If dystopian science fiction such as the Terminator, Battlestar Galactica and Matrix franchises have taught us anything, it’s that it is only a matter of time before machines become sentient and rise up against us.
The weary commuters of Team K&K assumed the day had finally come when we discovered the robotic SkyTrain system had gone haywire for the second time in less than a week.
We initially hoped maybe the trains were merely protesting not being allowed to stay up late on weekends until the bars close and let people get home safely rather than it being the official opening day of Armageddon.
Instead, we’ve been reassured by TransLink brass that it was mere human error that caused Monday’s five-hour meltdown and a since-suspended electrician was to blame for thousands of people being stranded during rush hour.
Presumably, humans are also to blame for the absence of anyone wearing TransLink uniforms at stations explaining what was going on to frustrated customers because the broadcasting system was also on the fritz.
It has to be said that complaining about train delays is a perfect example of the First World Problems meme.
Trains running on time is not something that’s necessarily taken for granted in plenty of other countries, but TransLink’s unelected board of directors sure doesn’t do itself a lot of favours when it comes to public relations.
Let's face it, this is a group that decided Vancouver residents can’t be trusted with the honour system any more and instead added fare gates that cost way more than the money lost by people who don’t pay fares.The glitch-prone Compass Card is more than a year behind schedule and is no longer being referred to as a “smart card” by anyone.The decision to give transit cops guns also wasn’t exactly a big hit, and the board’s habit of giving executives fat annual bonuses doesn’t go over terribly well with most people either.
Doug Kelsey, TransLink’s chief operating officer, didn’t exude much sympathy for those affected by the delays at a recent press conference. Kelsey, who earns nearly $300,000 a year before the usual bonuses, instead pointed an accusing finger at the people who chose to pry open SkyTrain doors and walk to the closest station for adding to the delays. Next time it happends they should wait patiently to be rescued and simply hope they don’t get a fine for overstaying the 90 minutes most SkyTrain tickets allow.
We’re guessing that prying open the doors and walking away probably is not an option for the people who, as of the Courier’s print deadline Thursday morning, were stranded on the underground Canada Line, making for the third major breakdown in less than a week.
Even the Canucks defence under John Tortorella didn’t break down this often in a typical week.
To make up for the second snafu, the beleaguered transit authority announced people would be allowed to ride for free on B.C. Day, Aug. 4.
We’re not sure what, if anything, will be offered for this latest breakdown, but we humbly suggest a free day or two on a day that isn’t a statutory day off from work might be good idea. And maybe turning down this year’s bonus.
