Fifth in a series that describes ETA’s role at the DNC
Janie here. As the 2016 Democratic National Convention draws to a close, the ETA team is still transporting delegates and media to the Philly airport and the 30th Street Station.
What I want to say is a heartfelt “thank you” to every single team member. Let me say that again.
Thank you.
Without each one of you and your dedication to this project, we would not have been able to do the job we did. This thing that we came together to accomplish, which was to transport an expected 12,000 delegates, media, VIP guests, and congress members, was a big job. Bigger than you probably realize. ETA – that is, each one of you – helped in some way to launch a transit system for the 2016 DNC that was larger than 96 percent of all U.S. public transit agencies.*
We faced challenges, but our team delivered and then some. You endured some pretty harsh weather, both heat and humidity, and rain storms that threatened to zap all strength (and left us drenched). But you kept smiling and kept your patience.
We also faced daunting logistical challenges. These fell into various categories: bus mechanical issues, alternative routes being deployed to ensure safe transit due to protests, changes to our departure schedules, and late night hours—and through all these challenges, you focused on working the problem and solving the problem.
I can’t list all the team members here, but you know who you are! I relied on each of you during the week, and you all were patient with me as well as our guests, and you kept smiling! All those smiles energized me and kept me going, too.
I want to leave you with a quote that has special meaning for me in the City of Philadelphia, and it is this: Well done is better than well said. ~Benjamin Franklin
ETA team, well done! (Now, get some rest!)
Janie
*Sources for statistic from American Public Transportation Association 2014 Public Transportation Fact Book and Metro Magazine 2014 Transit Bus Fleet Survey