Capital Metro Transit - Austin, Texas

CAPITAL METRO
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES

DATE:	May 4, 2004
TIME:	6:00 P.M.
LOCATION:	Capital Metro Transit Store 323 Congress Ave, 1st Floor
Members:	Rene' Barrera, Mike Waddles, Thomas Gunther, BJ Taylor, Carl Tepper, Dr. Bob Harkins, Richard Greenwalt, Ruth Young
Associates:	Joseph Thornton
Staff:	Sam Archer, Mary McClure, Barbara Chavis and Sandra Maggitt
Visitors:	Jennifer Bennett and Colleen Fisher

Meeting called to order at 6:00 PM.
April Minutes were motioned to approve and second by the committee.
Transit Oriented Development Guidelines - Sam Archer

Sam stated that Capital Metro does not have many TODs, and what they are currently in the process of doing is looking around the country at best practices for TODs. He stated that what he would like to share with the committee is a project that he had the opportunity to view while in Oakland, California. This project is a good example of a type of TOD that works really well and might become the best practices approach to TODs. This TOD incorporates partnership between BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), a transit authority in Oakland and San Francisco. It also includes a partnership with the Spanish Speaking Unity Counsel. They worked out a program with a local match federal grant Bay Area Rapid Transit property into a beautiful mixed used retail/residential/commercial program.

Sam presented an overview of the TOD project, how it was started and who is involved. This will give a broad overview of the type of TOD that can happen with a broad collection of partnerships. This information will also be sent to Mike Waddles via US Mail. Sam stated that within the next several weeks, he is hoping to visit with Jerry Smiley, who is actually developing TOD guidelines for DART. Jerry is a general planning consultant for DART and what they would like to do is to try and collect different guidelines from different transit authorities. Denver has guidelines that they are planning to use as base material. Capital Metro owns property in the vicinity of major transit facilities. The idea is to maximize the value of the properties and maximize the benefit of the community of those properties by making sure there is a good connection between the land use of what happens with the land that's developed along the transit and the transit. This is the basis of what Capital Metro is developing the guidelines. Over the next several months, Capital Metro will have more definition of what their TOD guidelines will be and what the best practices are throughout the country.

Sam showed a copy of a TOD property that happened in Fruitville, California in Oakland. He stated that this would be a good case study of the type of project that Capital Metro could get going in the rail corridor and beyond.

Upon completion, Sam will present the TOD guidelines from DART. The committee can review these guidelines and provide CMTA with comments. There are other transit organizations with TOD guidelines. The transit authorities are responsible for a portion of what can happen around a transit station. Planning and what could happen with zoning. It is critical that Capital Metro work hand in hand with the city. Sam stated that he would be visiting with the committee during the course of the next two months.

Ruth asked if this would be the way Capital Metro will be getting to the urban community by way of Pflugerville. Sam stated that there is a lot of interest in Leander and what could happen around rail line. There has to be guidelines that reflect both the urban and suburban areas. This would make sure the scales work well for both. Leander is interested in a financing technique called Tax Increment Financing District, which allows you to take advantage of the rise in property value along a new development, reinvesting into that development which creates its own momentum over time. Rene' stated that you can do more master planning along a larger scale as proposed to a specific corridor and get more "bang for your bucks

Rene' stated that this is one reason that he asked for this presentation because there has not been a lot done with TODs with Fair Housing. He stated that there is a lot of transit supported apartment developments. For example, South Congress did not get any credit for the dents that they put in which was beneficial to Transit and Light Rail. There should be incentive or some kind of mechanism where it helps the corridor as far as misuse, downstairs, public buildings where you can reduce the cost of libraries that cannot afford to be on the main street because of the cost of the land. If there is a way the City, Capital Metro and Fair Housing can work together in the future, that is where you would like them to be. Density for mass transit is something you would want to see because having to walk a long distant from some housing developments is really inconvenient. A lot of people don't have cars; therefore it should be placed an appropriate distant from a major bus stop. Sam stated that this would open up opportunities when you have a direct connection because you don't need parking requirements for that location. You don't have to have parking spot per resident of the location. This is one reason why you would want to tie the two, land and transportation, together. It makes for more efficient building practices, better use of land over time, and direct masses of transit.

Thomas Gunther asked if relating to the Saltillo Project where Capital Metro is participating, what could be improved upon how to make the Saltillo Project work better with other neighborhood organizations. Sam explained that the Saltillo Project is the land that Capital Metro owns east of IH 35 between 4th and 5th Street. This is where the rail runs between Leander and downtown. Capital Metro has been working on this project with the City to develop a master plan for that area over the course of about a year to a year and a half. What they are trying to do is meeting with the community advisor group to define the elements of the plan. They are trying to balance working with the community and what they want to see and Capital Metro and the City interest in maximizing value of the property so that it turns into something that's an asset that contributes to transit over the long run.

Carl asked if they were going with Light Rail, or what's going on. Sam stated that Capital Metro is talking about a combination of Rapid Bus. Outreach efforts will be started in the next couple of weeks with Open Houses. They will be talking about a number of components like Commuter Rail, Rapid Bus, Express Bus and downtown circulator that moves more intense than what is currently out there. Example of the downtown circulator will be similar to Denver's who has a dedicated transit mall where they run buses every couple of minutes. It provides a very critical link, is a free fare zone where everybody hops on and they know when the next bus is coming because they can see it. Sam stated that Light Rail is not a part of any plans at the moment. He stated that for Capital Metro to operate any rail, they would have to go on the ballot, except for freight.

Carl asked if Commuter Rail would be different line. Sam stated that Capital Metro couldn't do Commuter Rail absent a vote. The limitation by the legislative of '97 were essentially the operation of any mixed rail system would have to have a vote. Carl stated that since everyone is talking about Commuter Rail, would this not be a Capital Metro project. Sam stated that what they are currently talking about is a project that operates on the Capital Metro on line from Leander to downtown. He stated that they are also talking about a partnership to work on the Mopac line as well, the Union Pacific Line. Capital Metro does not know what might happen with this project. What they do know is that Union Pacific is talking about the possibility of them not operating in this corridor. Carl asked if they were anticipating anything within the next year to develop as far as rail system, and would this be a fair assessment. Sam stated that it depends on what Carl meant by develop. Carl defined his statement that there would not be any progress in initiating a rail type system, whether it is moving Union Pacific out to the SH-130. Carl stated that he is really confused about the division of the community and what Capital Metro is planning or what other people are planning in the legislative or else where. Sam stated that one of the things that Capital Metro is looking at, which coincides with a lot of the other work going on with Mopac, is looking at what existing resources are out there as far as existing freight rail line or existing right of way. Capital Metro has a couple of different pieces. There is the Capital Metro line, which is 32 miles from Leander to downtown, Mopac that is an existing freight line; and MoKan Line east of 35 between IH 35 and SH-130 a right of way that's available. When you go out there, there are pieces, but not existing running rails, that are available.

Carl asked how does this fit considering there is no rail. Sam stated that this is sort of perspective, this is one of those projects where TOD tie directly into a rail line that is dependent on the results of the November election, which is the next time it could be in an election. Sam stated that Capital Metro is policy decision and the decision would need to be made before moving forward. Carl asked if there is a policy decision date or some kind of speculation. Sam stated that the last date this could happen would be early August, because it has to happen 90 days outside of the election date. Carl stated that literally Capital Metro could pull the trigger sometime in early August and there could be some type of referendum on some type of rail. Sam stated that the ballot language wouldn't change because it would say, "The operation of Fixed Rail System by Capital Metro", which is a given. The descriptive language is where you get into details about what it is and how much service and where it would connect. Joseph asked the likely hood and Sam stated that he would say that it is a pretty good likely hood.

Carl stated that he has been asked a lot about Rapid and his answer is always that he doesn't know. He stated that he thinks that Fred Gilliam and Lee Walker attended one of the public administration LBJ classes and the students got more of an overview of what CSAC members are getting at their meetings. He stated that the students walked out of the class thinking that that there will be Light Rail referendum or something. Sam stated that it would not be Light Rail; it would likely be a Commuter Rail referendum. Sam stated that it would be beneficial to set a special briefing with CSAC before the Open House take place. This could have sometime next week or early the following week, which is very important to do.

Rene's asked if the elements involved in the design of the TOD also include, to a degree, transit prioritization. He stated that he knows that it not TOD but it all should come together to make a better environment that's transit friendly. This would require getting the City involved and work with Capital Metro because they have always had the understanding that signals would not be preempted. Sam stated that it would be like green wave, where basically a bus could go through and there would be a transmittal from the bus to receive on the light pole. If the light were green it would stay green as the bus went through. It won't change the light green if it was red and a bus was going through. Rene' stated that what he would like to see is for Capital Metro to have a projection plans as far as what the corridors that would qualify for this, whether it be Riverside and Congress or Lamar. This will help when the public starts to see that there are enhancing mechanisms that help improve the frequency of service and things like that. The other thing is working with the developing community whether it is private or with the City where you would address Grey fields. Grey fields are obsolete shopping centers that have vast parking lots that are empty and have reach market value, but are great potential because they are either high density apartments nearby or their amenities are essential to customers. Other elements would be essential to customers and would need to be analyzed to see what transit potential index or information would be. Rene' stated that TODs are bringing people back to the urban core but there are Grey field that are ignored because of what they were at one time. Sam stated that there are some good examples in Denver as to what could happen in other areas. Denver took an unused shopping mall and converted and added a transit mall. They totally revised what had been a dead piece of property, which was very successful.

Barbara asked Sam to speak on the notes from last minutes that related to the Community Connection Workshop. Sam stated that this was a bit of an over site on his part. He stated that the meeting was a successful input session. He stated that they went out to talk to people who did not using the system, but also people that used the system, and gather there perspective on what would make stops attractive and what would make them comfortable. There were graffiti walls put up and people were asked to give particularly input on these different areas (comfort, ease to use, communication, and safety). They were asked to go up and write what they thought and draw pictures. This was a great interactive session. The groups were afterwards broken up into their region of service area and ask them to give their feedback on amenities projects plan over the next several years. Sam stated that there was fantastic feedback from the session and apologized for the over site that CSAC did not get an invite. Sam stated that he would bring in pictures of the workshop for CSAC to view. Rene' asked if the people at the meeting would be interested in information regarding CSAC and if there were brochures that could be mailed to them. Sam stated that he thinks that the people would be very motivated, considering they gave up there Saturday morning for 3 ½ to 4 hours to talk about bus stops.

Barbara asked Sam to address the Adopt-a-Stop program. Sam stated that Capital Metro is currently in the process of trying to identify approximately five pilots of Adopt-a-Stops. Capital Metro would like to start this out where there is not too many and make this a success. Sam asked CSAC members to let Capital Metro know if they knew of a community who was active and interested in these Adopt-a-Stop programs or a business that would like to partner in the Adopt-a-Stop. One of the things that Capital Metro thought about was getting a landscape company who would want to adopt a stop and give them appropriate recognition, and actually have something that adds to the community. Sam asked the committee to let Capital Metro know if they have any ideas and CMTA will try to figure out within the next month which pilot stops they will be able to start. Rene' requested to know how far had Capital Metro gone back and have they talked to any other Authorities that has done this type of program, seeing what type of problems/obstacles they had to go through as far as liability issues and things like that. Sam stated that different cities have different approaches. Some give people trash bags and say clean up the stop to full recognition with plaques and contributing trees. There is not much discussion about liability for the most part. One of the things that CMTA purge consistently from the transit organizations that they talk to is that this is one of the ways the community to feel like they have part ownership within their neighborhood. For instance, the 12th and Chicon stop has been a phenomenon well received stop. The more you get people to identify with as part of their community, the more they value them and the more they will recognize them. Hopefully in the long run, they will use them. Rene stated that at one time Capital Metro was considering partnering with Parks & Beautiful. Sam stated that this is still a possibility. What they are trying to do is get the pilot stops started and possibly bring Parks & Beautiful into that equation along with some of the tree people. Rene's stated that this might help with staff reduction because they have the resources in hand to help facilitate this. They also have the expertise. Carl stated that with he stops around downtown, the building owners and managers should want to help with this. Carl also stated for Sam to let them know. Rene' stated that he would like to see some of the schools adopt a stop, especially with landscaping and the ownership factor and take away the resource.

Richard stated that based on the density and ridership criteria for the 12th and Chicon stop, did it improve, did it pay for the asset itself. Sam stated they have an outtake on ridership and that there is not a direct one for one on ridership for the cost invested in it. He stated that there are plans for approximately 5 or 6 neighborhood transit centers, probably not on the same scale as 12th East Chicon as far as investments, but where there is more ridership on the out set as there was at 12th and Chicon. Richard stated it since Capital Metro is looking at TODs in the existing suburban areas, it seems that they would be focusing on a making a good inspiration package and a good presentation because the ridership is already there. Sam stated that this is one of the things, opportunity wise that Capital Metro will need to look at as they build these transfer centers. They would have to make sure there are opportunities for joint development that can actually contribute to transit in the long run.

Rene's asked if there was any formal document on Adopt-a-Stop. Sam stated that there is the application and the general overview document. Rene' requested to know how the public was notified and Sam stated that currently it by word of mouth. The information is not on the web site so they have been presenting it at different neighborhood associations. The information can be given to CSAC members if they would like to help.

August 2004 Proposed Service Change - Mary Helen McClure

Mary Helen presented handouts on the August 2004 Service Changes. She informed the committee that there would not be a lot of recommended changes. The Fall 2004 Service Changes include the following:

General Themes
New Service
Frequency Improvement
Route Alignments
Neighborhood Review
Holiday Service Level Adjustments
Schedule Adjustments

New Service - The only new service development that is being proposed is the Convention Shuttle. Capital Metro was approached by the Convention Center to offer a shuttle. The shuttle is only proposed for limited, major conventions. This will probably be based on the capacity of the convention. The current zones being looked at are the Northern Zone, north of the Convention Center from IH 35, 11th & Brazos and Cesar Chavez. The shuttle will circle this area. The second zone will be the Southern Zone. This zone will focus on Palmer Auditorium and help connect with the Convention Center. When both facilities are being used, this would indicate a large convention. The routes have been developed to target the hotels north of the Convention Center and the south is targeted to get people back and forth. The frequency level will be 15-20 minutes during peak and 30 minutes during off-peak. The operating hours are from 7:00 am - 6:00 pm. Rene' commented that around the hotels, the bus stops are not always the best strategic locations. He stated that they are more subject for express service and not for hotel walk-up. This is something that Capital Metro may want to look at as far as an element.

Carl asked why the North route go back down IH 35 instead of back downtown. Mary Helen stated that this route is probably targeting the Marriott and the LaQuinta.

Rene asked what the fare would be and Mary Helen stated that she is not sure if there will be a fare or if the shuttle would operate as a Dillo. If there were a fare it would be .50 cents. Carl asked if this was something that if the hotels are interested in a convention shuttle could come back; they could look at the Adopt-a-Stop scenario. Whatever route this create, and whoever participates it could make the routes go by their hotel. Reliantly, being in the travel field, it seems that the hotels would want this service directed in front of their doors to facilitate the shuttling back and forth. This way they would not have to worry about the cars and taking the value out of service. It seems like they would support this whether they spilt the difference or a percentage. It all goes back to marketing; how much they get as far as their corporate logos in or on the Dillos, or something where brochures have the information that enhances the value of customer experience. Rene' recommended that if the Planning Department has Marketing help facilitate this shuttle, it would be more successful.

Carl asked how Capital Metro would be affected if Riverside is limited to two lanes. Barbara and Mary Helen stated that they have not heard anything on this. Mary Helen stated that she will take this back to Roberto and find out what the plans are. Barbara stated that she is also sure that there is some discussion on this.

Carl asked if there was anyway to take the shuttle instead of going all the way to Lamar. Mary Helen stated that she is almost sure that the plans are to access part of Lamar at Barton Springs. Carl suggested instead of going down Lamar to take the street by Butler Golf Course, and the people could still make the restaurants.

Rene' stated that his thought process on Lamar is that if the people wanted to go to the Restaurant Row, is that they are not going to walk to Lamar so it probably will not be utilized to the point of what Capital Metro has envisioned. If the shuttle is taking them from Palmer to the Convention Center, they will utilize it. A shuttle that is quicker and has a shorter frequency is what they would want. They would then decide where they would go after that; they have the Dillos and different ways to get around and could stay in the entertainment district. Mary Helen stated that there are the Moonlight and Starlight Dillos, but they only operate Thursdays and Fridays. Rene' stated that maybe this is something that should be taken before the Board. If Capital Metro is going to provide this kind of service, they may also want to look at the Moonlight as far as the convention times. It would need to be placed in the itinerary before coming to Austin.

Thomas asked what the ridership numbers for the Moonlight and Starlight Dillos. Mary Helen stated that it about where CMTA wanted them. It's not ideally what they envisioned at approximately 150 passengers. Richard asked if the shuttles pick up convention activity like SXSW. Mary Helen stated that she was not sure. Carl asked if the committee could see the numbers for the Airport Shuttle and the Moonlight/Starlight Dillos.

BJ asked what the Convention Shuttles would look like. Mary Helen stated that they have not proposed what the shuttles would look like. It could be the green trolleys, but that CMTA does not exclusively used the trolleys for Dillos. BJ asked if CMTA was concerned with the number of people at a certain period of time. Mary Helen stated that the idea is to limit the shuttles when they know there will be a convention with an essential number of people; it would not be year round. Rene' stated this goes back to Marketing, and that the concierge plays a big role in this. They are the ones that would tell the people where to stand and wait and whether it would be 5 or 10 minutes. Mary Helen stated that Cynthia Lucas is involved in this and that she knows about the proposal. Patricia Guajardo is also involved and Mary Helen stated that because they brought this to Capital Metro she is sure they will Market them in brochures. She stated that she would get with Cynthia and let them know that the committee is concerned about the marketing.

Thomas asked that in regards to new routes, what criteria are used when offering a new route and are the hotels in this area meeting the criteria. Rene' stated that he spent a lot of years with the Convention Center Bureau back in '97/'98 and asked what the numbers were from the hotels to justify circulating a Dillo system. Rene' stated that he was given a number of 3,000 and an x number of days, which was high, where they had to use cab and hotel shuttles. Mary Helen stated that she knows that Roberto was given the numbers for the specific convention that they are trying to target, and creating the service would be based on what they potentially planned for. This would be like any service that CMTA has developed. The Downtown Austin Alliance came to Capital Metro and stated that they wanted them to do Starlight and Moonlight Dillos and Capital Metro came up with the route. Rene' commented that if tickets or boarding passes were preprinted and given to the convention committees prior to coming to Austin, they would use them to basically they see how they would work. Barbara and Mary Helen stated that in their travel they have both experience receiving this type of information in their packets. Mary Helen stated that the Convention committee came to Capital Metro, so perhaps they felt there was a need. The Convention Center is looking to make their programs better for the people looking to come to Austin.

Carl asked who would be paying for this service. Mary Helen stated that she does not know if it would be a Dillo service, a free service where Capital Metro would absorb the cost, or if would be something that the Convention Center would charge as part of their fee. Barbara suggested that Mary Helen could write down the questions that the committee has and get with Rob or Roberto for answers.

Frequency Improvements - Route #242 serves approximately 1,300 passengers daily. Productivity averages 42 passengers an hour, which is very high. Frequency will be enhanced from 25 to 30 minutes during current time and 20 to 25 minutes during peak. Peak time is defined as 6:00 am - 9:00 am and 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm.

BJ stated that she rides the #242 and #392 on Saturdays because the #240 does not run on Saturdays. The boarding locations for the #392 on Saturdays and Sundays are different in places than they are on the weekdays. The signs do not indicate Saturday and Sunday only. Mary Helen stated that she would take this back and see if they can have signs that indicate Saturday and Sunday only.

Route Alignment - Mary Helen stated that Capital Metro approached property owners regarding realignments of the routes in the Western Trails area. The property owners did not agree with the alignments. The #311 and #16 have been proposed for changes. The #311 will pick up portions of the #16 routes and only go one way on Western Trail and not on Ben White. Rene' asked if the concern was from the property owners. He stated that the reason he asked is that the HEB has allowed access to their parking lot. Mary Helen stated that she could take it back to find out what Planning thought of this. She stated that the people that were using the #16 to get to Monterrey Oaks would still be able to take the bus to get back in.

Route #19 will be realigned and addresses the neighborhood initiated review of service. In October, the Cumberton Heights Neighbor Association approached Capital Metro to let them know that they did not like the service going through their neighborhood and wanted to know if there were alternatives. There has been three meeting with the community. The proposed alternative has been for the #19 to go utilize Mopac. Jefferson would still be used but the bus would no longer go through Northwood and Harris. There are currently only 25 riders per day in the area. Rene' requested to know the cost per rider for this route. A second alternative is to do a different route during peak and off peak which over well with the community. Barbara stated that the community is very actively involved in discussions about this route. Mary Helen stated that they are not talking about 5 people showing up at meeting, but 25 to 30 people. Carl asked why the route didn't go straight down Jefferson. Mary Helen stated that the reason the community opposed this is because the streets are very narrow, but she would present this to Roberto.

Dr. Harkins stated that he is not sure what the committee is struggling with. He stated that the message is that Capital Metro is working with the community to find out what route is best for them. There are two sides that are deeply engaged in and there were approximately 40 members of the community at the last Board meeting. Carl stated that the reason he is concerned is that the ridership obviously does not have a voice, and if they can provide an alternative than why not do so. Dr. Harkins stated that the alternative is coming down the far right street, which is where the ridership is. Mary Helen stated that people that work in the neighbor would be able to access the service if the community goes with the second choice. She stated that this would be the community's decision because they came to Capital Metro. Initially they proposed getting rid of the service but decided on other options. Rene' proposed to that the committee support the second alternative if the neighborhood is in favor of it. Richard asked if there was enough ridership to support the route. He stated that with 25 people a day ridership, it seems that they should be having this discussion. Dr. Harkins stated that this is not the issue on the table. He stated that with all the changes, will the bus go right or left. Richard stated that if the people are outraged with the route going through their neighborhood, and if they don't like the route then cancel. Barbara stated that there are consensus decisions; there are two factual within the community that is working through this with Capital Metro.

Joseph commented that obviously neighborhood concerns are very important but there is always the problem of is the most important thing the neighborhood or the ridership. The other thing is that one of the challenges of the #19 route is that it is one of the routes like Leander and tries to serve all sorts of people but not necessarily the most irrational. This could be another long-term project.

Holiday Service Level Adjustment - The issue at hand is that Capital Metro has always had some type of service during holidays. Capital Metro has not been pleased at the ridership they are getting during holiday service. They looked at other transit agencies to see what they do during holidays. CMTA is conducting a pilot project to see if they can be more efficient in their holiday service by using best practices that other agencies use. Mary Helen stated that she would think that Saturday service are more than Sunday service but not everybody has MLK Day and the day after Thanksgiving off. Jennifer requested to know what other transit agencies were looked at. Mary Helen stated that they looked at Houston, Denver, Dallas, and Seattle. Joseph asked if there had been any complaints about these proposals. Mary Helen stated that she has not received any complaints, that it is a pilot. Carl asked if the day after Thanksgiving the busiest shopping day. Mary Helen stated that a lot of people have this day off.

Schedule Adjustments - Routes scheduled for adjustments are #1 for Saturday and Sunday, #37, #137, #242, #333, #383, and #392. BJ asked what the #37 and #137 would do. Mary Helen stated that the #37 and #137 on the eastbound trip would not enter Colony Park, only on the westbound trip.

Mary Helen stated that Board approval will be May 24th, and implementation will be August 13th. Carl stated that if you want to fight the battle, get a list of all the expensive cost per passenger route instead of them taking a line. Rene' stated that if this is done, all the routes would be turned down. Dr. Harkins stated that he agrees with Carl. If the question is cost per passenger, then they should ask for that information for all the routes and look at them. He stated that he does not think that this is an issue for the schedule change in August. Rene' disagreed with the choice to limit thirty-tow passengers without creating a mutually agreed upon outcome. Carl stated that just because he hasn' t come up with the change in scheduling focusing on one thing, maybe they should find a mall with a cost factor. Rene' stated that they have done this in the past in which #14 is a good example. There were so many loops that it was taking people hostage. When the loops were removed, they lost ridership but improved cost per passenger. BJ stated that the loops are what were serving the people. Rene' stated that it wasn't enough. He stated that he understands the argument but it's like a balance between community in the neighborhood and people that are using the route. The social justice issue with that is what the alternatives are, will the families be providing taxi service in lieu of the routes? Rene' stated that this is the reason he is asking the questions. Carl stated that sometimes there are other variables to this. The young people that pay the most in taxes than anyone else in the city probably get to utilize the least amount of the service. He stated that he is always looking for efficiency in the system also but sometimes a third or more factors should be taken into consideration. He stated that he works in West Lakes and he never get to use the service. Sometimes he would like to see the people who pay the most for the service get some of it even though the cost per passenger doesn't always reflect the efficiency that the certain fairness of the system that should be considered. Mary Helen stated that she will get an answer and get back with the committee.

Subcommittee Reports -

Rapid Transit Subcommittee - Carl Tepper -
Amenities Subcommittee - David Patterson - Barbara stated that David met with Roberto and reached some type of resolution with his concerns.
Technology Subcommittee - Richard Greenwalt - No Report
Fixed Routes Subcommittee - Jerry Balaka- No Report
By-law changes - Tepper/Barrera - No Report
CSAC Membership - Barbara stated that there will be a report on next month's agenda.

New/Other Business:

Other Business:

Dr. Harkins stated that on June 26th-29th, there will be an AFTA convention in Austin, and that he does not know if the committee is invited to attend. Dr. Harkins explained that the AFTA committee meeting is a meeting of the transit agencies and universities being co-sponsored by Capital Metro and the University of Texas. There will be a lot of universities and transit agencies that will deal with moving university students around. There will be approximately 200 - 250 people that will be in and out of town. Rene' asked if the Engineering or Architectural of Transportation Department get involved with this. Dr. Harkins stated that there are some concerns, he has not seen the final list of topics but he thinks there will be. Barbara stated that she will follow up and get something out to the committee.

Richard stated that Sam identified that there will be something coming up regarding Light Rail and asked the committee if they were comfortable with what Sam had presented. Joseph stated that even if they felt comfortable, they would probably want to know something in the next couple of months before a final decision is made.

BJ asked what the politics were as to when Light Rail goes on the ballot. Richard asked who would introduced this, does Capital Metro Board have the poll skill ability to introduce what they want at any given time. Carl explained that the State Law requires Capital Metro to use the every other year cycle, so this is their only window of opportunity for the next couple of years. This would have to be in this November election. Richard asked if they would need a voters picking, could they just add something to the ballot. Carl stated that they could add to the ballot 90 days before the ballot election. Richard asked if it would be with their signature and Carl stated that it will be with their signature, the Legislative gave Capital Metro this tool to use. Richard stated that his thought of this is that as they creep into this, they are being blind sighted. He stated that they are talking about these TODs and the committee is not seeing an integration of that to a strategy which will predicate to say what they plan on doing. The first go round the service streets would be used and what this next go round would add up to. Carl stated that everything seems to be so secretive. Barbara explained to the committee that Sam has shared with the committee everything that he can at this point. She encouraged the committee to ask these type of questions when the subject matter experts are present. In response, as Sam spoke, he will be able to present more information within the next two weeks.

New Business: Dr. Harkins stated that he would like to publicly announce that today is Thomas Gunther's last day to be a student in this capacity. He stated that he appreciates the university and what Thomas has done in working not only with this committee but other committees on campus. He is a real advocate of the organization of mass transit and a strong support of Capital Metro.

Thomas stated that he has gained so much from Capital Metro. He stated that his ultimate goal is Airline Route Planning and that he is very fascinated in Urban Transportation Planning. He commented that he has learned so much that relate into efficiency using models of efficiency with the airlines. He stated that he cannot stress how much he has learned from Capital Metro, the parking transportations services and student government. He stated that he can honestly say that he probably has learned more through these groups than in the classrooms and is really anxious to get into a career and apply the things he has learned through the CSAC committee.

Jennifer requested information on becoming a member on CSAC. Barbara asked Sandra to send the membership packet to Jennifer, via e-mail.

Action Items:

Sam will send the TOD overview to Mike Waddles via US Mail.

Sam will bring the committee pictures from the Community Connection Workshop.

Mary Helen will discuss the plans for Riverside with Roberto to find out what they are. She will also get the ridership numbers on the Airport Flyer Route, the Moonlight/Starlight Dillos and route #19.

Mary Helen will advise Cynthia Lucas that the committee is concerned about the Marketing of the convention shuttle.

Mary Helen will consult with Roberto on why route #19 is not being proposed to go straight down Jefferson.

Sandra will send a CSAC Membership application to Jennifer Bennett via e-mail.

Future Agenda Items:

CSAC Membership - Barbara Chavis
Leander and IH 35 Park and Ride Facilities - Robert Okamoto and King Kaul

Meeting Adjourned.

Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority
2910 East 5th Street | Austin, Texas 78702 | (512) 389-7400
Specific Route Information | (512) 474-1200