Public Transit Advisory Committee Minutes

June 17, 2004, 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm

Public Transit Division Office, 933 New Hampshire

Members Present:  Chairman Danny Kaiser, Alan Black, Andy Stahmer, Jo Ann Garrett, Melodie Christal, Marc Epard, Marian Hukle.

Staff Members Present: Administrator Karin Rexroad, Bj Edgemon, Rachel Cornish, Wendy Koerner.

Call to Order

Chairman Kaiser called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm.

Public Comment

Saunny Scott said that both drivers and dispatch had been wonderful in working with them while the construction project continues near their home.  She also mentioned that someone at the homeless coalition meeting spoke favorably of the system.

Steve Cochran expressed the minutes from the March PTAC meeting incorrectly quoted him.

Agenda Review

Alan Black asked if the fixed-route Rules and Regulations were ready for discussion.  They were not.  No changes were made to the agenda.

Public Transit Administrator Update

Ridership Report

Administrator updated the committee on the ridership reports for both April and May.  Ridership is still increasing and through June 12, the system averaged 1079 riders per day on the fixed-route.  On-time performance for the fixed-route has remained surprisingly high despite the number of road closures throughout the city.

To date, participation has been low in the “T” Splash program.  The Marketing Coordinator is identifying avenues to better promote the program. 

Budget Update

Staff distributed a breakdown of the FY2005 Budget.  Direction from the city commission was to maintain the 2005 budget the same as 2004. State funding has already come through, federal money has not.  We only received 7/12 of last year’s allocated amount, to be used for operations.  At this time no one is sure what the federal funding levels will be.

The Administrator reported that she is participating in the K-10 corridor study being conducted by KDOT and Planning.  The study will evaluate all modes of travel (vehicular, bike, pedestrian, and transit) between Lawrence and I-435 to help identify future needs.

June 26-29, the Administrator will attend the APTA – Transportation and University Communities Workshop in Austin, Texas.

Haskell Indian Nations University

Fares

Due to the success of the T sticker program offered to KU students, staff is recommending extension of the program to Haskell Indian Nations University (HINU) students.  Since HINU does not have their own transportation system, a discussion was held to decide whether to sell “T” stickers that could be placed on student IDs or to offer a reduced fare to students who present their HINU student IDs.  The Administrator shared that it is becoming increasingly difficult for drivers to keep track of the many types of passes that are currently used on the system.  The Administrator also advised the board that HINU has offered to sell the “T” stickers or passes through their bookstore if the board selects that option. 

Alan Black moved to allow HINU students to ride the “T” for ½ fare with a student ID.  Marian Hukle seconded.  No public comment was presented and the motion passed unanimously.

Administrator will forward the committee’s recommendations to the City Commission for their June 29 meeting.  Staff will meet again with HINU in regards to set up and marketing of the program to their students.

Activities

Marketing staff has given two presentations to the HINU Upward Bound Program.  Upward Bound plans to make a game out of riding the “T” by incorporating it into a scavenger hunt planned for June 25.  Approximately 60 students will participate in the hunt which will utilize 4 routes throughout town.

Free Ridership Days Plan

In past years, LTS offered free ridership during the Annual Downtown Sidewalk Sale.  This was determined to be a very successful means of encouraging individuals to try the “T” for the first time.  Communities in Motion day, which falls on October 7, is also being considered as a free ridership day.  Staff is seeking board approval to reserve a set number of days annually in which we can offer free ridership as a marketing tool.  Staff is also seeking some flexibility in assigning the days as many times opportunities arise that do not allow for board discussion and approval. 

Andy Stahmer moved to give staff the discretion to select 10 days annually to offer free ridership.  Melodie Christal seconded.  Public comment was solicited and Saunny Scott suggested we offer free ridership on the day of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.  During the parade, it is difficult to find parking downtown.  Chairman Kaiser called for a vote and the motion passed unanimously.

Route Review/Scheduling

Update on Approved Changes

The Administrator shared that the minor route changes recommended by the committee were approved by the City Commission on May 11, 2004, and staff is currently working on the design of the new route map.  Bus shelters, transfer points and schools are new additions to the map and the area along K-10, where we cannot pick up or drop off passengers, has been clarified.  Changes will become effective August 9, 2004.

Sub-committee Update

Marian Hukle updated the board on other items the Route Review Committee is working on.  Community growth and long range planning are the focus at this time, as well as research into suggestions and requests made during the public hearings, such as service to the jail and connecting Route 6 to the campus.  The committee feels it will be necessary to bring in an outside agency to collect the data needed to back up and support decisions made in regard to system changes.   The committee is also looking at ways to fund the project. 

Public Comment

No public comment was presented.

Next Meeting

August 19, 2004

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 4:50 pm.

Submitted by Wendy Koerner

Approved via email