Public Transit Advisory Committee Minutes

September 16, 2004, 4:00 pm – 5:15 pm

Public Transit Division Office, 933 New Hampshire

Members Present: Chairman Danny Kaiser, Alan Black, Andy Stahmer, Melodie Christal, Marian Hukle.

Members Excused: Tim Akright, Rob Tabor, Jo Ann Garrett, Marc Epard.

Staff Members Present: Administrator Karin Rexroad, Mike Sweeten, Rachel Cornish, Wendy Koerner.

Call to Order

Chairman Kaiser called the meeting to order without a quorum at 4:05 pm.  Melodie Christal arrived at 4:20 pm and a quorum was achieved.

Public Comment

Saunny Scott said she feels everything is going well with the system.

Agenda Review

Agenda items that require a committee vote were switched to the end of the meeting until a quorum could be met.

Public Transit Administrator Update

At the Annual KPTA meeting in Wichita, Mokhtee Ahmad, Regional Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), presented Lawrence Transit System (LTS) with an award for the highest percentage increase in ridership, early closeout of Triennial Review findings, and for the low number of open grants in the Kansas Urban Transit Program for 2002-2003.  The Marketing Coordinator has prepared a news release and a write-up for the City Manager’s Report.

Administrator went over the Ridership Reports for June, July, and August of 2004.  Fixed-route ridership has steadily remained over 1000 riders per work day.  The average daily ridership for the fixed-route was 1075 in June, 1070 in July, and 1069 for August.  Paratransit ridership peaked at 175 riders per day in June, but dropped down to 151 for July, and 154 for August.

June was a big month for us.  We received five new paratransit vehicles, reduced fares for K-12 and Haskell students went into effect, and Congressman Dennis Moore visited the MV Transportation facility at 930 E 30th Street.

Marketing Update

Marketing Coordinator updated the board on current ad campaigns and passed out folders containing miscellaneous items for the campaign.  All models used in advertisements are actual transit system passengers. 

Relations with Haskell Indian Nations University (HINU) have greatly improved since the public hearings in April, 2004.  The Marketing Coordinator attended HINU’s new student orientation and has given presentations to students in conjunction with LTS offering reduced fares for HINU students.  HINU plans to begin selling bus passes for us in their campus bookstore.

Committee was updated on improvements to the transit website.  Timeliness of posting reroutes and other informational items has improved.  In addition to the website, LTS is releasing reroute information in conjunction with the city infrastructure releases.

Upcoming events include the Communities in Motion event, which is scheduled for October 7, 2004, the Lawrence Art Walk, Flu X–mass vaccination exercise, and Election Day.  LTS will provide free ridership on each day.

Travel Training

Andy Stahmer updated the board on the “T” Time Steering Committee which is developing policies and procedures for fixed-route travel training.  The primary goal of this committee is to improve and enhance the travel options of individuals in the disabled community as well as youth, elderly, and other citizens in their use of the fixed-route system.

Committee chairperson is Jessie Ann Lusher, Douglas County Senior Services, and Andy Stahmer is the Vice-Chair.  The committee itself is made up of representatives from many local social service agencies that have associations and experience with individuals that would benefit from this type of service.  The committee meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month, at 3:00 pm, in the public transit office. 

The committee is currently looking at ways to recruit volunteers or “ambassadors” to provide the travel training and a suitable location for the workshops to be held.  The committee has decided to follow the City’s employee screening process for volunteers, which requires a background check and a panel interview.   

Fixed Route Rules and Regulations

Administrator provided committee with an updated document that has been approved by the sub-committee and legal staff from the City of Lawrence.  Melodie Christal moved to accept the updated Lawrence Transit System Rules and Regulations; Marian Hukle seconded.  Chairman Kaiser opened the session to public comment.  Steve Cochran observed that only the “one-way trip” portion was deleted and he felt this was the most-vague part of the rules.  He asked what the committee considered an “extended period”.  The Administrator said the key word in the rule is: destination, which allows for some flexibility in interpretation.  Steve Cochran said the weather on some days warrants boarding the bus early.  Chairman Kaiser added that if a passenger has ridden the full loop, or is approaching their initial boarding location, it is time to think about getting off the bus. 

Chairman Kaiser called for a vote and the motion passed unanimously.  Administrator will add the date of approval to the document and will forward it to committee members.

Public Involvement Plan

The proposed Public Involvement Guidelines for the Lawrence Transit System outline the minimum level of public involvement required by law when considering substantial system changes like fare increases, service reductions, and/or route changes.  The document also outlines the outreach efforts LTS currently employs in soliciting input from the public.

Alan Black moved to accept the Public Involvement Guidelines for the Lawrence Transit System; Melodie Christal seconded.  Chairman Kaiser opened the floor to public comment and none was provided.  Chairman Kaiser called for a vote and the motion passed unanimously. 

Public Comment

Steve Cochran is concerned that some passengers place their bags on the seat next to them, which deprives other passengers a needed seat.  This is especially troublesome on Route 8 as it is often full.  Mike Sweeten will address this with the drivers.

Saunny Scott asked if we would consider offering free ridership on the day of the state homeless coalition meeting.  Administrator responded that we already have two free ridership days in October.

Next Meeting: October 14, 2004

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 4:59 pm.

Submitted by Wendy Koerner

Approved Via Email