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The Regular Meeting of the Committee for Transit Accessibility (CTA) was called to order at 1:07 p.m. by Chairperson Julian in Building A, Auditorium, Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), 3331 North First Street, San Jose, California.

ROLL CALL

Terry Applegate, Silicon Valley Independent Living Center Community Advocate, noted that no meeting regarding proposed fare increases is scheduled in South Valley. She recommended that CTA Members contact the VTA Board of Directors regarding proposed paratransit fare increases. Ms. Applegate stated that Silicon Valley Independent Living Center has been denied a request for the eligibility application in accessible format. Ms. Applegate further stated that the Residential Eco Pass does not apply to persons who use OUTREACH.

George Tacké, Accessible Services Manager and Staff Liaison, responded that Ms. Applegate has not been denied access to the electronic format of the eligibility application. He stated that no one is being denied access to the application though there is a misunderstanding of the process in the community. Each individual application must have a pre-screening confirmation number. The application is available electronically but it is not a valid application unless it has a pre-screening number on it. There is also a special brochure that is formatted for persons with disabilities who use computers.

The Committee stated that additional training in Customer Service is needed regarding eligibility applications and brochures. Mr. Tacké stated that staff would pursue this issue.

Duane Haugen, Interested Citizen, stated that he had been able to save $100 monthly for transportation by using the Residential Eco Pass that has been discontinued. Mr. Haugen further stated that the fare should be increased for no-shows who call for a same-day trip.

Chairperson Julian requested that a report regarding the elimination of the Eco Pass for residential facilities be placed on the April 2004 Agenda.

The Committee stated that when requests are made under Public Presentations, a response to the request should be included in the Minutes.

Fernandino Guevarra, Public Communication Specialist II, reported that a meeting is scheduled for March 22, 2004 in Gilroy. Mr. Guevarra stated that the notice has been advertised in the Morgan Hill Times and the Gilroy Dispatch. Mr. Tacké stated that he would distribute a copy of the updated scheduled to Committee Members. Ex-Officio Member Heatley offered to provide the detailed information on the OUTREACH phone message machine.

The Committee requested that information regarding marketing efforts explaining the new process for OUTREACH to the public be placed on a future Agenda.

The Committee commented that at the end of heated discussions and objections, the Minutes reflect that "there being no objection, the item was received and filed" which is very misleading since there was objection.

M/S/C (Gouveia/Morrow) to strike the phrase, "there being no objection" from the Minutes and approve the Minutes of February 11, 2004 with this correction.

BUSINESS REFERRED TO COMMITTEE BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS / GENERAL MANAGER

Michael Aro, Deputy Director, provided a report regarding the Revised Tasman East/Capital Bus/Rail Service Integration Plan. Mr. Aro reported that VTA currently operates three light rail lines including the Guadalupe Line, Tasman Line, and the Almaden Shuttle. The New Tasman East/Capitol Light Rail Extension will extend from Baypointe Station to Alum Rock Station along Capitol Avenue.

Mr. Aro reported that there would be proposed bus route changes to integrate the bus system with the new rail line and noted that Route 74 which was a precursor to light rail would be discontinued.

Mr. Aro stated that service would open on June 30, 2004, with complimentary rides and revenue service would start on July 1, 2004.

The Committee reviewed and commented on the Revised Tasman East/Capital Bus/Rail Service Integration Plan.

Mr. Aro provided the Fiscal Year 2004 Second Quarter Performance Report highlighting: 1) operating expenses decreased 9.3 percent compared to last year at this point in time, 2) farebox recovery ratio improved from 10.3 percent to 13.0 percent, and 3) ridership decreased 17.5 percent compared to the same period of the previous fiscal year.

Mr. Aro stated that bus and light rail service provided 99.38 percent of scheduled service and that miles between bus mechanical road calls as well as miles between accidents improved compared to the same period last year.

The Committee commented that ridership is down due to fare increases and service reductions.

Ms. Applegate stated that doors on light rail vehicles close rapidly and further stated that the doors need to close at a reasonable rate so that people can get on and off safely.

The Committee received and commented on the Fiscal Year 2004 Second Quarter Performance Report.

Mr. Tacké reported that for the first six months, the cost per application was $172. The cost is higher than anticipated because when the program was set up, VTA assumed 620 applications per month based upon the maximum average that OUTREACH used previously. Based upon full capacity, the cost per application is $74. The number of applications is less than half for the first six months. As total enrollment rates continue to grow, the application cost will drop.

Mr. Tacké reported that the overall approval rate for new and re-certifying customers has remained constant at 97 percent.

Mr. Tacké stated that the total applications submitted for the first six months decreased by 54.7 percent. More applications are expected each month. VTA is projecting that at the end of the fiscal year a total of 4155 applications would have been received and 97.1 percent would be approved, a 40 percent reduction compared to last year. Correspondingly, Mr. Tacké stated that there would be a 5.5 percent decrease in passenger trips and a 10 percent decrease in active clients.

Mr. Tacké stated that the reduced enrollment rate is attributed to the fare increase and the overall economy. Mr. Tacké reported that calls made to the Accessible Services Hot Line have been tracked and categorized and noted that for the first six months, of 1,831 calls received, only 70 calls were complaints about the new process. Mr. Tacké stated that the estimated annualized savings is $4.12 million.

Mr. Tacké stated that staff is working on a 10-question telephone survey regarding whether an application was received and whether it was submitted and if not, why. Customers who have gone through the process will be asked to weigh facets of the process. Staff will return to the Board of Directors and the Committee with an annual update of the overall process.

M/S/F (Grant/Gouveia) on a vote of 8 ayes to 5 noes to 0 abstentions to recommend that a survey be conducted of people opting out of OUTREACH and that the survey be conducted by an independent third party. Members Gallo, Michels, Morrow, Otis, and Slack opposed.

Committee Member queried how the estimated 20 percent savings would be reached. Mr. Tacké stated that a 40 percent reduction in enrollment is projected. Mr. Tacké explained that paratransit fares are a fraction of the adult cash fare for bus and light rail services. When there is an increase in the adult cash fare, there would also be an increase in the paratransit fare. Mr. Tacké noted that VTA needs to increase farebox recovery ratio by reducing costs and increasing ridership and fares.

Committee Member expressed concern that human service agencies do not have sufficient information regarding brochures and the application process.

Committee Member requested information regarding the detailed job description of the Accessible Services Representative.

Committee Member stated that eligibility brochures are available in human service agencies and further stated that staff explains the process to senior citizens. This has been a successful operation. When the Accessible Service Hot Line was called, the requested information was provided.

Committee Member requested a report regarding disability categories of persons who have been denied eligibility as well as the number of persons who file an appeal.

Committee Member stated that VTA should provide rides to persons without access to Paratransit who need to get to the eligibility interview site.

M/S/F (Grant/Gouveia) on a vote of 9 ayes, to 4 noes, to 0 abstentions, to recommend that a survey be conducted to determine the reasons why such a large percentage of OUTREACH applicants are not completing the certification process. Members Gallo, Lasich, Otis, and Rhodes opposed.

A Friendly Amendment was accepted to have a member of staff and a member of the Committee work on the survey in order to equalize things, and that the Committee be able to review and provide input regarding questions asked in the survey.

Ms. Applegate stated that social service agencies have met to discuss the Paratransit Eligibility Certification Program. She further stated that she applied to work for Orthopedic Hospital, was accepted, and that Mr. Tacké interfered.

Committee Member stated that Ms. Applegate frequently talks at meetings and does not provide examples or backup of her surveys.

The Committee reviewed and commented on the Paratransit Eligibility Certification Program.

OTHER

Natalie Wells, Associate Management Analyst, stated that on January 22, 2004, President Bush signed the Federal 2004 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, part of which is for transportation funding. Ms. Wells stated that $1.2 million has been earmarked for the Zero Emission Bus Demonstration Program, $500,000 earmarked for improvements to VTA's Cerone Operating Division, and $750,000 earmarked for the Palo Alto Transit Center Project.

Ms. Wells stated that $100 million has been earmarked for the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) extension to San Francisco Airport and $9 million earmarked for San Francisco Muni's Central Subway Project.

Committee Members requested the matrix of the 2003 - 2004 Legislature bills.

The Committee received the Legislative Updates.

Mr. Tacké provided a brief report regarding the new No-Show Policy and noted that the no-show rate is down by 11.6 percent and the number of suspensions is dropping.

Mr. Tacké stated that Jim Unites, Manager of the Advanced Communication System, communicated to him that the equipment has been installed system-wide. Mr. Unites will provide a report at the CTA Meeting of April 7, 2004.

Mr. Tacké reported that Judi Tinlin, Board Assistant, is retiring after many years of service to CTA and noted that Michele Garza would be the Board Assistant for CTA effective April 7, 2004.

The Committee received the Committee Staff Report.

Chairperson Julian reported that he has noticed a disturbing pattern of paratransit operators shaving off minutes in order to stay within the 45-minute window.

The Committee received the Chairperson's Report.

Committee Members announced a new cell phone program offered by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) for persons with disabilities.

Committee Members stated that Ms. Applegate continues to come up to the table though the Meeting has not been adjourned and requested that the Office of the Board Secretary or the Accessible Services Manager explain to her Robert's Rules of Order or for her to apologize to the Committee. Committee Members further stated that they are deeply offended at her rude and insensitive behavior.

Mr. Tacké suggested a meeting with Ms. Applegate to address this behavior concurring that it is disruptive and distracting.

Ms. Applegate apologized to the Committee.

Committee Member requested that Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) be placed on a future Agenda.

Committee Member announced that Governor Schwarzenegger would speak at San Jose State University this evening as part of Cinequest.

The Committee adjourned the Meeting at 3:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,