Minutes

Public Transit Advisory Committee Meeting: April 18, 2006

4:10 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Public Transit Division Office
933 New Hampshire Street

Members present: Vice-Chair Marian Hukle, Marc Epard, Alan Black, Ann Foster, Darlene Mortell, Martin Miller, Richard Heckler

Members absent: Jessica Mortinger, Danny Kaiser

Staff present: Public Transit Administrator (PTA) Cliff Galante, Mike Sweeten, and Wendy Koerner

Public present: Mark Anderson

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Call to Order

Vice-Chair Marian Hukle called the meeting to order at 4:10 p.m.

Public Comment

No public comment was presented.

Agenda Review

No revisions or additions were made to the agenda.

Approval of February PTAC Board Minutes

Alan Black moved to approve minutes: Marc Epard seconded. Minutes were approved.

Public Transit Administrator Update

Welcome New PTAC Board Members

PTA introduced new board members Ann Foster and Martin Miller to the group. Introductions were made around the table.

Ridership and Other Performance Statistics

PTA went over the February and March 2006 ridership reports and provided a brief explanation of the information contained in the reports for the new members. February 2006 ridership increased 13% over February 2005. March 2006 increased 7% over 2005. Paratransit ridership increased 8% in February and 12% in March over 2005. PTA said it has been reported that gas prices are expected to increase and it's possible the fixed route service may also realize a significant increase.

Free ridership was offered on the "T" on February 3 for the American Heart Association's "Go Red Day". The "T" raised approximately $140 to benefit the organization. Free ridership was also offered on March 17th for St. Patrick's Day.

Alan Black asked why it appears operating expenses for February were so much higher than January and March. Staff explained three occurrences contributed to this:

1. The January end of month progress payment of $ 88,083.00to MV was not posted until February 2nd;
2. MV's January catch up invoice for $46,717.17 did not get posted by Finance until February;
3. LTS paid to have a sidewalk installed on Yale Road to increase accessibility to the bus shelter near Capital Federal on Iowa Street at a cost of $29,024.00.

Staff also explained that a typical month reflects the two progress payments made to MV, one at mid-month and one at the end of the month, and a "catch-up" invoice for the remaining balance owed to MV for the prior month's charges. PTAC board members are welcome to view the expenditures files/reports at any time for clarification on charges.

Public Relations Specialist Vacancy Status

Rachel Cornish resigned this position to be with her husband who will be attending military flight school in Texas. PTA said LTS received 80 applications for the position. The team interviewed 9 applicants and has narrowed the field to 3 applicants who will be invited back for a second interview. PTA said he is hopeful the position is filled within the month.

Transit Amenities Update

PTA said that trash receptacles for the bus shelters have been purchased and installed, and they are already making a huge difference in the amount of trash found at the locations. Shelter map decals are also on order to be placed at each shelter. Staff said the bus stop inventory of existing signs is complete and now needs to go to MV for review of the proposed locations. Marian said she was asked by a driver to bring up the problem of lack of restrooms for the drivers. PTA said a shop near the 9th & Mass transfer hub had complained about the drivers and bus passengers using their facilities without making purchases. PTA said he could not control use of the facility by transients or the general public, but did request that the drivers not use their restroom while on duty, as this is what the shop owner indicated was his main concern. As a solution to the problem, we issued the road supervisors a key to our office, so drivers could use our office restroom if needed. The supervisor would give the key to the driver, while he/she stays with the bus while it is unattended. In addition PTA said he hoped the planning study would help address this issue.

Ridesharing Program Update

PTA explained that at the same time LTS was looking into a ride sharing program, the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) was also looking into the same type of program. This provided a great opportunity for both agencies to work together in selecting a mutually beneficial program and to share costs. The program is a mechanism for people interested in rides sharing to match up with other travelers with similar trip destinations, origins and time of travel. An added benefit to the program is that the data collected will be useful in long range planning.

City/KU Transit Service Coordination Feasibility Update

PTA updated the committee on the current status of coordination with KU. KDOT offered $1M in federal funds available towards a coordinated system. KU plans to open their 1500 space park-n-ride lot in the fall of 2006. In an effort to assist the university, and show good faith effort towards coordination, the City is allowing KU to use the full amount towards the purchase of 5 transit vehicles to serve the lot. However, since the City is the designated recipient of federal funding, the vehicles are titled to the city. The City has a contract with KU to use the vehicles for the park-n-ride, and the university plans to contract with Lawrence Bus Company for the operation of the service and maintenance of the vehicles through the end of their current contract with KU on Wheels. KU will pay all costs to operate the park-n-ride system. The park-n-ride will be a public transportation service and will be open to the general public, not just the students. KU will be responsible for compliance with all federal transit regulations and requirements. In addition, the public will have the opportunity to decide on how the park-n-ride will operate through the public hearing process.

PTA said eight proposals were received for the Coordinated Planning Study. Four companies will be invited back to conduct presentations this Friday or Monday. Upon selection of the top ranking firm, we will enter into negotiations on a final contract price. The planning study should be completed by December of 2006, which should allow plenty of time for KU and the City to enter into a coordination agreement before KU's contract with Lawrence Bus Company expires in July, 2007.

Re-Appointment of PTAC representation on Study Management Team for Completion of Coordinated Public Transportation Development Plan

Darlene Martell has decided to step down from the study management team, and a new representative is needed immediately for Friday and Monday's consultant presentations. Richard Heckler moved to appoint Martin Miller to the study management team; Darlene Mortell seconded. No public comment was provided. Motion passed unanimously.

Schiefelbusch Clinic T Lift Service Update

Mike Sweeten said that after the recommendation was made to provide special service at the clinic to help the Enoch's, Mike and Cliff decided to make the special service available to all T Lift passengers that use the clinic. The basic recommendation was that the driver would call dispatch when he/she is about to arrive at the clinic. Dispatch would then call the clinic, and clinic staff would notify the client that their ride is almost there. In addition, subscription service was set up for Mr. Enoch which was also helpful.

PTA said that since this was a trial basis, he asked what action the board would like to take at this time. Ann Foster moved that staff formalize an agreement on whether or not to continue to provide special service to the Schiefelbusch Clinic, and whether it should be on a permanent or trial basis; Richard Heckler seconded. No public comment was made. Motion passed unanimously.

Schedule Sub-Committee Meeting

Ann said she would join this committee with Marian, Marc, and Richard. The Standards Committee meeting was scheduled at 4:10 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16th.

Public Comment

Mark Anderson said he is currently on the KU on Wheel's transportation board. He said the KU on Wheels contract with Lawrence Bus Company ends in July, but a new contract will need to be negotiated sometime between March and April. He also said that everyone on the board realizes the importance of ADA compliance and there are additional concerns that the current system doesn't encourage student travel to businesses and shopping areas within the community.

Tentative Next Meeting Date

June 20, 2006

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 5:14 p.m.

— Submitted by Wendy Koerner