Public Transit Advisory Committee Minutes
August 21, 2003, 4:00 pm – 5:30pm
Public Transit Division Office, 933 New Hampshire Street
Members present: Chairman Danny Kaiser, Rob Tabor, Andy Stahmer, Jo Ann Garrett, Marian Hukle, Ernie Dyer, Alan Black, Melodie Christal.
Members Excused: Tim Akright
Staff Members Present: Karin Rexroad, Mike Sweeten
Call to Order
Chairman Danny Kaiser called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm.
Public Comment
Saunny Scott stated the T Lift keeps getting better and better.
Agenda Review
No revisions or additions were made to the agenda.
Public Transit Administrator Update
Ridership Report
Administrator updated PTAC on the June and July ridership reports. The trend of increasing fixed-route ridership continues as there were 896 average daily riders in June, and 903 in July. As of August 15, the average daily ridership for August is 920. Paratransit ridership remains steady with daily average of 152 in June, and 147 in July. Transit provided free rides on the fixed route system for the July 17th annual Downtown Sidewalk Sale. 1,182 individuals took advantage of the free ride day.
Budget Report
As reported last meeting, the 2004 budget is essentially the same as the current year. Administrator has still not heard from the FTA regarding 2004 funding levels. State CTP funding came in at $250,986 which reflects an increase of approximately $20,000. Transit did not have to implement any of the six scenarios for moderate and significant reductions of service that were presented to the City Commission upon their request. However, the projections for 2005 are just as bleak and PTAC should be prepared to cut if necessary.
Travel Training
When reviewing City Commission information, Administrator noticed that travel training was placed in their list of accomplishments. Administrator has started work with Personnel Office to develop job description, pay scale and other costs. Proposal will be brought to October meeting. Marian Hukle stated that she has heard support for travel training on the system.
KU Student Ridership
Staff has been working the Option Pick-up along with KU on Wheels staff. Through Wednesday, transit has sold 110 T stickers to KU students.
Communities in Motion
Administrator notified PTAC members that the national event, which celebrates public transportation, is being planned for October 16, 2003. An event at the Indoor Aquatic Center is being planned from approximately 3:00 – 6:30 pm. This would allow free swimming, food, promotional items and education about utilizing public transportation.
E-routes
Transit is offering passengers the option to sign up for a list-serve that provides reroute information for the system. This option is highlighted on our website www.lawrencetransit.org.
Amenities Update
Administrator reported that FTA determined after careful review of the Conference Report that our new federal earmark in the amount of $491,839 could only be used for construction of a new center or capital equipment/ improvements to an existing center. Therefore, committee member’s discussions related to upgrading the small transfer hubs in the system is not feasible utilizing this funding. Given the restrictions on the use of the earmark, the subcommittee will revisit their recommendations for the use of the funds.
Parks & Recreation has been requested to provide improvements to the downtown area by the City Commission. A meeting was held with transit to start discussions on how to improve the 9th and Mass shelter located across the street from Weavers.
Route Review
Committee members were provided with a report provided by Dorothy Hersey, Staff Consultant with MV Transportation, which outlines where we are, transfer data, and possible suggestions for route enhancements. In addition, committee members received productivity data and initial survey results. Administrator explained the review process which will include origin/destination surveys, second rider survey, review of productivity of Routes 1, 2, 3 and 4 individually, driver input, public input and finally PTAC recommendation to the City Commission. The committee’s goal is to have the process completed by May so that route changes can be implemented prior to school start-up. This committee is also discussing the six scenarios that were presented to the City Commission in regard to moderate or significant cuts. PTAC members agreed that we must be good stewards of the public’s money and make sure that routes are efficient and productive.
Public Comment
Saunny Scott stated that it was sometimes difficult to schedule Saturday T-Lift rides because of limited vehicles. Mike Sweeten discussed the need for negotiation of rides, maintenance of productivity levels and denials versus refusals on the system. Saunny also expressed concern about the height of the 3rd step into the transit vehicles. Administrator pointed out that the paratransit vehicles were part of a state bid and we did not have the option to change the step height. However, this issue has been discussed at statewide meetings when discussing vehicle specifications. The fixed route vehicles were ordered to meet ADA guidelines for step height.
Next Meeting
The next meeting was rescheduled to Tuesday, October 21, 2003, 4:00 to 5:30 pm because of the Communities in Motion event being held on the 16th.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 5:15 pm, per Chairman Kaiser.
Submitted by Karin Rexroad Approved via email
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