Related Links

PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS

There was no Public Presentations.

Committee Staff Report

Samuel Lau, VTA Operations Planning and Support Services Deputy Director and CTA Staff Liaison, introduced and welcomed Maria Marinos, Board Secretary, to the Committee. 

Mr. Lau referenced the Committee for Transit Accessibility (CTA) Bylaws §5.6, Absences, that “If a member is absent from six Committee meetings in any
twelve-month period, the position shall automatically be vacated…” and noted that Maryjane Naughten and Diana Nguyen have vacated their membership on CTA.   Mr. Lau noted that Ms. Naughten and Ms. Nguyen were notified regarding their CTA membership being vacated due to attendance issues.  Mr. Lau noted three vacancies in the Human Organization Category and three vacancies in the Individuals with Disabilities Category and added that the Office of the Board Secretary has received two applications for membership in the Individuals with Disabilities Category and two applications for membership in the Human Organization Category.

Member Bruntz took her seat at 1:10 p.m.

Mr. Lau commented that VTA will send a representative to attend the Abilities Expo for Northern California being held on November 18 – 20, 2005 at Santa Clara Convention Center.  Mr. Lau continued that VTA Operators will attend the Abilities Expo as an on the job training to understand the needs related to the Disability Community and as well as to provide an on-site demonstration regarding the Mobility Securement Device Equipment.  Mr. Lau added that an admission flyers for the Abilities Expo are available for distribution to Committee Members.

Mr. Lau commented that letters of intent to serve another term on the Committee for Transit Accessibility have been received by the Board Secretary’s Office from individuals representing the Human Organizations Category and the Individuals with Disabilities Category, which have been forwarded to VTA Board of Directors for consideration of their reappointment to the Committee.

Initial Report:   Listening Session

Mr. Lau provided a brief overview on the Initial Listening Session Report and noted the suggestion to move the December 7, 2005 CTA Meeting two hours earlier to coincide with the next Listening Session scheduled on December 7, 2005.

Ex-Officio Member Heatley suggested that the December 7, 2005 Listening Session be incorporated into the December 7, 2005 CTA Meeting scheduled at 1:00 p.m. in order to not break what the community knows as the standard date and time for CTA Meetings.   Ex-Officio Member Heatley suggested that CTA develop procedures and ideas that the agencies and community would review and then proceed with the public process for input.  Mr. Lau noted that an option is to cancel the Listening Session until January or February 2006 in an effort to increase attendance and participation.

Member Stahl inquired about the Listening Session.   Mr. Lau responded that Listening Sessions are a forum for individuals to discuss the new Paratransit Eligibility Certification Program Process as well as any paratransit related issues; therefore, staff scheduled two Listening Sessions, which would be for two hours each.  The first Listening Session meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, November 9, 2005, and the second was scheduled for Wednesday, December 7, 2005, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Listening Sessions were scheduled to meet before the CTA Committee Meetings and are open to the public.  Mr. Lau noted that staff sent out 500 notices to the community regarding the scheduled Listening Session meetings.

Ex-Officio Member Heatley asked if the proposed Paratransit Eligibility Certification Program Process was going to be part of the December 7, 2005 CTA Meeting Agenda packet.   Mr. Tucker commented that at the recommendation of the Eligibility Program Subcommittee Chairperson the entire full process would be discussed at the December 7, 2005 CTA Meeting.  Mr. Tucker added that staff will send out notices stating that the proposed plan will be discussed at the December 7, 2005 CTA Meeting, which is open to the public for participation and feedback.  The December 7, 2005 Listening Session will be cancelled. 

Member Marcillet noted the inclusion of the Listening Session in the December 7, 2005 CTA Meeting would be an excellent opportunity to recruit new CTA Members.

Eligibility Process Survey

Mr. Tucker commented that based on feedback from the CTA and other factors staff has concluded that the best option is to postpone the Eligibility Process Survey for one year after the newly adopted program is in place.   Mr. Tucker continued that the Eligibility Process Survey may be conducted as part of the survey process conducted by OUTREACH Paratransit Services.

Member Hernandez took his seat at 1:22 p.m.

Accessible Services Manager Position

Mr. Tucker commented that previously staff reported that the Accessible Services Manager position was deleted from the Operations Department budget in an effort to streamline.   Mr. Tucker continued that the Accessible Services Manager is a vital and important position and after careful consideration the position has been re-activated.  Some modifications will be made to the job description to make it more focus to support the Paratransit Program.

Member Eljas inquired if CTA could receive the position job description. 
Mr. Tucker responded that the Accessible Services Manager job description has been approved and staff can forward the information to Committees Members.

Eligibility Program Subcommittee Meeting

First Vice Chairperson Morrow provided a brief summary of the information shared at the Eligibility Program Subcommittee Meeting.   He commented that Ex-Officio Member Heatley, OUTREACH Paratransit Services, provided a presentation outline on the new proposed Eligibility Program Process. 

First Vice Chairperson Morrow read the following summary: “Return the Eligibility Program to OUTREACH Paratransit Services effective July 1, 2006 and discontinue mandatory in-person interviews at an office location; proposed program offers application by mail, fax, on-line, and in-person followed by a phone interview to ensure that all information is accurate and complete.   While phone interviews are the norm for the vast majority of applicants exceptions will be made when it is in the best interest of the applicant that staff go to the applicants hospital, nursing homes, residence, and other locations as needed to expedite the process.  The series of questions are from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) Regional Eligibility Program, which includes phone interviews as a legitimate option and the questions were developed and reviewed by programs, agencies, seniors, and disabled in the nine Bay Area regions.  The proposed program includes the addition of a qualified and experienced occupational therapist that conducts all administrative reviews of all applicants.  The proposed program includes the use of functional tests for the appeals process and recommends that the functional tests be conducted by qualified professional entities in a community with qualified staff to conduct functional tests.  Functional tests would be conducted at the best site for the applicant.  New applicants would go through the same process as recertification applicants.  For individuals who wish to use fixed route for some of their trips, VTA will continue to offer the picture identification card that allows the individuals to access bus and light rail service for free.  For individuals who cannot use fixed route will be issued a standard OUTREACH identification card.  The overall costs of the proposed Eligibility Program will be greatly reduced from the existing program and to ensure accountability VTA and CTA will audit and monitor the Eligibility Program results as well as applicants will be surveyed for satisfaction regarding the process.”  CTA Committee Members expressed appreciation regarding the outline summary of the proposed Eligibility Program.

Member Gallo took her seat at 1:28 p.m.

The Agenda was taken out of order.

Fiscal Year 2006 – 2015 Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP)

The Fiscal Year 2006 – 2015 Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP) was deferred.

Minutes of October 12, 2005

M/S/C (Gouveia/Hernandez) to approve the Minutes of October 12, 2005.

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

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

Nominating Committee Report for CTA Chairperson, First Vice Chairperson, and Second Vice Chairperson for 2006

Member Slack provided a brief overview on the Nominating Committee Report for CTA Chairperson, First Vice Chairperson, and Second Vice Chairperson for 2006.

Member Slack noted David Julian’s nomination for CTA Chairperson for 2006,
Aaron Morrow’s nomination for First Vice Chairperson for 2006, and Barbara Stahl’s nomination for Second Vice Chairperson for 2006.

Chairperson Julian queried on additional nominations for CTA Chairperson,
First Vice Chairperson, and Second Vice Chairperson for 2006.   He opened the floor for nominations and noted no additional nominations for the positions. 

M/S/C (Morrow/Gouveia) to accept the Nominating Committee Report.

The Committee received and filed the Nominating Committee Report for CTA Chairperson, First Vice Chairperson, and Second Vice Chairperson for 2006.

Bus Stop Accessibility Improvement Project

Mr. Unites provided a brief overview on the Bus Stop Accessibility Improvement Project.  Mr. Unites commented that VTA’s capital program includes an annual project to make physical improvements at bus stops to ensure Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance as well as improve overall passenger environment.  Typical improvements include accessibility improvements in compliance with ADA, such as wider sidewalks and curb cuts.  The program provides funding for concrete pads to repair the street at heavily used bus stops as well as improvements related to passengers and bus operations.

Mr. Unites commented that since ADA was enacted in 1992, VTA has had a continuous program to upgrade and improve VTA bus stops.  Mr. Unites noted that VTA has completed projects to improve over 450 bus stops throughout the Santa Clara County at a cost of $4.1 million.  Some other major bus stop improvement projects included $2.6 million for the Monterey Highway bus stop upgrade in the Cities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, San Jose and unincorporated sections of Santa Clara County.  Bus stops along Line 22 were made accessible and operationally functional when articulated buses were placed into service.  The program included construction of new bus transit centers, such as the Mountain View, Gilroy, Great Mall, Alum Rock, Penitencia Creek, Winchester, and Palo Alto Transit Centers to ensure accessibility at key transit hubs.

In addition, as part of the development review process, VTA reviews private developments for transit impacts and improvements and if the development is at a bus stop or a future bus stop location, we request the developer include bus stop improvements as part of the project.  Santa Clara County and the various cities located within the County often reflect VTA comments as part of development conditions and is estimated that about 20-30 bus stops are improved annually as part of private developments.  Mr. Unites continued that in FY 2006 VTA budgeted a total of $460,000 for bus stop improvements and repairs as well as an additional $250,000 in FY 2007 for accessibility improvements and general repairs.  FY 2006 VTA budget includes $300,000 available solely to construct ADA bus stop improvements, which includes a Federal Transit Enhancement grant of $240,000 matched by $60,000 in VTA local funds.  The $160,000 of VTA local funds has been budgeted to repair damaged streets by installing new concrete pads, which are expensive.

Mr. Unites noted that the cost of each improvement varies depending on the work needed at each location.   He estimated 50 to 70 bus stops can be improved over the next couple of years.  Mr. Unites continued that in order to best utilize the funds over the next two years, VTA continually solicits recommendations from interested parties regarding location and type of improvements needed.  We will use community outreach methods to enlist participation, such as publishing a request in the VTA Take-One, which is a monthly newsletter distributed on bus and light rail vehicles. 

Staff will be sending out a request letter to community agencies regarding suggestions for location and type of improvements at bus stops.   Requests for bus improvements will be received from VTA Customer Services department, VTA’s website, as well as a press release. Additionally, VTA is requesting that CTA Committee Members provide staff with information on bus stops that might need accessibility improvements.  Mr. Unites added that comments and input are appreciated at any time as the priority list is updated to reflect new requests and comments, which may be provided by calling VTA Service and Operations Planning at (408) 321-7050 or via e-mail to bus.stop@vta.org.  Staff will use this input along with ridership data to develop a prioritized list of improvements and the list is updated as new information becomes available. 

Member Slack queried about how it is determined what bus stops receive shelters.    Member Slack asked if staff had a database on how many riders are utilizing the bus stops.  Mr. Unites responded that VTA has a shelter program with a private company where the company provides construction and installation of the shelters to promote their advertising and in exchange VTA and the cities receive revenues.  Mr. Unites added that staff does have an inventory of all of VTA’s bus stops and ridership information available to identify improvements. 

Member Slack inquired about what percent of the 4,300 bus stops have shelters. 
Mr. Unites responded that 20 percent of the bus stops have shelters.

Second Vice Chairperson Grant queried about a way to have more bus schedules available to the public at bus stops and transit malls.  Mr. Unites responded that there are approximately two hundred locations that have the bus schedules available to the public and noted that schedules are specific to individual locations.

Second Vice Chairperson Grant queried about Braille identification on the bus stop poles.  Mr. Unites responded that all VTA standard bus stop poles have Braille identification and raised letters regarding the Route Line service in accordance with ADA.  If the information is missing; however, then customers should contact Customer Service to have the issue addressed.

Second Vice Chairperson Grant queried about shelter locations.   Mr. Unites responded that VTA has it in the contract with the private company to determine where shelters are needed even if the location is not in a prime advertising location.

Second Vice Chairperson Grant queried if a residential area could veto the construction and installation of a shelter in their area.  Mr. Unites responded that many of the shelters are constructed in areas next to high-density residential properties; however, some shelters are constructed in front of single-family residences.  Mr. Unites added that a residential owner cannot veto the construction but VTA has to balance and be sensitive to their issues, which is always on a case-by-case basis.

CTA Committee Members queried about where requests and comments should be forwarded and the follow up procedure regarding the requests for improvements.  Mr. Unites requested that CTA Committee Members forward requests and comments to VTA Service and Operations Planning at (408) 321-7050 or via e-mail to bus.stop@vta.org.  Mr. Tucker added that staff will bring the improvement projects to CTA before moving forward.

Member Rhodes suggested that the bus stop improvements projects be noted on VTA’s Customer Service Hotline (408) 321-2300.   Mr. Unites responded that staff will forward the request to Customer Service.  Member Rhodes queried if funding was available for talking sign projects.  Mr. Unites responded that funds might be available from the senior/disabled Transit Service Programs in the recommended VTA Scenario for the Measure A Projects.

Member Slack asked about the design criteria for shelters to assure wheelchairs are protected from the environment conditions.  Mr. Unites responded that shelters have a design criteria and every shelter has a clear space to accommodate one wheelchair. Mr. Unites added that transit center locations have clear canopies and accommodate greater numbers of individuals.

Ms. Applegate queried if staff had an end date to receive bus stop improvement projects information.   Mr. Unites responded that staff is starting outreach efforts and it would be helpful to receive requests and comments in the next two to three months.  He noted that the construction of the projects is ongoing.

Second Vice Chairperson Grant asked if the bus improvement projects depended on the geographic area.   Mr. Unites responded that the geographical area is not part of the criteria and the projects depend on the demand.

First Vice Chairperson Morrow expressed appreciation and thanked staff for keeping CTA aware of the bus improvement projects process and requested staff provide him with a list of all the 4,300 bus stops within VTA’s system.   Mr. Unites responded that the excel spreadsheet will be forwarded to him.

Ex-Officio Member Heatley queried about the potential for VTA system to become further integrated with Information Technology System (ITS) solutions.   Mr. Unites responded that this is possible and expects staff to begin to seriously look at this technology.

Chairperson Julian stressed the importance of the RIDE Task Force and added that the RIDE Task Force is the appropriate contact regarding bus stop improvements.   Mr. Unites responded that staff will make sure that information is forwarded to the RIDE Task Force.

FY 2005 Preliminary Annual Transit Operations Performance Report

Joonie Tolosa, Operations Senior Management Analyst, provided a brief overview on the FY 2005 Preliminary Annual Transit Operations Performance Report.   Mr. Tolosa commented that FY 2005 System Ridership, which includes both Bus and Light Rail Service decreased by 3.4 percent; however, service quality and performance were positive.  Mr. Tolosa commented that 82 percent of ridership is from Bus Service, which decreased by 7.9 percent compared to the previous fiscal year.   The primary indicator of improving Bus Service Ridership comes from a review of the 12-month Bus Ridership trend from July 2004 to June 2005, which was 8 percent decline.  Mr. Tolosa continued that in September 2005 Bus Ridership has improved and increased .7 percent.  

Mr. Tolosa commented that Light Rail Ridership continues to be very strong showing
24 percent improvement in total boardings for FY 2005 and the increase can be attributed to the new segment between I-880 and Alum Rock Tasman East/Capitol Extension. Mr. Tolosa noted Light Rail Service still would have increased by more than 11.1 percent for FY 2005 even without accounting for the Tasman East/Capitol Extension Light Rail Service. 

Mr. Tolosa commented that preliminary Fare Revenue collected was $32 million, which is 4.7 percent increase compared to FY 2004 while Transit Operating Expenses increased 1.9 percent due primarily to increases in benefits. 

Mr. Tolosa commented that System Cost Per Total Hour increased by 2.8 percent from a combination of increased operating expenses and decreased total system hours. Mr. Tolosa commented on Key Performance Indicators, such as the general performance trend for FY 2005 shows continued progress in providing safe and reliable transportation for our customers on both Bus and Light Rail Services.   VTA exceeded the established goals for both Bus and Light Rail miles between chargeable accidents as well as service reliability, and miles between mechanical schedule losses improved 3.2 percent. Mr. Tolosa added that Operators Unscheduled Absenteeism improved by 23 percent.

Mr. Tolosa commented that for FY 2005 Light Rail On-Time Performance of
96.7 percent was 1.2 percent better than FY 2004 and exceeded the established goal and Bus On-Time Performance was 94 percent, which decreased from FY 2004 of 96.6 percent.   Mr. Tolosa noted that the decline was primarily due to route changes, introduction of new routes, and heavier traffic, which takes time to diagnose correct running times and make the necessary adjustments to new and restructured routes. 

Second Vice Chairperson Grant asked about VTA’s System cost per total hour and how it compares to SamTrans and Muni service.   Mr. Tolosa responded that staff has not conducted a peer analysis on system cost per total hour; however, with information from the National Transit Database (NTD) staff can gather the information.   Second Vice Chairperson Grant asked if VTA has the highest system cost per operating hour in the nation.  Mr. Tolosa responded that the information obtained from NTD is two years behind.  In order to receive current survey information staff will contact NTD but cautioned it depends on whether NTD responds to the request for information.  Second Vice Chairperson Grant expressed his desire to know the system cost per operating hour information compared to VTA’s peers.

Member Rhodes queried about how passengers are counted on VTA’s Bus and Light Rail System.   Mr. Tolosa responded that for FY 2005 Bus Ridership is based on passenger-automated counters, which are installed in 20 percent of the system fleet.   Mr. Tolosa noted that with Light Rail Ridership is counted with traffic checkers.

First Vice Chairperson Morrow expressed concern regarding the Paratransit Program and the cost reductions achieved by reducing overall wages and benefit costs. 
Ex-Officio Member Heatley responded that all non-profit agencies have implemented cost reductions, holding wages, and secured less costly health plans coupled with larger employee co-pay.   She noted that over the last years OUTREACH Paratransit Services has worked hard to realize cost savings for individuals in the community who require and utilize Paratransit Services. 

Ms. Applegate queried about how Paratransit total cost is determined.  Ex-Officio Member Heatley responded that the data reported to VTA does not include the current Paratransit Eligibility Program or the portion of accessible service staff, it is pure operating data.  When VTA provides the Paratransit total cost information to NTD VTA has to accumulate the costs and forward to NTD.

Member Rhodes asked how the community bus service is being checked regarding accessibility and training.  Mr. Lau responded that he, Mr. Tucker, and staff have periodically spot checked service on Line 48 and Line 49 as well as speaking with the contractor to ensure that drivers are trained properly.  Mr. Lau recommended that issues be forwarded to Customer Service so that the issues are documented and staff may address the issues and concerns.

OTHER

CTA Transit System Ridership Report

The Committee received the CTA Transit System Ridership Report.

Chairperson Julian commented on the Mobility Device Securement in bus vehicles and noted that drivers offered and provided assistance to him on several bus trips.   However, on one occasion the equipment was not able to secure his mobility device. 

Chairperson Julian expressed concern regarding on time ride performance with OUTREACH Paratransit Services. 

Ms. Applegate referenced the October 12, 2005 CTA Meeting Minutes Page 12 of 12, Paragraph 1, noting suggestion to invite a guest speaker to provide an emergency information to CTA.  Ms. Applegate noted that Caltrain is currently working on a regional disaster plan and is willing to provide a presentation to CTA.  Mr. Unites responded that staff is working with the County EOS and Collaborating Agencies Disaster Relief Efforts (CADRE) to provide emergency information presentation to CTA in January 2006.  

Second Vice Chairperson Grant requested staff check to see how many field supervisors are available to provide assistance to customers and how many trips the field supervisors provide to customers annually.   Second Vice Chairperson Grant asked how many of the requests for a field supervisor go unanswered and if this information is tracked and recorded.   Ms. Pampy responded that field supervisor transportation requests are tracked and added that staff will follow up with the request and look into obtaining information regarding Van Transport Logs.   

Legislative Updates

David Ledwitz, Accessible Services Management Analyst, provided a brief overview on the Tuesday, November 8, 2005 Special Election, “GoCalifornia” Schwarzenegger Administration’s plan to reform and revitalize California’s transportation network, Supreme Court Nominations, and Hurricane Relief and Recovery efforts. 

The Committee received the Legislative Updates.

Chairperson’s Report

Chairperson Julian reported that he is a member of the RIDE Task Force created by the Board of Directors at the request of a broad based coalition of community interests.   Chairperson Julian noted that VTA Board Members Nora Campos and Jamie Matthews co-chair the RIDE Task Force, which will consist of community, business, and labor leaders charged with exploring new, innovative, and cost-efficient methods of increasing Bus and Light Rail Transit Ridership.  Chairperson Julian continued that the RIDE Task Force met on Wednesday, October 19, 2005, Wednesday, November 2, 2005, and the next scheduled meeting is Wednesday, December 14, 2005, at 4:30 p.m. held at VTA Administrative Office, River Oaks Campus, 3331 North First Street,
Building A – Auditorium. 

Member Marcillet expressed his appreciation and thanked everyone for their diligent work and effort regarding the accomplishes made during the year related to improvements in service, Mobility Device Securement Policy, and Paratransit Eligibility Certification Program Process. 

Member Grant noted that this is Member Bruntz’s last CTA Meeting and expressed his appreciation for her diligent work and effort as a member on CTA. CTA Committee Members expressed their appreciation to Member Bruntz and noted that she will be missed.

Announcements

Chairperson Julian announced the Abilities Expo for Northern California being held on November 18 – 20, 2005 at Santa Clara Convention Center. 

Ex-Officio Member Heatley acknowledged CTA Committee Members for their dedication and effort to assist the organization and CTA in moving forward.   Ex-Officio Member Heatley noted the different challenges CTA Committee Members deal with and expressed appreciation for their diligent work and effort on the Committee.          

Ex-Officio Member Heatley suggested a note of appreciation, honor, and recognition be given to Maryjane Naughten for her diligent work as a member on CTA Committee.  Member Rhodes suggested a plague be awarded to Ms. Naughten at the December 7, 2005 CTA Meeting.  Member Gouveia suggested that VTA Board of Directors award the plague to Ms. Naughten at a VTA Board of Directors Regular Meeting.  Mr. Lau responded that staff will forward the request for consideration.

The Committee adjourned the meeting at 2:35 p.m.