The photo and caption in the November 19, 1996 edition of Newspeak entitled, "Consortium van rams parked car" can only be described as irresponsible reporting at its very worst.
The circumstances surrounding the incident involving a Consortium van and a staff member's automobile have been totally misrepresented in your caption and sensational headline concerning the incident. I am mystified why Newspeak would consider this matter front page news to begin with and am totally dismayed as to how your organization could print something for which you neglected to research or investigate.
The Colleges of Worcester shuttle transportation system provides a valuable service to the students and employees of its member institutions. Our number one concern is safety and reliability. All of us, including drivers and Consortium staff involved in the operation of the system, work very hard to provide safe, dependable service. We would welcome the opportunity to share with you and your readers accurate information on how the shuttle system operates. As with everything in this world, nothing works perfectly all the time. I welcome anyone to contact me at any time, if they should have a question, a problem or concern about any aspect of the shuttle program.
Your negative, erroneous reporting has done a tremendous dis-service to the system, its drivers and the passengers who depend on the system for their transportation needs. I request that Newspeak prints a retraction concerning its totally inaccurate reporting and I challenge you to provide your readers with a factual story on the benefits the Consortium shuttle system provides to the students of WPI and the other member institutions.
Sincerely,
Barbara Guthrie
Director of Academic Support & Information Services
Colleges of Worcester Consortium