The Fight Continues

Since my last post, I've been continuing in my fight against The Man. I decided to fill out the form that asks for a reduction in the fine.

The Wednesday after I got my ticket I went down to a Driver's Service Center after work. Of course, the office just happened to be a 20 minute trip in the opposite direction from home. When I get there and the girl helping me tells me she's never heard of a form where you can ask for a reduction in fine. I learn that, contrary to what the officer told me, I can only pay the fine or request a court date at the Drivers Service Center. However, she was very helpful and looked up the number of the transit customer service line.

The next day I call the customer service number. I hate automated phone systems - why won't they just let you talk to a person? Anyway, after going through a five minute long menu, I finally get a woman on the other end of the phone. She too, has never heard of the form and suggests I call the transit police and talk to a sergeant. Luckily, they do not use an automated phone system, but I do get voicemail. By Monday, I still haven't heard anything back so I call again. This time I get a sergeant. Unfortunately, he tells me I should call the ICBC (insurance Corporation of British Columbia) violation ticket line but was nice enough to give me the number.

So I call ICBC and... the automated phone system puts me on hold. For ten minutes I listen to a twenty second byte of elevator music interspersed with an electronic voice telling me to keep holding - great. Finally I get a guy who also hasn't ever heard of the form. He tells me I should call the Vancouver Courthouse but was kind enough to give me the number and warn me about their five minute long recorded introduction. I call the courthouse, wait through the recording, and get a woman who - get this - tells me where to find the form!! It was online the whole time! Of course, its not easy to find and the web address makes absolutely no sense, but its there!

Apparently I actually have to fill out two forms. The first contests the ticket but states I don't want a court date and will fill out the second form. The second form allows me to request a reduced fee and explain why. Then once I mail them in, it will take six to eight months of moving through the court system before a judge even sees them. Go efficient systems!