City of Lawrence

Public Transit Advisory Committee

June 8, 2010 minutes

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Chair Lyle Hettinger, Alan Black, Jim Canaday, Mark Hurt, Marian Hukle, Derek Meier

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Howard Hill

STAFF PRESENT:

Robert Nugent, Mike Sweeten, Todd Girdler

PUBLIC PRESENT:

None

 

1. Call to Order

Committee Chair Lyle Hettinger called the meeting to order at 4:10 p.m.

 

2. Approval of Minutes

No minutes available for approval.

 

3. Agenda Review

Jim asked that the committee revisit the snow removal policy.

 

4. Public Transit Administrator Update

PTA said staff has been working to prepare for all the changes going into effect August 1. The Guide to Ride will be going out for print a week from Friday. MV is developing a plan of action on implementing the service changes, such as training drivers and dispatch staff.

 

5. Discussion – Meetings Pertaining to Service Changes in North Lawrence

PTA said there are no changes occurring in the August 1st rollout.  Public comments on the proposed service changes were unfavorable, and we held off on implementing demand response service.  Some people felt the changes meant they were losing service, when in fact they would be gaining better, more efficient service that would cover more area and serve more people.  PTA said he would like to meet with several groups in North Lawrence to get a feel for what type of service they would like to see and to educate them on the options available.  Jim Canaday lives in North Lawrence, and he said he would be happy to help facilitate meetings. 

 

Lyle asked about the progress on the maintenance facility and Derek said they are getting ready to lay the footings and passed around a few pictures he had taken of the site.

 

6. Discussion – Fixed Route Buses

PTA brought in pictures of smaller vehicles that he thinks will be ideal for use on fixed-routes with lower ridership.  The intent is to match the vehicle size to service demands.  The smaller buses will have overhead signs, pull cords for de-boarding, stanchions, bike racks, and will be fully ADA accessible, just like our current fixed-route fleet. Larger 30’ to 40’ vehicles will be placed on routes that have significantly higher ridership, such as Route 11 or KU Routes, when classes are in session. Committee then discussed bike racks and other vehicle amenities.

 

7. Public Comment

Jim Canaday reminded the committee that several months ago he brought up the subject of snow removal and asked if we needed a policy for when bus stops are completely blocked by large piles of snow. 

 

PTA said the snowfalls we experienced last December and January were an anomaly and created problems for all drivers and pedestrians alike.  We are responsible for removing snow from our bus shelter location, and our contractor does a pretty good job clearing the snow and ice.  The City Street Department is responsible for removing snow from the streets, and property owners are responsible for clearing adjacent driveways and sidewalks. Jim said he was thinking more along the lines of a policy for passengers, so they know what to do in those circumstances, like maybe passengers should go to the nearest cleared driveway to catch the bus.  Lyle pointed out that most drivers are pretty flexible about where they pick up and drop off passengers during bad weather. PTA added that rather than a policy, driver flexibility is really the best remedy in situations such as this.  Marian added that we still have a wave down policy.  Jim asked that we put something on the web site and Guide to Ride that says passengers should revert to the wave down policy from a safe location when a stop is blocked by a mound of snow or ice. 

 

Alan Black asked for clarification on days of operation on the new Guide to Ride brochures.  PTA said days of operation is outlined in the Service Calendar, which is part of the brochure cover. 

 

Jim Canaday asked why the Route 4 northbound times have changed by 3 minutes, and PTA replied that they now reflect the actual running times.  Since Route 4 is no longer interlined, it needed a few more minutes to make the extra loop downtown.

 

8. Tentative Next Meeting Date

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

 

9. Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m.        

 

Submitted by Wendy Koerner  

 

Approved via e-mail