Prime topic at tonight's Union Meeting involved concerns regarding the use of online credit card devices for operation of the Airport Express. On Tuesday, 11/11/08, the internet system went completely down. The Company scrambled to get cash bags out to drivers in the field. When the system works, the average transaction times are reported between one and two minutes. With passenger counts in excess of ten passengers, operating on time will be difficult at best. Additionally, the training to operate these devices seems to be non-existent. It was reported that drivers are expected to take the devices home and charge them. This is completely unacceptable. Although the total public utilities fee to charge these devices is infinitesimal, drivers should not be responsible for maintaining company devices.
Through the end of the current collective bargaining agreement, the Company is obligated to provide the cash bags with ticket stock enclosed. There is some debate here, as article 12.07 reads;
A driver performing services requiring the sale of tickets and the making of change will be issued change in the amount of $50 and a supply of tickets for each applicable shift.
A Driver shall not be responsible or liable for the refusal of passengers to pay proper fares. Will this clause be revised to include passengers incapable of making payment, such as no credit card or invalid card?
Management rights allow the implementation of new techniques and procedures. If drivers are no longer required to make change, there is no need for change funds. If hard paper tickets are no longer used, ticket stock is not required.
Drivers' express concerns over abandonment of cash sales and an already stressed schedule of operation. Several operators report "numerous" circumstances where passengers do not possess a credit card. General consensus says the overall impact to the service will be negative.
When implemented, hopefully these devices will: