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CALL TO ORDER

The Regular Meeting of the Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) was called to order at 4:04 p.m. by Chairperson Sandoval in Conference Room B-104, Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), 3331 North First Street, San Jose, California.

ROLL CALL

Members Present
Mark Brodsky
Paul Correa
Dean Chu
Dan Furtado
Steve Glickman
Dennis Kennedy
Norman Kline
King Lear
Linda J. LeZotte
Victor Ojakian
Greg Perry
Althea Polanski
Dolores Sandoval, Chairperson

Members Absent
Dominic Caserta
Breene Kerr Liz Kniss

A quorum was present.

Chairperson Sandoval introduced Committee Member Althea Polanski, City of Milpitas.

Public Presentation

There were no Public Presentations.

Minutes of March 11, 2004

M/S/C (Glickman/Kennedy) on a vote of 11 ayes to 0 noes to 2 abstentions, to approve the Minutes of March 11, 2004. Members Polanski and Kline abstained.

Committee Staff Report

 There was no Committee Staff Report.

Chairperson's Report

Chairperson Sandoval reported that PAC provides an oral report monthly to the VTA Board of Directors. She requested feedback from the Committee regarding the progress of City Group Meetings.

Member Perry reported that Group 2 (Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale) have held two meetings and sent a letter on behalf of the Caltrain Projects for the Valley Transportation Plan 2030 (VTP 2030.) He noted that the North County Cities are coordinating on policy issues.

Member LeZotte reported that she attended the Group 3 (Campbell, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Saratoga) West Valley Mayors and Managers Meeting and noted that Board Member Pirzynski also attended and engaged the group in discussion regarding VTP 2030.

Member Polanski reported that Group 4 (Gilroy, Milpitas, Morgan Hill) had their first meeting and are planning to meet monthly.

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

Final Staff Recommendations for Valley Transportation Plan 2030 (VTP 2030) Program Allocations and Project Priorities

Chris Augenstein, Principal Transportation Planner, provided an overview of the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP)/Valley Transportation Plan 2030 (VTP 2030) process. He reported that these two documents are planning documents that identify the projects the Board of Directors would like to see built and for which VTA would seek state or federal funding within the timeframe of the plan.

Mr. Augenstein reported that programming documents such as the Ten-Year Expenditure Plan, Transportation Improvement Plan, and Regional Transportation Improvement Plan are the documents that set project priorities and schedules for projects implementation.

Mr. Augenstein reported that six Public Outreach Meetings were held to review VTP 2030, an informational web page was set up at www.vta.org, more than 300 people filled out an online survey, Member Agency staff provided input, and the VTP 2030 was presented to all VTA Board of Directors Standing and Advisory Committees for review and comment. Information from all sources was included in developing changes to the project list. A revised VTP 2030 Project List will be submitted at the April 23, 2004 VTA Board Workshop. If approved by the Board of Directors, the VTP 2030 Project List will be submitted to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) prior to the May 2004 submittal deadline.

Mr. Augenstein reported that the VTP 2030 Draft Document will be completed in July 2004, circulated through VTA Board of Directors Standing and Advisory Committees for review, and forwarded to the Board of Directors Meeting in August 2004 for adoption.

Member Perry requested a copy of comments from VTP 2030 Public Outreach Meetings. Mr. Augenstein advised that the public comments would be provided prior to the April 23, 2004 Board Workshop.

The Committee discussed phasing the BART project and inquired if a facilities yard in Milpitas had been considered in order to avoid tunneling and save money. Staff responded that the BART PAB did review that alternative and Member Brodsky requested a copy of the report.

Vice Chairperson Kishimoto (in absentia) recommended PAC re-examine the evaluation criteria. The consensus of the Committee was to begin work on their recommendations for the criteria used for financial prioritization.

Member Brodsky requested that his comments be entered into the record:

Mark Brodsky                                                              April 8, 2004 Council member, City of Monte Sereno

 What happens if VTP2030 works?

What will it mean to this valley if all needed VTP2030 funds are raised by a booming economy? What would be the effect of the development required to support the Silicon Valley Rapid Transit Corridor?

Will the valley be better off or worse? Will the transit system reduce commute times or add to congestion. Will successfully implementing this plan provide improved commute time efficiency? Will doing this plan lift our transit agency from its last place standing and create a usable high speed commuter network? And if not, is there some change in transit policy this committee can recommend to better serve all our constituents?

Assuming the best, there would be enough money to build a transit corridor supporting 200,000 more jobs downtown in 20 million square feet of new office space. It would be logical to assume that if these offices are filled, the now-vacant 70 million square feet of job space will also be filled. That would mean an additional 200,000 to 400,000 more jobs in places outside this corridor, mostly in the north valley. Will those jobs still be supported with the same transit network that 95% of commuters refuse to use?

VTP2030 success, without addressing commute time efficiency for the rest of the valley, will create unmitigated congestion on Highways 280, 85, 101, and 237 for 30 years. The congestion on these highways is bad now during this downturn and the few highway improvements planned are either cosmetic or below the proposed VTP2030 cut-off. The only hope for congestion relief must come from transit. Unfortunately transit improvements for these areas are prioritized after funds for BART are allocated.

I would; therefore, logically follow that the most effective means to do the will of Measure A voters is to fund Bus Rapid Transit, Caltrain, DTEV, Dumbarton Rail, and ACE train improvements ahead of major expenditures for BART. (A reevaluation of prioritization has been voted by PAC).

Additionally, the VTA must undertake an effort to propose, examine, and compare methods to improve commute time efficiency. All complex systems and circuits in Silicon Valley are evaluated with extensive software simulation. It is astounding for this committee member to note that the VTA analysis of our commute patterns and different networks to support it have been given less computer simulation effort than a Sim City game. The 80% turnover of the immediate need for a major overhaul of the transit network. Such VTA effort is required to make VTP2030 a success for the entire valley.

M/S/C (Perry/Kennedy) to support the current list through Caltrain as an unordered/unprioritized list noting that many members have strong reservations concerning the BART project.

Member Kennedy requested information pertaining to trip origin and destination data and VTA´s plan to use smaller vehicles in areas like Monte Sereno.

On order of Chairperson Sandoval, there being no objection, the Committee reviewed and commented on the Final Staff Recommendations for Valley Transportation Plan 2030 (VTP 2030) Program Allocations and Project Priorities.

Report on the Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) Demonstration Program Third Quarter, 2004

Member LeZotte noted that the information provided in the Agenda Packet was a report on the Zero-Emission Bus (ZEB) Demonstration Program and reiterated her request for a copy of the Board Memorandum that went to the Board of Directors for approval regarding the Zero-Emissions Bus Program drop from 100 percent to 15 percent in the Short Range Transit Plan.

Matthew O. Tucker, Chief of Operations reported that the drop from 100 percent bus fleet replacement with zero-emission buses after 2008 to 15 percent is reflective of the state of the technology. He noted that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) requirement has always been 15 percent of future replacements beginning in 2008. Mr. Tucker described the ZEB Program as a developing first generation technology and reported that the high cost of zero-emission buses was also a large factor in the drop from 100 percent replacement to 15 percent. He reported that only 25 zero-emission buses would be available nationally by 2008 for multiple demonstration projects.

Member LeZotte noted that for those same reasons many members of the Board argued for an interim technology. Mr. Tucker responded that if a natural gas alternative was pursued the interim step would have been to immediately purchase natural gas vehicles and also purchase zero-emission buses by 2010. This scenario he stated would be very costly and that by choosing the zero-emission bus scenario VTA was able to replace old buses with new buses that meet CARB requirements.

Member Kennedy inquired about the use of smaller vehicles. Mr. Tucker reported that VTA is planning to shift to smaller buses. A comprehensive operation analysis to determine service demands and where smaller vehicles would provide the most benefit is underway. On order of Chairperson Sandoval, there being no objection, the report on the Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) Demonstration Program Third Quarter, 2004 was received and filed.

Congestion Management Program Financial Audit Fiscal Year 2002/03

Stephen Flynn, Senior Management Analyst, reported that the Joint Powers Agreement requires an annual audit of the Congestion Management Program (CMP) financial statements. He reported that Macias, Gini & Company LLP conducted the audit and provided an Independent Auditor´s Report indicating that, in their opinion, the financial statement presents fairly, the respective financial position of the CMP as of June 30, 2003.

On order of Chairperson Sandoval, there being no objection, the Congestion Management Program Financial Audit Fiscal Year 2002-03, was received and filed.

Mr. Flynn and Mr. Augenstein distributed the Pedestrian Technical Guidelines, a guide to planning and design for local agencies in Santa Clara County.

FY 04/05 Congestion Management Program Draft Work Program and Amended Budget that will be distributed to Member Agencies for review and comment

Mr. Flynn reported that the CMP budget was included in the first biennial budget adopted by the Board of Directors covering FY 03-04 and FY 04-05. He reported that the Joint Powers Agreement requires CMP to deliver a Work Program to Member Agencies on an annual basis. Mr. Flynn reported that minor modifications were made to the CMP Budget to match the Work Program and noted that one major modification due to the state's budget crisis is an expected potential loss of Program Profit Monitoring (PPM) funds in the amount of $700,000.

Member Glickman inquired if use data on bikeways existed. Celia Chung, Senior Transportation Planner, reported that bicyclist and pedestrian counts have been performed in the last two years in approximately ten locations throughout the County during morning and afternoon peak periods. She reported that MTC conducts a regional bicyclist and pedestrian count program for the overall nine Bay Area Counties.

Member Lear noted that Los Altos struggles with speeds on major collector streets and has concern over student safety. He inquired if separated trails, one side for pedestrians and one side for bicyclists had been considered. Ms. Chung noted that guidelines exist for multi-use trails that recommend wider paths on heavily used trails. She also noted that signage on trails is also very helpful.

On order of Chairperson Sandoval, there being no objection, the Committee reviewed and commented on the FY 04/05 Congestion Management Program Draft Work Program and Amended Budget that was distributed to Member Agencies for review and comment, was received.

FY 2004/05 Transportation Fund for Clean Air Program Manager Fund (TFCA 40 %) Project Allocations

Erin Chao, Transportation Planner III, reported that based on Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) projections, $2.3 million will be available in Transportation Fund for Clean Air 40% Program Manager (TFCA 40%) funds. Ms. Chao reported that the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Scoring Subcommittee of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) reviewed the Project Allocation List on March 23, 2004. She reported that three projects with the highest scores were selected from the competitive program and three projects were submitted from the Tier 1 Bicycle Program.

Member Ojakian inquired what criteria were used to determine project allocations. Ms. Chao responded that the VTA Board of Directors adopted criteria for the competitive programs in 1996 and amended them in 2000.

Chairperson Sandoval urged Committee Members to attend Scoring Committee Meetings.

Member Kennedy requested a copy of the Board of Directors adopted scoring criteria.

Chairperson Sandoval requested a copy of FY 04/05 TFCA Scoring Committee Membership Roster.

On order of Chairperson Sandoval, there being no objection, the Committee reviewed and commented on the FY2004/05 Transportation Fund for Clean Air Program Manager Fund (TFCA 40%) Project Allocations.  

Countywide Bicycle Plan: Draft Tier 2 Project List

Ms. Chung distributed two documents entitled Tier 2 Projects submitted for VTP 2030/Countywide Plan update, and, Proposed Tier 2 Projects and Allocations Based on BPAC recommendations 4/7/04. She reported that the Countywide Bicycle Plan adopted by VTA Board of Directors in 2000 has three tiers of projects. The Tier 1 Project List is funded through the ten-year $32 million Bicycle Expenditure Program (BEP). MTC has committed to set aside $200 million over a 25-year period for regional bicycle and pedestrian projects. Santa Clara County's target share is $50 million (based on population.) She reported that the Tier 2 list is being updated for inclusion in VTP 2030 and the Regional Transportation Plan (T2030) to render them eligible for funding through the regional bicycle/pedestrian program as the funding becomes available. Ms. Chung reported that the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) met on April 7, 2004, and reviewed the Tier 2 Project List and recommended elimination of three projects and requested staff to continue to work with Member Agencies to determine if any other projects could be reduced in order to fit into the anticipated $50 million. She reported that VTP 2030 Pedestrian Program is being developed and a call for projects will be made later in the year. Ms. Chung reported that staff is recommending a set-aside of $10 million as a contribution from the Tier 2 Bicycle Program Target of $50 million for pedestrian projects.

On order of Chairperson Sandoval, there being no objection, the Committee reviewed and commented on the Countywide Bicycle Plan: Draft Tier 2 Project List. Countywide Bicycle Plan: Draft Tier 2 Project List.

Proposed Fare Modification

David Sausjord, Revenue Services Manager, reported that since the Committee's review of the Proposed Fare Modification at their March 11, 2004 Meeting, six Public Outreach Meetings have been conducted to receive community input. He reported that two changes were made to the proposal: 1) the monthly pass rate for Seniors and Disabled is being reduced from $27.50 to $26.00 and 2) it is recommended that the out of service area surcharge for trips that begin or end outside of the legally mandated Paratransit Service Area in South County, waived by VTA Board of Directors action through June 2004, be waived for an additional year. He reported that VTA staff would use the time to study the paratransit operation in South County for options and alternatives.

In response to a concern raised by Member Chu at the March 11, 2004 PAC Meeting regarding the change in number of monthly passes purchased versus cash fares. Mr. Sausjord reported that some customers are switching from a monthly pass to a cash fare purchase because the monthly pass may no longer be beneficial based on the new cost and the customer's use of the system.

Member Perry noted that one of the concerns when raising fares is how many customers will be lost. He noted also that ridership projections are very important in making decisions regarding new light rail lines. Member Perry further noted that ridership projections were not accurate regarding the Tasman West Light Rail Line and requested an analysis of ridership projections for individual programs going back 10-years versus actual numbers for those programs.

M/S/F (Brodsky/Perry) on a vote of 2 ayes to 11 noes to 0 abstentions, that PAC not recommend VTA increase fares unless more money can be raised than what a two percent reduction in operating costs would cover.

M/S/C (Ojakian/LeZotte) to revisit fare increases as sales tax revenue rises.

Member Lear noted that transit users have many different reasons for using transit or not using transit and asked if VTA conducts ridership surveys. Mr. Sausjord reported that to the best of his knowledge the last survey was conducted in 2000. Member Lear requested a copy of the latest Onboard Survey and requested a discussion regarding an Onboard Survey be placed on a future agenda.

M/S/C (Perry/Lear) a request for ridership projections on each light rail line and actual ridership numbers once each line is opened. Board

Member Kline left the meeting at 5:50 pm.

On order of Chairperson Sandoval, there being no objection, the Committee reviewed and commented on the Proposed Fare Modifications.

Programmed Projects Quarterly Monitoring Report for January - March 2004

Ms. Chao reported that the Programmed Projects Quarterly Monitoring Report for January - March 2004 provides the current status of federal, state and TFCA funded projects programmed by VTA Board of Directors.

Member Glickman left his seat at 6:00 p.m.

On order of Chairperson Sandoval, there being no objection, the Programmed Projects Quarterly Monitoring Report for January â March 2004, was received and filed.

OTHER

Announcements

Chairperson Sandoval announced the Tasman East/Capitol Light Rail Extension Dedication Day Ceremony scheduled for June 23, 2004, at 11:30 a.m. at the Great Mall/Main Transit Center in Milpitas.

Chairperson Sandoval inquired if Committee Members would like to receive their agenda materials electronically. Chairperson Sandoval suggested further discussion on this topic at the next meeting.

Adjournment

On order of Chairperson Sandoval, there being no objection, the meeting was adjourned at 6:05 p.m.

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

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

Respectfully submitted,
Barbara R. Cappa,
Board Assistant VTA Board of Directors