Metropolitan Transportation Authority VOLUME ONE

NUMBER FIVE OCTOBER 199

EMPLOYEE MAGAZINE OF THE METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY

MTA Child Gare Center opens In this issue: CEO Thoughts and Thanks

ICs not qften that something happens and year. A compensation plan based on merit evelyone agrees it's good news. Well, last is indisputably the best way to reward hard work and outstanding performance August, that very thing oceurred. All non- while also providing some increase for contract employees, exeept my exmalve those who do only what is expected. In the 1920s, Wilfred Lippiatt team, (more about that later) reeeived a Many of you have pushed hard for a was a ticket agent at the LA three pereent inerease in pay. A pay pay-for-performance plan. I agree with you. An achievement-based compensa- Railway Company. Now 97, he raise, long sought ufter, but delayed by can look back on a career that tion plan, done well, is a tremendous moti- spanned 47 years. three years and mueh consternation, vator. Until next year, we will continue to use 4 Take a visual tour of the As your CEO, I was pleased to increase in pay. The reason: I've already nur current performance measurement MTA Child Care Center. grant an across-the-board begun to implement a pay-for-perfor- program, which gives each of us important The 15,800-square foot increase to all regular, full- mance program for the exccutive staff. feedback on how we're doing. If you facility provides daycare- time, part-time, acting and as- I've developed a performance mea- haven't received your evaluation, contact for children from infants needed, non-contract employees. surement tool called Leadership Comp- your manager right away. It's important. to pre-kindergarten. Since coming to the MTA in May 1995, etency Evaluation which all executive I've observed how hard all our employees officers will undergo. Recognition is the MTA way 5 Arthur Sinai, the MTA's work and how dedicated you are to the ful- The Leadership Competency Eval- Throughout the year, we will continue Ins pector General, fillment of the MTA's mission. Even in the uation rates executive officers in such to recognize employees for their outstand- discusses the important absenee of an increase in pay you contin- areas as their ability to solve complex ing contributions. One important way is work of his office in this ued to press forward to plan, build and problems, incorporate diversity in the our new Employee of the Month program. month's Conversation With operate the county's transportation sys- workforce, provide quality customer ser- Any employee caught in the (tot of feature. tem. I was impressed by that. vice, motivate others, attract and develop doing outstanding work can be nominated I believe we must always reward hard talent, take risks, handle complex prob- for this award. 6 The MTA has named its first seven employees of work, commitment and outstanding per- lems and demonstrate superior leadership We also expect to introduce very soon the month. Read all about formance. None of nur employees deserve skills. an Employee Suggestion Program. This 'cm in our center-spread. to go more than three years without I expect to be finished with the process program will recognize employees who receiving a pay increase. And, if we con- by December. Once it's done, executive submit innovative ideas that help us do 9 Wilfred Lippiatt, 97, and tinue to do what we do best, I believe we officers will share a three percent Pool, nur jobs betten Look for details in the William Reynolds, 96, are will avoid another three-year gap such as based on performance, which has been GEO Report. two of the MTA's oldest we've just experienced. set aside for their pay increase. In the meantime, let's remember to retirees. How they came to keep our focus on the eustomer and the California is a real Looking ahead Achievement-based pay pay for performance will come! • adventure story. With that behind us, it 's time now to As this is written, the Human look ahead to see how we can build salary Resources Department is hard at work Cover photo: tt's play time in the increases into nur future. I mentioned that developing a pay-for-performance system Note: Salary increases for union Child Care Center's indoor play area all non-contract employees except my for all non-contract employees. I hope to employees will continue to be part of the for Blake Olsen, 4; Giovanni executive team received the three percent implement a merit-based pay plan by next contract negotiated with the unions. Sbragia, 2; and Jaegan Preston, 5. Clarence Hendricks photo. reeent story written by one of your reporters. Metre„, Letters to the Editors (She) writes about "a giant sinkhole that swallowed part of IIollywood's Walk of Recently, GEO Joe Drew wrote to the tations of our documents.... Yet, in story Fame." Fact: the sinkhole occurred... A monthly Editor: Los Angeles Times and to the Associated after story, the Times gives greater cre- more than a mile east of the Walk of Fame. employee Bill Heard Press expressing his objections to stories dence to anonymous experts whose cre- [The letter then lists other instances of publieation Designer: about the MTA's Metro Rail project. dentials and motives for commenting are inaccuracies by the reporter.] of the Los Terry MeMahon Here are excerpts from two letters he never revealed. The MTA remains accountable and Angeles County aecepts criticism where lt is justified, bot Metropolitan Executive Officer, wrote to the news organizations: The judgment and reputation of nur Trans portation Communications: contract engineers has been irrationally the...misstatements and inaccuracies deal Rae James Authore. Letter to the Times: called into question.... Hindsight is always an unfair blow to the agency and its rail Asst. Director, The Times' coverage of the construc- 20-20. The enginms' assessment of eon- system.... Internat tion of the Metro Rail project through the ditions at the site was defensible and pro- We ask that in the future...the Communications Hollywood Hills displays a consistent pat- fessional. Associated Press make a good faith effort and Exemtive to accurately report on the MTA and its Editor: tern of disregard for the facts and positions Phyllis Tueker of the MTA. Letter to the Associated Press: projects so that we may stand on nur We are extremely shocked by inaccu- record instead of having to defend our- Manager, We have repeatedly...provided factual Printing Services: explanations of our actions and interpre- racies and misstatements contained in a selves against sloppy reporting. • Al Moore page 2 Metro Family On the road again GVG buses rejoin the MTAfleet after fuel tanks are safety tested m Ost of the MTA's fleet of CNG Buses are safe buses is back on the road and "We are confident, as are the experts operating safely this month. who are advising us, that the buses we are putting into service are safe, although the Following the rupture of a earbon fiber exaet cause of the tank rupture has yet to tank during refueling at Division 15 last be determined," Drew told the press in August, the agency ordered the buses off mid-September. the streets and conducted tank-by-tank EDO has reported no similar incident inspections of the entire 120-bus fleet. among any of its 6,000 tanks in operation New safety procedures intended to pre- nationwide. The company has made car- vent another such incident also were put bon fiber tanks since 1993 and the tanks in place. have been in use in the aerospace industry No one was injured when the tank for about 20 years. exploded, but the floor of die bus was dam- Each of the 12 tanks aboard every aged and windows were shattered. CNG bus in the MTA's fleet has been Following the incident, CEO Joe Drew inspected with an ultraviolet light to Mechanic Henry Najera of Division 8 uses an uftraviolet light to check a CNG fuel tank for convened a panel of experts, including detect possible cracks. MTA Inspectors possible cracks. Prior to the safety inspection, the tanks are brushed with a soltrtion that representatives of Cyltek, the testing com- rejected any CNG tank with a crack more reveals flaws under the uftraviolet. Photo by Tracey Mostovoy, The Perfect Exposure. pany, the bus manufacturer, Neoplan, and than 1/10,000th of an inch wide, about the tank manufacturer, EDO of Calgary, half the width of a dime. impact. At the 6,000-mile inspection, the of 294. The ageney will receive another Canada,, to study the accident and recom- Inspectors also tested all gas lines, shields will be removed and the tanks 250 CNG buses from Neoplan in FY 97-98. mend safety procedures. valves and relief devices on the buses. given a more thorough inspection. All buses still at the factory, and those to And in mid-September, the MTA host- The new safety procedures include MTA officials also are reviewing the be delivered next year, will be inspected cd a conference for all transit properties installation of metal shields beneath each CNG fueling procedures and expect to before they leave the plant. that use CNG buses. During the day-long CNG bus to protect the fuel tanks from revise them, perhaps reducing fueling Meanwhile, EDO has been directed to conference, MTA consultants shared their road debris. pressures from 3,600 psi to 2,400 psi. The provide additional protection for the car- opinions on the cause of the tank rupturc design criteria of the tanks is 8,100 psi, a bon fiber tanks during manufacturing and and the progress of the investigation. Nightly inspections safety factor of 3.4 at 2,400 psi. delivery. An MTA representative recently Transit Operations described actions The shields will be inspected every Neoplan has delivered about 200 CNG visited EDO to review manufacturing, qual- taken to mitigate impacts on bus service. night prior to fueling for signs of major buses to the MTA this year on a total order ity control and shipping procedures. Congress, City vote Metro Rail funding Smaller grants may slow raul construction, but won't affeet the MTAls bus program

AHouse-Senate committee in Joe Drew reported to the Board, will pre- going to build rail. lt may mean, however, Range of options Washington last month ap- vent the MTA from Spending the 553 mit- that the schedule of our construction may Drew said the MTA is updating its Long proved a federal grant of 870 lion in FY 98 and the 535 million in FY 99 need to be extended." Range Plan and will outline for the Board million to fund eonstruction of it had planned for rail construction. Zarian said the committee's decision this month a range of options to lteep the Metro Red Line Segment 3, and provided In late August, the Los Angeles City would not adversely affect the MTA's bus rad construction program moving forward, additional funding for other MTA trans- Gounod approved the release of 5200 mil- program. In fact, the committee approved if at a slower pace. portation programs. lion over eight years to complete construe- funds for bus capital and operating expens- One provision in the conference com- The agreement came a day after the tion of Segment 3. The council vote was es, including approximately 513 'Billion for mittee's report directs the U.S. DOT to Federal Transit Administration released key to the local cOmmitment to provide 50 continued development of the Advanced ensure that the City of Los Angeles does another 583.9 million in funding for raul percent of the eost of building the rail line, Technology Transit Bus (ATTB). not divert Los Angeles International construction, bringing the total received which includes the North Hollywood, Mid- "The congressional action...under- Airport funds to the city's general fund. If thus far to 5439.9 million. City and East Side extensions. scores the fact that Los Angeles cannot that happened, the FTA would be required Congress had established a total figure expect to maintain its rail construction to withhold funds from the Metro Rail con- of 81.4 hillion in federal funding to cover Shrinking funds program sehedule with the funding we have struction project. the life of the Red Line project, but the 570 "We reeognize that we're dealing with a received in recent years," said Drew. "We "We are assessing the impact of this million approved by the conference com- shrinking universe of funds, combined with must have assurances from Congress that it language," said Drew. "We will work with mittee in September was 888.9 'Billion less increased competition for those funds," will honor its Full Funding Grant the leadership of Los Angeles to make sure than die MTA had requested. MTA Chairman Larry Zarian told the Agreement commitments. We must and we are in compliance with the congression- The funding received this year, GEO media. "This does not mean we are not will face these fiscal realities." al mandate."

page 3 Metro Family The pitter-patter of little feet MTA Child Gare Center opens for business at Gateway

rianna Mitchell, 2, straddled the days of care. The Center, which has a B red plastic seesaw and two-year- capacity of 84 children, is operated by the old Cash Mora squeezed in Prodigy Division of Children's Discovery behind her. The two rocked Centers of San Rafael. back and forth happily for a few moments The 15,800-square foot, two-story and Brianna gave Cash a kiss. structure has accommodations for infants lt was a happy scene in the MTA Child under age 1, for toddlers, ages 2 to 3, and Care Center's indoor play area one after- for pre-schoolers, ages 4 and 5. noon not long after the opening of the new Building security measures will facility, located adjacent to the Gateway include controlled entry by special identi- Headquarters Building. ty nasses, surveillance cameras and MTA employees may enroll their chil- perimeter security patrols. • dren on a first-come basis at weekly rates ranging from $46 to $135, depending upon For more information, call the Child the age of the child and the number of Care Center at 92-CHILD (922-4453).

The players

The children appearing in these photos are Tijaira Chaney, 15 months, daughter of Teacher Patrice Chaney; Caroline Chang, 2, daughter of Joyce Chang, Legal; Brianna Mitchell, 2, daughter of Parents are responsible for providing their Julie Ellis, Materiels; Cash Mora, 2, children's lunches (top), shown being daughter of Denise Mora, Metro served here in the three-year-old's Art; Blake Olsen, 4, son of Jan playroom. Olsen, Benefits; Jaegan Preston, 5, Giovanni Sbragia, 2, and Blake Olsen, 4, and Tyler Preston, 6 weeks, chil- (above, left) check out the rooftop play area. dren of Teacher Rosa Preston; The Center has two pre-kindergarten Giovanni Sbragia, 2, son of Ralph playrooms on the second floor, flanking the Sbragia, Construction Safety; and outdoor play area. Justin Tipton, 11 months, son of Teacher Edith Bunda (far left) supervises Kelly Tipton, administrative assis- the Infant Room, which incIudes a play tant, Children's Discovery Center. area, changing station and eigilt roll-away cribs. Photos by Clarence Hendricks. Books, games, toys and kid-sized fumiture are provided in one of two rooms lieft) designed for toddlers. Metro Family Conversation With: Arthur Sinai The MTA's Ins peetor General ferrets out fraud, waste and abuse

T he MTA's Inspector General, AS: It's my responsibility to work with Arthur Sinai, was hired as an the GEO and to apprise the GEO of prob- officer of the Board in lems. I meet with him as necessary and Profile: Arthur Sinai December, 1993. He came to we have a very good personal and working the MTA following a long career in law relationship. • Native of Brooklyn, N.Y. enforcement for various federal and state MF: The MTA has its own internal • Graduate, Brooklyn College, 1960, BA, agencies. audit function. How does the IG's staff Psychology. In this interview with Metro Family, work with them? • Sinai describes the work of the Inspector Law degree, Georgetown Law Center, AS: Management Audit Services is the Washington, D.C., 1970. General's office and how his office is inte- first line of defense for the CEO in manag- gral to the success of the MTA. This inter- • Previous positions: Deprtty Assistant ing the agency. Internal audit should be Secretary (Enforcement), U.S. Treasury view was conducted September 10. auditing internal controls, making sure Department; Director, Office of Special Investigations, State of Illinois; Assistant records are kept correctly, doing pre- Metro Family: Please describe the Inspector General, U.S. Department of award audits on contracts and many other mission of the Office of Inspector General. Education, and many others. things. I have tremendous respect for high- Art Sinai: Our mission is to be a • Member: International Association of Tony Padilla and bis staff. As Inspector ly professional and independent office that Chiefs of Police, the American Society General, I also have oversight and author- provides oversight of the MTA to maintain for Industrial Security, and the ity over audit activities, setting the audit the quality, integrity, safety and cost- Association of Certified Fraud policy and standards for the agency. Examiners. effectiveness of public transportation. To MF: What effect do you feel the provide leadership in detecting and deter- • Family: Wife, Christina, and a son, Jeff. IG's office has had on the MTA since "The Inspector General's office is the ring fraud, waste and abuse of resources • Hobbies: Collecting antique police greatest protection for employees or Board you joined the agency in December, by conducting significant and timely badges; volunteering for humane and members when false accusations are made 1993? investigations, audits and reviews. animal protective associations. against them." AS: Our first accomplishment was MF: What do you mean by fraud, waste getting the agency to acknowledge that it and abuse? How do I as an employee spot had no audit resolution. The internal soniething like that? audit department in those days would AS: It's subjective, but an example of issue a draft report, but no final report criminal fraud is when a contractor is showing 'hat action was taken to correct knowingly and willfully charging the MTA a problem. for work it hasn't done, or someone is try- The second area involves procure- ing to bribc an employee. An example of ment, including contracting. I recom- waste could be when the agency is using mended that the GEO bring in outside taxpayer dollars to buy items it no longer experts to talte an in-depth look at the needs, but no action is taken to stop it. MTA's procurement policies. Management Abuse could include an official abusing the Audit is now in the process of making prerogatives of bis or her office. changes that will improve the MTA's pro- MF: What kind of responses do you get curement system. to the IG Hotline? The third accomplishment was AS: We have a very, very active hotline requirement to pre-qualify all MTA ven- MTA lnspector General Arthur Sinai and his sectetary, Judy Cole-Courtney, review a document with hundreds of phone calls a year. The at the1G's 818 West 7th Street offices. Photos by Tracey Mostovoy, The Perfect Erposure. dors. This requirement is now in a state great majority of the calls, however, are statute, AB 1869, which says that the MTA not criminal matters. Inspector General shall prepare a ques- MF: How is a typical call llin by investigative function. The great majority report then will be sent to the CEO. tionnaire that must be completed by all the IG's office? of this staff has over 20 years of experi- MF: The IG's office is located at the MTA vendors. The questionnaire will he AS: Our management analysis group ence in investigating white collar crime. 818 Building and you've deliberately kept issued shortly. staffs the hotline. They write up the call The second largest group is the audit staff. your staff separate from the MTA offices. This puts the MTA into the forefront of and decide whether to refer it to MTA The third portion of the staff is adminis- Do you consider the IG's office to be inte- vendor qualification and protecting the management for action or to open an audit trative and analytical, including the bot- gral to the MTA? taxpayer's dollar. Finally, by establishing or an investigation. Unfortunately, we line, and a new product. AS: Yes. We're very integral to the and supporting a professional, indepen- can't get back to a °aller with information MF: New product? success of the MTA. We're not part of the dent Office of the Inspector General, we've about how we handled the call. AS: It's an inspection report. We'll line of authority of the CEO, but the gained the complete trust and respect of AlF: How is the IG's office organized choose a function at the MTA and look at Inspector General is an °Meer of the the U.S. Attorney's Office and of the inves- and who are the people who work for you? what the agency's policies and procedures Board. We're an independent organization tigative staffs of the IRS, FBI, DOT and AS: We have 37 staff members and our call for the staff to do. Then, well talk to within the MTA. other agencies. These relationships are office is organized into three separate the staff and see whether they've been fol- MF: What are the IG's responsibilities solid proof that the Board and the agency functions. The largest is the criminal lowing the policies and procedures. A to the CEO? want to do the right thing.

page 5 Metro Family Congratulations to MTA 1 Co-workers submitted names of outstanding

T he MTA's first Employees of the Shahrzad Amiri, Regional Transportation Month were named in August Planning and Development. under a new program that rec- Shahrzad is a member of the Westside Area Team, Multi- Modal Planning. She is noted for her professionalism and ognizes the outstanding perfor- integrity, expertise and high personal standards. She is mance of employees who contribute to customer-focused and is an inspiration to her co-workers.

fulfilling the agency's mission. A resident of Santa Monica, Shahrzad joined the MTA in The seven honorees were selected 1989. from a large group of nominations submit- ted by supervisors and co-workers. The "lt was very gracious of Employee of the Month Selection Com- my colleagues and peers. mittee, representing the MTA's seven lt makes you feel good to major divisions, made the Final choices. "I'm thrilled with the reaction to the know that someone program by managers, employees and col- appreciates your work." leagues of the honorees," says Phyllis Tucker, assistant director, Internal Com- Shahrzad Am in, munications, whose department strue- Westside Arca Team tured the program.

"Employees are pleased to see their Bruce Buck, Transit Operations. contractors. A team player who is committed to excellence, his work has helped reduce cash box mechanical failures, peers recognized for doing outstanding Bruce ix an equipment maintenance supervisor at Division "I was complete& sur- theft and tampering. work," she said. "I hope people will con- 18. On his own time, he developed a system to reduce overtime expenditures. The system not only helps reduce prised. It's nice to be A resident of West Covina, Bill joined the MTA in 1975. tinue to participate by taking the time to costs, it identified where productivity improvements may be appreeiated. nominate their co-workers. After all, the needed. Jack McDowell, Construction. Employee of the Month program is of, by A resident of Long Beach, Bruce joined the MTA in 1989. Jack is manager of Engineering Rad Actvation. He managed Debbey Vernaci, and for employees. rail activation and start-up activities for the Wilshire Extension Transit Police "I want to thank the selection commit- Fran Curbello, Communications. opening. He ix known for his positive attitude, dedication and ability to work with many different groups within the MTA. tee for their six months of hard work to Fran is a senior communications officer in the Marketing Department. She was selected for her work in developing A resident of Long Beach, Jack joined the MTA in 1992. bring the program to fruition," Tucker said. the Metro Red Line Wilshire Extension opening celebration. She is highly respected in the transportation industry for her Debbey Vernaci, Executive Office. event-planning ability. Debbey ix a Transit Police crime analyst. A penchant for "It's always nice to receive Joe Parise, Administration. perfection earned her a reputation for error-free crime A resident of Duarte. Fran joined the MTA in 1990. Joe ix a supervisor of Printing Reproduction Services. He reports. She also developed a pocket-sized directory that something like this." goes beyond his responsibility to ensure that all printing Jobs gives officers a wide variety of information about penal are thoroughly checked, striving for customer satisfaction. codes, courts and other topics they use on the job. Bill Dellosa, Finance Department. He is thorough, professional, timely and efficient. Jack McDowell, Dills a property maintainer leader in Revenue Equipment A resident of Hacienda Heights, Debbey joined the agency Construction Maintenance. He supports Metro Rail ticket machine A resident of Whittier, Joe joined the MTA in 1995. in 1994. Metro Family Employees of the Month! employees for the new recognition program

October employees of the month, top row, left to right: Shahrzad Atniri, Bruce Buck, Who gets chosen, Fran Curbello, Bill Dellosa. and how: Second row: Jack McDowell, Joe Parise. Bottom row: Debbey Vernaci. Want to nominate a co-worker for Photos by Tracey Mostovoy, Employee of the Month? These The Perfect Exposure. are the criteria:

"It's overwhelming. Quality of Work. Receiving an honor like Employee consistently exhibits superior job performance and this means that a lot of strives to do the best job in every people appreciate that situation.

you're trying to make a Teamwork. difference. The fact that Employee is willing to work with it comes from your peers others to achieve organizational goals. means more than any- thing. Dependability. Employee is trustworthy, keeps Fran Curbello, promises and acts with integrity. Marketing Initiative. Employee is able to begin and follow through energetically with "1 was elated and plans and tasks. delighted. 1'm looking at Motivation. it as heing one (-)f some Employee inspires him/herself and 9,000 employees to be others to action. chosen. tremen- Employee of the Month nomination forms are available in the kitchens at dous honor." all work sites. Or call Dominique .Joe Parise, Grinnell at 922-5641. Printing Services

page Metro Family

Regions focus quality programs on customer service, teamwork

p ut customer information cards on well as programs that build employee consumer information; the "Free Bee" region's service quality programs will dif- MTA buses and get back up to 125, teamwork. bus, whieh eirculates throughout the fer, says Southern RGM Ralph Wilson. all filled out. Call a community Other programs under way or in devel- region offering unannouneed free rides; "They reflect the different types of ser- meeting to discuss bus service and opment in the Western Region include a and an aggressive community participa- vice that's provided from region to have almost 100 people show up. "fun map" depicting MTA routes with tion program. region," he says. "The Southern Region To Jon Hillmer, regional general manag- points of interest, restaurants and other Although there are similarities, each has a lot of local service for the transit er of Transit Operations, Northern Region, dependent." that's what community outreach is all about. "We have to be focused on our cus- Focus on cleanliness tomers," Hillmer says. "More than just mov- Wilson focuses much of his region's ing them, we have to meet their desire for effort on coach cleanliness because of the clean, courteous, timely service." high inciclence of graffiti and vandalism. Hillmer and the RGMs of the Eastern, He also is alert to how new equipment is Western and Southern regions have set in assigned to the regions because of the hen- motion a package of regional service qual- eficial Impact new buses have on ridership. ity initiatives aimed at improving service, The MTA also will benefit, says Tony increasing ridership and staying ahead of Chavira, Eastern Region RGM, by becom- competition from a growing number of ing more competitive. He points out that local transit services. 11 municipal operators serve the same area of Los Angeles that his region covers. Doing things differently And, while Chavira wants to help "We realized we had to do something streamli lie service by climinating under- different," says Ellen Levine, Western utilized and overlapping routes, he also Region RGM. "If we want to be around as Jorge Galvan, a Division 7 transit operations supervisor, gives directions to passengers expects the MTA to hold its own among its a service and transit provider, we need to switching from buses to Metro Red Line trains at Wilshire/Western station. As of Sept. 16, competitors as a service provider. change the way we do business." Wilshire Lines 320 and 322 now terminate at Western Avenue. MTA Marketing and other "I want to improve the service we have Transit Operations personnel also were on hand to help passengers with the change. Levine has implemented a host of cus- out there," he says. "And by improving it, Photo by Tracey Mostovoy, The Perfect Exposure. tomer-oriented programs in her region, as we'll increase nur ridership." •

hassle and congestion of commuting to Additionally, folding bicycles car- Bicycle lockers YOU work with everyone else. ried in a bag or container are allowed 24 Should you wish to use a bicycle The two-wheeled eommute of more hours a day on all MTA operated bus locker, please contact Vanessa Smith in than 18 miles of hills and city streets and rail lines. Foothill Transit soon will the Revenue Department. Vanessa can By Jay Fuhrrnan, from his home in La Canada-Flintridge be installing external racks on all of the he reached at 922-7009, and she will C Employee is terrific exercise. Best of all: Hector buses in its system, allowing enhanced provide you with the key. Transportation Coordinator doesn't have to pay for parking and he mobility from one transit system to Additionally, showers are available saves on the gasoline, maintenance, another. 24 hours a day for bicyclists to use upon Were you aware insurance and wear-and-tear on his car. Recently, secured bicycle lockers arriving at the Gateway Building. Four that the MTA has a For employees who wish to bicycle were installed at 24 of the MTA's rau! men's showers and four women's are Bicycle Commut- and commute via Metrolink, a free per- stations. These strong fiberglass lockers located on the P1 level near the Mail ing Program for its mit is available from Metrolink. The give bicyclists the peace of mind to Services area. employees? As permit allows unlimited storage of a know that their expensive bicycles will For Hector Rodriguez, access to part of the MTA's bicycle at all times on Metrolink trains. still he there, untouched, for the com- showers is perhaps the most important (arger Employee mute home. Secured bicycle lockers thing a bicyclist needs in order to com- Rideshare Program, and our efforts to Cycle Express also are located beneath the parking mute to work. Hector says that without promote regional mobility, a group of The MTA also offers a bicycle pass areas in Union Station and at the showers he couldn't commute the dis- incentives has been designed to facili- (called Cycle Express) which allows Gateway building, on the P1 level. tance he rides each day. • tate employees' ability to commute to employees to store bicycles on all rail The fee to use these lockers is nor- In addition to rail and bus access, and from work via bicycle. lines the MTA operates (Metro Red, Blue mally $70 per year for the general pub- more than 400 miles of bikeways are One employee who participates in or Green). With the Cycle Express, lic, however, in an effort to promote currently in place in Los Angeles the bicycle commuting program is bicycles are permitted on these raul regional mobility and to set a positive County. Hector Rodriguez, manager, Equal lines at all times EXCEPT 6 - 9 a.m. and and proactive example to other employ- For further information on the Employment Opportunity, and an 3 - 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. ee rideshare programs, MTA employees MTA's Bicycle Commuting Program or ardent bicyclist. Rodriguez says bicy- Bicycles also are allowed on rail lines at will have to pay only $6 a year to use the the Employee Rideshare Program, call cling to work helps him fight the stress, all times on weekends and holidays. lockers. me at 922-4827.0 Metro Family Journey of a lifetime Two Englishmen leave their homeland and find careers in L.A.'s raul system

Witfred Lippiatt (center, left), retired expense in one of the British dominions. General Passenger Agent of the old L. A. Bill chose Canada. He worked for a MTA, recently visited the new MTA's time as a farmhand in the western Customer Service Center in the East Portal. provinces where he met another former Agapito Diaz, whose position as Director of soldier, Art Smith. Revenue is similar to Lippiatt's former posi- tion, presented an MTA logo mug. Olivia Off to California Gutierrez, customer service agent, showed Art had an Indian motorcycle with a Lippiatt the new sales procedures. Lippiatt sidecar, and in 1921 the two decided to (inset) as he appeared in the early 1920's. head for California. In Oxford, Neb., their Indian having Main streets. The day almost ended in dis- given up the ghost, the two sold lt for parts aster for Wilfs career hopes. and hitehhiked to El Paso, Tex., where A fire forced him off the trolley at 7th they hopped a westbound freight. and San Pedro and he had to walk the final Bill and Art made it to Los Angeles that six blocks to the building. fall. After a couple of years working first night in the America. "You're late for your interview," menial jobs, Bill noticed a job posting at "I thought it was for nie," he jokes. 11 untington barked when Wilf entered the YMCA for a position in the Los Angeles The family spent two hectic days tour- the room. He calmed down when the Railway's stures department. ing the City and dien boarded a transcon- young man explained his tardiness, and The stures department, which tinental train for California. hired him as the company's ne' junior ordered, stocked and issued all the parts The Lippiatts set up housekeeping in clerk. and equipment essential to the mainte- Tustin Miere Thomas liegan selling bis • • • nance of the trolley cars, was located at blended teas to local grocers. Only two the company's shops at 54th and Avalon. years after arriving in California, however, For 17-year-old Bill Reynolds, mean- By Bill Heard "Can you figure lumber?" the store- he died of pneumonia. wilde, wartime London was crowded with keeper asked Bill. "I said, Sure, I've had troops headed for the battlefields of hey were born at the dawn of schooling.' And that gut me the job." T A lucky break France, or returning wounded from the the 20th Century. Two British youths who left their homeland With the head of the household gone, front for convalescence at home. Wilf and his siblings had to go to work to In 1918, Bill enlisted as an infantry- by separate paths, but with a Wilfred Lippiatt's career at the Los support the family. An older sister, man in the Royal Fusiliers and began single purpose: to find a better life in Angeles Railway and successor agencies Kathleen, took a position as a governess to training for war in the trenches. Luckily, America. lasted 47 years. During that time, he rose die children of Howard I Itintington, one of the war was ending just as his unit reached Now, as their own century mark from junior clerk to ticket seller and then two brothers who owned the Los Angeles France and he was spared combat. He approaches, they look back on careers to manager of the sales office at 1 lth and Railway Company. lt was a lucky break mustered out as a corporal at age 19. spanning an era that witnessed the decline Broadway. for Wilf. A job in the post office lost its luster of interurban rad lines as a major trans- Eventually, he was named General One day in early 1917, he set off from after a year when the young veteran, like portation mode and established the auto- Passenger Agent, a position that combined Tustin for a job interview with Huntington thousands of his comrades, was offered an mobile as king of the road in Southern responsibility for ticket and pass sales, cus- at the company's headquarters at 6th and opportunity to resettle at government California. tomer complaints and telephone informa- Wilfred Lippiatt was born Sept. 25, tion. He retired in that position in 1964. 1899, in Frome, southwest England. Lippiatt, who survived his wife, Alice, William Reynolds was born Jan. 21, 1900, whom be married in 1925, now lives with in London. At ages 97 and 96, they are bis granddaughter's family in Santa Clarita. two of the MTA's oldest retirees. William Reynolds retired a year after "Wilf" Lippiatt is the son of a grocer Lippiatt, with 42 years' service beginning and award-winning tea blender; one of 10 in 1923. children of Thomas and Louise Lippiatt. Reynolds was promoted to storekeeper After a fire destroyed his father's business, in 1924, and in 1927 was named chief the family set out for a new start in clerk in the stures office at South Park. He California. was made superintendent of stures for the entire system in 1938 and held that Posi- Fourth of July tion until 1945, when he was named direc- On July 4, 1914, the Cunard I ner St. tor of purchasing and stures. Paul, with the Lippiatt family aboard, He retired in that position in 1965 and anchored in New York Harbor. Fifteen- now lives with his wife of 46 years, year-old Wilf gawked at the fireworks that William Reynolds (lett) was Superintendent of Stores for the L. A. Railway when this photo Dorothy, a former South Park secretary, in flashed around the Statue of Liberty on bis was taken in 1942. Reynolds (right), at 96, is now retired in Escondido. an Escondido retirement community. •

ixte 9 Metro Family Operator's hands teil the story for hearineimpaired riders

something else Im supposed to do in life," young mother with an infant and a 6-year says Sharp. At that point Providence old, I realized the woman didn't speak," says seemed to take over. Sharp. "I hegan signing to the woman, asking her if she was deaf. She signed back 'yes." A friendship developed So began the first of several conversa- Sharp joined her church choir and at a tions every Tuesday that also included the rehearsal happened to notice a fellow woman's deaf friend. member "signing." As a friendship devel- In aciclition to her duties as a bus oper- oped, the person not only began to help ator, Sharp is a member of the Division 5 Sharp hone her sign language skills, but Advisory Committee and of the CEO also introcluced her to what she called "the Advisory Group. Sharp also is an Amer- deaf culture." ican Sign Language interpreter at her Later, in 1992, Sharp joined the church, Faith United Methodist Church in Interpreters Training Program at El Garn- South Los Angeles, and is aetive in the ino College. Crenshaw Cougars Youth Football Organ- Sharp first put her skill to good use on ization, and Lös Angeles Black Deaf Line 204, where her typical weekday Advocates. Bus Operator Teresa Sharp gives the American Sign Language ges-ture for "1 love you." A 20 - included greeting two hearing impaired year MTA veteran, Sharp uses her hand-signing to assist hearing-impaired passengers. "After 20 years on the job I still enjoy riders and two roommates who not only my work as a bus operator," says Sharp. By Ed Scannell are deaf but also blind. "And nia king a connection with pcople hand-formed words often are indispens- Despite their visual impairment, how- unable to hear kinda puts pats on my back, A t the MTA the motto is "Custo- able for passengers who are deaf and ‘yho ever, not a single communication was ever and a voice inside says 'Go Girl, Go!" mer First," and Theresa Sharp ride her bus on Slauson Avenue. missed. One of the roommates would hold "This is a great example of what it is one of the best examples of a Sharp's journey into this "silent" workl Sharp's hand to feel the shapes as she means to put the "Customer First," says bus operator who embraces the began at the age of eight when, after meet- formed each sign. GEO Joe Drew. "In fact, we wallt anyone motto, reaching out in a special way to ing a neighbor's deaf aunt, she began to who deals with MTA's Operations, passengers with a special need. learn the manual alphabet. But, it wasn't Making new friends Planning and Construction departments Sharp, a 20-year veteran who operates until years later that Sharp really found Sharp wasted no time making new to he treated as a valued partner, as we a Line 108 bus in South Central Los her calling. friends when she moved to Line 108. continue developing nur worIcl-elass trans- Angeles, is an expert in sign language. Her "One day I said to myself, `There's "One day after chatting away at a portation system." •

beginning August 18. Both the car builder, for schedules at this location. Our permission to have the club authorized by Nippon Sharyo and the subcontractor, Customer Relations and Revenue depart- the agency? Adtranz Corp., were notified and respond- ments are considering installing addition- A. Any group of MTA employees can ed, but had no luck locating the problem. al racks. Also, sector maps showing all bus start a club. Employee Activities general- MTA repair crews eventually determined routes are currently in production and will ly acts as a contact point, helping volun- the failures were in the Automatic Train be available soon at all Customer Service teers by mailing out flyers and collecting Protection System, which can appear as Centers. names of interested employees. If the club propulsion problems on the operator's succeeds, members must develop bylaws 1 continue to be impressed by the console. All ATP eomponents were Q. A certain bus here at our Division and elect officers to he recognized and he thoughtful nature of the calls from removed, cleaned and replaced. Car 157 doesn't have enough power to take a hill. eligible for yearly subsidies from employees who take the time to tested OK and was returned to service That's dangerous. Can someone do Employee Activities. phone the GEO HotLine. Here are September 9. something about this bus? some of the latest concerns. A. The bus was taken out of service Q. On October 9, 1995, someone Q. The bus schedule racks in East immediately and the RRC was asked to broke into my toolbox and stole all my Q. I'm a train Operator at Division 11 Portal and at the Customer Service diagnose the mechanical problem. Transit tools. I've followed all proper procedures and I can teil yott that Metro Green Line Center at the Headquarters building are Operations also is working with Detroit to get new tools, but as of July 30, 1996, 1 Car 157 has been troublesome. lt con- frequently empty. There's also no system Diesel to improve the power output of the still haven't received any. As a mechanic, stantly has been put on line and it just map on display for the use of our patrons. engines on this series of buses. Thanks for I depend on my tools to do a good job Jbr keeps breaking down. Can something be Can't we do something to help our cus- alerting us. the MTA. Please help! done about it? tomers? A. As of August 8, I understand you've A. You're right. The car had propul- A. Timetable racks are replenished Q. I would like to start a book review received new tools. I'm sorry it took so sion problems on five different occasions twice daily, but there's a heavy demand club at the MTA. Who should I go to for long to replace them.•

;tage 10 etr ,a All In The Family

Jimenez, Jose Every .4one has moments to celebrate and to reinem- Stock Clrk ber. On this page, you'll find a monthly listing of Mn to Slip & Ree Clrk Johnson, Duane P. promotions, Service Awards and ein ployee retirements. Sr Contraet Admin to Contraet Admin Mgr Those who are no longer with us also are remembered Leavitt, Richard L. Mec 'A' to Mec 'A' Ledr In Memoriam. Maul, Evelyn A. Equip Rec SpecIst SERVICE AWARDS Aug 78 to Jun '96 Balangue, Ring .1. to Cust Info Agt I Sr Cust Serv Agt Saunooke, Sam Morse, Warren A. to Cust Sen, Agt I Jul '73 to Jul '96 Asst Dir Ext Affs-Mktg 30 years: Scully, Patrick A. Broussard, Cheryl A. to Dir of Mktg Sr Equal Opp Prog Rep Quick, Lee W .1111'73 to Jul '96 Mortvedt, Richard A. 10/1/66 to Etmal Opp Prog Mgr Sherman, Duane R. Mce 'B' Thomsen, Peter N. Jul '76 to Aug '96 Carney, Monica M. to Mee 'A' 10/1/66 Serv Attn to Serv Attn Ledr Sims, William 0. Miltz6».(1, Scott 1'. Parnell, Harvey D. Mar '81 to Jun '96 Castillo, Felipe Asst Dir Cust Reis Bus Opr 10/1/66 Smith, Harry G. to Dir of Cust Reis to Sched Chkr Clary, Arthur L. Aug 73 to Aug '96 3//aulan, 11illiani A. Christie, Richard 10/1/66 Roy J. Mec 'B' Trans Opms Supv Owens, Virgil Aug '71 to Aug '96 to Mec 'A' Sr Admin Analyst 10/24/66 Solomon, Oscar Nolan, Dwight C. Aug '73 to Aug '96 Trans Pol Ofer (TRN) 25 years: to Trans Pol Ofer Stewart, Spencer D. Randrez. Victor M. 10/2/71, Contract Admin Six-year-old Bianca Rodriguez is on her way to the top to Sr Contract Admin Wein gartner, Earl J. ranks of amateur ice skating. The daughter of Peggy Raums, Monique 1'. 10/2/71 and Philip Rodriguez, 1995 Maintenance Employee of Sec Shelter, Howard K. to Ethics Ofer the Year, Bianca recently won a gold and two bronze 10/6/71 medals skating against international competitors at the Villard, Dennis L. Rodriguez, Paul P. Ice Skating Institute World Recreational Team 10/9/71 Trans Pol Ofcr (TRN) to Trans Pol Ofer championships in Seattle. This month, she's compet- Jones, Robert E. Sandoval, Rogelio 10/9/71 ing in the U.S. Figure Skating Assoc. competition in leint Speelst Tervalon, Marie L. Ontario, California. 10/12/71 to Mee "A" Pearson, Stanley W. Saucedo, Guillermo Mec "C" 10/30/71 IN MEMORIAM Minor, Frank Frank Cardenas Lieft) has joined the MTA as Chief of Staff. to Mec "B" Ilired: 2/16/76 He supervises the day-to-day activities of the CEO's office Amigo, Samuel R. 20 years: Thomas, Shirley E Died: 3/25/95 and coordinates agency activities and special projects. Cust Serv Agnt I Gen CIrk/Mktg Libatique, Prudencio G. Strean, Robert W. Cardenas also superv'ses Management Audit Services and to Sr Cust Ser Agnt to Cust Sen Agnt I 10/18/76 Hired: 6/9/72 the Office of Equal Opportunity and Minority Business Trejo, FernandoA. Davis, Donald L. Died: 9/16/95 Hampton, Etta Stock Clrk Hired: 8/7/73 10/2(1/76 Enterprise. to Storekeeper Died: 7/13/96 Steven F. Mauck has joined the MTA as Director of Risk Vasquez, Robert T. Gaul, Cyril L. Correction: RET1REMENTS: Management, Construction. Previously, he was director, Contr Admin Hired: 1/18/34 Hertz Claim Management Corp., and vice president of HCM to Sr Contr Admin Died: 7/9/96 The hours for the Babbitt, ‚Jerry G. Employee Store were Oet '72 to Jul '96 Investigations, Inc., with responsibility for risk and claim Zone, George P. Gra, Alva E. Bus Opr IIired: 11/19/62 given incorrectly in the Bowie, Jesse R. management. to Sched Chekr Aug '86 to Aug 96 Diecl: 7/21/96 September issue. 'The Zebrowski, Gerald A., Cobbs, Mary L. Maslog, Anastacio M. hours are 9 a.m. to Bus Opr '82 to Mar '96 Thomas, Konwood Hired: 2/26/90 3:30 p.m. daily. Mar Cole-Courtney, Judy A. to Sched Chekr Diaz, Eusebio M. Aug 73 to Aug '96 Sr Sec Died: 8/25/96 May '73 to Jul '96 Turner, Stephen E. to Exec Sec Earnst, Morris E. Apr 73 to Jul '96 Cox, Alan L. .1u1'86 to Jul '96 Trans Pol Ofer (TRN) to Trans Pol Ofer Hatchett, Richard B. PROMOT1ONS: Apr '75 to Jul '96 De La Rosa, Ernie Suggestion Box Acosta, Jessica L. Jackson, Helen R. Ship & Ree Clrk Editor: Apr '90 to Aug '96 Typst Clrk to Stock Clrk to Doc Contrl Asst • I I thought the October issue of "Metro Family" was: Lepins, 11. R. Garcia, Victor A. Apr 57 to Jul '96 Adams, John C. Bus Opr I especially liked: Dep Serv Oprns Mgr to Sched Chkr Martinez, Olga E. to Equip Maint Supv I did not Ilke. Apr '76 to Aug '96 Hernandez, D. Elvira Aguayo, Carmen Cust Serv Agt I Norwood, Willie C. Here's a suggestion for a story or feature in a future "Metro Family" issue: Cust Serv Agnt 110 Rev Clrlt to Cust Serv Agt II Aug 73 to Aug '96 Alejandro, Frank Howard, Frank E. Peralta, Louis A. Sr Rail Transp Oprns Supv Trans Pol Ofer (TRN) Nov '92 to Jul '95 to Asst Rail Div Transp Mgr to Trans Pol Ofer Perry, Fred L. Alonso, Cecilia Jackson, Robert L. .Jun '86 to Jun '96 Gen Clrk Sr Stat Analyst Thank You for your ideas. Please cut out this section and send lt by interoffice mau l to Raphael, Lot han R. to Custodian to Transp Tech Mgr IV Bit Heard, Editor, Metro Family Mail Stop 99-13-60.

page 11

%tro Family News Briefs

Bringing in a new Breda, AC-powered car The buses will be equipped with voice from left are Gary Dewater, Jack Eich, Dave enunciators that will automatically call all Kalasnik and David Chamness, driving the stops and major points along a route, as tractor. Photo by Tracey Mostovoy, The well as malte other announcements. Perfect Erposure. Announcements also will be carried on As of Sept. 16, MTA Lines 320 and 322 overhead electronic message signs for the began and are terminating morning and hearing impaired. afternoon runs at the Wilshire/Western Tiny cameras connected to a TV mon- Red Line station. Bus passengers using itor in the operator's station will be Lines 20, 21 and 22 can transfer, free, to mounted above the front entry door. The the Red Line. cameras will give operators a constant Rail passengers traveling west can view down the right side of the bus to help transfer to any MTA Line 20, 21, 22, 320, prevent accidents. The new buses also will feature a com- New AC-powered cars join The MTA eventually will shift all its 322 or 426 bus by presenting their rail the Red Line Net Red Line cars, including existing rolling ticket to the bus Operator. puterized seif-diagnostic system that, with the flip of a switch, allows the operator or The first two Metro Red Line cars of a stock, to AC power beeause AC motors are This deeision both eliminates duplica- mechanic to determine equipment status. new shipment of 74 arrived at the Division lighter, more efficient and require less tion of bus and rail service on Wilshire and The system also performs many of the 20 shops in early September. Shipped maintenance. in the meantime, raul offi- expands local service by providing addition- tests required by the rollout procedure. from Italy, the Breda cars will be powered cials say the two types of cars are compat- al feeder buses to serve Red Line stations. Plans are to include this equipment on by lighter, more efficient AC motors. ible and can operate together. The two prototypes will be tested for 78 new buses to feature all buses in the fleet as funds are available. five months, beginning this month. The Connections improved on high-tech equipment new cars are equipped with inverters that Wilshire buses and trains Iligh-tech equipment that will make Editor's note: In die September issue of change the subway systems 750 volts of Wilshire Boulevard eommuters are life easier for MTA bus operators while Metro Family, Jose Luis Garcia, 11, son DC power to AC. Air compressors, air enjoying faster commutes and easier con- inereasing passenger comfort and safety of the late Transit Police Sgt. Jose Garcia conditioning and other systems will con- nections these days between Metro Buses has been approved for use on 78 new was not correctly identified. We regret tinue to run on DC power. and Metro Red Line trains. buses seheduled to be received in January. the error.1

CM407 9/96 TMe

BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID METRO Permit 4717 Los Angeles, CA Los Angeles County Metro politan Trans portation Authority One Gateway Plaza, P. 0. Box 194 Los Angles, CA 90053