Access Services…Behind the Scenes
Volume 5, Issue 24: July 20, 2012
Executive Report
In 2009 Access Services assumed responsibility for purchasing automobile liability coverage and became first named insured on all policies. In addition, Access established a Self Insurance Retention (SIR) program, which means that Access Services must pay before the insurance company pays. The SIR allows Access the ability to control the defense and settlement of smaller claims. SIRs are a very effective tool for quickly resolving low severity claims, which make up the bulk of claims related to Access. Studies have shown that the quick resolution of small legitimate claims results in lower total claims paid during the year, fewer lawsuits, and a more responsive and humanistic approach for our ridership.
In terms of cost, Access has achieved significant savings with the implementation of the SIR and new automobile liability program. Adjusting the 2008 costs for automobile liability to present day cost (fleet size and insurance premium increases) the estimated cost becomes $6,103,601.
This amounts to $11 million in coverage.
According to the chart below, the cost under the SIR program is $3,703,580 for $51 million in coverage. A savings of $2,400,021!
Shelly Verrinder, Executive Director
Access Gears Up For Roadeo
The 2012 Access Roadeo is just two weeks away and all Access staff and Providers are making last minute preparations for the big event. For the past two months, Access hosted “Hawaiian Tuesday” and invited all employees to dress Hawaiian style with Aloha shirts and muumuus. Participants had their names put into a drawing for a cash prize. Putting on our Hawaiian garb really helps the staff get into the Roadeo spirit.
The Providers and their drivers are also gearing up. Some of the providers have set up mini practice courses at their headquarters so drivers can practice. Each provider is determined to bring the coveted First Place Team trophy, which is a traveling trophy, back to their yard for all their employees to admire for the next year.
We are expecting close to 600 people to attend. Of those attending, we have 120 volunteer judges from our partner agencies, Access staff, and the Access Board of Directors. We have 50 qualified drivers and an additional 30 Access staff to help out throughout the day to make this a safe and fun event.
All Access employees are looking forward to playing hosts to our best drivers, agency partners, and special guest at the 2012 Roadeo.
Evie Palicz, Manager of Safety, Training & Emergency Preparedness
The EDGE – Access Internship Program
The Mission of the Access’ Internship Program “EDGE” is for Access to partner with local universities to encourage students to consider public transit in general and paratransit in particular as a meaningful career choice.
Access Intern Lora Verarde just completed her month long intern orientation. We met Lora at a job fair at Cal State LA, she has her BA in Sociology from UC Santa Cruz and her Masters in Public Administration from Cal State LA. While completing her education, she worked as a teacher’s assistant for the Santa Monica Unified School District, as a clerk for the Contra Costa County Welfare-to-Work program, and as an administrative assistant for the Law Offices of Katzoff. During the one year internship experience, Lora will rotate between the Operations and Planning departments at Access.
“I am without a doubt excited to start interning at Access. In the recent weeks you may have seen me rotating around the office, where I have had the opportunity to see how Access successfully runs the second largest paratransit agency in the nation. I’ve only been here for a month and can already tell it’s going to be a great experience learning and developing professionally. Thank you Access staff for welcoming me.” Lora
Jim Starkey is also joining the Planning and Governmental Affairs staff as an intern for the months of July and August. Jim comes to us from California State University Los Angeles (CSULA), where he is completing his graduate degree in Political Science. Previously, Jim served as a legislative aide to former United States Representative Jay Kim and California State Senator Bob Margett, where his policy responsibilities were transportation, infrastructure, and emergency management. Jim is a lifelong Laker fan. He is also a fan of UCLA football.
Steve Chang, Deputy Executive Director, Operations
Meeting with Congressman Schiff’s Office
Luis Garcia and I recently met with District Representatives Elizabeth Vuna and Qiao Li at Congressman Adam Schiff’s office in Pasadena. We gave them an overview of Access Services and also updated them on some of the agencies’ recent initiatives, including the Access to Work program and the new Access TAP ID card.
We had a good conversation about Access’ role in Los Angeles County and also thanked the Congressman and his staff for their support of public transportation.
Andre Colaiace, Deputy Executive Director, Planning and Governmental Affairs
TPAC Elects New Officers
On April 12th, TPAC held officer elections and recommended Mr. Wayne Wassell for Chairperson and Mr. Ian Dailey for Vice-Chairperson. In accordance with TPAC bylaws, both individuals were confirmed by Access Chairperson, Mr. Jano Baghdanian.
TPAC Chairperson Wayne A. Wassell has been employed at Metro for 21 years. Prior to working at Metro Wayne served in the US Army for six years obtaining the rank of sergeant. Currently Wayne works in Metro’s Service Planning and Scheduling Department as a Transportation Planning Manager IV. Wayne began his career at Metro as a part-time bus/light rail operator while attending college, was promoted to scheduler of bus operations, and after five years was promoted to transit planner in bus operations planning. Wayne has a B.S. in Business Administration, a Masters in Public Administration, and a Masters in Transportation Management. Besides spending time with family and friends Wayne enjoys reading science fiction novels.
TPAC Vice-Chair Ian Dailey currently serves as an Acting Administrative Analyst for the City of Torrance’s Transit Department. He has held this position since January 2011 and currently works on various operating and capital projects for the department. Prior to holding this position, he was hired as a Staff Assistant for the City of Torrance’s Transit Department in December of 2009. Ian is originally from Massachusetts where he achieved his Bachelors of Science from the University of Massachusetts – Amherst in Managerial Economics. Prior to working for the City of Torrance, Ian worked at SS&C Technologies, Inc. in Windsor, CT as an Investment Accountant. After transitioning to the public sector, Ian began working towards completing his Master’s in Public Administration at California State University Long Beach, along with a Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Financial Management with an expected graduation in spring 2013. In his free time, Ian enjoys working on cars and fishing.
Matthew Avancena, Manager, Planning & Coordination
TAP/ Free Fare Update
Since the full roll-out of our Access Rider ID/TAP card earlier this year, almost 91,000 out of 125,817 certified riders have received the new card. Free Fare usage associated with our TAP-enabled fixed route partners has continued to be significant. The chart shown on Pg. 4 shows the number of free fare TAP rides since March 2012.
In June 2012 we started to see TAP data from LADOT as they have begun to transition to TAP-enabled fare boxes. We anticipate ridership from this Free Fare partner to continue to grow over the next few months.
F Scott Jewell, Deputy Executive Director Administration
Rider Comments
“But more than just providing essential transportation, Access has enriched my life by bringing me in contact with nice and interesting people with whom I travel three times a week - the drivers and often the other passengers in the van with me. The socialization actually gives me something to look forward to while I am going to and from dialysis.
And also my wife, who has her own health problems, is released, thanks to Access, from having to drive me three times a week to dialysis. This has of course improved the quality of her life in retirement! Thank you.”
Ted, Van Nuys Rider since 2004
ASI…Behind the Scenes Page 4