MITSPLUS CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
April 28, 2011
5:45 P.M.
Attendance.Dee Ann Hart, Cevven Hart, Geneieve Evans, Linda Muckway, Erbie Bertram, Ethel Coley, Joe Hodge, Mary Gaston
Minutes. No changes to minutes from January 27, 2011, meeting.
MITSPlus.Staff shared ridership figures for Accessible Transportation Voucher program: 1108 trips taken with vouchers, 2324 trips taken without vouchers. Grant money will continue to be available to support program. A question was raised about seeking New Freedom grant funds to support more same day service through MITSPlus. Staff suggested that this was a topic that could be raised through the Delaware County Coordinated Transit Committee as they review potential programs.
Staff shared that a question had been raised about whether free ride promotions on fixed route bus service should be offered on paratransit services, too. Although staff had for years thought that this was not the case, they were advised to offer free rides on both services. Consequently, free rides were offered on for Earth Day. Staff does not know if free ride promotions will be continued in the light of budget constraints.
A question had also been raised about the “3 minute rule”. The memo from February 2003 which established the procedure has been reissued and drivers have received refresher instructions to ensure that the procedure is being implemented correctly. This prompted discussion about customers receiving a phone call alerting them when the van is arriving soon. Although some expressed interest in having this service, others recognized that having a phone call leads to customers expecting to have a call and coming to rely on it, which causes delay in boarding and slower service for everyone.
Fixed Route Bus.Staff shared information about summer route detours and schedule changes. Flyers are available and posters have been placed in buses and at MITS Station. Because construction will be closing the intersection of Riverside at McKinley throughout the entire summer, both the #14 Riverside/Rural King and #16 Walmart bus will be operating on a detour route.
The bridge on West Jackson Street is not expected to be closed until October 2011. Once it closes, it will be under construction for a year. This will have a severe negative impact on the #2 B.S. Jackson route. Work on the new roundabout on Jackson and Morrison Rd is also starting this summer. It does not impact any bus routes, but MITSPlus will have to work around it.
It was reported that a customer’s request for having the ramp lowered was refused by a bus driver. Staff was aware of this and the situation has already been addressed. Staff will remind drivers at the upcoming all employee meeting that the ramps are to be lowered for anyone who needs or requests them. Also strollers may be boarded using the ramps and are allowed on board the bus as long as they can be kept clear of the aisle.
Next Meeting:July 28, 2011, at 5:45 p.m.