Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTESTRANSIT ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES APRIL 15, 2009 4:30 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Diane Hoffman, Jessica King, Mary Louise Lewis, Troy Monday and Mike Norton MEMBERS ABSENT: Diane Lowe and Jeffrey Olmstead OTHERS PRESENT: Christopher Strong, Transportation Director David Vickman, Transit Coordinator Jennifer Weigand, Recording Secretary Chairperson Lewis called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. NEW BUSINESS: 1. PUBLIC HEARING ON A PROPOSAL TO CHANGE FARES ASSOCIATED WITH THE EAA ROUTE, EFFECTIVE JULY 26, 2009. Chairperson Lewis opened the public hearing at 4:30 p.m. Mr. Strong explained how the proposed fare changes were developed in response to the recently issued Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulations on charter service. No public comments were received. Ms. Hoffman moved to accept the proposed fare changes. Mr. Norton seconded the motion. Motion carried (5-0). The public hearing was closed at 4:35 p.m. 2. BIKE RATE UPDATE. Mr. Strong explained to the Board that after conferring with other transit systems in the state, we are pursuing atwo-bicycle capacity option at this time. One of the reasons for this is that the three-bicycle rack requires the bicycles to be staggered in the rack, such that they can interfere with the use of headlights and taillights. He noted that Madison, which is considered one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the country, have only two-bicycle racks on their buses. He said the goal is to roll these out some time this summer. TAB MINUTES 2 APRIL 15, 2009 3, 2008 FINANCIAL SUMMARY Mr. Strong explained the 2008 financial summary to the Board. He noted that fuel prices and higher than projected contracted transportation resulted in a deficit in 2008. He said that initial indications for 2009 are that ridership revenues are lower than expected, but that fuel costs are also lower than projected. He plans to provide the Board with a similar summary on a quarterly basis throughout the year. STAFF STATEMENTS Mr. Strong said we had received stimulus funding for the purchase of four hybrid buses. AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING Mr. Norton reiterated his request to look into changing the Neenah Route. Mr. Strong noted that staff is working with the East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission to model potential ridership resulting from changing the route. Ms. Hoffman said because we had budgeted for higher fuel prices than we are now paying, she would like to see the system consider giving back to the riders by providing some "free" days during the year. There be no other business to come before the Transit Advisory Board and upon duly being made and seconded (King, Monday), the meeting adjourned at 5: 00 p. m.