My suggestions (I'm hardly an expert, so take with your preferred amount of salt).

Always carry a picture taking device, writing implement, and something to write on with you.

If it's an issue of something being rerouted or being stuck at a metro stop with the doors closed:

1.) Call central dispatch at 415-759-4321 or 415-759-4320. Peter E. posted these numbers on the Rescue MUNI list around '98. Dunno if they're still good.

2.) Be POLITE, these calls are recorded.

3.) Ask the dispatcher for their dispatcher ID # (just in case you get grief).

4.) BE POLITE. If you get attitude, remember that these calls are being recorded, and with the id number you can pursue appropriate action.

5a.) If you just got booted off of a train or bus, explain the situation (and that there are probably lots of people who just got kicked off), beg, plead, and whine to try and convince said dispatcher to authorize said vehicle (or another nearby one) to turn around. Another approach to try would be to convince everyone onboard to remain on the vehicle until the driver complies and completes his/her run.

5b.) If you're stuck on a train in the subway..... blech. If the train is all the way into the station, but still stuck with its doors closed, behind another train, you're mostly SOL. The operator can only open the doors if he/she takes the train out of auto mode (and faces a reprimand). However, dispatch can use the auto control (ATCS) to hold the train and open the doors without reverting to manual control.

If it's an issue of a driver doing something dangerous, unprofessional, or if you couldn't convince someone to remedy an above situation:

1.) Take a picture (or many) that shows the errant behaviour. BE POLITE. As much as I'm sure all MUNI riders are honest (:-D), picture proof is that much harder to refute. Pictures, pictures, pictures.

2.) Take note of the vehicle number you're on. If you're in the second car of a two car train, note that (and the first car # if possible).

3.) Note the destination signs. If they're conflicting, go with what the driver says. If they've changed note what they changed from, changed to, and when they changed. If they're conflicting and the driver hasn't said a peep, go with your gut.

4.) Take note of the run number. This is a three digit number that's displayed in the right hand lower windshield on busses. Sometimes this is indicated on the rear of a bus. On a train, this is indicated in the front and rear windshields.

5.) Jot down the operator's badge number. BE POLITE. If they're not wearing a MUNI uniform, jot down distinctive features. A picture wouldn't hurt, but BE POLITE.

6.) Take note of the time and location. Be as specific as possible.

7.) Call 311 and explain that you want to file a formal complaint about MUNI. You can do this anonymously if you wish. After you've explained the situation, make sure to take note of the "tracking number". It's key to be able to fill in all of the details.

8.) Post your pictures to Flickr.

www.flickr.com/groups/munimess

Include a brief description, and all of the other relevant facts. While MUNI will probably not act on any of the information you've provided on them, you'll at least have a public record of these shenanigans if you post 'em to Flickr. Maybe we can start to identify the problem station personnel, operators, and so-on.