Mayor Bloomberg is gone but certainly not forgotten, and now the city has to deal with his past gift — the bike-sharing plan.
According to a recent item on 1010 WINS online, Comptroller Scott Stringer reported that there are big problems with the big wheels right here in the Big Apple.
Spotty maintenance, cleanliness and problematic docking stations, to name a few. And although the bike-share program is a “critical component of our transportation network,” he said, “improvements need to be made,” in order to keep those spokes spit shining and well-oiled.
Now, we all know that keeping bikes clean when they are out in the open ain’t no easy task. And apparently the agency that the city contracted to take care of the bikes is not up to the task.
Tsk tsk, what will we do?
By Jove, I’ve got it:
Municipal bike employment opportunities. Unlike Mayor Mike’s “Opportunities” program (the other gift that keeps on taking, where parents are paid to be good parents), this program would actually require work.
Job No. 1, Bike cleaners: Open competitive citywide entrance exam, union, and starting salary of $20 an hour with full benefits after three months, and pension after 20 years.
The bikes need to be adequately inspected too. After all, a well-oiled bike is a happy bike and a happy bike is one that doesn’t cause accidents that will cause the rider to sue the city up the wazoo.
Job No. 2, Bike examiners: Open competitive citywide exam, but this one will require applicants to have bike examining experience, start them off with $25 an hour (after all, they have skills) and full benefits after three months, with a 20-year pension plan in place.
Lastly, the audit showed that the docking stations were sadly lacking, inconveniencing riders and discouraging growth in the system.
Job No. 3, Docking station manager: This really is specialized. The entrance exam should be highly specific, not available to open competition, and cover docking station abilities.
Starting salary will begin at $35 commensurate with managerial experience; full benefits after three months, and a hefty retirement package after 20 years.
Problems solved.
The entrance exams will bring in loads of money and the bikes will be adequately taken care of.
You realize, however, that the money coming from the current program will not offset the money going out, which will necessitate a raise of our taxes and a raise in the rental fee.
This truly is a gift that keeps on giving — agita.
Not for Nuthin™, but since the Department of Transportation does such a great job on our highways and byways, the department should also be in charge of these new positions. Yeah, right.
