft plannow being circulated calls for thecreation of paid parking at eachof the divisions. Money generat-ed from the use of the lots wouldgo toward the hiring of securityg-uards, something that divisionshave wanted for some time.

Papa is all for it. "Paid park-ing would encourage carpoolingand, at the same time, we coulduse the dollars to provide fenc-ing, lighting and maintenance ofthe lots," she says.

Five Arrested inCounterfeit Ring

Five men allegedly involved in counterfeiting RTD 50-cent dis-count bus tickets were arrested and 57,000 in bogus tickets confiscat-ed in the Transit Police Department' s ongoing probe of fare evasion.

The suspects were arrested by Long Beach Police, Sept. 9, at theDays Inn Hotel, in Long Beach during an investigation of an unrelatedcrime. The arresting officers said the five were engaged in assemblingbooks of counterfeit 50-cent discount tickets from uncut printer'ssheets. Officers confiscated some 114,000 tickets, which would haverepresented 1,140 books valued at $5 each.

According to Transit Police Chief Sharon Papa, bus operatorscollect an average of one counterfeit tickets for every 10 to 20 genuinetickets received.

Between Jan. 1 and Aug. 31, Transit Police arrested 435 personsfor various forms of fare evasion, including 150 for selling stolentransfers, 237 for fare evasion by passengers and 48 for use ofcounterfeit passes.

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HEADWAY 32

BATTLING THE HOLM,'

S ay the word holidays,and most peopleenvision family get-

togethers, parties, warmth,laughter, and a time forremembering loved ones.

Yet this time of year,when all is supposed to becheery and bright, feelingsof depression attack anincreasing number of peo-ple. Psychologists point to avariety of reasons for sea-sonal depression unrelatedto a chronic condition. Forone, "Everyone is supposedto be happy, and if youaren't, then what's wrongwith you?" says ShirleyGarfield, a former counselorwith a Kansas City-areasocial services agency.

For another: "People feel

less effective than usual,"remarks Dr. Sharon Helm,a psychologist in privatepractice. "They're tired,busier than usual, oftenoverplanned, financially

uptight and overextended.At this time of year there ismore traffic, fewer parkingspaces, more crowds...ittakes extra energy just tonavigate through your day."Older persons and singlescan be particularly prone toseasonal depression. Alsopeople who don't feel theycan give lavish gifts.

In addition, more peopleare off work during this timeof year and children arehome from school. Adultchildren come home to visittheir parents, and unre-solved family conflicts canrise to the surface. "Manypeople come home with theidea, `This year, it'll be dif-ferent,' but unless they haveinitiated some change in thepast year, the same family

dynarnics will be in opera-tion, and old conflicts getexacerbated," Garfield notes.

According to Dr. Helm,Ehe weather is also a factorin holiday depression. "A lotof people are physicallyuncomfortable with the cold.The weather is often wetand gray, which can affectmood." Even the amount ofdaylight can have an effect.December 21 is the shortestday of the year.

Though seasonal depres-sion has certain specialaspects, it shares somesymptoms with the chronictype. The form it takes var-ies among individuals.Some are more prone todepression than others.Physical health, childhoodexperiences and present hiesituation are factors in aperson's tendency towardsexperiencing depression.

Symptoms of depressioninclude: increased irritability;an inability to sleep or sleep-ing more than usual; eatingmore or less food than nor-mal; sadness for no particu-lar reason; excessivefatigue; lack of motivation;loss of interest in work,friends or sex; andincreased preoccupationwith death or suicide.

If you are experiencingany of these symptoms,there are ways to cope.Garfield recommends thatpeople try to call one friendfor guidance and support.Also, they should not bealone at certain vulnerabletimes. And, if they areinvolved in a support group,they should participateactively.

For most who sufferbouts of depression duringEhe holidays, the feelings ofsadness dissipate as normalschedules and activities re-sume in the new year.Should depression extendwell past the season, seekprofessional help. Making apoint to communicatethoughts and feelings toothers and focusing onrecreational opportunitiesthat can lift spirits are otherways to battle the blues.

lt you see signs ofdepression in a relative orfriend, there are ways youcan help. "Encourage con-versation, and uot just onthe chitchat levet," said Dr.Helm. "Show interest inwhat's really going on. Andteil them that you careabout them."

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HEADWAY 33

pECREATIONWS.9rE

A 'jaDecember

4 Shoe sale Headquarters Cafeteria 10-2 P.M.9 Lakers vs Portland $14.5012 WWF Wrestling $18.50 Sports Arena13 Les Miserables Shubert $42.2513 Clippers vs Indiana $19.5018 Lakers vs Phoenix $14.5019 The Winan's Christmas Show - Shrine $32.5027 Clippers vs Philadelphia $19.5029 Kenny G - Universal Amphi. $30.00

January

1 Rose Parade - Bleacher seating middle of pa-rade route $32.50

2 Kings vs Montreal $19.503 Fred die Jackson - Universal Amphi. 7:30 P.M.9 Disney on Ice - Sports Arena $14.0010 Lakers vs Atlanta $14.5016 Disney on Ice - Long Beach $14.0021 Phantom of the Opera at a true discount - rear

parquet seats $36.50

Mobile Unit Schedule

The mobile center will operate Monday throughFriday from 9:30 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. at the Divi-sions listed on the calendar below.

DECEMBERSUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

1 2 3 4 5

6 -711

TR.ANS. 9

PoLicn

106

1110

12

13 143

15CMF

169

1716

188

19

20 2115

227

235

24HDQRT.

25DHAOTL/-

26

27 2818

292

30

1231

MAINT. '

DA Y

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT1

HOLI-DAY

2

3 4REDLINE

5 11

61

710

83

9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

31

Christmas is here! For these special gift items visitthe Employee store for gift baskets, novelty items,watches and don't forget See's and Ethel M choco-lates and Grandma' s fruitcakes. All great savings.

Save money at the movies. Discount tickets avail-able for the following movie theatre chains: Ed-wards $4.75; AVCO General Cinema $4.50; AMC$4.50; Pacific Walk-In or Drive In $4.50; CineplexOdeon $4.75 These also make great Christmasgifts.

Start organizing your basketball teams. Seasonwill start at the end ofJanuary. $350.00 league fees.Crenshaw High School on either Tuesdays, Wednes-days or Thursdays. (Days of play, not set at thistime).

About the CoverPictured on the front cover doing business in

the Red Line Test Control Center at Division 20 areRail TOS' Errol Rousseve and Ignacio Gonzales.Both men saythey are thrilled tobe apart of the RedLine team. "It's like dying and goi ng to heaven," saysRousseve, an 18-year RTD veteran, of his newposition.

JANUARY

HEADWAY 34

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HEADWAY 35

Southern CaliforniaRapid Transit District425 So. Main St., 2nd FloorLos Angeles, CA 90013

Bulk RateU.S. Postage

PaidLos Angeles, Ca.Permit Na. 32705

Train Operator Walter Wadlington is flanked by TOS' Errol Rousseve and

Rich Rodriguez in the Red Line Test Control Tower, which is the nerve center

for the subway's pre-revenue testing. TOS Ignacio Gonzales is in the back.

HEADWAYPublished monthly for the employees and retirees ofthe Southern California Rapid Transit District.Editorial input and suggestions are welcome. Dead-line for editorial copy is the first day of each month.Send black-and--white photography only. Requests forphotographic coverage of District events must be pre-ceded by 72 hours.

Mailing address: Headway, 2nd Floor, 425 SouthMain Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013. (213) 972-7165

Andrea Greene, EditorShawn D. Lowe-Ewing, Design and Layout

Staff Writers:Cheryl BrownLuanna Urie

Printed by the RTD Print ShopAl Moore, Manager

HEADWAY 36