As always, if you have any questions to either the driver or the security guy, e-mail us at [email protected].

Now back to our regularly scheduled broadcast.

Earlier this week, the Examiner had a story about Muni's attempts to deal with their budget problems. One of the reasons for the budget problems is that they haven't been able to hire the fare inspectors needed to collect the money that was projected to come in.

Here is our security guy's response:

"Fare Inspector hiring was delayed due in part to SFPD Deputy Chief Tony Parra (the "head" of the MTA Security and Enforcement Division) and MTA Human Resources / City - County Controllers office.

The extra positions were justified and submitted to the Controllers office for approval. The Controller only okayed x amount per month - 6 usually. We wanted to start up to 10 per month but Controller and HR office slowing things WAY down.

I don't think the extra personnel will help put a dent into the "fare evasion" but their presence would help. The fare inspectors are only assigned to trains. There is a pilot program to get the fare inspectors onto the buses and this is being met with resistance - internally and externally.

Externally - SFPD is arguing we're taking their jobs away by doing this.
Internally - the MTA is scared to face up to the real facts. Most riders take the bus, not
trains.

Cable Cars: We have fare inspection staff working in plain clothes "monitoring" the conductor, the person who received and handles the cash and issues receipts. WAIT until their union finds out. fare inspectors are in Local 250-A as are cable car conductors and gripman. Their own union members reporting on their counterparts... !!!

And in case you were wondering, fare inspectors make between $50,102.00 - $60,892.00 a year. You can read all about it here.

After the jump, he answers your questions.