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Agenda Item # 6

BOARD MEMORANDUM

January 2005, VTA and the CTA established the Bus Mobility Device Securement Policy Task Force (Task Force) to review VTA’s policy and recommend changes.  After six months of meetings and discussions, the Task Force reached a consensus to recommend a mandatory securement policy on VTA buses.

The CTA at its August 2005 meeting, voted to recommend adoption of this policy with VTA requiring that four conditions were met:  implementation of a public awareness campaign to encourage customers to use the securement system; retrofit buses with a standardized securement system; train all operators and other front-line personnel to use the securement system and ensure that the Task Force remain active for at least one year to monitor the policy change.  On May 4, 2006, the VTA Board of Directors adopted the Bus Mobility Device Securement Policy to become effective January 1, 2007.  Since that time, Accessible Services has worked diligently and cooperatively with other VTA staff to meet the conditions outlined by the CTA.

Accessible Services initiated their program by building staff knowledge and experience. Doug Cross, ADA Consultant, provided hands-on training on the safe and proper securement of mobility devices and pre-marking and tethering techniques.  VTA Technical Training staff presented training comparable to VTT for bus operators.  Community outreach opportunities have increased staff experience in practical application.

Public awareness efforts:  

Posting the policy in all coaches

Participation at the Abilities Expo on November 3^rd through 5^th

Press releases and articles in community newspapers

Coach operators handing out program brochures

Announcements on all VTA coaches

Providing information at transit facilities and the downtown service center

Presentations at Senior Centers and agencies throughout the county during RTC meetings

Accessible Services staff will ride coaches to discuss the new policy with customers

At no cost, customers can have their mobility devices pre-marked and tethered, practice getting on and off a coach and maneuver in and out of the mobility device slot. 

Internal awareness efforts:

Creation of the policy statement, operating procedures, operational notices and FAQs

Meetings and brainstorming sessions with senior operations staff, supervisors and assistants

Meetings and open discussion sessions with operators during morning and afternoon pullouts

Meetings with ISRs

Creation of an implementation team comprised of staff from operations, protective services, marketing and training to ensure a successful rollout of the program.

The Mobility Device Securement Task Force has continued to meet twice monthly since it was first implemented.   The Task Force is comprised of CTA members and VTA staff representatives of Operations Administration, Accessible Services, Bus Operations, Field Supervision, Superintendent, Bus Maintenance Engineering, Transportation Division Supervision, Technical Training, Risk Management and Office of the General Counsel.   The Task Force is continuing its commitment to creating an environment in which passengers and VTA staff can support and uphold the mandates of the securement policy.

Additionally, the Accessible Services Manager has worked cooperatively with the Office of the General Counsel to develop the Mobility Device Securement Policy and other documents to support the policy. 

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