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Attn: Odd Duck... Kim42 told me you can help me. Please!!!

Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 4:57 pm
by msucantsmokeme
As I always do, I get on the NJ Transit bus, give the driver my ticket and show my Disabled ID to not have any trouble.

I sat down.

After several minutes of idling at the Willowbrook Park & Ride, the driver comes to the back of the bus and says loudly I have to show ID making everyone aware of the situation.

As I am retreiving my ID from my pocket, I told him that I showed it already. Then I show it to him.

Now, everyone on the bus is staring.

I felt violated.

I felt that everyone was looking at me because of my disability.

I wanted to just get off the bus but I need to go to work.

When we arrived at the Port authority Bus Terminal in NYC, I said to him, " I hope you have a good night sleeping tonight, clown".

He came after me off the bus and threatened to kick my ass in front of everyone.

That was when I went down to NJ Transit's customer service kiosk and reported the incident with the following:

Bus #: 7621

Driver ID: 042103

Route Time: 8:20am.

Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 6:36 pm
by Arron
You did the right thing in reporting it so quickly. Good job.

Posted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 3:14 am
by OddDuck
msucantsmokeme,

I totally agree with Arron. I can't give actual legal advice, but if you want to investigate filing any charges or possible lawsuits against them under the ADA, Civil Rights Act, even, or for discrimination, I would certainly advise you to consult an attorney.

Personally, I would be furious myself!!

Deb

Posted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 8:23 am
by msucantsmokeme
Thank you so much for the replies that i am getting. I just can not believe that in this day and age and with all the sensitivity training done at work, school, and such, that it still happens.

Posted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 9:42 am
by Scaggs
He came after me off the bus and threatened to kick my ass in front of everyone.
That's threatening and abusive behaviour - I'd report it to the police.

Posted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 10:32 am
by msucantsmokeme
I didn't even think of that.

I believe I will report it to The Port Authority police right now. Thanks!

Posted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 11:10 am
by flora68
msucantsmokeme wrote:I didn't even think of that.

I believe I will report it to The Port Authority police right now. Thanks!
Go get 'em!

RESPONSE FROM NJ TRANSIT

Posted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 11:11 am
by msucantsmokeme
Hello Mr. XXXX;

NJ TRANSIT expects its employees to treat passengers with courtesy and respect at
all times. Under no circumstances is the behavior you describe acceptable. However,
this writer fails to understand how this situation escalated to a point where threats
were made.

I have forwarded your e-mail to our garage supervisor who will interview the operator
and take the appropriate corrective action.

NJ TRANSIT regrets that you had this unpleasant experience on our service. Thank
you for writing, this matter will be addressed.

Sincerely,

NJ TRANSIT Customer Service Department

Posted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 1:18 pm
by msucantsmokeme
From News 12 New Jersey

http://forum.news12.com/ubbthreads/show ... ber=184859

You deserve a complete investigation. Courtesy works both ways. And the fact
that he made a threat against you is uncool. I hope there were witnesses who will
vouch for you.

Posted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 1:20 pm
by msucantsmokeme
Another Reply:

http://forum.news12.com/ubbthreads/show ... ber=184861

Sorry for your trouble. I don't know how anyone on the Ct. board can help you.
I for one, am not familiar with the NJ transit. If I were you, I would get in touch
with customer service again and ask them what they are doing about this.I wish you
good luck.

NEWS ALERT: NJ TRANSIT BUS DRIVER GUILTY!

Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 10:51 am
by msucantsmokeme
FROM: a NJ Transit Asst. Supervior at the Wayne NJ garage states in an e-mail received in...

"New Jersey Transit has given to bus driver ID: 42103

1. a violation of conduct code on his record

2. progressive action given to driver regarding conduct

Hearing is scheduled regarding inappropriate actions to a disabled person"

Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 12:57 pm
by Arron
glad to see your complaint led to action!