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Members Absent
Emma Eljas
Thomas Slack
Barbara Stahl, Second Vice Chairperson
Dai Qui Vu

Received introductions from the audience including: Terry Applegate, Silicon Valley Independent Living Center; Joonie Tolosa, VTA Operations Senior Management Analyst; Mark Thomas, VTA Bus Technical Training Supervisor; Steve Johnstone, VTA Operations Senior Management Analyst; Garry Stanislaw, VTA Transportation; David Ledwitz, VTA Accessible Services; Jim Unites, VTA Operations Planning; Susan Stark, VTA Controller; and Edna Pampy, VTA Accessible Services.

Chairperson Morrow noted that Agenda Item # 14., Legislative Updates will be deleted from the March 8, 2006 CTA Agenda.

The Agenda was taken out of order.

The Legislative Updates was removed from the Committee Agenda.

Ms. Applegate expressed concern regarding George Tacké, former Accessible Services Manager, being promoted within the VTA Operations Division.

Samuel Lau, VTA Operations Planning and Support Services Deputy Director and CTA Staff Liaison, commented that CTA would start receiving on regular basis a verbal report related to the previous Board of Directors Meeting provided by Adam Byrnes, staff aide representing Cindy Chavez (Ex-Officio Board Liaison).

Mr. Byrnes reported that at the March 2, 2006 Board of Directors Regular Meeting, the Board approved the scoring criteria for the Lifeline Transportation Program.   Mr. Byrnes commented that the Board Members created a Project Priority and Revenue Advisory Committee instead of approving the proposed VTA Sales Tax Measure and Expenditure Plan.   The Project Priority and Revenue Advisory Committee has the responsibility to review the projects in the Expenditure Plan, prioritize the projects, and identify revenue sources from the Federal, State, and Local levels including potential revenue from the sales tax proposed by the County of Santa Clara scheduled for the June 2006 ballot.  The Project Priority and Revenue Advisory Committee will meet at accessible locations throughout the County as well as in the evening to ensure full public participation, and all VTA Committees will be invited to attend the Project Priority and Revenue Advisory Committee to provide comments.

Chairperson Morrow commented that at the Friday, March 3, 2006 Mobility Securement Task Force Meeting the main topics of discussion were related to securement and American with Disabilities Act (ADA) training.  Chairperson Morrow stated that the securement and ADA training are two separate issues and noted that the Mobility Securement Task Force is currently working on a public presentation, which will be presented to CTA in July 2006.

The Mobility Securement Task Force is working through the details related to the training portion and added that VTA is considering hiring Doug Cross, Independent Consultant, to address the sensitivity portion of the training and to make recommendations to improve operator training.  Chairperson Morrow commented that Mr. Cross specializes in transit accessibility and paratransit and has 25 years of experience in operation policies, service design, public involvement, and governmental relations.  Mr. Cross Chairs the Wheelchair Users Issues and Subcommittee of the American Public Transit Association (APTA), Advisory Board Member of the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center for Wheelchair and Transportation Safety, Member of the Wheelchair and Transportation of America National Standards Institute, and Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America.

Chairperson Morrow requested that staff include Mr. Cross’s qualifications in the next CTA Meeting Agenda Packet mailing as reference material for the Committee.

Chairperson Morrow encouraged the Committee to attend the March 24, 2006 Mobility Securement Task Force Meeting scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 
Chairperson Morrow stated that he will continue to provide updates to CTA to ensure that the Committee has full participation and full input regarding the training and sensitivity issues related to the Securement Policy.

Chairperson Morrow noted that the Committee would start to receive a three-month Workplan with the CTA Committee Agenda Packet.   The three-month Workplan will allow the Committee to see the upcoming items scheduled for the CTA Committee Meetings.  Chairperson Morrow stated that if the Committee has any comments, questions, and/or concerns to forward to Mr. Lau to ensure that those concerns are addressed.

M/S/C (Gouveia/Julian) on a vote of 10 Ayes, to 0 Noes, to 1 Abstention to approve the Minutes of December 7, 2005.   Member Grant Abstained.

M/S/C (Gouveia/Julian) on a vote of 10 Ayes, to 0 Noes, to 1 Abstention to approve the Minutes of February 8, 2006.   Member Grant abstained.

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

Garry Stanislaw, VTA Superintendent of Light Rail, provided a brief overview of the responsibilities of a Transportation Supervisor.  Mr. Stanislaw commented that the Transportation Supervisors in the field perform a variety of tasks to ensure reliable and high quality bus and light rail services.  They interact with bus and light rail operators focusing on adherence to schedules and policies and are the first responders to an incident or accident when an event involves VTA personnel, property or equipment.

Mr. Stanislaw commented that at this time there are a total of 18 Transportation Supervisor positions assigned to VTA’s geographic service area to assist operators and customers.  The majority of the Transportation Supervisors are generally on duty during peak performance hours in the field and they are in the field 24 hours per day, seven days a week.  There are four Transportation Supervisors in the field on weekdays during peak morning and afternoon hours.  On weekdays during non-peak hours, there is an average of three Transportation Supervisors in the field and between two to four Transportation Supervisors in the field on weekends at any given time.  VTA has roving maintenance staff that assist in responding to vehicle issues that occur during operations.

Transportation Supervisors are dispatched when an individual with a disability is unable to board a bus due to lift or ramp failure, and the next bus is more than 30 minutes away.  The operator will dispatch a Transportation Supervisor to come out to provide assistance.  All of the calls received by Operation Control Center (OCC) are responded to and if the Transportation Supervisor is unable to provide assistance then OCC will contact OUTREACH Paratransit Services to complete the segment of the bus trip the customer was unable to make due to the lift or ramp failure.  Mr. Stanislaw stated that assisting all our customers is a high priority.

Member Julian queried about the field supervisor vehicles and noted that there are two different configurations.  Member Julian stated that one configuration makes it difficult for a wheelchair to board as compared to an OUTREACH vehicle.  Mr. Stanislaw responded that VTA is in the process of retiring some equipment and getting new larger vans, which will address the concern regarding the van configuration issue.

Member Grant queried how an average wheelchair user would know that the Transportation Supervision program exists.  Mr. Stanislaw responded that the user does not need to know because the bus operator will respond in accordance with the ADA guidelines and contact OCC to advise them that the lift is not working.

Member Grant asked what happens if the bus operator does not contact OCC and noted that this has been his experience on several occasions.  Mr. Stanislaw responded that it depends on effective communications and everyone doing their part correctly.

Member Grant commented that bus operators never offer to contact OCC and noted if customers are not aware of the Transportation Supervision program then what good is the program. 

Mr. Lau stated that the problem is a training issue with the operators, and staff will conduct spot checks in the field to ensure that the operators are doing their jobs.   Mr. Lau recommended that individuals contact VTA Customer Service when operators are not doing their jobs so the issues and concerns can be addressed. 

Member Grant queried about operator training and policy.   Mark Thomas, Training Department Supervisor, responded that the coach operator training and policy emphasizes if the lift or ramp is not working properly then the operator contacts OCC. 

Member Grant queried if staff sends out reminder memos to remind the drivers of VTA’s policies.  Mr. Thomas responded, “yes” that operation notices were reissued within the last eight to ten months in conjunction with the securement policy training, and increased customer service awareness in an effort to remind operators what they are supposed to do.

Member Marcillet asked if staffing levels are adequate for the need.   Mr. Stanislaw responded that staff is doing a lot in the field but there are no reports of incidents that were not addressed.  Mr. Stanislaw noted if staff is unable to assist a customer then OUTREACH is contacted to assist and address the issue.  Mr. Stanislaw stated that there will be an increase in the use of OUTREACH, which is a new backup plan option for VTA. 

Member Marcillet queried about lift malfunctions on the bus and how the problem is addressed.  Mr. Stanislaw responded that the bus is exchanged and the goal is to replace the bus with an operational lift in 59 minutes or less.

Member Gouveia queried if operators have a checklist with the proper procedures to assist them with different situations that may occur on the bus.   Mr. Stanislaw responded that drivers are required to carry the rulebook and the coach operator’s guide. 

Ms. Applegate stressed the importance to make drivers aware of the issues coming from the CTA Committee.

Member Gallo noted the importance to conduct a campaign to alert mobility device users of their right to the program.   Mr. Lau responded that the securement policy pamphlet addresses the 30-minute wait regarding lifts that are not working properly. 

Member Julian suggested a notice regarding the 30-minute wait and mobility device users right to the program be posted on the bus.

Member Grant recommended that VTA provide the 800-telephone number for customers to call for non-operating lifts.

Member Marcillet suggested an automatic running marquee in bus vehicles to note the stops, time, date, and announcements.   Member Marcillet noted that the running marquee would address the issue of printed material and read for visually impaired individuals.  Mr. Stanislaw responded that the running marquee is a huge technology issue.

Ms. Applegate queried about a Transportation Supervisor area grid to determine amount of time it will take to pickup the customer once OCC is contacted.   Mr. Stanislaw responded that VTA has a six-district system that divides the Transportation Supervisors into those districts in an effort to cover as many of those districts as possible. 

M/S/C (Grant/Julian) to recommend that VTA reinstate the 800-telephone number for customers to call to report non-operating lifts.

Chairperson Morrow asked when is OUTREACH called to provide assistance to the customer.   Mr. Stanislaw responded that OUTREACH is called only when VTA cannot get a Transportation Supervisor out to the customer or if the response is going to be delayed. 

Chairperson Morrow asked why CTA did not receive the information regarding the use of OUTREACH as a backup plan and requested the information regarding when the backup plan was implemented.

Member Grant queried about the time it takes for OUTREACH to receive the call to assist a customer.  Member Grant queried about the priority level of the call for the broker.  Ex-Officio Member Heatley responded that OUTREACH receives few calls but when they are received the drivers immediately respond to the incident.  Ex-Officio Member Heatley stated that OUTREACH agreed to work with VTA.  Ex-Officio Member Heatley noted the challenges to cover the vast geographic area and stressed the importance to consider the resource issue.

Mr. Lau responded that staff recognizes that there is a need for additional field supervisors and VTA is redeploying resources from other parts of operations to add more field supervisors.  Mr. Lau noted that staff is aware of the time and coverage issues so the intent is to add resources to determine if it makes a positive impact, which addresses the issues and concerns.  Mr. Lau stated that this is a high priority with staff and VTA.

Member Gouveia queried about the cost of the program to the individual.   Ex-Officio Member Heatley responded that there is no cost to the individual and may not even be an OUTREACH client.

Kevin Connolly, Transit Planning Manager, provided a brief overview on the Comprehensive Operations Analysis (COA) Overview.   Mr. Connolly commented that the COA is a collection of studies and efforts aimed with the primary goal of increasing ridership and investing in transit throughout the Valley.  The COA examines all VTA bus, light rail, and shuttle services, and evaluates collected data within a 24-month period.  The intent is to analyze existing transit service, develop operating performance measures, identify underserved markets, and test alternative operating service scenarios.  Mr. Connolly noted the final product will be a revised Service Operating Plan, Marketing Strategies, Transit Corridor Expansion Plans, and Facility Investment Plans. 

The objective of the COA is divided into the following two parts: the existing service and future services.   The goals related to existing services are to increase ridership, increase transit market share in the Valley, improve VTA’s farebox recovery, improve travel time, improve efficiency, and how VTA delivers service to the customers.  In terms of future services we will identify new markets, develop new corridors, improve integration with existing and future transportation projects, maximize local participation, and develop cost effective services.

Mr. Connolly stated that staff has collected 13,000 completed on-board surveys, which had approximately 30 questions.   The survey focused on the three following areas: characteristics of the trip and rider; demographic information about the rider; and feedback and input on VTA services.   Companion survey is the Customer Preference telephone survey that is more intensive and detailed, which focuses on individuals that do not currently utilize public transit to determine what would get them to use the system. 

The COA is formulated by compiling all the survey information, developing scenarios, and identifying opportunity areas then the information is shared with stakeholders.   The COA work program includes three components:   1) market assessment includes the survey data information; 2) service assessment looks at route and ridership information; and 3) operations assessment analyzes VTA’s service efficiencies and quality.  The COA analyses will be taken to all VTA Advisory Committees as well as stakeholders and community members. 

Mr. Connolly commented that VTA will also implement a Market Segmentation Study, which will evaluate customer attitudes and preferences regarding VTA transit system.   The study is ongoing and staff will periodically bring updates to all VTA Advisory Committees. 

Member Grant queried about how the disabled community is being involved in the surveys and Market Segmentation Study.   Mr. Connolly responded that staff is surveying all customers on all route lines, which means that there should be a healthy percentage of disabled customers included in the survey response.   Member Grant asked if there is any way to include the disabled community to provide a better report of information.

Member Julian commented that the COA was presented to the RIDE Task Force and stressed the importance to focus on the senior and disabled community since they do not fit into the regular market survey component type. 

Ms. Applegate queried about why CTA did not receive the same material on the COA that the RIDE Task Force received.   Mr. Connolly responded that the verbal report presented to CTA is based on the power point presentation provided at the RIDE Task Force Meeting.   Mr. Connolly stated that the COA memorandum included in the Committee packet was used for all VTA Advisory Committees.  Mr. Connolly noted that copies of the survey are available to the members.

Member Marcillet stated that he would be interested in reviewing the survey information.   Member Marcillet noted that the senior and disabled community is VTA’s target audience since they account for 40 percent of the riders on the system.

Ex-Officio Member Heatley asked if staff had the opportunity to pilot the survey and look at the results and the demographics.   Mr. Connolly responded, “yes” that staff conducted a test of the survey.

Member Gouveia asked if the survey inquired if the individual was a member of the senior or disabled community.   Mr. Connolly responded that the Customer Preference telephone survey did ask that question.

First Vice Chairperson Rhodes asked if the surveyor would read the survey to individuals with visual disabilities.   Mr. Connolly responded, “yes” that the surveyors were trained to provide assistance with the surveys.

Member Grant asked how many languages was the on-board survey conducted in.  Mr. Connolly responded that the on-board survey was conducted in four languages; English, Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese.   Member Grant asked if sign language was offered.   Mr. Connolly responded, “no” that sign language was not offered.

Member Julian expressed concern and noted his observation that the surveyors had a lack of sensitivity towards the senior and disabled community. 

Ms. Applegate stressed the importance to forward the survey information to the CTA Committee before the implementation of the survey.   Mr. Connolly responded that staff evaluated the surveyor’s performance in the field and on site on a daily basis to ensure that they were interacting in an appropriate manner with the customers.   Mr. Connolly stated that if surveyors are found to be interacting inappropriately or are not effective they are dismissed.

Member Grant asked what percentage of VTA’s fixed route ridership is disabled.   Mr. Connolly responded that the most reliable information is the on-board survey and the latest data was in 2000. 

Chairperson Morrow expressed concern and noted that the surveyors on light rail passed him by, did not provide him the survey, or offer to assist him with the survey.   Chairperson Morrow expressed concern regarding the way the surveyors are collecting the data and the seriousness of not approaching the disabled community.   

Chairperson Morrow requested staff provide the COA survey information and power point information presented at the January 18, 2006 RIDE Task Force Meeting to the CTA Members via e-mail.

Joonie Tolosa, Operations Senior Management Analyst, provided a brief overview on the FY 2006 Second Quarter Transit Operations Performance Report (July 1, 2005 – December 31, 2005).   Mr. Tolosa commented The FY 2006 Second Quarter Transit Operations Performance Report presents key performance information regarding the operation of the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA). 

Mr. Tolosa reported that ridership continues to be strong with a system wide increase of 2.7 percent.   The average weekday ridership increased 3.2 percent from last year.  The average weekday bus ridership increased by 1.5 percent and light rail ridership increased by 11 percent. 

Mr. Tolosa commented on operating costs per total hour increased to $163.96 slightly above the Fiscal Year to date-adopted goal of $163.00, which is 2.6 percent above compared to last year.   The factors that comprise the increase to operating costs per total hour are wages, benefits, supplies, and services.   The first six months of FY 2006, wages increased .4 percent, benefits increased 5 percent, and expenses for supplies and services increased 28 percent, which comprise 20 percent of the total operating costs. 

Mr. Tolosa commented that the farebox recovery ratio for the first six months of FY 2006 is 14.2 percent and below VTA’s adopted goal but 8.4 percent above last year.   VTA’s fare revenue is 17.3 percent, which is 4.9 percent below the goal but 13.6 percent above last year.

Mr. Tolosa commented that combined bus and light rail miles between chargeable accidents exceeded the established goals for FY 2006.   Daily service reliability performance exceeded the established goal of 99.30 percent.   Mr. Tolosa stated that operator unscheduled absenteeism improved by 9.90 percent and maintenance unscheduled absenteeism improved 29.10 percent.  On-time performance for bus and light rail decreased compared to last year. 

Mr. Tolosa commented that the Paratransit program net cost to VTA increased 4.4 percent compared to last year.   The total passenger trips increased by 4.8 percent compared to last year.  The net cost per passenger trip was $25.69, an improvement of .40 percent compared to the same period last year and below the established goal of $27.00.   Passengers per revenue hour were 2.3 passengers per hour and the goal was met.

Member Grant asked about VTA bus route productivity and the future modifications to Line 81.   Mr. Tolosa responded that he does not have all the details but noted several community meetings are scheduled to discuss service modification recommendations for implementation in July 2006.  Mr. Tolosa stated that the community meeting dates are available on VTA’s website. 

Mr. Lau commented that staff conducts public meetings throughout the County every time VTA has proposed service schedule changes.  Mr. Lau stated that the public meetings are advertised in newspapers and are available on VTA’s website.  Mr. Lau noted that Transit Planning & Operations (TP&O) Committee has quarterly updates on proposed service changes.

Member Grant asked why the proposed service schedule change information is not made available on VTA’s website.

Member Julian stressed the importance of Line 81 to the community since it provides transit service to the new Kaiser facility.

Mr. Unites commented that the proposed service schedule change brochure is available on VTA bus lines and VTA’s website.   Mr. Unites stated that Line 81 will have improved service and the frequency will increase on both the west and east side of the Line 81.   

Ms. Applegate stressed the importance for CTA Members to receive the information regarding public meeting schedule dates.   Ms. Applegate expressed concern regarding the discrepancy in the Accessible Services Operating Statistics: Paratransit net expenses amount.  Ms. Tolosa responded that staff is working with OUTREACH to address the discrepancy.

Mr. Unites provided a brief overview on the Bus Stop Accessibility Project.   Mr. Unites commented that VTA has programmed funding for FY 2006 and FY 2007 for bus stop accessibility improvements to meet ADA regulations.  Staff anticipates improving 50 – 60 bus stops over the timeframe depending on the amount of improvements required at each bus stop. 

To initiate the Bus Stop Accessibility Improvement Project for FY 2006, VTA employed several outreach methods to enlist participation.   This included publishing a request in the VTA Take-One newsletter distributed on bus and light rail vehicles; received information from the Customer Services department; requesting information from VTA bus operators; sending a request letter to community agencies; posting information on VTA’s website; issuing a press release; and requested information from CTA Committee in November 2005. 

Mr. Unites stated that staff has conducted research on the bus stops with high usage of wheelchair and mobility devices that are not currently meeting ADA standards as well as other high ridership routes that do not meet the standards.   Using the input of these outreach efforts and information taken from ridership reports and field surveys, staff developed a comprehensive list of ADA bus stop improvements.  The project list currently has 145 bus stops identified for ADA improvements in 13 cities throughout Santa Clara County divided into these three categories: public request; high usage of wheelchairs and mobility devices; and high ridership.  VTA engineering and construction staff will use this list to evaluate the feasibility of the recommended improvements for each bus stop, complete the design, determine the sequential order of the work, and then construct the improvements.  The first set of stops will begin construction this summer/fall timeframe then the next set of stops will be constructed next fiscal year. 

Mr. Unites commented that the list is in general priority order, with highest priority given to the recommendations received from community/public comments.  The group of stops is not listed in any particular order and the numbering of each project in the group is for reference only.  Staff will look at the groups of priorities and start working on the improvements.  Mr. Unites stated that the overall intention is to proceed with the stop improvements in the order listed.   Stops lower on the list could get completed before stops higher on the list due to issues such as construction complexity, the ability to get property approvals and permits to build the stop, cost, and geographical location.  New additions to the list can also affect existing priorities if they merit a higher-priority ranking.

Chairperson Morrow asked if the Bus Stop Accessibility Improvement Project would be presented to CTA on a quarterly basis.  Mr. Unites responded that staff does not anticipate bringing it back to CTA since the engineering and construction staff will start to work on the design and then construction on the improvements.

Chairperson Morrow asked if CTA would receive a list of the bus stop projects that have been improved.  Mr. Unites responded that staff could develop a list of the bus stop projects that have been completed and will distributed to CTA.

Member Jensen expressed appreciation to staff for the Bus Stop Accessibility Project list provided in the CTA Agenda Packet.

Ms. Applegate stated that a group in Gilroy has been working to develop a list related to bus stop accessibility issues, which has been submitted to Don Dey, City of Gilroy, and Kat Mereigh, VTA Congestion Management Planning and Programming.  Ms. Applegate asked if the information has been forwarded to VTA.

Ms. Applegate referenced VTA’s website and the CTA 2006 Roster, noting a discrepancy in the member representation within the City Grouping for the City of Gilroy.

Jerry Grace, Interested Citizen, expressed his appreciation to attend and participate in the CTA Committee Meeting.   Mr. Grace asked about the Bus Stop Accessibility Project list regarding sidewalks and if the sidewalks will be similar at the Hewlett Packard Pavilion in San Jose.  Chairperson Morrow forwarded Mr. Grace’s comments to staff for response.

Member Lasich stressed the importance to have benches installed at bus stops.  Member Lasich noted complaints from his blind support group regarding the lack of benches at bus stops.   Member Lasich noted concerns regarding the Westgate Campbell Avenue bus stop sign with the small letters, which is difficult for individuals to read, especially seniors or individuals with visual impairments.  Member Lasich stressed the importance for operators to call out stops for the customers.  Mr. Unites responded that if Member Lasich provides staff with the bus stop information staff might be able to accommodate the bench requests.  Chairperson Morrow requested that staff work with Member Lasich regarding his concerns and issues related to the Bus Stop Accessibility Project.

Bill Hough, Transportation Planner III, provided a brief overview on the Scoring Criteria for Lifeline Transportation Projects.   Mr. Hough commented that the Lifeline Transportation Projects was presented to CTA at the December 7, 2005 CTA Meeting.  Mr. Hough commented that the issuing of Call for Projects was released on Friday, March 3, 2006.  Staff received general directions from MTC on reviewing projects, which would be submitted by project sponsors.  The scoring criteria are intended to provide consistent guidance to each county in prioritizing and selecting projects to receive Lifeline Transportation Program funds.  The MTC submitted the following five criteria, which will be considered when selecting projects for the Lifeline Transportation Program: 

Implementation Plan; Project Need, Stated Goals, and Objectives; Project Budget and Sustainability; Cost-Effectiveness; and Coordination and Program Outreach. 

Mr. Hough commented that MTC has proposed that the Lifeline Transportation Program be administered at the county level as a 3-year demonstration program.   Congestion Management Agencies (CMAs) will administer the program, except in Santa Clara County where the program is to be jointly administered by VTA and the County of Santa Clara.  On January 5, 2006, the VTA Board of Directors authorized the General Manager to execute a Cooperative Agreement between the County of Santa Clara and VTA to develop and administer a Lifeline Transportation Program in Santa Clara County. This agreement established a Joint Lifeline Transportation Committee (JLTC), which includes members from VTA, the County, and the following three countywide community organizations: The Housing Authority of Santa Clara County; Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG); and Second Harvest Food Bank.

Mr. Hough stated that VTA and County staff proposed weighting each of the five scoring criteria that will be used to evaluate the submitted projects. The maximum points proposed for the implementation plan is 30; project need, stated goals, and objectives is 25; project budget and sustainability is 20; cost-effectiveness is 15; and coordination and program outreach is 10 points with total points of 100.

Mr. Hough commented that VTA Board of Directors approved the scoring criteria at its March 2, 2006 Board Meeting.   The Call for Projects was released on March 3, 2006 and the deadline to submit projects is April 24, 2006.  This information will also be presented at a workshop describing the proposal process scheduled for Monday, March 13, 2006, at 9:30 a.m. held at the Santa Clara County Social Services Agency, 333 West Julian Street, San Jose.

Member Grant asked where to receive a copy of the call for projects.   Mr. Hough responded that he can provide the call for project information and the information is available on VTA’s website at http://www.vta.org.

Member Marcillet asked who should apply for the call for projects.   Mr. Hough responded that the call for projects is intended for anyone who wishes to put forth a transportation improvement projects that address transportation gaps and or barriers that are identified through a Community-Based Transportation Plan (CBTP), countywide or regional Welfare-to-Work Transportation Plan, or other documented assessment of needs within the designated communities of concern. 

Ex-Officio Member Heatley commented that OUTREACH has previously applied for these types of funds and under the Jobs and Reverse Commute (JARC) funds there are a wide variety of different projects.   Ex-Officio Member Heatley encouraged the CTA Committee to attend the Monday, March 13, 2006 proposal process workshop and offered to provide information and assistance to the CTA Members with project proposals. 

Member Julian queried if there was a project need assessment being conducted.  Ex-Officio Member Heatley responded that the first need assessment this year is being conducted in Gilroy then MTC has designated East San Jose and Milpitas as pockets of geographical areas of poverty, which is the approach to these types of funds.

Mr. Grace encouraged the Committee to attend the Wednesday, March 22, 2006 MTC Meeting in Oakland, California.

Ms. Applegate asked who reviews the Request for Proposal (RFP) and if it is VTA, the County, community members, or a combination of all parties.   Mr. Hough responded that the JLTC, which includes members from VTA, the County, The Housing Authority of Santa Clara County, SVLG, and Second Harvest Food Bank are responsible to review the project proposals.

Member Michels left her seat at 3:04 p.m., the quorum was lost, and
a Committee of the Whole was declared.

Chairperson Morrow queried about the March 22, 2006 MTC Meeting.   Ex-Officio Member Heatley responded that the March 22, 2006 MTC Meeting is a regional planning meeting. 

Mr. Hough stated that a project proposal-bidding workshop is scheduled for Monday, March 13, 2006, at 9:30 a.m. held at the Santa Clara County Social Services Agency, 333 West Julian Street, San Jose.   Mr. Hough noted that the project application deadline is April 24, 2006 and applications need to be delivered to the Santa Clara County Social Services Agency located at 333 West Julian Street, San Jose.  The JLTC will make their review on May 8, 2006; issue preliminary recommendations on May 11, 2006 to the project sponsors; a reconsideration session on May 19, 2006; final letters to project bidders at the ending of May 2006; and approved by MTC in June 2006.  

Member Jensen left her seat at 3:06 p.m.

Ex-Officio Member Heatley commented that these types of funds are going to be administered at a local level for the next 20 years and the program process will be ongoing.

OTHER

The Committee received the CTA Transit System Ridership Report.

Chairperson Morrow expressed concern regarding service changes implemented in January 2006.   Chairperson Morrow stated that the first part of implementation of the service changes were working great; however, things are now falling apart.  Chairperson Morrow commented that in the beginning when the service changes are implemented everything runs perfect but then after a couple of months the service falls apart and disintegrates fast.

Member Julian announced the Abilities Expo for Northern California being held on November 3 – 5, 2006 at Santa Clara Convention Center.  Member Julian added that information is available regarding the Abilities Expo at www. abilitiesexpo.com.

Member Julian announced the City of Santa Clara has an ADA Meeting scheduled from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. held on Monday, March 13, 2006, at Mission Library in Santa Clara.

Member Marcillet stated that informational brochures related to several health and safety concerns are available at the public table.

Member Grant referenced a letter from Michael T. Burns, General Manager, to Member Jensen regarding the placement of the agenda development item on the CTA Agenda and asked when the item will be placed on the CTA Agenda.  Member Grant stressed the importance of tracking the requests and recommendations made by the Committee and queried if staff is responding to CTA Member concerns and issues.  Chairperson Morrow responded that he will work with staff to ensure that Committee Members requests and recommendations are being addressed.

Member Grant stressed the importance and encouraged Committee Members to be actively tracking their requests to ensure that staff is addressing their concerns.   Chairperson Morrow responded that he will work with staff to implement the recommendation matrix developed to track Committee requests and motions.

The Committee adjourned the meeting at 3:12 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Michelle M. Garza, Board Assistant
VTA Board of Directors

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