MAX delays on Tuesday and a Response from TriMet Union Blaming Management

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The statement issued by the union representing TriMet employees that the MAX system on Tuesday issue caused massive amount of delays and it left hundreds of travelers waiting at stations and on trains in Ore, Portland. The President of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 757, Shirley Block issued a statement on Wednesday that disturbance on Tuesday was preventable and it was entirely generated by the management of TriMet by ignoring the perception of their frontline employees. The officials of TriMet also said that unexpected delays originated from a network issue and it was started on Saturday after installing new software. They further indicated that officials had experienced on Sunday that new software was not allowing MAX trains to communicate with the central command center regarding their current locations.

Officials also said that computer problems at TrimMet continue due to hot weather threat and it delayed transit. Block added in his statement that rail controllers are experienced and well trained to manage & handle such issues, and they could keep trains in operation. He said that none of the trained staff was involved to resolve the issue and trains were stopped at platforms for at least 45 minutes. The statement from the union also indicated that there weren’t safety issues to stop the MAX from its operations. There might be more “inefficient decisions, delays, and disturbances to come” if management continue ignoring its valuable and experienced workers. TriMet also said on Wednesday that fares will not be inspected until the issue is resolved.