Related Links

CALL TO ORDER

The Regular Meeting of the Committee for Transit Accessibility (CTA) was called to order at 1:08 p.m. by Chairperson Julian in Building A, Auditorium, Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), 3331 North First Street, San Jose, California.

ROLL CALL

Members Present
Jeannette Bruntz
Adam Byrnes, staff aide representing Cindy Chavez (Ex-Officio Board Liaison)
Emma Eljas
Linda Gallo
David Grant
Katie Heatley (Ex-Officio)
Troy Hernandez
Marjorie Jensen
David Julian, Chairperson
Allen F. Marcillet
Aaron Morrow, Vice Chairperson
Maryjane Naughten
Barbara Rhodes
Thomas Slack

Members Absent
Sandra Gouveia
Martin Lasich
Laura Michels
Diana Nguyen
Barbara Stahl

A quorum was present.

Chairperson Julian requested a moment of silence to remember the Hurricane Katrina Victims and Survivors.  Chairperson Julian stressed importance to be prepared and have plan in the event of an emergency or disaster. Chairperson Julian expressed concern regarding the safety of seniors and individuals with disabilities in the event of an emergency. 

Chairperson Julian introduced Sandra Weymouth, Board Secretary, to the Committee.  Ms. Weymouth noted that at the September 1, 2005 VTA Board of Directors Regular Meeting Vice Chairperson Chavez volunteered to serve as Ex-Officio Non-Voting Board Liaison to CTA.  Ms. Weymouth continued that Vice Chairperson Chavez noted schedule conflicts and responsibilities as City of San Jose Vice Mayor that she may be unable to attend CTA on a regular basis; therefore, Vice Chairperson Chavez has identified Adam Byrnes, staff aide representing Cindy Chavez (Ex-Officio Board Liaison), to attend CTA Meetings and provide a report to Vice Chairperson Chavez.  Ms. Weymouth noted that Vice Chairperson Chavez will serve as Ex-Officio Non-Voting Board Liaison to CTA and will provide a report to VTA Board of Directors at VTA Board of Directors Regular Meetings.

Adam Byrnes, staff aide representing Cindy Chavez (Ex-Officio Board Liaison), took his seat at 1:10 p.m.

Ms. Weymouth and Committee welcomed Mr. Byrnes to CTA.

Ms. Weymouth commented that Michael T. Burns, General Manager, began his responsibilities as VTA General Manager on August 22, 2005.  Ms. Weymouth noted that Mr. Burns was unable to attend the September 7, 2005 CTA Meeting due to a schedule conflict; however, noted that Mr. Burns intends to attend the October 12, 2005 CTA Meeting.

INTRODUCTION OF AUDIENCE MEMBERS

Received introductions from the audience including: Matthew O. Tucker,
Chief Operating Officer; Edna Pampy, VTA Accessible Services; Terry Applegate, Silicon Valley Independent Living Center; Jim Unites, VTA Operations Planning Manager; David Terrazas, VTA Marketing and Public Affairs; and Charles Hester, Godbe Research. 

PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS

There was no Public Presentations.

Committee Staff Report

Sam Lau, VTA Operations Planning and Support Services Deputy Directorand
CTA Staff Liaison, noted that the Committee Staff Report was moved up on the Agenda to address Committee concerns and issues and added that staff will address issues in a timely manner.   Mr. Lau continued that staff is in the process of developing a tracking system to track Committee referrals, recommendations, and motions.  Mr. Lau noted that staff recently distributed responses to the Committee related to Committee concerns via electronic mail (e-mail).  Mr. Lau continued that staff is working on tracking CTA motions and VTA Board action for the last six months, which is a comprehensive and time-consuming task; therefore, staff will forward the information to the Committee in a timely manner.

Mr. Lau noted that at the September 1, 2005 VTA Board of Directors Regular Meeting VTA Board of Directors approved Troy Hernandez to serve on CTA.

Member Hernandez expressed his appreciation and thanked the Committee for the opportunity to serve on CTA.

Mr. Lau commented that at the September 1, 2005 VTA Board of Directors Regular Meeting VTA Board of Directors approved the purchase and installment of Bus Mobility Device Securement Equipment.  Mr. Lau expressed his appreciation and thanked the CTA Securement Subcommittee and CTA for their diligent work to address safety concerns and issues.

Mr. Tucker commented that at the August 4, 2005 VTA Board of Directors Regular Meeting a letter related to the Paratransit Certification Eligibility Program was submitted by CTA Chairperson Julian.   VTA Board of Directors requested staff to respond to the letter; therefore, staff provided a response to the letter via electronic mail (e-mail) to CTA.  Mr. Tucker continued that last year when VTA Board of Directors took action on the Paratransit Eligibility Certification Program staff was directed to review the program after one year of operation and review the Community Plan as well as look at other alternatives to streamline and improve the program.  VTA Board of Directors specifically requested staff conduct a survey of Paratransit users both on vehicle and as applicants go through the Paratransit Eligibility Certification Program Process.  Staff has worked collaboratively with CTA and Paratransit Eligibility Certification Program Subcommittee to begin the entire review process.  Mr. Tucker commented that a couple of months ago a motion was made to make certain changes to the Paratransit Eligibility Certification Program Process.   Mr. Tucker indicated from a staff perspective to VTA Board of Directors that staff is not yet at that point in time to make firm decisions on the Paratransit Eligibility Certification Program Process.  Mr. Tucker noted that feedback from individuals regarding the survey on what is working well and what needs to be improved within the Paratransit Eligibility Certification Program Process still needs to be obtained as well as reviewing additional models on conducting the Paratransit Eligibility Certification Program Process.  Mr. Tucker noted that it will be a collaborative effort to develop a hybrid of all of the good ideas that everyone has brought forward streamline and improve the Paratransit Eligibility Certification Program Process.  Mr. Tucker expressed his appreciation, thanked and commended CTA Members for the diligent work and effort regarding the Paratransit Eligibility Certification Program Process.  Mr. Tucker noted changes to the Paratransit Eligibility Certification Program Process over time but noted the importance to have a program in place that meets the needs of VTA and addresses the concerns of CTA and community on a long-term basis. 

Member Jensen asked if staff’s goal was to have models, surveys completed, and a decision made before June 2006 and queried if the Committee would have adequate time to make changes.   Mr. Tucker responded that staff would like to set a goal to have changes implemented July 1, 2006.  

Member Rhodes queried about the survey interview and suggested a simple exit survey with few questions.

Member Marcillet asked who the survey was intended for and who was conducting the survey.   Mr. Tucker responded that the CTA Paratransit Eligibility Certification Program Subcommittee is working on the survey instrument.  Mr. Tucker added that VTA Board of Directors requested the survey include customers who are currently using OUTREACH Paratransit Services as well as individuals going through the Paratransit Eligibility Certification Program.  Mr. Tucker added that the survey is a customer satisfaction survey to understand the process, ensure that the process meets customer needs, and obtaining information to improve the process. 

Member Marcillet queried about the survey interview.  Mr. Tucker responded that staff has Board of Director direction to conduct a survey and it is better to have more information than less when making decisions to the overall Paratransit Eligibility Certification Program.

Member Rhodes stressed the importance to better utilize funds for Paratransit Service.

Member Grant expressed concern and noted that past surveys were conducted by VTA, which were not impartial.  Member Grant expressed concern regarding the benefit of the survey.  Mr. Tucker responded that the survey will be conducted by Godbe Research and noted that Godbe Research was present to provide a report to the Committee regarding the survey interview.  Mr. Tucker added that the past survey conducted by VTA was regarding a different Paratransit Eligibility Process.

Ms. Applegate referenced a certified letter mailed to VTA Board of Directors last week, which was signed by a consortium of 16 Santa Clara County agencies and clinicians that work with seniors and individuals with disabilities regarding problems with the current Paratransit Eligibility Program Process.  Ms. Applegate added that the letter provides suggestions to address the problems and issues related to current Paratransit Eligibility Program Process.  Ms. Applegate expressed concern to spend money on a survey to obtain information on a broken process system.

Vice Chairperson Morrow requested that Ms. Applegate provide the Committee with copies of the certified letter sent to VTA Board of Directors.  Ms. Applegate provided a copy of the certified letter to staff to be forwarded to Committee Members.

The Committee received the Staff Report.

The Agenda was taken out of order.

OTHER

Chairperson’s Report

Chairperson Julian expressed concern regarding the safety of seniors and individuals with disabilities in the event of an emergency.   Chairperson Julian stressed importance to be emergency prepared and encouraged Committee Members who serve in other capacities to have an emergency plan to provide assistance to seniors and individuals with disabilities in the event of an emergency or disaster. 

Vice Chairperson Morrow noted the Paratransit Eligibility Certification Program Subcommittee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, September 14, 2005 regarding input on the Customer Satisfaction Survey for New Paratransit Eligibility Certification Program. 

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

Customer Satisfaction Survey for New Paratransit Eligibility Certification Program

Mr. Terrazas provided a brief overview on the Customer Satisfaction Survey for
New Paratransit Eligibility Certification Program.   Mr. Terrazas introduced
Charles Hester, Godbe Research Business Development Manager, to the Committee. Mr. Terrazas commented that over the last several months staff has been working with the CTA Paratransit Eligibility Certification Subcommittee to discuss the process of implementing a survey for the Paratransit Eligibility Certification Program Process. Mr. Terrazas commented that at March 3, 2005 VTA Board of Directors Regular Meeting, VTA Board of Directors approved modifications to the Paratransit Eligibility Certification Program.  Mr. Terrazas noted VTA Board of Directors direction to staff to evaluate customer satisfaction with the new process and provision of Paratransit Service, and to provide the final results of the evaluation to CTA.

Mr. Terrazas continued that staff has conducted two meetings with CTA Paratransit Eligibility Certification Subcommittee discussing the survey process, which included an overview of the survey scope, research objectives, and methodology that will be used for the survey and final report presentation to VTA Board of Directors. 

Mr. Hester commented that Godbe Research has been in business for 15 years and have conducted various public sector surveys.  Mr. Hester noted previous work for VTA, Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), as well as 25 other transit planning agencies and transportation providers along the West Coast from Seattle to San Diego.  Mr. Hester noted experience conducting a large amount of surveys with sensitive audience groups regarding sensitive subjects.  Mr. Hester noted that Godbe Research clients include Hewlett Packard Children’s Hospital and Saint Joseph’s Health System of Sonoma County where Godbe Research has conducted surveys on hospital patients and added that Godbe Research is familiar with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 requirements.  Mr. Hester continued that Godbe Research has conducted surveys regarding customer satisfaction, planning, usage, and development studies for Hewlett Packard Children’s Hospital, Saint Joseph’s Health System, MTC services, as well as other businesses related to various transportation and sensitivity subject issues.

Vice Chairperson Morrow queried if the survey process was set and established or if changes were possible.  Mr. Terrazas responded that the survey process is flexible and changes are possible.  Mr. Terrazas noted that the purpose of working with the CTA Paratransit Eligibility Certification Subcommittee to discuss the process of implementing a survey and to gather input to make improvements to the questions.  Mr. Terrazas added that staff is willing to make improvements to the survey instrument.

Vice Chairperson Morrow requested that staff determine an alternate meeting time for the CTA Paratransit Eligibility Certification Subcommittee and staff to discuss the survey process in order to have adequate Member input and participation. 

Member Jensen asked if she could send her comments for the survey process to staff to be considered at the CTA Paratransit Eligibility Certification Subcommittee Meeting regarding the survey process.  Vice Chairperson Morrow responded “yes” and noted that the intent is to maximize the input and comments regarding the survey process. Ms. Pampy noted that staff called CTA Members to initiate participation of four to five Members to arrange a meeting date for the CTA Paratransit Eligibility Certification Subcommittee Meeting regarding input and comments for the survey process; however, noted that staff will look at alternate times to accommodate Member attendance and participation.

Member Marcillet referenced individuals eligible and receiving Paratransit Service now and queried if the eligibility process would be waved for individuals with permanent disabilities. 

Member Eljas expressed concern regarding a six-page survey and recommended an exit survey conducted after the applicant complete the eligibility interview process.

Mr. Terrazas responded that the issue regarding eligibility process being waved for individuals with permanent disabilities was brought up and has been incorporated in a draft of the survey.  Mr. Terrazas referenced that VTA Board of Directors took action in November 2002 requiring all current Paratransit customers to recertify then once the applicant is recertified under the current process, customers with a permanent disability will not be subject to an eligibility review in the future and permanent disability customers would need to periodically update their records regarding information pertaining to changes.

Mr. Hester commented that it is difficult for individuals to be honest if surveyed at the end of an event since the individual might be afraid of the outcome if they did not answer in a positive manner, which may be the case if the survey interview was an exit interview process.  Mr. Hester noted that the survey interview will be conducted by telephone rather than through a written survey instrument.  Mr. Hester continued that each applicant going through the new process will receive an authorization form as well as consent to participate in a customer satisfaction survey regarding VTA Paratransit Services.  Participating respondents would then be contacted via telephone within a few weeks of the actual application process for the survey interview.  Mr. Hester noted that staff consulted with the CTA Paratransit Eligibility Subcommittee in developing the methodology to conduct the survey interview.  A pretest survey interview will be conducted with a group of individuals who have completed the Paratransit Eligibility Certification Program Process to obtain a statistically valid sample of customers. The survey instrument will be short and concise with questions that reflect some of the unique requirements of Paratransit Service customers and each survey interview will range between 10 to 15 minutes.  Mr. Hester noted that the findings of the survey research will be presented to CTA for review.  Mr. Hester continued that the interviewers are a core group of 5 to 6 individuals who are patient, professional, and have experience working with sensitive issues.

Member Grant queried if the survey would sample from each of the different domains of disabilities and how a developmentally disabled individual would be surveyed. 
Mr. Hester responded that a developmentally disabled individual would have a caregiver; therefore, the caregiver or a proxy would be surveyed.  Mr. Hester added that the release form has a section regarding a caregiver or proxy issue.    

Member Grant asked if the survey interview would be conducted by telephone. 
Mr. Hester responded “yes” that the survey interview would be conducted by telephone.      

Member Grant noted that some of the caregivers may not speak English and asked if survey interviewers who speak Tagalong and Vietnamese would be available.  Mr. Hester responded that he has experience conducting surveys in 20 different languages; however, there may be individuals that need to be screened out unless it is a cost function to translate the surveys and conducting survey interviews in languages other than English.      

Member Grant stressed the importance to obtain survey information from different domains of disabilities and queried how the survey would sample from each of the different domains of disabilities.  Mr. Hester responded that the survey sample will divide 200 survey interviews per each of the three disability categories to ensure that they are represented over the wide range of the physical and mental disabilities as well as representative of seniors.

Ms. Applegate expressed concern regarding the survey process and length of the survey interview.  Ms. Applegate noted the importance to include clinicians in the survey process.

Member Jensen noted the importance to include clinicians in the survey process and queried if the clinicians would be surveyed.  Mr. Terrazas responded “no” that clinicians will not be surveyed.

Mr. Terrazas commented that at the March 3, 2005 VTA Board of Directors Regular Meeting VTA Board of Directors directed staff to evaluate customer satisfaction regarding the new Paratransit Eligibility Certification Program Process.   Mr. Terrazas continued that VTA has an existing relationship with Godbe Research as a consulting firm and added that VTA is pleased with the work provided by Godbe Research. 

Mr. Hester noted that the survey interview is 6-pages in length; however, the survey interview has been time tested and ranges between 10 to 15 minutes.  Mr. Hester added that the survey interview uses almost exclusively “yes” and “no” questions rather than a traditional survey, which would have a response category of extremely satisfied ranking 5 to extremely dissatisfied ranking 1.  Mr. Hester noted that the goal was to keep the survey interview as short and concise as possible but still obtaining all relevant information.

Member Rhodes queried about the consulting group selected.   Mr. Hester responded that Godbe Research is a consulting firm and is not part of a subsidiary of any other firm. Mr. Hester noted that Godbe Research has a staff group of 25 employees with a primary office located in Half Moon Bay and a smaller office in Carlsbad. 

The Committee received the report on the Customer Satisfaction Survey for New Paratransit Eligibility Certification Program. 

OPEN AGENDA

Minutes of July 13, 2005

M/S/F (Morrow/Marcillet) on a vote of 8 Ayes, to 3 Noes, to 1 Abstention to approve the Minutes of July 13, 2005.  Member Bruntz abstained.

NOTE:   M/S/F MEANS MOTION SECONDED AND FAILED.

Minutes of August 10, 2005

M/S/F (Morrow/Marcillet) on a vote of 8 Ayes, to 3 Noes, to 1 Abstention to approve the Minutes of August 10, 2005.  Member Gallo abstained.

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

Nominating Committee for Second Vice Chairperson for 2005

Committee Members agreed to forego a Nominating Committee for
Second Vice Chairperson for 2005 and open nominations from the floor for
CTA Second Vice Chairperson 2005.

Chairperson Julian opened nominations from the floor for CTA Second Vice Chairperson 2005.   Member Marcillet nominated David Grant for CTA Second Vice Chairperson 2005.  David Grant accepted the nomination for CTA Second Vice Chairperson 2005. 

Chairperson Julian queried on additional nominations for CTA Second Vice Chairperson 2005 and noted no additional nominations for the position. 

Chairperson Julian closed nominations for CTA Second Vice Chairperson 2005. 

M/S/C (Marcillet/Rhodes) on a vote of 12 Ayes, to 0 Noes, to 0 Abstentions to elect David Grant for CTA Second Vice Chairperson for 2005.

NOTE:    M/S/C MEANS MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED AND, UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority Legislative Report

Vice Chairperson Morrow queried about the August 10, 2005 CTA Meeting Minutes and referenced Page 2 of 16 Meeting Agenda Item # 9., Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority Legislative Update Report.  Vice Chairperson Morrow referenced the June 2005 Activities Summary FY 2006 Transportation Appropriations regarding the Paratransit Vehicles - $1.5 million and requested that staff respond regarding VTA’s plans for the $1.5 million funding.  Mr. Unites responded that the legislative request for the $1.5 million and noted that VTA will have to match 20 percent of local funds; therefore, the total is $1.875 million specifically to procure Paratransit Vehicles to provide the vehicles to OUTREACH with the goal to reduce the cost of Paratransit Services to save operating costs.  Mr. Unites noted that staff is working with OUTREACH and VTA’s capital planning staff to develop a multi-year capital plans to utilize federal and local grant funds to procure the entire fleet of Paratransit Vehicles to reduce operating cost of Paratransit Services. 

Member Jensen suggested that the procurement of the Paratransit Vehicles be non-diesel vehicles to prevent issues associated with exhaust fumes.   Mr. Unites responded that staff has been working with OUTREACH regarding the specifications of the Paratransit Vehicles as well as purchasing similar vehicles that OUTREACH would purchase with grant funding from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5310 Program. 

Member Grant queried on the number of Paratransit Vehicles VTA plans to purchase.  Mr. Unites responded that the number depends on the vehicle type but the $1.875 million will purchase about 40 to 50 Paratransit Vehicles.

Vice Chairperson Morrow queried if VTA is working to assist the vendor with fuel costs.  Mr. Unites responded that by purchasing the Paratransit Vehicles it will assist in reducing fuel costs and added that staff is working on a process to determine if VTA can assist with vehicle storage and a fueling facility to reduce Paratransit Service operating costs.  Mr. Unites added that staff will forward additional information to Committee as it develops and is available.

The Committee received the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority Legislative Report.

FY 2005 Third Quarter Transit Operations Performance Report

Mr. Unites provided a brief overview on the FY 2005 Third Quarter Transit Operations Performance Report.  Mr. Unites commented that the FY 2005 Third Quarter Transit Operations Performance Report presents key performance information regarding the transit operations of the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA).

Mr. Unites noted that System Ridership, both bus and light rail declines 3.5 percent through the third quarter of FY 2005 when compared to the same period in FY 2004; however, the April 2005 Summary of Operating Statistics Report suggest the decline in ridership will stabilize and then trend upward in the near future.   Mr. Unites continued that Bus ridership for May 2005 signals a positive trend as the gap between ridership levels last year and this year is narrowing and Light Rail ridership continues to be strong and increasing.   Mr. Unites noted possibilities for increase in ridership due to Vasona Light Rail Corridor Extension opening and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Line 522.

Mr. Unites commented that Fare Revenue increased 3.6 percent and system-operating expenditures decreased 2.3 percent compared to the same period last year.   System cost per hour decreased 0.8 percent from $158.92 to $157.59.   Mr. Unites noted that the Farebox Recovery Ratio improved to 13.8 percent, which is a 6.2 percent improvement over the 13 percent Farebox Recovery Ratio for the same period in FY 2004. 

Mr. Unites continued that Bus and Light Rail service reliability performance exceeded the established goal of 99.30 percent through the first three quarters of FY 2005, providing 99.35 percent of scheduled service. 

Mr. Unites commented on significant improvements regarding unscheduled time-off for Bus and Light Rail Operators as well as Maintenance personnel.   Bus Operators unscheduled absenteeism declined to 8.51 percent and Light Rail Operators unscheduled absenteeism declined to 7.29 percent as compared to the same period last year. Mr. Unites noted that Bus and Light Rail Maintenance personnel unscheduled time-off declined to 9.83 percent. 

Vice Chairperson Morrow queried about BRT Line 522.   Mr. Unites responded that BRT Line 522 parallels much of Line 22 Route between Eastridge and Palo Alto with limited stop service.   BRT Line 522 uses the same technology to run a faster route in the corridor and has 30 stops along the corridor compared to Line 22 Route, which has 112 stops. 

Vice Chairperson Morrow queried about the use of automatic counters and if automatic counters would be installed on all buses.   Mr. Unites responded that automatic counters are already in use on VTA’s system and are installed on 100 buses.   Mr. Unites commented that VTA currently collects ridership and on-time performance data using a staff of ten Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Traffic Checkers.  Traffic Checkers are assigned to ride VTA Buses and Light Rail Vehicles counting passengers and collecting running time information.  VTA has been in the process of transitioning from a manual ridership and on-time performance data collection system to an automated system.  Mr. Unites noted that at the September 1, 2005 VTA Board of Directors Regular Meeting VTA Board of Directors authorized an agreement with INIT Innovations in Transportation, Inc. for the procurement and installation of Automatic Passenger Counters (APCs) on 20 VTA Light Rail Vehicles for the associated hardware and software to support the system.
Mr. Unites continued that the automatic counters are not required on all the vehicles since the vehicles will be rotated through out the system service.  Mr. Unites added that the automatic counters on the 100 Bus Vehicles were able to calculate the entire system ridership within a couple of weeks.  Mr. Unites noted that APCs provide more data, improve speed, and accuracy of reporting ridership statistics and on-time performance data at a fraction of the cost of the current manual data collection system.  Mr. Unites added that with the Global Positioning System (GPS) and APCs it allows VTA to collect ridership levels by stops and time of day; therefore, improves ability to determine future service planning.

Member Jensen queried about Paratransit Ridership data and why customer complaint information was not included in the data.   Mr. Unites responded that staff will provide the FY 2005 Fourth Quarter Paratransit Services Performance Report immediately following FY 2005 Third Quarter Transit Operations Performance Report.   Mr. Unites continued that staff will provide more information regarding customer complaints related to Paratransit Services Performance.

Member Grant referenced VTA’s “Secure Your Mobility Device” brochure and queried about the statement if a mobility device user is unable to board due to capacity issues then drivers will request a field supervisor to assist if the wait for the next bus is expected to exceed 30 minutes.   Mr. Unites responded “yes” that the brochure statement is true and drivers should call a field supervisor to provide transportation assistance to the customer. 

Member Grant expressed concern that drivers do not offer to call a field supervisor or if a field supervisor is called then field supervisors are not available.   Member Grant expressed concern and requested staff check to see how many field supervisors are available to provide assistance to customers.   Member Grant and Chairperson Julian requested information regarding how many field supervisors are available be agendized on CTA for the Committee to review. 

Member Slack asked if a bus driver was required to stop for a mobility device user customer even if the bus vehicle was full regarding mobility device user capacity in order to request a field supervisor to assist the customer.   Mr. Unites responded “yes” and noted that staff will forward concerns to be addressed.

Member Grant expressed concern that drivers do not offer to call a field supervisor to provide assistance to customers and requested that a memorandum regarding the field supervisor statement in the brochure be distributed to operators.   Vice Chairperson Morrow commented that concerns and issues related to field supervisors will be forwarded to the CTA Securement Subcommittee to be addressed.

Member Slack requested VTA’s “Secure Your Mobility Device” brochure be distributed to Committee Members.   Mr. Unites responded “yes” and distributed brochures to Committee Members. 

Member Rhodes requested VTA’s “Secure Your Mobility Device” brochure in accessible media format.  Mr. Unites responded “yes” and noted that staff will provide the information to Member Rhodes.

The Committee received the FY 2005 Third Quarter Transit Operations Performance Report. 

FY 2005 Fourth Quarter Paratransit Services Performance Report

Ms. Pampy provided a brief overview on the FY 2005 Fourth Quarter Paratransit Services Performance Report.   Ms. Pampy commented that on a quarterly basis, staff summarizes certain Paratransit Service data in order to effectively monitor key performance indicators and the following report presents and compares summary information for the Fourth Quarters of FY 2004 and FY 2005.  Ms. Pampy noted that future Paratransit Services Performance data will be included in the Quarterly Transit Operations Performance Report and customer complaints will be included in future Paratransit Services Performance Reports.  Ms. Pampy continued that the FY 2005 Fourth Quarter Paratransit Services Performance Report is divided into four sections:  Paratransit ridership, expense, telephone activity, and subscription service.

Ms. Pampy commented customer utilization of VTA’s Paratransit Service continues to be strong with over 912,000 passenger trips provided during FY 2005 and cost per trip continues to decline as productivity improves.

Ms. Pampy noted the number of No-Shows increased by 5.7 percent during the fourth quarter of FY 2005 when compared with the fourth quarter of FY 2004.   For FY 2005, No-Shows totaled 30,388, which is an increase of 1 percent.  Ms. Pampy added that No-Shows impact operating efficiency of Paratransit Service by causing travel delays and increasing the number of vehicles required to provide scheduled service for customers. 

Ms. Pampy commented that the average net cost per trip has continued to decline and the average net cost per trip decreased by 5.8 percent to $25.69 for FY 2005.  Ms. Pampy noted the total Paratransit expenses for the fourth quarter of FY 2005 decreased by 2.9 percent when compared to the fourth quarter of FY 2004.

Ms. Pampy continued that the number of weekday calls for dispatch assistance for the fourth quarter of FY 2005 increased by 19.3 percent when compared to the fourth quarter of FY 2004.  Ms. Pampy noted that the average wait time for each dispatch call increased slightly from 1 minute, 7 seconds to 1 minute, 10 seconds.

Ms. Pampy commented that subscription services are at the highest levels in history and noted an average of 1,555 subscription trips were provided per weekday during the fourth quarter of FY 2005.   This average number of subscription trips represents 48.9 percent of total average weekday ridership. 

Member Slack noted the average net cost per trip has decreased; however, added that the next quarterly report will reflect the increases in gasoline prices.   Ex-Officio Member Heatley responded that the average net cost per trip will increase slightly; however, noted that the cost will reflect a vendor rate increase in July related to wage increases and the Paratransit Eligibility Certification Program interview transportation activity.

The Committee received the FY 2005 Fourth Quarter Paratransit Services Performance Report.

OTHER (continued)

Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) Elderly/Disabled Advisory Committee Report

Member Rhodes provided a brief overview on the MTC Elderly/Disabled Advisory Committee Report.   Member Rhodes noted that MTC is examining the issues related to elderly drivers.  Member Rhodes noted that the next MTC Elderly/Disabled Advisory Committee is scheduled for Thursday, September 08, 2005.

The Committee received the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) Elderly/Disabled Advisory Committee Report.

CTA Transit System Ridership Report

The Committee received the CTA Transit System Ridership Report.

Chairperson Julian expressed his concern regarding drivers not offering or providing assistance to individuals with mobility device securement in bus vehicles.  Chairperson Julian stressed the importance of mobility device securement in bus vehicles and noted that securement issues need to be addressed.

Member Slack expressed concern regarding safety issues related to mobility devices not secured in bus vehicles.

Member Rhodes stressed the importance regarding securement training for drivers.  Chairperson Julian responded that VTA Board of Directors approved the purchase of securement equipment and added that driver-training issues are a major concern and will be addressed.  Vice Chairperson Morrow commented that driver-training issues are a major concern and noted that CTA Securement Subcommittee Members are monitoring and working to ensure that driver-training issues are addressed. 

Vice Chairperson Morrow expressed his appreciation and noted that on time performance within the transportation system has improved.  

Announcements

Mr. Byrnes, staff aide representing Cindy Chavez (Ex-Officio Board Liaison) extended apology to Committee for Ex-Officio Board Liaison Chavez schedule conflict related to City of San Jose Vice Mayor duties and responsibilities.   Mr. Byrnes spoke on behalf of Ex-Officio Board Liaison Chavez and noted her intent to be a champion for CTA concerns and issues.  Mr. Byrnes noted Ex-Officio Board Liaison Chavez intent to attend CTA when her schedule as City of San Jose Vice Mayor permits.  Mr. Byrnes commented that he would hope that the Committee looks to him to represent CTA’s views to Ex-Officio Board Liaison Chavez.  Mr. Byrnes thanked the Committee for the opportunity to attend and participate in CTA Meetings.

Committee Members extended appreciation and welcomed Mr. Byrnes to CTA.

Vice Chairperson Morrow spoke on behalf of Lupe Medrano, Interested Citizen, and noted the importance and need for Paratransit premium service for short trips.