HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-12-2014 MTC Agenda PacketService Complaints: Complaints regarding bus service or routes are to be directed to the
Transportation Assistant at 781-7531. Reports of complaints/commendations are available to the
public upon request.
MISSION: The purpose of the Mass Transportation Committee is to assist with the ongoing public
transit program in the City and Cal Poly. As requested, the Committee provides advisory
recommendations and input to the Council regarding routes, schedules, capital projects, fares,
marketing and additional services.
ROLL CALL:) James Thompson (Chair- Technical), Todd Katz (Vice Chair- Member at Large Rep),
Dominique Bonino (Cal Poly Rep), Elizabeth Thyne (Senior Rep), Randol White (Business Rep), Louise
Justice (Alternate Rep), Anthony Pinkerton (Alternate Rep), Denise Martinez (Disability Rep), VACANT
(Student Rep)
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Anthony Pinkerton & Denise Martinez - Oath of Office 8 min.
PUBLIC COMMENT: XX min.
At this time, the public is invited to address the Committee concerning items not on the agenda but are
of interest to the public and within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Mass Transportation
Committee. Public comment is limited to three minutes per person. The Committee may not discuss or
take action on issues that are not on the agenda other than to briefly respond to statements or
questions, or to ask staff to follow up on such issues.
MINUTES: September 7th, 2014 (Attachment #1)
ACTION ITEMS:
1.Advisory Body Goals (Attachment #2)15 min.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
2.Committee Items 15 min.
a)Results of Public Event Impact Questionnaire (Attachment #3)
3.Staff Items 20 min.
b)Transit Manager’s Report
c)Debut of El Transporté
d)Facebook 101 As It Relates to Transit
ADJOURNMENT: The next regular meeting will be held January 14th, 2015
The City of San Luis Obispo is committed to including the disabled in all of its services, programs, and
activities. Please contact the Clerk or staff liaison prior to the meeting if you require assistance.
Agenda
Mass Transportation Committee
Council Hearing Room, City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo
Wednesday, November 12, 2014 – 1:00 pm
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ACTION ITEMS:
Agenda Item 1 City Budget, MTC Recommendations
Every two years the City Council adopts a Financial Plan (sometimes called a two-year budget). This Plan
spells out how the City will spend money on programs and projects for the next two years. As part of
this process, all advisory groups are invited to submit budget goals for Council consideration. The
process for providing this information is a two-step process. In the first step (this meeting), the
advisory body develops preliminary goals. In the second step (our November meeting), the advisory
body reviews the preliminary recommendations of the other advisory bodies and finalizes its
recommendations.
Council goals, by their nature, usually tend to be broader in scope than the work programs developed
by advisory bodies. City Council is seeking advisory body input on:
•What are the most important goals the City should pursue in the next two years?
•Why is each goal important as a community priority?
•How might the goal be accomplished (creative funding or implementation ideas)?
(See Attachment #2 for past MTC goals)
Staff Recommendation: The MTC shall formulate final recommended City goals to be forwarded to the
Finance Department.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Agenda Item 2a: Committee Item – Results of Public Event Transit Impacts Questionnaire
General discussion regarding the results of the MTC requested look into how other transit
agencies are impacted by public events.
(See Attachment #3 for results of questionnaire)
Agenda Item 3b: Staff Items – Transit Manager’s Report
Verbal report from the Transit Manager on relevant, interesting and notable happenings
related to the local services that have or will occur since the last MTC meeting. Reports
generally cover the subject matters of: ridership, changes in operation, operational issues,
marketing promotions, etc.
Agenda Item 3c: Staff Items – Debut of El Transporté
Fun video highlighting the SLO Transit recent Rideshare Free Rides Week and debut of the
transit luchador hero known as El Transporté
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Agenda Item 3b: Staff Items – Facebook 101
Brief look at the benefits of social media marketing for transit systems
The next meeting will be held: January 14th, 2015
ATTACHMENTS:
1.Minutes of the September 7th, 2014 MTC meeting
2.Past MTC Goals
3.Results of “Public Event Impacts on Transit” Questionnaire
G:\Transportation-Data\_Unsorted Stuff\Transportation\Transportation Committees\MTC Committee\FY 2014\5
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CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson James Thompson called the meeting to order at 1 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Elizabeth Thyne, James Thompson, Todd Katz, Sara Sanders,
Randol White, Louise Justice, and Dominique Bonino
Absent: Jody Frey and Anthony Pinkerton
Staff: Gamaliel Anguiano, Dee Lawson
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Daniel Indendi, Paso Robles taxi service owner, stated he would be discussing a
proposal for a new 5-cab service expansion into San Luis Obispo and requesting
approval from Council.
MINUTES
Approval of July 9, 2014 Regular Meeting Minutes
The minutes were amended to show that Louise Justice and Dee Lawson were
present and to clarify the report of the nomination process that resulted in James
Thompson being appointed chair.
Elizabeth Thyne moved to approve the minutes as amended. Louise Justice
seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Minutes
Mass Transit Committee
Council Hearing Room, City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San
Luis Obispo
Wednesday, September 10, 2014 at 1 pm
Attachment #1
4
ACTION ITEMS
Agenda Item # 1a: Adoption of 2014/15 MTC Meeting Schedule Dates
Ms. Justice moved to accept the slate of dates as proposed. Mr. White seconded
the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Action Item # 1b: Proposed Fee Increase on Runabout
Geoff Straw, RTA, made a presentation about the ADA Runabout service that
supports fixed route service. He reported that para-transit Runabout demand has
doubled in the last eight years and that costs were now comparable to fixed route
service, with a $64/average cost per ride. He noted they were scaling back on
public service and were focusing on serving the registered disabled. He wanted
to encourage people to travel fixed route when possible and that RTA would
coordinate with other region providers to support sound-trip travel, etc.
Action Item # 1c: Encouraging Use of Fixed Route for Runabout Riders
Fred Munroe noted that a lot of seniors/disabled do ride fixed route and would
appreciate a “free” ride.
Mr. Katz moved to endorse the proposed RTA plan as outlined, including a
$10/limit, and encouraged Council to authorize free fares with RTA rebates for
qualified riders.
Ms. Thyne seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Agenda Item # 2a: Committee Item - City Street Closures and the
Effects on Transit-Dependent
Ms. Thyne discussed the problem with road closures due to city-held events and
the burden placed on elderly and disabled in the south end of town. She
proposed having any organization that was holding an event that would close
streets come to the MTC and make a case for approval, as she felt MTC should
have input on shut-downs.
Attachment #1
5
Mr. Katz did not think it was within MTC’s purview to “approve” public event
street closures. He suggested sponsors pay for taxi service and police could
allow them through to service residents.
Ms. Sanders suggested an MTC sub-committee be involved with the planning
phase of proposed events.
Ms. Lawson discussed the existing Special Events Committee that she was part
of and that she does provide input/direction re transit-dependent. She said she
was working with representatives to address street closures and planning.
Mr. Katz suggested a review of other cities’ policies.
Ms. Thyne moved to direct staff to come back to Committee with discussion on
the topic of MTC participating in addressing event street closures and gathering
data on comparable-sized cities’ handling of same.
Ms. Justice seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item # 2b: Various Issues Related to Driver Employment &
Performance
Ms. Justice expressed concern with apparent large turnover in transit drivers and
felt the drivers had many extenuating circumstances and challenges. She
suggested First Transit should review salaries and evaluations.
Mr. Anguiano noted that operators are represented by unions and discussed
service bidding with transit providers and the city recognition progress for
outstanding employees.
Al Russo, First Transit, reported that the operating staff has been increased and
turnover was not a particular issue.
Mr. Anguiano discussed the issue of on site smoking and noted the ordinance
banned smoking in public places and that contract employees are not allowed to
smoke on duty. He reported that police officer Brent Inglehart sent a letter to
staff, reminding them of the ordinance.
There was general Committee discussion on the ordinance and its enforcement.
Attachment #1
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Agenda Item # 3a: Staff Items - Transit Manager’s Report
Mr. Anguiano discussed ridership trends, upcoming Free Rides Rideshare week
and also showed the Committee a sample of the winning artwork for the cover of
the transit map.
Agenda Item # 3b: Proposed New Taxi Company: “A Ride Awaits”
Mr. Anguiano discussed the Council’s purview to allow new taxi service and
asked the MTC to review the submitted information for “A Ride Awaits” and
provide feedback.
Mr. Indendi elaborated on his proposal and service features.
Mr. Katz noted the “poor” feedback comments for other taxi services in town that
were included in the packet should be addressed by those companies at a future
MTC meeting.
Mr. Katz moved to invite other San Luis Obispo taxi companies to attend an MTC
meeting and provide update on service levels/issues.
Ms. Thyne seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Lawson stated that she was involved with handling taxi complaints.
Mr. Anguiano discussed Uber service, which was unregulated, vs. taxi services
and noted that his department was checking on the legal issues inherent with
Uber in the city.
Mr. Katz moved to inform Council that MTC had no issue with “A Ride Awaits”
proposal moving forward to review.
Ms. Justice seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item # 3c: 2013/14 Triennial Audit Report
Mr. Anguiano discussed the audit status and noted that there were no
deficiencies cited in 18 general areas; he did note that there were five additional
areas to be addressed:
Procurement
Planning/POP
Attachment #1
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Title VI Service Standards
Drug/Alcohol-Free Workplace Program
EEO Plans
He discussed the details and background of the findings and the steps already
taken to remedy all concerns.
Agenda Item # 3d: SLO Transit 5307 Exchange for RTA CMAQ
Mr. Anguiano led discussion on the item. He explained how the exchange in the
type of money (CMAQ for 5307) will allow both agencies to proceed with the
purchase of their identified vehicles.
Agenda Item # 3e: Revisit of Policy on Large Items & Carts on Buses
Mr. Anguiano led discussion on the item. The issue of passengers bringing on
large items that occupy seats, disrupt the safe ingress & egress of the vehicle
and potentially become projectiles in large stops was discussed.
Mr. Katz mentioned he was worried this would affect passengers traveling with
luggage and who had legitimate purposes of continuing travel on other systems
Mr. Anguiano acknowledged this challenge but reiterated the importance of
adopting a uniformed policy that promotes safe travel practices.
The meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m. to the regular meeting of November 12,
2014 to be held at 1 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Woske, Recording Secretary
Attachment #1
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DATE: November 14, 2012
Item: C-2
TO: Mass Transportation Committee
FROM: John Webster, Transit Manager
SUBJECT: Advisory Body Goals for FY 2013-15
RECOMMENDATION: Review and recommend goals to Council
DISCUSSION
Every two years the City adopts a budget and financial plan. To prepare for the budget
process, all advisory bodies are asked to identify their recommended goals and major
work programs for the next two years. The City Council then uses this information,
along with public comment and other input to set community priorities and allocate
resources to accomplish the most important City goals. Many advisory body
recommendations received in the past as part of this process have been included in some
way in subsequent budgets adopted by the Council. The City Council is seeking MTC
input on:
x What are the most important transit related goals or activities the City should pursue
in the next two years?
x Why is each goal important as a community priority?
x How might the goal be accomplished (creative funding or implementation ideas)?
To help guide the MTC’s discussion, Committee members should review the following:
A.Final MTC Goals for FY 2011-13.
Attachment #2
9
2011-13
MTC Recommendations
In Priority Order
GOAL IMPORTANCE FUNDING SOURCE
What is being proposed for the
community?
Why is it important? How can it be achieved from a
resource perspective?
1 .Maintain part-time temporary
staffing position for Transportation
Programs Implementation
(approximately $42,000 annually)
•This bicycle/transit funded
position seeks out and applies
for grants as well as assists in
the implementation of the
Bicycle Transportation Plan
and Short Range Transit Plan.
•Traffic Congestion Relief &
Bikeway Improvements
•Public Safety Service Levels
& Downtown Improvements
•½ General Fund
•½ Transit Fund
2.Maintain existing service levels
including evening service. Develop
and implement a comprehensive
marketing campaign. Add a FT staff
position with marketing
responsibilities and outreach.
•Improve accessibility
throughout the City.
•Increase ridership, revenues
and farebox recovery ratios
•Promotes economic goals
and reduces the likelihood of
fare increases or service
reductions
•Federal transit dollars
•Transportation Development
Act dollars
•Shelter and bench advertising
•Measure Y
4.Support congestion relief and
long term fiscal health through
transit-supportive land use strategies
and revising parking requirements
near transit routes.
•Land use is the most
important long term influence
on ridership levels.
•Puts land use into more
revenue producing uses.
•Policy changes
•Municipal code changes.
Attachment #2
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Public Event Transit
Impact Questionaire
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1)Does your Transit Agency have the
ability to deny the use of roads which will
affect your transit service?
No No No No Yes No
2)Does your City make event planners
make accommodations for transit along
the event route (e.g. can proceed through
intersections when other vehicles cannot
or similar)?
No Rarely Rarely No
Yes, may
cross
intersecti
on
Somewhat
3)Do event planners accommodate transit-
dependent populations affected by the
event; even it is only for a short period?
No No Rarely No No No
4)If so, how?
5)Are neighborhoods, affected by the event
route, notified of the disruption in transit
service by event planners?
No Rarely Yes No Yes Yes/Some
what
6)If so, how far in advance and by what
method (e.g. mailer, canvasing,
newspaper, other)?
At Stops At Stops At Stops At Stops At Stops,
Canvasing
7)Is loss in transit revenue from disrupted
service accommodated in anyway?No No No No No No
8)If so, how?
9)On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the
highest) how aware do you think elected
officials and event planners aware of the
impacts on public transit
0 2 5 3 9 6.5
Attachment #3
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