| Members: | Acting Chairman René Barrera, Oscar Gaytan, Roger Cauvin, James Harris, Rich Mackinnon |
| Visitors: | David Patterson, George Hasandras, Martin Thomen, Kris Schluderman, Barbara Irwin |
| CMTA Staff: | John-Michael Cortez, Roberto Gonzalez |
- Approval of Minutes for July 10, 2007 CSAC Meeting. Minutes were approved as submitted with Mr. Mackinnon abstaining.
- Report on Action Items – John-Michael Cortez
- Include the most recent CMTA CEO Report, summary of previous CMTA Board of Directors’ meeting and summary of previous month’s Customer Call Reports in CSAC member’s meeting materials. The July 30 CEO report was included in the August CSAC binder. Mr. Cortez reported that the type of reporting on Customer Call Reports requested by CSAC is not yet available; however this reporting capability is currently in development. Mr. Cortez will follow up on this request and provide the data to CSAC when it becomes available. Acting Chairman Barrera asked that the CEO reports be converted to PDF files and emailed or posted online. Acting Chairman Barrera informed the Committee that all could attend CMTA board meetings. Mr. Cortez reported on the actions taken at the July CMTA board meeting. A report from CSAC will be a standing item on future CMTA Board agendas.
- Continue recruitment of additional CSAC members. Mr. Cortez reported that Elizabeth Adams withdrew her application for appointment to CSAC due to her having to move out of town. Several other individuals have indicated interest in applying. Cap Metro will continue to accept CSAC applications.
- Report of status of CSAC inclusion as a focus group for the Market Segmentation Study. Mr. Cortez will continue to follow-up on this request from CSAC.
- Investigate creation of CSAC email list serve. Cap Metro staff has updated the existing list serve ~CSACE-mailGroup@capmetro.org.
- Investigate extending #15 evening service to North Plaza. Mr. Cortez reported that based upon feedback from CSAC, CMTA Planning has proposed extending service hours to North Plaza. This item is Included in the proposed January 2008 service changes. Mr. Patterson discussed the need for additional Sunday evening service from the Austin Greyhound station. Mr. Gonzalez indicated that this is an issue that will continue to be investigated
- Investigate service to Apple Computer campus in Riata development. Mr. Cortez reported that CMTA has received several requests for this particular service and that some level of feeder service from the Riata area development to Pavilion Park & Ride is in CMTA’s long term service plan. However, such service is dependent on demand and budget, and a timeline for introduction of this service is not yet clear. Mr. Cortez also reported that a project to expand the Pavilion Park & Ride facility is underway. Mr. Gonzalez reported that CMTA Planning staff has previously attempted to acquire employee origin information from Apple, but have thus far been unsuccessful.
- Schedule future CSAC briefing on customer service training for CMTA operators. Tentatively scheduled for September CSAC meeting.
- CMTA Service Planning Guidelines – Roberto Gonzales.
- Mr. Gonzalez briefly reviewed how CMTA tracks passenger data in order to analyze ridership trends and determine the cost/benefit of new and existing routes. Mr. Gonzalez indicated that CMTA planning guidelines are not formerly adopted, yet are utilized on a daily basis for route and stop planning, including determination of route frequency, hours of service, and directness of service. Mr. Gonzalez also discussed that the lack of a comprehensive grid street network and topographical features often hinder route connectivity in certain portions of the CMTA service area. Beyond service guidelines, CMTA Planning also considers lifeline transit services - large numbers of transit-dependent residents or seniors who require service. Planning guidelines also establish stop locations and amenities installation.
- Mr. Gaytan inquired as to the numbering of bus stops. Mr. Gonzalez indicated that stops are internally numbered, however the unique number is not placed at stops. CMTA is testing new stop signage which contains more information than on existing signs, including the unique stop number. Mr. Mackinnon requested photos of proposed new signage be sent to CSAC members.
- Mr. Mackinnon remarked that he would like to see Cap Metro move to “route-less, schedule-less service.” Mr. Gonzalez replied that the planning guideline regarding directness of service attempts to address “route-less” service. In years past, CMTA was moving towards “schedule-less” service, however budget constraints did not allow continuation of these changes.
- Mr. Gonzalez discussed the many factors that determine stop locations, including planning guidelines, adjacent land-uses, walk distance for transfers, and the entities with whom CMTA must coordinate to establish the stop. CMTA cannot place stops arbitrarily; it must coordinate with private property-owners, municipal governments, TXDOT and others. CMTA is moving forward with efforts to upgrade stops throughout its service area, but is often hindered by drainage issues, neighborhood design, and lack of curb and gutter in some instances. Acting Chair Barrera requested the written guidelines for stop placement and amenities. Mr. Mackinnon asked if the proposed new stop signage at locations without shelters would indicate the nearest stop with a shelter. Mr. Gonzalez indicated that this is not currently included in the proposed new signage.
- Mr. Gaytan inquired as to the level of cooperation between CMTA and the City/TxDOT for stop placement during planning of street construction. Mr. Gonzalez indicated that CMTA Planning staff works closely with other transportation planners and new most new road designs include and/or accommodate CMTA stops.
- Proposed Fare Adjustment – John-Michael Cortez Mr. Cortez presented information on CMTA’s proposed fare adjustment. A listing of public hearings on the proposed fare adjustment is included in the CSAC binder.
- Subcommittee Reports:
- CSAC Bylaws. No report was provided.
- New/Other Business
- Discussion of future agenda items and issues. No discussion.
- Action Items.
- Include a summary of previous month’s Customer Call Reports in CSAC member’s meeting materials.
- Convert CEO reports to PDF files and email to CSAC or post online.
- Continue recruitment of additional CSAC members
- Report on status of CSAC inclusion as a focus group for the Market Segmentation Study.
- Provide photos of proposed new signage to CSAC members.
- Provide written guidelines for stop placement and amenities.
- Schedule CSAC briefings regarding Intelligent Transit System project and proposed new signage.
- Adjourn
- Next meeting date: September 11, 2007 6 PM at 323 Congress.
Respectfully submitted,
John-Michael V. Cortez, CSAC Committee Liaison Community Involvement Team Coordinator Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Downtown Office: 323 Congress Avenue Austin, Texas 78701 V - 512.369-6201 F - 512.369.6072 John-Michael.Cortez@capmetro.org
Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority
2910 East 5th Street | Austin, Texas 78702 | (512) 389-7400
Specific Route Information | (512) 474-1200 | (800) 474-1201