The TriMet-sponsored and NECN-operated Rider Advocates Program is unfortunately slated to end on September 30, 2009 due to the bad economy and TriMet's financial situation.
Since finding out this information earlier this month, NECN has been continuing talks with TriMet to see what may be possible.
In the meantime, NECN and our Rider Advocates are collecting signatures on a "Public Statement of Support for the NECN Rider Advocates". We have over 125 signatures at the moment with the goal of 1,000 in a short period of time.
The Statement and associated signatures will be presented to TriMet as they continue to consider when and how to reinstate this program that is so valuable to our community.
The support statement is at: http://kingneighborhood.org/Reference_Files/Public_Support_Statement_August_2009.pdf that you may be able to have it at your front desk or to reference it. We would like to receive signed statements by September 4th.
Also, community members are encouraged to email statements of support to NECN at info@necoalition.org as well as TriMet directly at customerservice@trimet.org. All emails to NECN will be presented to TriMet along with the full Public Statement of Support. Our goal is to show significant support by September 4th.
Nothing but support for the Riders Advocates, but anything sent to customerservice@trimet.org is headed straight down rat hole. TriMet, despite a world class transit system, is the most opaque quasi public agency Ive had the misfortune of dealing with. Try to find a single persons name from the website to personally address a complaint to. Forget it. Placards on the MAX claim "We want your comments". Nothing could be further from the truth. If you send an email to customer service you will get an automated response "Thanks for contacting TriMet. Your comments have been documented and sent to the proper department" and that's the last you will ever hear from them.