Members Present:Shelly Brisbin, Susie Angel (for Jerry Doran), Juan Munoz, Julie Maloukis, Cathie Schumacher, R. L. Glock, Joleen Kinzer (for Scott Meyer), Judy Watford.
Absent: Mary Ward (excused), Jose Loera
Capital Metro Staff Present:: Nancy Crowther, John Ancira, Rafael (Ralph) Villarreal, Glen Chapin, Denise Guerrero, Cynthia Hernandez.
Guests Present:Diane Bomar, Carlos Aleman, Robert Dillion, Christine Guevera, David Patterson, Jackie Lyons.
Call to Order:The December 6, 2006 meeting was called to order by Chair Julie Maloukis at 5:00pm.
Minutes:The November 1, 2006 minutes were presented for approval. Motion was made by Juan Munoz, seconded by Judy Watford . The minutes were approved unanimously.
Staff Updates: Potential Fare IncreaseCynthia Hernandez, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Hernandez provided a history of the current fare system in Austin . The value of the fares have decreased and soon expenses will exceed revenue. A state-wide comparison of passes and fares in Texas was provided with Capital Metro having the lowest fare and most free fares for special groups. The proposed fare increase would essentially double all existing fares and passes. It is anticipated that in fiscal year 2008, $6.2 million in additional revenue will be recovered. The Board of Directors will receive the information including Rapid Bus and Rail fares in January. There will be public meetings during the spring for the public, a public hearing and the convening of the Local Governing Fare Association will take place this summer. New fares are expected to go into effect by October 2007. Questions and concerns were shared by the membership. Motion was made by Shelly Brisbin to endorse the potential fare increases as outlined with continuing dialog with the committee and more data presented. Cathie Schumacher (for William Brown) seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
STS Sedan Door Locks:Ms. Maloukis read the STS staff issued a memo November 17, to the drivers requesting that all safety locks on the sedans be disengaged. This resolution was based on tremendous customer feedback and committee input into the issue. She commended the public on providing input and she commended committee members for their assistance in effecting the change.
Subcommittee Reports
Fixed Route Subcommittee. The Fixed Route subcommittee meeting held on November 29, 2008 was reported by Shelly Brisbin, Chair. There was a light agenda and citizen communication. The Disability Fare cards and STS ID cards were discussed. It was requested that staff provide an update on the progress of the Fare card program with ridership data and card data at the next Fixed Route subcommittee meeting. The next Fixed Route subcommittee meeting will be held January 24, 2007 (no meeting in December).
STS Paratransit Subcommittee. The STS subcommittee meeting was reported by Judy Watford for Mary Ward, Chair. The sedan safety lock issue was covered. Judy reported on the need to document concerns for STS staff to investigate when there are problems that arise. System problems with the IVR were voiced with staff moving to correct those issues. Details of issues in STS will aid staff in the discovery of any systemic patterns which affect the customer adversely.
Rail Ad Hoc Committee. The Rail Ad Hoc Committee did not meet as reported by Judy Watford. Ms. Watford requested a copy of the RFP for the Ticket Vending Machines. She also requested the following: an update from Rail staff on the progress; GPS information for the blind; an update from staff on TVM; a Rail ad hoc update/meeting; and to establish a Technology ad hoc committee. Ms. Maloukis agreed to contact Dwight Ferrell about the GPS and the RFP.
Chair Report. Ms. Maloukis provided a Board update from the November meeting. She stated that in her report to the Board, she asked for assistance on the sedan door lock issue from the legal department and she reported that the committee members have asked that Dwight Ferrell try to attend more committee meetings. Ms. Maloukis requested the assistance of committee members and members of the community in resolving individual difficulties with STS reservations and/or trips more efficiently. She asked that riders report specific incidents to Rafael Villarreal so that he can investigate and hopefully resolve the problem. Riders will need to report the following information: Name, Date, Time, Type of Contact (IVR or Agent), Type of Trip (Pick-up/Return/One Way), and a description of the particular difficulty.
Citizen Communication: One person signed up for citizen communication.
Ms. Jackie Lyons came to express concerns regarding the service her mother is receiving on STS. She provided several examples of the barriers her mother is confronting and her concerns for safety with these barriers. Ms. Maloukis asked Ms. Lyons to speak to Mr. Rafael Villarreal after the meeting.
Ms. Maloukis asked if other members of the community would care to address the committee.
Ms. Bomar voiced her concerns about Citizen Communication and requested that the public have a chance to ask questions of the staff during the meetings. She voiced concerns about the fare proposals and asked what the sales tax were in the other Texas cities represented in the report. Ms. Maloukis asked Ms. Bomar to send her an email addressing specific concerns.
Mr. Dillion reported issues surrounding the IVR system. The messages are cutting off (due to the recorders' announcement) and he is not receiving notifications. He also reported that the IVR does not recognize shopping center stores at an address (ex: 1000 E. 41st -- Hancock Center ), Sears, HEB, etc. He also reported issues with the ADA regulations regarding the paratransit service area. Ms. Maloukis asked Mr. Dillon to speak to Mr. Rafael Villarreal after the meeting.
New Business: Ms. Watford requested information on GPS for the blind. Ms. Brisbin reported that systemic issues with the IVR system need to be addressed with IT. She would like to have an update from IT on the systems. Ms. Maloukis agreed to contact Dwight Ferrell about the GPS information.
Adjournment.Shelley Brisbin moved that the meeting be adjourned. R.L Glock seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 5:52 p.m.
The next meeting will be January 3, 2007. No subcommittee meetings in December.
Respectfully Submitted, Nancy Crowther for Mary Ward . Access secretary
Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority
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