Ms. Fix-It Saves the 12-Folsom (and Happy Hour) 12.01.11
Photo: Ian Fuller
The handicapped ramp was stuck on the ground after someone had used it at the 14th and Folsom stop (FoodSlow) and the driver just sat there and called it in, instead of trying to fix it. I finally got up after 10 mins and said ‘did you try to fiddle with it or just stare at it’; he grunted he did not try to fix it. I went outside and looked it over and asked him a few questions, kicked and tugged. He FINALLY tried the button, nothing, I said wait, kicked and pulled again and sure enough…it moved back into place. Everyone was very happy that they did not have to wait for the next 12 (40 mins) and I told the bus driver to try and fix things himself next time. My GF called me out knowing I was headed to meet her and friends for happy hour and that stupid ramp was between me and beer.
We all know that Muni needs a lot of fixing. Have you ever pitched in? Like really fixed it? If so, you might get cookies, too. Spin us a yarn at muni.diaries.sf@gmail.com.
Can I Ruffle the Feathers on Your Sweater? 06.15.10
Photo by Flickr user sheepguardingllama
Last Friday, I was riding the 12 home after work from SOMA to the Mission. I was staring off into space when the man sitting next to me said, “Excuse me?” I looked up, thinking he might be looking for directions or have some sort of question.
“I don’t know if you know this, but you have feathers or fuzz all over your dress — on the back, and sleeve…”
I looked at my sleeve. It was true. The combination of black dress and fuzzy sweater meant that there was weird linty fuzz all over me.
“Oh yeah, there is. Thanks for letting me know,” I replied.
“Do you want me to wipe it off of you?” He asked me.
The thought of this mild-mannered but still very creepy man touching me in any way was not appealing, so I told him it was fine and that I was heading home soon anyway.
“Well,” he said. “So what’s your sweater made out of?”
Really not wanting to engage any further, I looked at the tag of my cardigan.
“Uh… looks like viscose, cotton and angora,” I read off.
He smiled at me, and I went back to staring out the window. About four stops later, he got off.
I don’t mind making conversation on the bus, but here’s a pro tip: asking other riders if you can touch them — probably not a good idea.
Muni Diaries Anniversary Favorite: Putting the 20 Questions Ball in charge of TEP 04.04.09
Our look back on the first year wouldn’t be complete without a word from Beth, proud new momma and our No. 1 contributor from Muni Diaries’ own infancy. Here’s what Beth had to say about her favorite post: “I could be accused of picking this as my favorite because Devin’s my partner, but I thought his ‘interview’ with the 20-questions ball — in an effort to uncover any sense behind Muni’s grand TEP — was just about the funniest thing I’ve ever read on this site. Given how mad and frustrated Muni makes us, it’s nice to look at the funny side now and then.”
The new order: Putting the 20 Questions Ball in charge of TEP (originally published on January 6, 2009)
With Muni’s TEP program threatened by the city’s budget cuts and awash in the inevitably complicated process of citizen input, it’s time to consider applying technology to the problem. Specifically, the magical technology of the 20 Questions Ball, which turned up in so many stockings this holiday season. Otherwise bound for thrift stores within the month, this sophisticated device can make beeping noises, ask questions and react to the answers, thus placing it ahead of your typical SFMTA manager by at least two out of three.
Before inaugurating our new oblate spheroid masters, it’s essential to allow for an orientation and transition phase, where the new rulers can confront the problems first-hand and to establish strategic policies. To frame the public debate, we’ve chosen two different problems confronting this great municipal transit system, namely the 38-Geary and the 12-Folsom. It’s often a leader’s job to help shape the discussion, so the 20 Questions Ball’s rapid Q&A approach seems ideally suited.
While We Were Away 05.27.08
Muni went and hit some peeps.
Details are sketchy, but apparently early Saturday a woman was struck by a 71-Noriega at Market and Sixth. She was taken to General, but died from her injuries.
Then, Monday, a 12-Folsom struck a ped near Howard and Embarcadero. This accident was apparently originated with a car running a red light and cutting off the bus, which caused the 12 to strike the walker.
His condition is not known.
It should be noted that cause is not known in either of these incidents, but that extra caution is called for by pedestrians and bus operators.
Thx: SFist and The Examiner.
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