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Local man has some struggles with bus system

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By DEENA WINTER / Lincoln Journal Star

Monday, Oct 01, 2007 - 12:18:57 am CDT

The brick apartment building just west of the Capitol would seem to hold hidden treasures. You picture hardwood floors, ornate woodwork, clawfoot tubs.

Even its name, spelled out in neon Coca-Cola-cursive, suggests its residents are treated royally:

The President.

Story Photo
Tag Jackson says buses often pass him by when he waits at the bus stop. (William Lauer)

But then you go inside and find none of the charm advertised by its exterior.

This is low-income housing.

Tag Jackson has no complaints — not since new management took over. The 32-year-old with cerebral palsy lives on the fourth floor in what must be called a studio apartment, a bedroom with a bathroom.

The mattress on the floor makes it easier for him to move from his power scooter to bed. CNN is talking about the war on a computer screen. A box on the desk contains a prized possession: every “Dukes of Hazzard” episode.

Just the good ol’ boys

Never meanin’ no harm

Those good ol’ boys were more than TV characters to him when he was a boy, stuck in bed recovering from a half-dozen surgeries on his legs to keep them from scissoring and spasming.

It took him a long time to learn to talk; at first, he communicated by pointing at symbols and, eventually, by using a typewriter.

“My brain knew what I wanted, but I was so frustrated that I couldn’t tell people. I didn’t know how to move the mouth.”

He’s learned to use his mouth quite well. He’s the kind of guy prone to yelling “Yeeee-haw!” while wheeling down ramps on street corners. Not everybody gets a General Lee.

Tag lives on his own. He pays his bills. He built his own computer and repairs them for others. He’s making his way.

He moved into The President because it’s across the street from a major bus stop.

He can ride the buses almost anywhere, and he does.

Unless they pass him by.

Which he says they sometimes do.

Like the time he was at Best Buy on 48th and R. The driver of the last bus of the day apparently didn’t see him, and Tag had to ride home on his scooter.

His scooter will run for up to 11 miles before running out of juice. Which is why it’s a good thing the Old Country Buffet let him recharge his battery, belly and spirit on his way home.

Sometimes, he says, bus drivers don’t seem to realize he’s waiting for a ride.

He says he’s been told he must wait right by the bus stop sign when buses arrive so they know he’s a rider. Not in the shelter. Not 10 feet away, on the sidewalk. Even if the bus stop sign is on grass, and you use a scooter that works better on concrete. Especially on a rainy day, when dirt turns to mud, and there you are, stuck in the mud, while other passengers are boarding.

What do you do then?

Straight’nin’ the curve,

Flat’nin’ the hills.

What Tag Jackson does is “scream, cry, beg” — whatever it takes to convince someone to help him get out of the mud and onto the bus.

He says he’s been left behind while trying to maneuver his scooter into place. He’s watched elderly people struggle to catch the bus.

“Drivers are not giving people time,” he says.

StarTran head Larry Worth has no way of knowing if Tag is correct, he says; he hasn’t heard such complaints. But Worth says there’s no rule that riders must be right by the bus stop and, in fact, it’s easier to lower the ramp onto concrete than grass or snow.

Miss the bus, and you’re looking at a half-hour to an hour wait for the next one — unless you were waiting for the last bus of the day, which is when Tag says drivers seem to be in a particular hurry.

He estimates he’s been left behind 20 to 40 times in the eight years he’s ridden the bus.

It’s possible drivers didn’t see him. He also thinks it’s possible they just didn’t want to mess with the guy on the scooter — the guy who takes a little longer to get on the bus.

One driver betrayed his feelings on a rainy day about a month ago, he says, when Tag caught the O Street shuttle but struggled to make the turn into the aisle because his tires were wet.

“The driver said ‘You’re taking too long to board,’” Tag says. “He said ‘You should call HandiVan.’”

HandiVan is a curb-to-curb bus service for disabled people who can’t use StarTran buses. But you’ve got to call a day in advance, and Tag doesn’t work that way.

“Hell no! I’m not going to plan my day around somebody else’s.”

He got off the bus after being chastised by the driver. And drove straight to the StarTran offices to complain. Worth said he could find no record of Tag’s visit.

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, disabled people can’t be forced to use a special bus service like HandiVan if they can use the regular one. And drivers are not supposed to be rude or rush people with disabilities.

But when confronted with Tag’s complaint, Worth said what really irritates him is that dealers sell scooters and wheelchairs bigger than what the ADA requires public buses to accommodate. The ADA says the buses must be able to handle “common wheelchairs,” which it defines as up to 30 inches wide and 48 inches long.

But wheelchairs and scooters have come a long way since the ADA was passed in 1990. Not all manufacturers stick to those measurements.

“What doesn’t meet ADA is his device,” Worth said of Tag’s scooter. “It’s too big. The buses are the right size.”

Still, he applauds the fact that Tag prefers to ride StarTran, rather than the more expensive HandiVan.

The city worked with Tag a few years ago when the new buses were difficult for wheelchairs to navigate. Worth thinks Tag just has “issues with certain drivers.”

“He’s kind of a hard-headed guy, to be honest with you,” Worth said.

But Tag’s complaints were buttressed by eight other people who live in his apartment building, who said they’ve been left behind by drivers. Allan Lecus said drivers assume if you’re not right at the stop, you’re not riding.

“They just fly right on by,” Chuck Kehr said.

They made it clear that not all bus drivers are like the one who allegedly was rude to Tag.

Most are good. The kind Tag considers friends. The kind who open the door and holler at him if he’s near a stop, just to make sure he’s not getting on. The kind who drop him off closer to his home because it’s their last run and nobody else is on the bus.

It’s the ones who don’t really look to see if he — or someone elderly or slow — is waiting for the bus, he says. They’re either not paying attention or don’t want to be slowed down. After all, they have a schedule to keep.

The other day, the motor went out on Tag’s scooter, and he got a new one.

A three-wheeler that boards the buses without a problem.

To hell with the HandiVan.

Makin’ their way,

The only way they know how

Reach Deena Winter at 473-2642 or dwinter@journalstar.com.


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complaints wrote on October 1, 2007 12:41 am:
" I started reading this article with an open mind, that ended about midway through. Tag sounds like a guy who's used to people doing his bidding because he is handicapped. Certainly, if buses are leaving people behind and not allowing for handicaps or the slower bodies of elderly, then there's a story. This is not a story to me, nor is it newsworthy. What it is is a guy who uses a scooter, who seems to take issue with certain people and be difficult. I believe that the public transportation system works very well for the majority of people and for every Tag that has a problem, there are probably 20 others who get along just fine. I'd like to see some real news. "
Jane wrote on October 1, 2007 1:22 am:
" It would make no since that Star Tran would tell someone to wait by the sign, a lot of corners have no signs and they are still bus stops so how could someone stand by a sign that doesnt exist? I have ridden Star Tran 5 years and never been passed by. The drivers cant wait for everyone who is running half a block up the street because they didnt leave early enough, people are sometimes even on the wrong side of the street so there is no way to tell if they are at a stop or crossing the street the only time I have seen drivers pass someone by is when they are running to catch the bus which is their own fault, they know when the buses come so they can be at the stop there are other people on the buses why I should have to wait for someone who didnt leave on time is beyond me I get to the stop when I should so they can too. In the snow I certainly don't stand right by the sign, I stand at the nearest driveway and have had no problems...... "
Seller wrote on October 1, 2007 1:26 am:
" Better Pull iut your tape measure Worth. Because if the ADA says the buses must be able to handle “common wheelchairs,” which it defines as up to 30 inches wide and 48 inches long. Tag just so happens to be in that definition his scooter is 47" long and 24" Wide. Thats descrimination Worth. "
concerned wrote on October 1, 2007 5:33 am:
" I agree with Tag. I am not disabled but, I find it difficult to understand our bus system and how it operates, I do not know the management in the system, but it seems that they are hard core none interested people who do not look at realistic problems and when we spend 9 million to keep them in pay checks that gets me. "
Maybe wrote on October 1, 2007 6:06 am:
" Interesting story. I imagine scooters don't have a lot of storage room on them, but I wonder if it would be possible for Tag to have a nice sign that says "Heck yes, I'm riding!" or something similar. Then hopefully he can flash that, catch the driver's eye, put the sign down, negotiate the scooter into position, and then board. Shoot! Maybe that's a bad idea. I dunno! There's got to be an easy answer here. "
Mike in DC wrote on October 1, 2007 6:58 am:
" The killer of mass transit is slow. If it were fast and efficient, and actually went where you wanted to go, people would ride it. On a six-ten minute ride (like the circulator bus I ride to work every day), which is only part of my commute, a scooter getting on and getting off will make the trip twice as long. Someone needs to design a better bus, or make some tough decisions about protocols (limit them to the special van). And those snyde comments about schedule? It's a killer. You don't keep on schedule, and fewer people that also have other means will ride the bus. And someday. SOMEDAY. Someone will kill the majority of a bus system (save maybe for an 'O' Street or 27th street circulator) because it doesn't come close to breaking even and the government has other handout priorities. There is sympathy, and then their is reality. "
Dak wrote on October 1, 2007 7:18 am:
" I feel for Mr. Johnson and his plight. I used to work downtown and took the bus rather than drive and pay for parking downtown. Even as an able bodied person, standing wait for the bus, I'd get passed by, especially if I was smoking a cigarette waiting for the bus. So obviously there are a few problems with Star-Tran. No, I take that back, that are serious problems at Star-Tran. The drivers, being from Lincoln, are like typical Lincoln drivers. That is, they speed, run red lights, fail to give the right-of-way, and because of their size, place the bus in a position to intimidate another driver out of their way. A good example is this. I was riding down 11th street by the Gold's building. As we all know this is a major bus stop. I was planning to turn right onto N street, so I was in the right lane, when all of a sudden a bus pulled out of the stop, and I swear the driver never looked, just pulled right out. Having been freaked from missing a near collision, I pulled along side the driver and launched a profanity-laced tirade about his driving skills, to which the driver just flipped me off. I would suggest to the Star-Tran manager, that each driver be taken off the road and forced to pass a remedial driving course, demonstrating knowledge of the laws and driving skills before being placed on the road again. I should also think they need some training in tact, and in Mr. Johnson's case, additional ADA training. The statement "his scooter is just too big" just doesn't cut it in my book. Let's get with it Star-Tran. "
Hmmm.. wrote on October 1, 2007 7:49 am:
" I live on a bus route and call StarTran at least once a month because their drivers fly by my house. I have witnessed them leave people standing because they are going way to fast. When I have called StarTran their excuse to me is that larger objectes look like they are moving faster then what they really are..( Apparently someone diden't pass High School Science). Good Luck Tag but I think your fighting an Up Hill battle on this one with Startran "
Eric S. wrote on October 1, 2007 8:13 am:
" This has also happened to me. I'll be just inside the shelter, just eating my cookie and the bus just takes off. Drives me nuts. P.S. Love the Dukes of Hazard. I so wish I had that car. "
Not using a scooter wrote on October 1, 2007 8:24 am:
" I am in NO WAY saying there aren't rude bus drivers---I've never ever even rode the bus, but I see them...... HOWEVER, I've also seen people on scooters and not on scooters that have NO schedule to keep, no job to get to, etc etc... and they TAKE ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD..... they are in no hurry at all... If Mr. Jackson SEES the bus coming that he needs, why doesn't he make his way towards the curb like all the others waiting for the bus.... Why does he wait until they get there and stop before he moves.... Sounds like a little blame on both parties, not just one..... "
Carla wrote on October 1, 2007 9:04 am:
" I am happy to see that the challenges Tag meets everyday in effort to be independent have been vocalized today. I am a friend of Tag's and this article captured his positive personality wonderfully. We all can stand to learn a little something from Tag. "
Bill wrote on October 1, 2007 9:14 am:
" I know Tag pretty well - he's a good guy. He does his best to do things for himself, and he spends a lot of his time helping other people with computer problems. In the past, he's told me about being stuck on a sidewalk ramp or in some mud, or having the battery in his scooter go dead in the middle of the street, and people would just walk or drive right past him. Sometimes he would get so frustrated he would scream, but people seem to look at someone who slurs their speech a bit, or who has involuntary muscle movements that make them twitch or jerk once in a while as somehow stupid or maybe even crazy. Tag is as smart as most anyone I know, though, and smarter than most, and he has a heart of gold. So if you see him on the street, say hello, and if you see him having trouble, lend him a hand. Because if we don't help each other, who will? "
Question wrote on October 1, 2007 9:17 am:
" What does the lead of this story have to do with the subject of this story? Yes, The President is 'low-income housing" or is that housing for persons with low incomes that is affordable, safe, and decent? Does Mr. Jackson's income or where he lives have anything to do with his troubles with bus services? This is clearly a story of lack of consideration for a person with a disability - try getting that straight Ms. Winter and editors "
Post-It wrote on October 1, 2007 9:44 am:
" I also started reading this article with an open mind. But, then about midway when Tag said he refuses to call Handivan a day ahead because he doesn't want to live his life around other people's schedule....well....that stopped me short. Buses run on a schedules. People who ride buses depend on the bus system to get them to their destination on time. So, I guess my point is, why should those people have to have their schedules ruined by someone who refuses to think of other people's schedules? He sounds kind of selfish to me. "
norespect wrote on October 1, 2007 10:11 am:
" we have a bus route in front of our house-the bus shelter is across the street...I will guarantee you-if you're in the shelter (which people rarely are) you will be left. The bus flies down the street & slows just enough to make the corner and keeps going. If you are not standing in my front yard you won't get picked up. I witnessed an individual getting on the bus the other day with just enough of a handicap to restrict his movement somewhat but not enough to warrant the handivan. He had difficulty getting up the steps so it took him slightly longer (2-4 seconds) to get in the bus. He was barely on the bottom step when the bus closed the door and swung around the corner! I was tempted to call Star Tran but having called them about issues in the past I knew they would do nothing. Our stop is the break stop and we have called about trash and cigarette butts being thrown in our yard by the drivers but apparently nothing was said because it still happens. And when you do call you can tell they really aren't interested in what you have to say. If Tag has been riding Star Tran for 8 years-The drivers all know him or of him and they can tell new drivers know about him and others with special needs like Tag as well. So I don't think it's a casual mistake if they pass him by. I know they are on a schedule-but he's not holding up the same bus for a whole day-so the schedule excuse doesn't fly as far as I'm concerned. What's the difference if the bus gets held up in traffic for 2-3 minutes or it waits for an individual who is trying to live life just as everyone else, trying to be as normal as his situation will allow and trying to be independent. I'm sure Tag would much rather be able to drive the General Lee to where he wants to go-than be dependent on a transit system that sees him as a bother! Shame on the drivers and riders that make this human being feel like he is less important than they are! You are the handicapped ones-not him! Heres a challenge to those who step around, look past and otherwise ignore someone in need-next time you see Tag,or anyone else for that matter,stuck in the mud or with a dead battery-why not see what it's like to feel good about yourself and help him! Try it-you'll like it! "
KMM wrote on October 1, 2007 10:29 am:
" Buses not only fly by waiting passengers, but also other traffic. I can't even count the number of times buses have sped ahead of me and cut me off right before a lane ends. I wonder how much money and gas they are wasting on their bad driving habits. "
Rae wrote on October 1, 2007 10:47 am:
" I am able bodied and make a decent living. I rode the bus for about 6 months this year when my car was totaled. It was an eye opener. I had never used public transportation- having lived in smaller communities all my life. My perception was that about 90% of the drivers were nice and helpful-- and truly wanted to give good service and help people when needed. I am sure even they have bad days. I found a handful of drivers who obviously did not like their jobs, were easily annoyed with being inconvenienced by anyone- and basically didnt give a crap about anyone. Again, only a handfew -- but they were there. I too witness buses pull up and zoom off without people having enough time to catch up with the bus to get on. You never know where the bus is actually going to stop- so you really have to be on your toes to act fast sometimes. People with disabilities or the elderly are at a disadvantage. I can move fast -- and there were times that even though I was ready and alert- I had busses enter the zone and move on before I could blink an eye. I know that the city wants to stand up for their drivers- but come on- dont sweep things under the carpet. There are problems with some of the drivers. I dont know the person in this article. Doesnt matter how he acts. The underlying problems remain with a handfull of drivers. Regardless of how I feel about a handful of the drivers, I still think the overall service is good for this size of a town. I do think alot of people feel entitled. It is a priviledge that our city offers this service.. and I appreciated the service offered. For those who have never used the bus system, I would encourage you to give up the luxury of your car TOTALLY for six months and rely soley on the bus system. It made me more appreciative and humble of what I have been given in life. "
Frank Hanshaw wrote on October 1, 2007 11:43 am:
" Its good to see that Larry Worth has no heart. "
Looser wrote on October 1, 2007 11:54 am:
" Well sure, they don't have cereberal paulsy or other medical/physical problems. If I ever see a bus with more than 1 to 4 people on it I will faint! I lived in a city and rode a bus to & from work every day standing up hanging from a rod next to the ceiling with people packed body to body. This bus system has to be a huge money losing problem!!!! Theres not that many people on those buses that a driver has to drive past someone. They are just plainly ignoring their job and taking free sight seeing rides in my estimation. I've been really watching these buses and I would be shocked if I ever saw 6 people on them! "
rider of 10 years wrote on October 1, 2007 12:32 pm:
" I have ridden the startran system for over 10 years and have been left behind many times. I ride the same routes to and from work monday thru friday like clockwork. same time, same route, same days of the week. I agree with Tag.some of the drivers are rude and insensitive to the plight of the physically and mentally challenged. They are equally insensitive to the able bodied regular riders. I have written several emails complaining about being left behind or missing transfers after knowing they've been called in. I have even requested supervisors give me a lift to work so I was not late for meetings. More needs to be done about the drivers and thier tact.Thier job is to give people rides from one place to another. PLAIN and SIMPLE. DO YOUR JOB so we can do ours! "
NL wrote on October 1, 2007 12:56 pm:
" What heartless comments! Try living for just ONE day in a wheelchair or scooter, see what obstacles you run into. Heck, I've got an old wheelchair I'll loan you, so that you can experience for yourself the problems. How about rude people who reach over or across you for something on a shelf in a store, or better yet, grab the handles on your wheelchair and push you out of their way. Just this weekend while legally parked in a handicapped parking stall, another vehicle parked on the hash lines beside us, making it impossible to get into our car. They just were running in for cigarettes and coming right back out. Grrrr. "
Been there before wrote on October 1, 2007 1:00 pm:
" I too have been passed up by StarTran drivers. I used to take the bus home when I was in High School and several times was passed by. Once I was not let off at my stop and despite my asking the driver to stop. I was not let off until a mile after my stop. Since then I have used StarTran several times while in college, both between campuses and from my home to campus and had little trouble, but I believe that there are still those drivers who are more concerned with getting done with the route than with the passengers they serve. "
Not a fan wrote on October 1, 2007 1:10 pm:
" I have just a few problems with star tran, but over all they are ok. I used to drive through downtown around 630am every week day and every single day, the same bus would run the same red light. it wouldn't even be a close red light run. The light would be red and then mine would change to green and the bus would go through it. I called and informed them this bus ran the light everyday and nothing appeared to be done about it,still ran it everyday. The one time I did try to ride the bus, I was standing in a shelter and when the bus was about 1 block away I came out and stood by the sign. Bus shot right on by. I have never tried to ride the bus again, if I am ever without my car, I get a ride from a friend. "
Have seen...... wrote on October 1, 2007 1:40 pm:
" Mr. Jackson from time to time. Contrary to his friends posts here I have noticed that he seems to have a bit of an "attitude". When folks say good morning they are often met with a sneer. It's too bad that his scooter runs out of charge in the middle of a street. Doesn't he know what his charge time is??? I imagine so. Personally I think that this problem lies a bit on BOTH sides. What's wrong with the HandiVan???? I am SURE that he OFTEN knows when he has something to do IN ADVANCE. A simple phone call would take care of that problem....ESPECIALLY when the weather is bad. Get a grip TAG.....the world does NOT revolve around you. "
Happy rider wrote on October 1, 2007 2:06 pm:
" I’m handicapped and a frequent rider of StarTrans for more than 5 years. In that time, I have been passed by twice and had a driver try to haze me. These were isolated incidents and quickly dealt with. I have nothing but kudos for Larry and the drivers. I can get downtown faster taking the bus than driving, and parking. We need to use the buses more. That guys problems are multi-dimensional "
Ex-rider wrote on October 1, 2007 2:08 pm:
" Most of the bus drivers are kind and considerate but like everything else, it only takes one or two to really ruin your impression. I no longer ride the bus as I have my own car but have seen this myself. I also now notice how incredibly rude the drivers can be when trying to stay on schedule by pulling out in front of other cars and taking up two lanes of traffice. 13th street lanes are not wide enough to handle these buses. "
It's True wrote on October 1, 2007 3:24 pm:
" What some of this article says is 100% true. The city busses do not stop. I noticed at my place of business (downtown) which is a highly traffic stop, several blind people more than once, standing curb side with their canes. Busses are to pull up and announce their route. They didn't, drove past them. I spoke to two of the waiting individuals and they say it happens all the time in Lincoln. Here they are standing for a long period of time, and occassionaly in horrible weather to list for a bus. They can't see, and thus sitting in a shelter is not an option. I also have a coupleo of other handicapped friends, they have been left on street corners many times and have called me because they now have missed their connection to transfer downtown. "
Christine wrote on October 1, 2007 3:30 pm:
" "But you’ve got to call a day in advance, and Tag doesn’t work that way." HA! One day in advance, yeah right. I use Handi-Van services and if you do not call seven days in advance (the earliest they allow) then you can rarely get a ride scheduled for the times you need, if at all. I have been using it for nearly a year and I cannot even count how many times I called 5-6 days in advance and could not be accomodated. That being said, I am disabled and I really dislike the type of attitude that Tag has shown in the article. Everyone in life, disabled people included, need to compromise. I know so many disabled people like him and they make life miserable for everyone else. No one said you can have everything you want in life! Someone posted here that one needs to only spend one day in a wheelchair to see how bad life is... well, I have used one for 18 years (since the age of 6) and yet I totally disagree. While there are problems (illegal handicapped parking is the biggest), I never have problems like having people be rude to me or try to move or harass me. I think it is just a person's attitude that is the problem. If you act surly or have an undeserved sense of entitlement, then yeah, things are going to suck for you. Oh, and a comment by someone here was right-- a wheelchair user knows exactly when their battery will run out and it is only common sense to adjust to it. A person with a car wouldn't decide to drive across the state with only a 1/4 full tank of gas so why should he go all over the city and not expect to be stranded? "
Give Tag a break wrote on October 1, 2007 3:56 pm:
" Those who think the Handi Van works are wrong. When we were using it, we had to call more than 24 hours in advance, then were told the early day and late day times were unavailable because they were already booked. If we had a doctors appt and called in advance, often times we had to reschedule the doctors appt because the van was in use for that time. If we did get the van to our destination, they would come back at set times, often hours later, so we ended up sitting at the doctors office for hours waiting for it to return. I don't blame Tag a bit for not wanting to use it. Those of you who think he's selfish are wrong. "
Wow wrote on October 1, 2007 5:18 pm:
" I feel for Tag. Most of take it for granted we can easily run, skip or walk to the bus as it nears and be able to catch it. If in fact a bus driver was heartless enough to drive on by so that they didn't have to wait for Tag then shame on them. We are supposed to assist those who aren't able to help or have difficulty helping themselves. I personally would enjoy having the world revolve around my schedule and not worry about planning my day around someone else's, unfortunately life isn't like that no matter if you are disABLED or not. As for the President Apartment complex, we are fortunate to have the low-income housing that exists. As a tax payer I can not afford a luxurious home and do not expect to pay for unnecessary luxuries for anyone else. I agree with tax-dollars going to assist folks who are truly in need with public transportation, basic shelter and food. "
Sign wrote on October 1, 2007 5:21 pm:
" Give the guy a Neon flag or handheld sign that says "Ride" or BUS or something. He can flag down the bus so they dont leave him behind. Y'all need to see both sides. Dont rip a guy apart until youve driven 11 miles in his scooter, but also understand that it is a hassle to slow up a bus load of riders up and down a route for one dude. "
NL wrote on October 1, 2007 6:01 pm:
" I never said "one only needs to spend one day in a wheelchair to see how bad life is"...I said "Try living for just ONE day in a wheelchair or scooter, see what obstacles you run into". To insinuate that if a disabled person is treated badly, it's because they have an attitude, is wrong. Don't blame the disabled person for most of the rudeness. They don't start it, they're just on the receiving end of it. "
If I rode the bus wrote on October 1, 2007 7:02 pm:
" and had problems with being passed by, I would go to the Post Office and buy a half-dozen inexpensive postcards and send one to Mr. Worth every time I was passed by a bus.I would pre-address them, carry one around and fill it out with the details of the date, time, route, etc., while I was waiting for the next bus. And I would be sure to mail it from the next postal box I passed. If enough riders sent enough cards, perhaps Mr. Worth would initiate some changes. "
let'em ride wrote on October 1, 2007 10:34 pm:
" I agreethat the buses sometimes seem in too big of a hurry to REALLY PAY ATTENTION AND B PATIENT FOR THE ELDERLY OR DISABLED. I have gone by bus stops with people getting up to walk out to the bus and it just keeps going. So yes, the drivers need to make an effort to stop at all stops just in case they can't see the person trying to get on the bus....Afterall, when you pay to ride the bus, that is exactly what you want... "
Tired of Whining wrote on October 1, 2007 10:38 pm:
" Both sides of the story really need to be considered here. I rode the bus for years and I saw plenty of drivers that simply drove right by people and when another passenger would say something the drivers would just say that they weren't waiting for their bus or they weren't standing at the stop right. Also on the buses I saw plenty of handicapped people that stepped on and off those buses thinking that the city of Lincoln owned them everything just because they are handicapped. Anyone that thinks not to think disabled people are the cause of the rudeness or that they're just on the receiving end of it needs to deal with a few of these stereotypical disabled customers in a customer service position you'd realize that the majority of handicapped people in this town do really walk around that we all owe them something because they're handicapped. My father is deaf and refuses to even learn sign language becuase he refuses to become dependant on the assumption that every store needs to hire sign language capable people just because he is deaf. The harsh reality is the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. It's cold, it's harsh, but its the way the world works. As far as Startran goes, they really need to hire people to ride the buses that the drivers have never seen and report back exactly how people are treated on there. "
My only complaint.... wrote on October 1, 2007 11:51 pm:
" is that Star Tran isn't 24 hours a day! I could sure use the bus system when I get off of work at night instead of asking for a ride home from fellow co-workers! "
Alvo wrote on October 2, 2007 7:40 am:
" This past winter I was waiting at the 13th & Q bus stop for the #24 bus to East Campus at about 7:20 in the morning. It was freezing cold outside. I just happened to be conversing with a disabled person in a scooter. The driver pulled up and as we tried to board he told us that he was going to have a full bus so we needed to wait for the next one. Keep in mind the bus was COMPLETELY empty when he said this and that he was anticipating it to fill up later down the route at Henzlik and Abel-Sandoz Halls. So without another word he just he pulled away and left us there standing in the cold. I was extremely mad because I knew the only reason he ONLY left us was because he didn't want to bother with the man in the scooter. I tried to call Star Tran right then and there and all I got was a recording without any options to speak with an actual person. We waited in the freezing cold for the next bus which made both of us late for our classes. This occured earlier this year, but I would be more than happy to file a report about this incident. "
frustrated wrote on October 2, 2007 8:46 am:
" I have ridden the bus in the past and try to avoid it at all costs. If you live on the east side of town and want to go somewhere that is 10 minutes by car on the bus it seems to take a minimum of 1 1/2 to 2 hours. This is ridiculous they need to set up routes that make sense instead of this mess they call a route system now. I would ride the bus because it is cheaper but who can afford to waste 3 to 4 hours a day riding or waiting on a bus. The drivers holler about staying on schedule but they sure do not seem to mind pulling over for five minutes or so doing this 2 or 3 times a trip. The city system needs revised so it is more passenger friendly and it would increase their revenue because people would be more willing to ride the bus. I want to know why the buses stop at 7 they should run later into the evening because people who work past 7 have no way to get home other than paying the ridiculous rates that this taxi service in this town charges and you better be ready to wait an hour plus to get a taxi with a rude driver. Lincoln needs to pull their head out and really assess the mass Transit systems in this community. "
justanotherperson wrote on October 2, 2007 2:05 pm:
" I have MS and there is a huge difference in the way I'm treated when I'm having obvious symptoms as opposed to when I'm not. Yes, people with disabilities are still treated differently. "
startran is a joke wrote on October 2, 2007 3:18 pm:
" Maybe Lincoln should bring in someone from a "real" city to head up and reorganize the bus system. I've always been afraid to take the bus, because of stuff like this. I have friends all over the country, and they have never heard of such a crappy bus system. This Worth guy sounds like he ain't "worth" much. It's disgusting to think our tax dollars go to such a waste. "
Cathie Adams wrote on October 2, 2007 4:42 pm:
" I have known Tag since he was a small child, and you will not find a harder working individual who has tried to succeed and make it on his own. Originally, from Omaha Tag wanted to be in Lincoln because of the fact that he would be able to be as independent as possible. The bus system provided that option for him. Tag knows his mobile cart, watches the battery levels, knows its sounds and its hum’s. This mobbie are the two strong legs you and I take for granted. Knowing him, or myself I only have the feeling to be rude when someone is rude to me first. I know that is how Tag works, he is only trying to make his way independently. Everyone should take a moment and slow down and try and be a bit more considerate in all parts of our lives. Tag will use StarTran when he can plan ahead but, how many of YOU know exactly where you will be going or doing tomorrow. If the bus drivers and Worth want to keep their jobs they will remember who makes that job possible----people like Tag! Tag is only standing up for himself, and I think he is a great example of perseverance and continually trying to make it better for himself and other's who ride the bus! "
Kim wrote on October 2, 2007 7:14 pm:
" i haven't been on public transportation for over 20 yrs but whatever happened to raising your hand or waving your arms when the bus gets close?!?!?! "
Kit wrote on October 6, 2007 5:33 pm:
" Maybe some of you that think he's in the wrong, aren't in his situation. Maybe someday you'll be seeing yourself in the same spot. Then lets see who's in the wrong. "
Theresa wrote on October 10, 2007 5:56 am:
" I would like to see Mayor Beutler look into StarTran. I complained to Larry Worth about 2 years ago about 1 driver that I know has had numerous complaints and nothing is done. I was even told by other drivers that this person is a problem. The management at StarTran is too comfortable. Someone needs to investigate and knock them down a notch or two. "
LInda wrote on October 12, 2007 3:45 pm:
" I don't know what the public expects. They want transportation but they don't want to pay for it or have their taxes pay for it. They want door to door service for alittle of nothing. I know other transportation is more per trip and they charge for transfers. If they don't want to deal with the buses let them take a cab and see what they to deal with. I think the drivers do a good job for the most part. There are drivers that have room for improvement but if you had to deal with some of the things they deal with you would have a different attitude. "

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