Bartlett Metra depot needs attention

Last week I parked my car at the Bartlett Metra station and proceeded to the automatic payment machine on the platform. I punched in my parking spot and attempted multiple times to deposit my single dollar bill. Since I did not have change and did not have any other notes, I tried a few more times before I had to catch the 6:30 commuter.

The Bartlett Police Department placed a "non payment" notice on my vehicle. I needed to remit $1 to the police within 48 hours or a parking citation would be issued and a fine of $5.

Here is what got my goat! It went on to say: EQUIPMENT MALFUNCTION DOES NOT PRECLUDE PAYMENT OF THE REQUIRED PARKING FEE.

I don't mind paying the $1 that I owe, but Bartlett or Metra should have at least one additional payment machine. In addition, why doesn't Bartlett put up a notice advising of this strange requirement: Namely, pay the $1 at the police department OR we will charge you more money even though we don't provide reasonable payment options (more machines) or at least a notice before a citation is issued.

It shows a disregard for the customers who fund the Village and police department.

Bartlett should be forward thinking. It should anticipate situations better, situations that impact people who use the services in their town.

For example, what is going on with the street crossing situation at the Metra station? This crossing is an accident waiting to happen. Metra blames the village and the village blames Metra. Typical.

How about a recycling bin at the Bartlett station? I suggested it, the clerk documented and said she would forward it and still no attempt to recycle unused paper products. I'll continue discarding about a fifth of my paper every morning in the regular garbage area.

It's the new millennium and Bartlett needs to get up to speed. We need to think like customers and also think Green. I'm from Streamwood and both communities need to think like it's a new day.

Bill Pedroza

Streamwood