City of Lawrence

Public Transit Advisory Committee

October 14, 2008 minutes

MEMBERS PRESENT:	Chair David Dunfield, Marc Epard, Mark Hurt, Lyle Hettinger, Derek Meier
MEMBERS ABSENT:	Howard Hill, Martin Miller, Ian Cahir
STAFF PRESENT:	Casey Toomay, Emily Lubliner, Mike Sweeten
PUBLIC PRESENT:	Jim Canaday, Saunny Scott, Micole Aronowitz

1. Call to Order

Chair David Dunfield called the meeting to order at 4:13 p.m.

2. Public Comment

None provided.

3. Agenda Review

Add item to Sales Tax Update: proposed press release written by David Dunfield.

4. Approval of August and September Meeting Minutes

Marc Epard moved to approve the minutes as submitted; Derek Meier seconded. Minutes were approved.

5. Interim Public Transit Administrator Update

a. Ridership and Other Performance Statistics

Casey Toomay reported that fixed-route ridership for August increased 7.9 percent over the same month the previous year. Paratransit decreased 15.7 percent from the same month the previous year. In September, fixed-route ridership increased 19.8 percent, which is attributed in large part to the reciprocal agreement with KU. Derek Meier had a question: when figuring the cost per passenger, is fuel taken into account? Casey replied that, yes, it is. Fuel is wrapped up in the amount we pay in fees.

6. Google Trip Planning

Emily distributed a handout with a step-by-step guide to Google Trip Planning. The expected launch date is Friday, Oct. 17. The press release will go out on Monday, Oct. 20. Derek Meier added that KU has submitted all their data to Google and is waiting to hear feedback. A question to be addressed is how to make the KU and City data work together. David Dunfield asked if we should walk through the steps in the handout. Emily gave a brief overview and highlighted some of the features and challenges. Mike Sweeten added that it might be helpful to input the time of arrival, rather than time of departure. It is sometimes important to be able to work backward to make sure the rider reaches the destination in time.

7. Sales Tax Update

Casey Toomay said that we still have educational publications and posters available. City Manager David Corliss has been actively speaking to groups about the proposals. Toomay also thanked PTAC members for their efforts. Mark Hurt asked whether there was information about how a “no” vote would affect paratransit. Jim Canaday offered the following information: If Question 2 fails, then Question 3 is moot. If Question 2 fails, there would be $580,000 left in the transit reserve fund. According to the City Manager, that money could be used to run paratransit for a limited time. An optimistic projection is that it would provide two buses per day, instead of the current 10-12 buses. Mark responded that he has seen the dollar amount mentioned in news coverage, but has not seen information about what that would mean for service levels. David Dunfield said his idea for PTAC to issue a press release would address the misinformation about the consequences if the sales tax proposals fail. Casey suggested that a letter to the editor might have a better chance of being printed word-for-word, if that is the goal. Discussion ensued among PTAC members about the best format for presenting the information. David Dunfield summarized the points he wants to make: 1.) If the sales taxes fail, there will be no public transit in 2009. 2.) The merger with KU is going to happen if the sales tax questions pass. 3.) The system will improve if the sales tax proposals pass. David Dunfield said he would contact Ann Gardner at the Journal-World to investigate the possibilities. If PTAC agreed with this approach, he would e-mail them drafts to review. Lyle Hettinger moved to approve this action. Derek Meier seconded, and it was approved.

8. Joint Procurement with KU for Contracted Transportation Services

Casey Toomay said the City and KU have continued meeting. They are trying to finish specific language on a draft contract. If the sales taxes pass, they will move forward to get City Commission approval on the contract.

David Dunfield suggested that the group review the document containing proposed route changes that was prepared by Cliff Galante, former Public Transit Administrator. If the sales tax proposals pass, he said it would be a high priority for PTAC and they should be familiar with possible route changes so they can move forward quickly.

9. Public Comment

Saunny Scott said she is afraid that the sales tax proposals will not pass. Although she has seen many yard signs in East Lawrence.

10. Tentative Next Meeting Date:

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

11. Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m.

—Submitted by Emily Lubliner

Approved at 11/11/08 PTAC meeting