Possible Bus Strike as Early as July 25th

The City of Phoenix Public Transit Department provides local bus, RAPID, Express, Neighborhood Circulator, and Dial-A-Ride service to the public. Each of these services is provided by the city through contracts with private companies, which are responsible for hiring employees, scheduling and staffing routes, and negotiating employee benefits and compensation as part of their agreements.


Currently one of the city's contractors for local bus and circulator service, Veolia Transportation Services, is in negotiations with three unions representing its employees. Contracts with each union ended in June, and negotiations are ongoing. It is possible that if negotiations should reach an impasse, transit service in Phoenix could be disrupted as early as July 25.


In light of that possibility, Phoenix Public Transit is recommending passengers begin researching alternate transportation plans to get to work, or other regular destinations of travel. Below are additional resources about possible service interruptions, and alternate methods of transportation. 


list of routes below operated by Veolia Transportation.

Bus Routes Operated by Veolia Transportation Services (Phoenix)

which may be impacted by a possible transit union strike 

Veolia Transportation is a private company contracted to the city of Phoenix Public Transit Department to operate transit services on 33 of the 99 Valley Metro bus routes. If there is a transit union strike by VTS employees these are anticipated to run on a Sunday bus schedule. These are a list of routes operate by Veolia as of July 26, 2010.

For more information on routes and schedules, visit www.valleymetro.org, or call 602-253-5000.

Rt. 0 – Central

Rt. 1 – Washington / Jefferson

Rt. 7 – 7^th St.

Rt. 8 – 7^th Ave.

Rt. 10 – Roosevelt / Grant

Rt. 12 – 12^th St.

Rt. 15 – 15^th Ave.

Rt. 16 – 16^th St.

Rt. 19 – 19^th Ave.

Rt. 27 – 27^th Ave.

Rt. 35 – 35^th Ave.

Rt. 39 – 39^th Ave.

Rt. 44 – 44^th St. / Tatum

Rt. 50 – Camelback

Rt. 52 - Roeser

Rt. 60 – Bethany Home

Rt. 70 – Glendale / 24^th St.

Rt. 80 – Northern

Rt. 90 – Dunlap / Cave Creek

Rt. 106 – Peoria / Shea

Rt. 122 – Cactus / 39^th Ave

Rt. 138 – Thunderbird

Rt. 154 - Greenway

Rt. 170 – Bell

Rt. 186 – Union Hills

DASH – Government Loop – Business Circulator (Downtown Phoenix)

SMART (Sunnyslope) – Neighborhood Circulator

Schedule to be announced

Rt. 581 – N. Mountain Express

Rt. 582 – N. Mountain Express

Rt. 590 – Deer Valley Express

RAPID SR-51

RAPID I-10 East

RAPID I-17


list of routes below not operated by Veolia Transportation; service not anticipated to be interrupted.

Bus Routes Not Operated by Veolia Transportation Services (Phoenix)

Of the 99 Valley Metro Bus Routes, 66 of them are not operated by Veolia Transportation Services (Phoenix) but by other contractors.  If there is a transit union strike by VTS employees these are anticipated to run on a regular schedule.  These routes are as of July 26, 2010.

For more information on routes and schedules, visit www.valleymetro.org, or call 602-253-5000.

Local Bus

Rt. 3 – Van Buren

Rt. 13 – Buckeye

Rt. 17 – McDowell

Rt. 17A – McDowell (Avondale)

Rt. 29 – Thomas Rd.

Rt. 30 – University

Rt. 40 – Apache / Main St.

Rt. 41 – Indian School

Rt. 43 – 43^rd Ave.

Rt. 45 – Broadway

Rt. 48 – 48^th St/Rio Salado

Rt. 51 – 51^st Ave.

Rt. 56 – Priest Dr.

Rt. 59 – 59^th Ave.

Rt. 61 – Southern

Rt. 62 – Hardy/Guadalupe

Rt. 65 – Mill / Kyrene

Rt. 66 – Mill / 68^th St. / Kyrene

Rt. 67 – 67^th Ave.

Rt. 72 – Scottsdale / Rural

Rt. 76 – Miller

Rt. 77 – Baseline

Rt. 81 – Hayden / McClintock

Rt. 96 – Dobson

Rt. 104 – Alma School

Rt. 108 – Elliot Rd.

Rt. 112 – Country Club / Arizona Ave.

Rt. 120 – Mesa Dr.

Rt. 128 – Stapley

Rt. 131 – START (southwest Valley)

Rt. 136 – Gilbert Road

Rt. 156 – Chandler Blvd / Williams Field Road

LINK

LINK – Main St.

Limited Service Bus

Grand Avenue Limited

RAPID Bus

I-10 West RAPID

Express Bus

Rt. 510 – Scottsdale Express

Rt. 511 – Chandler / Scottsdale Airpark Express

Rt. 512 – Scottsdale Express

Rt. 520 – Tempe Express

Rt. 521 – Tempe Express

Rt. 531 – Mesa / Gilbert Express

Rt. 532 – Mesa Express

Rt. 533 – Mesa Express

Rt. 535 – Northeast Mesa / Downtown Express

Rt. 540 – Chandler Express

Rt. 541 – Chandler Express

Rt. 542 – Chandler / Downtown Express

Rt. 560 – Avondale Express

Rt. 562 – Goodyear / Downtown Express

Rt. 570 – Glendale Express

Rt. 571 – Surprise Express

Rt. 573 – Northwest Valley / Downtown Express

Rt. 575 - Northwest Valley / Downtown Express

Circulators

Glendale - Gus 1 & 2, Gus 3

Mesa - Buzz

Scottsdale - Downtown Trolley, Neighborhood Circulator

Tempe – Flash, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter

Other Information

Press Release on Possible Transit Strike
This press release provides information the possible strike, as well as travel alternatives for passengers.

Background Information
Background information about Phoenix Public Transit services and contractors.


Phoenix Public Transit and Its Contractors
An organizational chart that shows the relationship between The City of Phoenix and its transit contractors.


Passenger Information

Use the Trip Planner on ValleyMetro.org for bus and METRO schedules           
Go to ValleyMetro.org to check the schedules of non-affected bus routes and for the METRO schedule - passengers may be able to use an alternative route.  Also check a map of unaffected bus routes below.
You can also call Valley Metro Customer Service at 602-253-5000, TTY 602-261-8208.

Job Opening - Lowe's

The Lowe’s located at 2929 W. Thunderbird Road, Phoenix AZ 85053 is looking to hire a Cashier. You can contact them at (602) 564-7811 but you must apply online

You will be responsible for
Checking out of customers, operating cash register, processing customer payments, bagging customer goods, etc. Greet and acknowledge all customers in a friendly and professional manner.

Requirements

Requires morning, afternoon and evening availability any day of the week. Generally scheduled 39 to 40, 10 to 30, or 10 to 39 hours per week respectively; more hours may be required based on the needs of the store. Math skills. Read, write and communicate using English language. Physically able to stand, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, twist, lift, push, pull, climb, balance, crouch, handle and move items weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance. Visual acuity corrected to perform job functions.

Job Opening - Marriott Hotels

Marriott Hotels, Resorts, And Suites in Desert Ridge located at 5350 E. Marriott Drive, Phoenix, AZ is looking to hire a Grounds keeper. You must setup an account and apply online at http://greatjobs.marriott.com/

You will be responsible for

Monitoring grounds to ensure a pleasant appearance. Maintain lawns by mowing, edging, raking leaves, and performing other lawn maintenance functions. Wash, clean, and re-fuel all equipment after use. Maintain flower beds, baskets, and boxes by watering, removing weeds, trimming, and performing other maintenance. Remove and bag trash from all exterior trash cans.

Requirements

Reach overhead and below the knees, including bending, twisting, pulling, and stooping. Stand, sit, or walk for an extended period of time. Move up and down ladders, stairs and/or service ramps. Move, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects weighing less than or equal to 50 pounds without assistance.

Job Opening - Chandler Christian Community Center

The Chandler Christian Community Center located at 345 South California Street, Chandler, AZ 85225 is seeking a full-time Bilingual Receptionist to support the overall agency operations and programs, including the Chandler Food Bank and Family Resource Center. The Receptionist supplies information regarding the organization and services to the general public, program participants, and volunteers. The Receptionist attends to Center visitors and handles inquiries on the phone and face-to-face. Other functions include scheduling participants and appointments, ensuring program areas are prepared for daily activities, maintaining activity calendar, logging visitors and participants, preparing letters and documents, and providing general administrative and clerical support.

Qualifications: A high school diploma or equivalency. Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures. Strong oral and written communication skills and ability to interface with internal and external customers. Strong computer skills, including internet and Microsoft Office applications. Bilingual Spanish/English.

How to Apply: Full job description may be found at http://chandlerfoodbank.org/receptionist.shtml. Candidates should e-mail a resume and cover letter to Trinity Donovan at info@chandlerfoodbank.org.

Job Opening - South West Human Development

South West Human Development is an early childhood services provider located at 2850 North 24th St in Phoenix 85008.


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Their crossroads are South of Thomas and West of 24th St. or you can reach them at (602) 266-5976. They currently have 2 job openings;

BILINGUAL TEACHER ASSISTANT - PRESCHOOL HEAD START
You would essentially get paid to play with preschoolers while you plan and carry out activities for the kids, you’d also be asked to encourage parent involvement and support to other Head Start services areas and community partnerships

Requirements:
High School or GED, some experience with young children. 
Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency required.
Must qualify for a Class 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card.

Benefits:
Paid holidays, health insurance and opportunities for training and advancement.
Pay is $10.53 per hour

The second opening for a PARENT AIDE ASSISTANT
The ideal candidate would be a committed, caring individual to transport infants and toddlers. Their Parent Aide program works to provide in-home and community services, parenting and home management education, and facilitation of access to health and social services for families in Maricopa County referred by Child Protective Services (CPS).
Position is offered full time with an excellent benefits package and mileage reimbursement.
Requirements:
High school diploma or GED and reliable transportation required.
Must be able to provide a clean motor vehicle record, proof of valid vehicle registration and insurance, and must qualify for a Class 1 Fingerprint Clearance.

To apply you can download an application at http://www.swhd.org/jobs/job_listings.php

Prescription Drug Patient Assistance Programs

I found a website that helps people take advantage of Prescription Drug Assistance programs. If you've heard drug commercials say "if you can't afford our medicine write to us to see if you qualify for assistance" well RxAssist will let you search a database of applications to receive assistance.

You can search by Drug Name or by Drug Company find what you're looking for and print out the application. You'll need to include what ever extra documentation they need and then you can mail away for a couple of months worth of most prescription drugs.

One Day Economic Stability Workshop

Arizona Center for Responsible Fatherhood will be providing an Economic Stability Workshop hosted by Maricopa Workforce Connections located at 1840 N 95th Ave, Suite 160 in West Phoenix 85037 from 8AM to 5PM this Friday July 17th - Lunch will be provided.

Seating is limited to the first 10 participants

For reservations and more information please call 602.234.3941 ext 12

To participate you must be a father or and expectant father

For completing the one day class participants will receive $15 cash and $25 Clothing Voucher to any Goodwill Store

Workshop Topics Include:
Adapting to Change
Customer Service Skills
Money Management
Job Retention
Job Searching
Filling Out Applications
Resume Writing
Interviewing
Assistance with Child Support

Customer Service Job Posting

Chubb a group of Insurance Companies who deal in property insurance is looking to hire a Customer Service Representative for its Western Processing Center in Phoenix located at 2155 West Pinnacle Peak Road, Phoenix, AZ 85027 East off the I-17 on the south side of Pinnacle Peak Rd


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Position Responsibilities:

As a Western Processing
Center (WPC) Customer Service Representative, you will be part of a diverse team accountable for processing customer accounts and contributing to the achievement of team, branch and corporate goals related to profit, growth, renewal, retention, rate, exposure, service and producer/client relations. The CSR receives account and policy-specific information from the Branch Underwriting Associate and prepares and performs rating, pricing, booking and issuance of new lines, renewals and endorsements according to workflow and procedures.

The CSR will review booking and issuance instructions prepared by the
Underwriting Associate for required information such as commission percentage, payment plan, countersignature requirements and reimbursable deductible, will book and issue the policy and complete tracking information. Will be responsible for maintaining electronic documentation and achieve service and quality goals within the department. The position will interact with underwriting and operations departments in various locations.

Requirements

The ideal candidate should have the application of
knowledge to lines of property and casualty business. You must also have exceptional customer service, interpersonal, communication, teamwork, organizational and time management skills. Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects while maintaining workload. Self-motivated, confident in decision making and judgment abilities. The individual must demonstrate the following competencies:

* Mathematical aptitude
* Strong PC skills including
proficiency in Word and Excel
* Strong knowledge of rating systems
*
Proficiency in on-line reference
* Familiarity with ISO workers compensation
bureaus and other regulatory agencies
* Demonstrated track record of success
in current and prior positions.
* Minimum high school
diploma or equivalent.

You must have exceptional customer service, communication, teamwork, organizational and time management skills. You must also be able to demonstrate math skills, computer skills,

You must have High School Diploma or GED

There are multiple positions available, hiring will begin August 9th; as of right now only 2 people have applied.

For more information about Chubb you can visit their website at www.chubb.com

All interested applicants must make an account and apply online Reference Requisition number 7915.

Back to School & Health Fair

Saturday July 17th at ASU West Campus in the University Center Building in the La Sala Ballroom tons of information about back to school resources. Free backpacks for the 1st 1000 grade-school age kids, health checks, free immunizations, entertainment, light lunch and fun activities. The event is from 9AM to 2PM. For more information contact Carmela Ramirez at 602.495.3791 or you can visit ASU West's Website

ASU West Campus is located at 47th Ave and Thunderbird


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July Project Homeless Connect Event

This Friday July 16th in Tempe at the Grace Community Church 1200 E Southern Ave (East of Rural on the North side)


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The Connect Event take place from 7AM to 4PM.

The Homeless Connect Event will have health, financial, and housing resources, along with goods likes food and clothing, and services like counseling and job placement.

For more information you can visit Vally of the Sun United Way