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CALL TO ORDER

The Regular Meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) was called to order at 1:38   p.m. by Chairperson Yoshino in Conference Room B-104, Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), 3331 North First Street, San Jose, California.

ROLL CALL

A quorum was present.

PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS

There were no Public Presentations.

Committee Staff Report

Stephen Flynn, Sr. Management Analyst, reported that the new and improved off-ramp from southbound I-880 to Coleman Avenue recently opened, resulting in commuters and airport travelers no longer having to detour onto Airport Boulevard to access Coleman Avenue.   This highly anticipated milestone on the I-880/Coleman Avenue Interchange Project includes a two-lane exit from southbound I-880, providing more capacity and a new traffic signal on Coleman Avenue.   Construction of the Airport Boulevard direct-connector ramp to southbound I-880 will continue with project completion slated for September 2006.

Mr. Flynn reported that the two San Antonio light rail platforms were reopened in late July 2006 for passenger service after closing in late February 2006 to accommodate retrofit work.   Due to a partnership effort between VTA, members of the downtown community, the City of San José and the Downtown Association, a plan was developed that resulted in this project being completed three months ahead of schedule and the reopening of these stations prior to the San Jose Grand Prix and before San Jose State students return to school in August 2006.   The retrofitted platforms allow for level boarding and exiting from light rail vehicles.  He indicated that additional work still needs to be completed, including installation of the shelter canopies.

Mr. Flynn reported that renovations on the St. James station continue on schedule to meet the original fall re-opening date.  VTA will begin platform retrofit work at the Convention Center station in mid-fall and at the Santa Clara stations in January 2007.

Mr. Flynn reported that on Thursday, August 3, 2006, the VTA Board of Directors awarded a contract with the Hay Group to perform an Organizational & Financial Assessment for an amount of $511,830.   He indicated that at the start of VTA Board Chairperson Cindy Chavez’ term, she called for an organizational and financial assessment that would analyze VTA’s business practices, including staffing levels, methods and forms of reporting, available resources as well as industry best practices that could be adopted by VTA.

Mr. Flynn indicated that in April 2006, the draft Scope of Work was presented to the Advisory Committees for their input, which was incorporated.   As a result, the Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued and VTA received proposals from five firms.   An evaluation panel consisting of the chairpersons of the five Advisory Committees met in June 2006 to review and score the proposals.  Four firms were interviewed in early July 2006, and the panel ranked the proposals and concluded that the Hay Group was the most qualified and the team best suited for the project. 

Mr. Flynn reported that the consultant will be required to provide four technical memoranda (one for each part of the scope of work), a draft report, and a final report documenting the results of the analyses.   The technical memoranda and draft report will be reviewed with key VTA stakeholders as appropriate, and changes made if necessary and appropriate, before producing a final report.   

Mr. Flynn reported that VTA expects to issue a Notice to Proceed (NTP) to the selected consultant in August 2006.   The Technical Memoranda would be due approximately 60 days after the issuance of the NTP.  The Draft Report would be due approximately 45 days after the Technical Memoranda are submitted.  The Final Report would be due approximately 60 days after the Draft Report, no later than March 2007.  The consultant will present an oral report concerning the results of the Assessment to the VTA Board of Directors, Advisory Committees, and other stakeholders, as requested.

On order of Chairperson Yoshino, there being no objection, the Committee Staff Report was received.

Chairperson’s Report

Chairperson Yoshino referred to the Organizational & Financial Assessment and noted that he had an opportunity to serve on the selection panel.   He indicated that the panel consisted of all the Advisory Committee Chairpersons, VTA General Manager, Michael T. Burns, and the VTA Purchasing Manager, Tom Smith, but the decision and ranking was done by the Chairperson of each of the Advisory Committees.  Chairperson Yoshino noted that the selection was well done and that the Hay Group was at the top of the ranking.

Chairperson Yoshino indicated that the Organizational and Financial Assessment will look at how the organization functions, assess the organization’s financial situation, and assess the roles of the various VTA committees.

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

Minutes of June 8, 2006

M/S/C (Tripousis/Dey) to approve the Minutes of June 8, 2006.

Programmed Projects Quarterly Monitoring Report for April to June 2006

M/S/C (Tripousis/Dey) to review the Programmed Projects Quarterly Monitoring Report for April to June 2006. 

Proactive CMP Reviewed and Approved Projects Quarterly Status Report, April through June 2006

M/S/C (Tripousis/Dey) to review the Proactive CMP Reviewed and Approved Projects Quarterly Status Report, April through June 2006. 

Request for Bicycle Expenditure Plan Allocation Increase from the City of Sunnyvale for the Borregas Avenue/Pedestrian Overcrossings

Chris Augenstein, Transportation Planning Manager, reported that the City of Sunnyvale Borregas Avenue/Pedestrian Overcrossing Project is at the 95 percent design stage, and the latest engineering cost estimates indicate a total cost of $8.4 million, a $1.9 million increase over the current total cost estimate.    The City of Sunnyvale has requested an increase in its BEP allocation of $1.68 million, and the amount represents 25.9 percent of the current total project cost for the project.   He indicated that the projected increase is less than one percent over the policy cap and that VTA staff is recommending approval of the increase. 

Mr. Augenstein noted that the item was presented at the August 9, 2006 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) meeting, and BPAC recommended approval of the item.

M/S/C (Goepfert/Tripousis) to review and recommend that the VTA Board of Directors approve an increase of $1.68 million in the Bicycle Expenditure Plan (BEP) allocation for the City of Sunnyvale Borregas Avenue Pedestrian Overcrossing to a total of $8.4 million. 

FY 2006-07 and FY 2007/08 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Funding for Bicycle Expenditure Program Projects

Member Murdter took his seat at 1:51 p.m.

Mr. Augenstein reported that in April 2006, the Board of Directors approved the programming of $1.39 million of the $3.3 million Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) exchange funds to the County Roads and Airports for Bicycle and Pedestrian improvements, leaving a balance of $1.91 million for later programming.    In addition, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) recently made available $2.95 million in CMAQ funds from the Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Program funds for VTA bicycle and pedestrian project programming in Fiscal Year 2007/08.

Mr. Augenstein reported that in April 2006, VTA issued a call-for-projects to all Member Agencies to submit CMAQ funding requests for projects that are in the current VTA BEP for the 2006/07 and 2007/08 timeframe.   He indicated that VTA received responses from six Member Agencies totaling eight projects, noting that two of the projects were removed from consideration because they were not currently in the BEP and were not prepared to obligate funds by the end of FY 2008.   He directed attention to Page 2 of 3 of the Memorandum and noted the two BEP bicycle and pedestrian projects that qualified for CMAQ funding in FY 2006/07 and the four BEP bicycle and pedestrian projects that qualified for CMAQ funding in FY 2007/08.

Mr. Augenstein noted that another $2.9 million in CMAQ funds is expected to be awarded for projects in the FY 2008/09 timeframe.

M/S/C (Lazarus/Witthaus) to review and recommend that the VTA Board of Directors approve the programming of approximately $4.8 million in FY 2006/07 and FY 2007/08 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality funds for six Bicycle Expenditure Program bicycle and pedestrian projects. 

Land Use Dataset Confirmation for Countywide Transportation Model

George Naylor, Principal Transportation Planner, indicated that his responsibilities were to develop and maintain the Countywide Travel Demand Model at VTA.   VTA uses the model for its long-range planning and project support, and environmental impact analysis as well.   One of the critical inputs into the Travel Demand Model are socio-economic data inputs, such as household, population, and employment, and where it is located in specific areas of the county. 

Mr. Naylor indicated that VTA is updating its socio-economic database to be consistent with the latest set of the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) forecasts of land use data for Santa Clara County.   Currently, VTA’s dataset is based on the ABAG Projections 2003 data series and will be updating its dataset to the ABAG Projections 2005 data series.   Santa Clara County has a lot of different cities and every city is sub-divided into small geographical areas called Traffic Analysis Zones (TAZs).  Mr. Naylor indicated that VTA would like each Member Agency to review the data and to recommend revisions, if necessary.

Mr. Naylor directed attention to the detailed handouts that were distributed and noted that the first sheet was a map showing the locations of the TAZs for each city in Santa Clara County.   The next item was a detailed spreadsheet summarizing year 2005 and year 2030 households, population, and employment by category for each city.   He indicated that Table 1 was a summary of year 2005 population, households and jobs by category for each city.  Table 2 was a summary of year 2030 population, households and jobs by category for each city.  Table 3 showed the absolute growth from year 2005 to year 2030 of population, households, and jobs by category for each city.  Table 4 showed the percentage growth from year 2005 to year 2030 of population, households, and jobs by category for each city.  He noted that the information is also available on VTA’s website as contained in the Memorandum.

Mr. Naylor indicated that VTA will be sending a formal letter, which will include the map, spreadsheets and the control totals to each Member Agency’s Planning Department.    He noted that responses are due to VTA by September 29, 2006. 

On order of Chairperson Yoshino, there being no objection, the Land Use Dataset Confirmation for Countywide Transportation Model was discussed.

Transit Sustainability Policy

Mr. Augenstein reported that the Board of Directors and staff worked with a Business Review Team and an Ad Hoc Financial Stability Committee to develop a long-term financial stability strategy during the 2003 and 2004 timeframe.   Subsequently, this strategy and its core elements were included in the Valley Transportation Plan 2030     (VTP 2030).  VTP 2030 called for the development of a Transit Expansion Policy.  He noted that the Transit Expansion Policy has since then been renamed to the “Transit Sustainability Policy” (TSP).

Mr. Augenstein indicated that the objectives of the TSP include a common foundation for evaluation and decision-making, improving transit service, investing local governments in service design and delivery, maintaining and improving financial performance, and expanding service to meet market needs.   The TSP is comprised of the following two parts: 1) Guiding Policy Framework that will establish a process for using the Service Design Guidelines to evaluate projects and services, and work with cities and other entities to ensure that the necessary conditions are in place to match the level of transit service warranted or desired; and 2) Service Design Guidelines that will outline an optimal operating environment and the needed conditions to support various transit modes and technologies.

Mr. Augenstein reported that the TSP will guide the activities utilized in the development and implementation of new projects and services including the Comprehensive Operations Analysis (COA); Annual Service Plan; new corridor studies; bus/rail integration plans; and update of VTP 2030.

Mr. Augenstein noted that there is a lot more work to be done in the development of the TSP and that more items would be brought back to the committees for review in the fall of 2006.

Member Witthaus noted that the City of Sunnyvale welcomes any kind of effort to try to increase partnerships with the cities.   He indicated that the City of Sunnyvale Council has directed its staff to work much more closely with VTA with regards to understanding and participating in service planning.   He encouraged VTA to try to work in actual mechanisms for making that happen. 

On order of Chairperson Yoshino, there being no objection, the Transit Sustainability Policy was reviewed.

2005-2006 VTA Passenger Survey

Ying Smith, Sr. Transportation Planner, reported that the last On-Board Survey was conducted in 2000.    She reported that the 2005-2006 On-Board Passenger Survey is the first comprehensive passenger survey of VTA fixed-route services since 2000.   The surveys were conducted in three separate periods beginning in October 2005 and in March 2006.

Ms. Smith indicated that VTA also conducted a telephone survey targeting households within Santa Clara County, noting that the telephone survey targeted transit riders and non-riders.

Ms. Smith directed attention to the PowerPoint presentation entitled “2005-2006 VTA Rider Survey Overview.”   She provided a report on the Survey Methodology, highlighting: 1) On-Board Passenger Survey was offered in four different languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese; 2) 13,718 surveys were received, resulting in an overall response rate of 29 percent; 3) survey achieved a system wide confidence level of 95 percent with a +/-0.8 percent margin of error; and 4) survey contained 29 questions collecting information in three categories: rider demographics, travel characteristics, and service evaluation.   She also distributed samples of the 2005 On-Board Passenger Survey in the various languages.

Ms. Smith directed attention to the Rider Profile and noted the following key findings: 1) 34 years of age or under – 59 percent; 2) Hispanic/Latino – 37 percent; 3) Employed full-time – 38 percent; 3) Income less than $25,000 – 56 percent; 4) No auto available for trip – 65 percent; 5) Rides four days/week or more – 75 percent; and 6) Walks to stop – 71 percent. 

Ms. Smith directed attention to the question, “Who are VTA passengers?” and provided a report on the Rider Demographics, highlighting: 1) Respondent’s Home Location; 2) Age Distribution of VTA Passengers; 3) Comparison of Age Distribution, VTA Passengers vs. Santa Clara County Residents; 4) Ethnic Background; Household Income of VTA passengers; 5) Comparison of Income, VTA Passengers vs. Santa Clara County Residents; 6) Employment Status; and 7) Transit Dependency.

Ms. Smith directed attention to the question, “How do VTA passengers travel?” and provided a report on the Travel Characteristics, highlighting: 1) Frequency Riding VTA Transit; 2) Length of Time Riding VTA; 3) Trip Purpose; 4) Access and Egress Modes; 5) Fare Category; 6) How did you pay your fare on this trip?; 7) Bus Compared to Light Rail; and 8) Line 22 Compared to Rapid 522.

Ms. Smith directed attention to the question, “What do VTA passengers think of VTA service?” and provided a report on the Service Evaluation, highlighting: 1) Ratings of Service Characteristics; 2) Positive Ratings; 3) Fair and Poor Ratings; and 4) Service Improvements by Level of Importance.

Ms. Smith noted that the results of the survey will be used in a various VTA programs and initiatives, including the Comprehensive Operations Analysis (COA), in an effort to evaluate VTA’s transit services and to develop strategies for improvement.   Also, the results of the survey are incorporated into VTA’s Travel Demand Model and used in the development of marketing strategies and efforts.

Alternate Member Rodriguez queried if there were any efforts made to collect information during Spare-the-Air-Day.   He also queried about VTA’s plans to target more persons in the youth age group and to keep them riding transit.   He also noted that there were not any questions regarding gas prices.  Kevin Connolly, Transportation Planning Manager, referred to gas prices and directed attention to the 2005 On-Board Passenger Survey, question No. 18, “What is your main reason for riding VTA transit?,” and noted that one of the multiple choices was “Costs less”.  Ms. Smith referred to the targeting of youth riders and noted that would be addressed in VTA’s telephone survey.  Mr. Connolly referred to Spare-the-Air-Day and noted that information was not collected during the summer months.

Jerry Grace, Interested Citizen, queried about the number of persons purchasing VTA’s Monthly Flash Pass.   Ms. Smith noted that 38 percent purchased the Monthly Flash Pass.

On order of Chairperson Yoshino, there being no objection, the 2005-2006 VTA Passenger Survey was reviewed. 

Community Bus Implementation Plan

Dan Smith, Chief Operating Officer, reported that the memorandum provided information on the following four issues: 1) vehicle procurement, 2) routes identified for transition to Community Bus service, 3) marketing/branding of Community Bus service, and 4) fares. 

Mr. Smith referred to vehicle procurement and reported that on March 30, 2005, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to 25 gasoline-powered, small-capacity vehicles and support equipment in the amount of $4 million using a contract awarded by the State of California.   The initial five vehicles were purchased to support the Los Gatos service, which VTA took over on July 3, 2006.   The cost of each of those vehicles was $130,000, totaling $650,000.  The equipment for the five vehicles, for instance, fareboxes, radio equipment, schedule holders, etc., totaled around $200,000.  The Los Gatos service has been successful and the two routes (Lines 48 and 49) combined, averaged 813 weekday passengers during the first year of operation.  The remaining 20 vehicles were recently ordered and the expected delivery date is April 2007, and the in-service date is July 2007.  The 25 vehicles will constitute Phase I of VTA’s Community Bus implementation plan.

Mr. Smith indicated that VTA staff projects a need for up to 75 small-capacity vehicles to operate Community Bus service throughout Santa Clara County.   The commercial market availability of small-capacity vehicles that meet the demand of public transit operations that are Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant, preferably low-floor, meet California Air Resources Board (CARB) requirements, and use gasoline and/or electric hybrid technology combined, is extremely limited at this point.   VTA staff is recommending in the near term that VTA continue to utilize the State’s contract to purchase gasoline-powered vehicles.

Mr. Smith reported that Phase II, consisting of another 25 vehicles, will be ordered in January 2007 for delivery in September 2007, and will be placed in service in           January 2008.   Staff is presently identifying funding for these buses, and a recommendation to the VTA Board of Directors to authorize the purchase of these vehicles with a known source of funds will be awarded in fall 2006. 

Mr. Smith reported that the complete scope of Phase III, which could consist of the final 25 additional vehicles, will be determined in early 2007.   By that time, results from the COA will provide information on new and existing markets that might be appropriate for implementation of Community Bus services.   The next VTA biennial budget needs to include funding to purchase these vehicles and for any service expansion, if identified in the COA process.  If these service and budget decisions are made, then the Phase III Community Bus implementation could occur as early as FY 2009.  The implementation schedule for Phase III also depends on the commercial availability of hybrid technology.  The expected life of a gasoline-powered small-capacity vehicle is five years and/or 200,000 miles, which is significantly less than the 15-year and/or 600,000 mile life expectancy of a standard diesel bus.  Given the relatively short life expectancy of these vehicles and VTA’s expectation that hybrid technology will become commercially available in the next two or three years, VTA is confident that it will be able to purchase this type of vehicle in the future.

Mr. Smith referred to routes and reported that while bus ridership is beginning to rebound, VTA continues to operate its low productivity routes that fall below the service standards established in the Board approved Service Management Plan.   The resources saved by converting low productivity routes to lower cost Community Bus service could be reallocated to better-performing routes by increasing frequencies, or operating the routes earlier or later in the day. 

Mr. Smith reported that a number of routes have been identified to form the basis for the proposed Phase I and II Community Bus implementation plan, utilizing 50 small-capacity vehicles.   He directed attention to Attachment A – Community Bus Route Implementation Schedule.   The public participation process will be conducted in early 2007, leading up to requesting the Board of Directors to take action to approve the phased Community Bus implementation.   

Mr. Smith referred to marketing/branding of the vehicles and reported that one overall branding scheme will be used for all routes and vehicles in the program.   The five vehicles being used for the Los Gatos Community Bus Lines will retain their current look until replaced, rewrapped, or repainted.   Certain routes, such as DASH (Downtown San Jose Shuttle), could retain their unique look based on funding support and community involvement in the service. 

Mr. Smith referred to fares and reported that regular fares will be charged and all vehicles will be equipped with fareboxes.   City or community groups can contract for fare-free routes by providing a subsidy equaling at least a 25 percent farebox recovery for those routes.    This is based on a similar approach used for other jointly funded services, such as DASH, Airport Flyer, Sharks Shuttle, Great America Shuttle, River Oaks Shuttle, and others.  

Mr. Smith noted that the Los Gatos Community Bus routes were originally established as a free, one-year pilot program, which expired July 2006.   VTA staff is working with the Town of Los Gatos staff to develop a plan for charging fares on this service or obtaining community funding.

Vice Chairperson Dey queried if VTA staff would be talking to various communities if the community had an interest in fine-tuning its routes, particularly going from a large vehicle to a small vehicle.    He noted that the large buses in the City of Gilroy are having problems making certain turns in the community.   Mr. Smith noted that VTA’s Service Planning Department is looking at those challenges, particularly, in Gilroy.

Member Witthaus queried if VTA would go back and re-look at where it has implemented Community Bus in Phases I and II as part of the COA.   Mr. Smith indicated “absolutely”.    

Member Witthaus indicated that the City of Sunnyvale has low-density residential neighborhoods and noted the difficulty of the larger vehicles being able to maneuver through the neighborhoods.   He expressed an interest in having a discussion with VTA staff regarding the issue at an appropriate time.

Alternate Member Lazarus noted that the City of Mountain View staff would be interested in meeting with VTA staff in regards to fine tuning some of the routes proposed in Phase II and also to discuss the potential addition of some destination stops that were eliminated during the recent service cut backs.   She noted the concern of the community regarding the elimination of service to the City of Mountain View’s senior center.

Mr. Smith suggested that anyone with concerns that are not apparent in the list of routes that are going to be changed, should contact Bill Capps, VTA’s Service Planning Manager, who has basically been tasked with identifying the routes.

On order of Chairperson Yoshino, there being no objection, the Community Bus Implementation Plan was reviewed. 

OTHER

Committee Work Plan

Mr. Flynn directed attention to the Committee Work Plan and noted that one of the main items agendized for the September 14, 2006 TAC meeting is the “Study Session: Committee Effectiveness & Relationship to the Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) and the Board of Directors.”   He indicated that other items agendized for the September 2006 meeting will be addressed at the beginning of the meeting and the remaining time will be devoted to the Study Session. 

Member Witthaus referred to the Programming and Project Delivery Process Presentation agendized at the 8/10/06 Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting and requested that the presentation information be provided to TAC.

Chairperson Yoshino referred to the “Committee Effectiveness and the Relationship with PAC and the Board of Directors” and noted the TAC meeting discussion with PAC Chairperson, Steve Glickman, regarding improving the interaction between TAC and PAC.  He referred to the June 8, 2006 TAC meeting discussion with Board of Directors Chairperson Cindy Chavez regarding how TAC could play a more vital role in interacting with the Board of Directors.   He indicated that the study session has been agendized for September 2006 due to the discussions held.

Chairperson Yoshino asked for volunteers to meet with key staff and himself to discuss and come up with a framework of how TAC could interact more effectively with VTA staff, PAC, and the Board of Directors.  Member Witthaus and Alternate Member Tripousis volunteered.  Chairperson Yoshino noted that the meeting would be held the first week of September 2006.

On order of Chairperson Yoshino, there being no objection, the Committee Work Plan was reviewed. 

Announcements

Alternate Member Tripousis acknowledged and thanked Mr. Smith, Bill Capps, Bill Kendricks, as well as other VTA staff, who participated in helping put together a transit operation and support system for the 2006 Grand Prix.  He referred to the 2005 Grand Prix and noted the significant improvement in terms of VTA operations and its support for the 2006 Grand Prix.  He noted that VTA had upwards of 43,000 riders over the course of the weekend and transit was the primary motive in getting persons to and from the Grand Prix. 

ADJOURNMENT

On order of Chairperson   Yoshino, there being no objection, the meeting was adjourned at 2:57 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tracene Y. Crenshaw, Board Assistant
VTA Board of Directors

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