Minutes Transit Board 9 13 07MINUTES
Dubuque Transit Trustee Board
Date: September 13, 2007
Time: 4:15 p.m.
Place: Carnegie Stout Public Library Board Room
Eleventh & Bluff Streets, Dubuque, Iowa
Members Present: Joel Lightcap; George Enderson, Jr; Sarah Davidson; and
Ruth Scharnau
Members Absent: Peter Kies
Others Present: Jon Rodocker, Joanne Kiefer/Keyline; Dave Heiar/City of
Dubuque
September Lightcap called the meeting to order at 4:18 p.m. The Board
Agenda Approval welcomed a new member, Ruth Scharnau, who replaced Don
Stedman. Lightcap asked the Board to review and approve the
agenda for this meeting. He wanted to add to the agenda a
discussion of the proposed move for the downtown transfer
point from Ninth and Main Streets to Iowa Street. Davidson
moved to approve the agenda as amended, Enderson seconded.
All ayes Motion carried.
Approval of The minutes from the August Board meeting were reviewed
Minutes of at this time. Davidson asked that the minutes be amended to
August include the concern she had expressed at the August meeting
Board Meeting that the Ride Guide/System Map do not include all the street
names and that in her opinion such maps are not useable for
the riders of Keyline.
She asked if the maps would ever be printed with the street
names. Rodocker replied that we had discussed this issue
several times in the past, and that other organizations had,
been using the System Map as city maps, and supplying
them to their customers, which did not benefit our
passengers. Keyline currently has a supply of Ride Guide-
System Maps with street names that were part of a printing
for the school district. These guides are currently being
provided to Keyline customers. Future plans for the System
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Map include possibly adding local advertisers around the
exterior of the map to help reduce the cost. If that was the
case, Rodocker stated he would consider adding the street
names. He noted that the Ride Guide/System Map follow a
similar format to other major metro systems that show the
primary route of the bus. Davidson moved to approve the
minutes with the addition of her comments. Enderson
seconded. All ayes Motion carried.
Managers Mini-bus Operations
Report Ridership -Rodocker wanted to bring a situation that could
become a problem in the near future to the attention of the
board members. The number of riders for the mini-bus has
increased dramatically in recent months. The average
number of riders per day is 250 - 260, with a fleet that
consists of nine (9) vehicles. When KeyLine had 14 vehicles
and we were providing contract service the mini-bus
averaged approximately 250 rides per day. The current
average number of daily rides is happening with five less
vehicles on the road. Consequently, Rodocker may need to
make some service recommendations in the future.
The KeyLine office is receiving new applications for mini-bus
service daily. According to our database, the current
ridership is as follows: Seniors = 800 - 1200 riders; and
individuals with a cognitive or physical disability that fall
under the ADA regulations = 2400 - 2900 riders.
While there have currently been no denials, as the number of
passengers continues to increase with a fleet that is already at
its maximum level of service the natural outcome is not
positive. Rodocker is considering several alternatives: asking
the City Council to eliminate senior riders from the mini-bus
service; shopping for used vehicles that could be added to the
fleet and cost effective; or performing on-site evaluations of all
riders in the database classified as ADA to analyze their specific
needs and verify that the ADA classification is correct.
Rodocker stated that on-site evaluations are expensive, with an
average cost of $ 70.00 per evaluation. He also mentioned
that adding more vehicles would add more service needs.
Scharnau asked if the fixed route is involved with picking-up
individuals from ARC. Rodocker reviewed the movement of
the mini-bus contracts to the RTA, adding that some
individuals who live in an ARC sponsored residence or who
work for ARC also ride the KeyLine fixed route system.
Scharnau asked how seniors become involved with the mini-
bus service. Rodocker explained the difference between
individuals who ride classified as Senior, and individuals who
ride classified as ADA. Regardless of their fitness level, if a
person is G5 years of age or over, under the current system,
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the individual is automatically qualified to ride the mini-bus.
Rodocker noted that with an aging population the growth in
the riders classified as Senior could be staggering.
Enderson commented that KeyLine would need at least one-
third more vehicles. Davidson felt one additional bus could
handle the extra riders. Enderson responded no; at least
three more buses would be needed.
Rodocker commented that RTA was experiencing similar
problems with an aging fleet that could not accommodate
all the needs of its passengers. Consequently, the RTA has
been looking to purchase more used vehicles. Rodocker
stated that at this level of growth, the mini-bus will
overshadow the fixed route system in the next ten years.
Heiar asked Rodocker to review the options again for the
Board. The options include: purchase more buses; eliminate
service on the minibus for individuals classified as Senior; or
perform on-site ADA evaluations
Davidson asked what Rodocker meant by more buses would
mean more service. He responded that like in Fie/d of
Dreams, "...if you build it, they will come," if KeyLlne
purchases more vehicles, there will be even more people
asking for service.
Davidson asked if there are any persons classified as ADA
who are not getting a ride. Rodocker responded not yet, but
that could be a reality within a year. He stated that the
transit industry is concerned with the same problems that
KeyLine is facing. Many major metro systems are moving to
low floor buses and larger vehicles due to the aging
population and the trend of decreased mobility.
Heiar asked if Rodocker could present some statistics to the
Board about the overall situation. Rodocker explained he
has been trying to develop a way to present the data that
would be easy to follow and understand.
Heiar explained that any policy decision about KeyLine service
would have to be made by the City Council, and that council
members would be looking for good documentation
regarding the issues and the options. Heiar added that with
the described issues, there will be no quick fix and any choice
will have costs. The choices will need to be determined by the
City Council. Heiar suggested data that could identify growth
areas in ridership, associated vehicle and operator costs, as
well as suggestions to resolve past hiring concerns.
Davidson remarked, in her opinion, over the last year the fixed
route is more restricted and less useable than a year ago; and
the same can be said about the minibus service.
Scharnau felt the fixed route does not operate frequently
enough, and she was surprised at the one hour time between
bus runs. She did think it was wonderful that KeyLine was
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providing free service to the area students, and that it would
help young people become acclimated to riding buses. She
also wondered if the Mayor might be challenging the Board to
find ways to attract new riders to KeyLine fixed route service.
Heiar mentioned that since public transit has become a priority
for the City Council; that now would be a good time to bring
policy decisions to the Council. Heiar sees this as an
opportunity where the council members would be more
willing to look at issues and spend money on public transit
that could enhance the fixed routes and improve the overall
system.
Davidson stated she has been working on a plan that could
bring the public and private sectors together.
Heiar asked if that was something she would be willing to
share with the Board.
Davidson said she would share a copy of the plan with Board
members.
Enderson mentioned an article in the Telegraph Herald about
a plan to rejuvenate the industrial area in Dubuque, and that
would also sustain the bluffs in the area and improve
neighborhoods. He advocated Transit Board members
become involved with some of the group discussions, since
transit could play a key role.
Scharnau commented she rides a bicycle around town, and
wondered about KeyLine adding bus racks to their fixed route
buses to help bicycle riders navigate the hills around Dubuque.
She has seen other buses in other cities with bike racks on their
vehicles.
Rodocker replied he has been researching that option to add
bike racks to the front of the buses. The cost would be
$800.00 to add one rack that holds 3-4 bicycles.
Davidson asked Heiar if the City of Dubuque is planning to
build one to two more parking ramps downtown.
Heiar responded that the City of Dubuque would first conduct
a study to determine needs and then outline the best ways to
meet the future needs of the area.
Davidson asked what the purpose of the information was and
alternatives Rodocker had provided about the mini-bus service.
He reiterated that he is trying to be proactive and inform the
Board of concerns before they become a major problem.
Fixed Route Operations
Passenger Shelters -This topic will be discussed under Board
Comments.
Safety Training and LMC Meetings -Rodocker stated the
operators only received fifty percent of their scheduled
customer service and safety training, so the trainer will be
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returning to Dubuque to complete the training. The
operators enjoyed the opportunity to discuss several issues
with athird-party, so the training sessions became very
enthusiastic and lengthy.
Heiar felt the City of Dubuque might have been negligent
about providing training opportunities in the past, so it is
good that training can get started and be so well received.
Rodocker mentioned the concern brought up by the Labor
Management Committee regarding completing the FTA
survey paperwork. Operators were concerned that it takes
too much time and it is a safety issue.
Heiar provided some background about the requirements of
the data collection, its direct relationship for eligibility to
receive federal funding, and such documentation will be
very helpful as KeyLine plans into the future.
Fare Structuring -Free Rides for Students Program was
reviewed by Rodocker. KeyLine is hoping this program will
help increase daily rider numbers, but since the program is
just beginning it is hard to make a definite statement about
the impact of free student rides on overall rider numbers.
Heiar commented that from the remarks he has heard from
various operators the buses are full to standing room only.
Rodocker commented that not all buses are full to capacity.
Scharnau stated she had ridden the bus the other day and it
was full of students, there might have been a few empty seats.
Davidson asked if she could have ridden that bus, since her
mobility device requires the space of three empty seats.
Scharnau responded that yes, there would have been room
on the bus for Davidson and her mobility device.
General Transit
Budget Status -Rodocker discussed the $38,809 received from
a pass-through grant to assist with mini-bus operational costs.
An additional $28,000 is expected that would also apply toward
mini-bus operational costs.
ECIA /TAG / DMATS -Rodocker discussed a meeting that was
held at ECIA for transit providers. Since there was little input
received from that meeting, it was determined that KeyLine, RTA
and ECIA will each meet with 14 service providers from the
region to obtain more feedback on service needs. The transit
providers include social service agencies, nursing homes, and
other facilities that have their own vehicles and provide
transportation for their consumers.
Rodocker informed the Board that the FY08 Passenger
Development Transportation Plan (PDTP~ was in the initial
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preparation stages. The plan appears to be even more complex
than past planning packages.
Fixed Route -Rodocker opened the floor for discussion
regarding changes that could be made to the fixed route that
would improve service, including service areas that could be
reduced as well as service areas that could be expanded, the
frequency of runs, and increasing or decreasing the number of
stops.
Heiar suggested providing documentation to the Board on rider
numbers to obtain better feedback. He suggested keeping the
subject on the agenda and discussing ideas after they examine
the statistical data. Also, Heiar asked if we would need to hold a
public hearing if routes would be changing.
Rodocker responded that a public hearing would need to be
held if routes were going to be changed.
Davidson asked for more information on service routing, a
suggestion Rodocker had made, since currently the fixed routes
are destination centered.
Mini-bus Rider Guide -Davidson had asked for this subject to be
added to the agenda. She would like to discuss the wording of
the document.
Rodocker explained he had developed the Guide to assist riders
to better understand the service and the guidelines for riding
the mini-bus.
Davidson would like the Guide rewritten in softer language.
She finds the guide confusing, since she feels the wording
should state, "door-to-door service" rather than "origin to
destination" service.
Rodocker responded that wording, "origin to destination" would
not be changed. It is recognized industry-wide and appropriate
to the service offered by KeyLine mini-bus.
Davidson would like the message to be that service is door-to-
door, and encourage people to get to the bus on their own if
possible. She stated that operators do help people if needed. In
her opinion, the bold type face and red ink of the Guide is
offensive. Davidson suggested a bullet format for the important
information.
Davidson asked about the half hour allowance noted in the
Guide ...be prepared for the vehic% to pickyou up 30 minutes
before yourschedu/edpick-up time. She gave an example that
the pick-up time offered can be up to one hour prior to the
customer's scheduled appointment. So that wording makes it
sound like she would have to be ready 90 minutes ahead of her
appointment.
Enderson responded that the wording does not quite state 90
minutes. He read it to imply that the ride could be offered up to
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one hour before the requested time, and that whatever the pick-
up time; the passenger should plan to be ready 30 minutes in
advance.
Davidson and Enderson discussed the time information and
how the wording could be changed.
Rodocker added that the request to be ready 30 minutes ahead
of the scheduled pick-up time was a response to problems the
mini-bus operators had experienced with several nursing homes
that would not have the individual ready. Consequently, the
bus was waiting and passengers were late to appointments,
including the residents of the nursing homes.
Davidson suggested that the section about scheduled pick-up
times and when to be ready could be reworded.
In addition, Davidson objects to the $9.00 no-show fee. In her
opinion, the fee should only be charged to habitual offenders.
She stated she gets very anxious and upset to the point where
her stomach is churning when she thinks she might be late and
miss the bus; because then she will also have to pay a no-show
fee and may not have enough money for her next bus ride. She
gave an example where she had been busy with other business,
forgot about the time, and missed her ride. If that happened
once in a few years, why should she have to pay when
otherwise she has been a very reliable rider?
Rodocker responded that the KeyLine office does try to show
leniency depending on the individual circumstances.
Davidson responded that if there is a policy then it should apply
to everyone.
Rodocker asked if Davidson was stating she did not want the
KeyLine office to show leniency.
Davidson said a policy needs to be enforced for everyone.
Heiar stated that the cost of No-Shows had been very damaging
to the overall service provided by the mini-bus. Previously the
number of No-Shows had grown to the point where the City
Council had to make a policy decision.
Davidson felt that the large number of No-Shows in the past
was based on the problems riders encountered with using the
system. In her opinion, the No-Show policy is intimidating.
Heiar suggested the policy could be reevaluated since the
number of No-Shows had declined.
Enderson felt the policy should be continued since it had been
effective in correcting the problem. The focus should be on
applying the policy appropriately. He stated a policy helps the
customers pay attention to the rules. Enderson also said an
organization cannot create a policy for every exception. The
policy provides guidelines and offers a balance, since all rules
have exceptions.
Heiar said the intent of the policy was not to be intimidating, but
to help curb a costly problem that was negatively affecting
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service. He sited the example of the grace parking ticket. The
City of Dubuque had initiated a program where the first parking
ticket is just a friendly reminder. It was an opportunity to
improve public relations, and remind people to feed the meter.
Davidson felt that people who ride the mini-bus are very
vulnerable.
Rodocker responded he will examine the issues and the Board
could continue the discussion at another meeting.
At this point, Scharnau asked to be excused to attend another
meeting.
Board Comments Lightcap would like to discuss the issue of moving the
downtown transfer point from Ninth and Main Streets to the
700 block of Iowa Street. This issue had been discussed at
the August meeting in regard to the placement of the
passenger shelters.
Lightcap stated he had heard from some consumers who are
not happy about the proposed move. He felt the Board
should consider voting on this relocation.
Lightcap understood the concern expressed at the last
meeting that parking on Main Street is at a premium; but
available bus service is also a premium. He went on to say
that many businesses are conveniently located to Ninth and
Main Streets.
Lightcap felt KeyLine passengers had gotten shafted at
Kennedy Mall when the buses were no longer able to use
that area as a transfer point.
Davidson had also heard comments from several people
who were surprised at the suggested move, since the bus
stops had been on Ninth and Main Streets for so many years.
She feels Ninth Street is more convenient. She does not
understand this "out of sight, out of mind" philosophy.
Enderson wondered how public transit can be an integral
part of the business community if the downtown transfer site
is out-of-the-way.
Lightcap commented about some of the problems and
changes in service passengers encountered when Kennedy
Mall was no longer used as a transfer point.
Heiar asked what would happen if we keep the transfer
point at Ninth and Main Streets.
Rodocker responded that if the shelters were permitted
KeyLine could only install two, whereas on Iowa Street there
would be four shelters and access to a public restroom. The
buses could be lined up to have a designated stop location
marked for each route.
Heiar mentioned the City Manager is comfortable with the
relocation of the transfer point to Iowa Street. Also, since the
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transfer site is only a few blocks away from its current location
a public hearing would not be necessary.
Heiar also reminded the Board that since the Fischer Company
is in the process of renovating their buildings, the shelters
would not be a welcome addition to Main Street.
Davidson asked if the buses could stop on Main Street.
Rodocker responded that all the buses would stop there, they
would just not be idling on Main Street. He needs to research
how the bus stop location would work at Main Street and how
the routes would be affected.
Also, Rodocker mentioned since shelters are not currently
located on Main Street, according to the FTA, KeyLine would
not be dislocating a transfer point.
Lightcap asked if there could be a shelter at Tenth and Main
Street in front of the parking lot, across from Cheryl's Bridal
Shop. He thought the curb along Main Street in that block
was built higher to accommodate the bus stops. Rodocker will
look into that option.
Davidson asked if downtown businesses were against the
buses traveling on Main Street. Rodocker responded no.
Rodocker has been working on a design for the transfer
location on Iowa Street. There would be four shelters, placed
to allow each route to pull-in to a designated stop with color
coding to make the transfer point more user friendly.
At the end of the discussion, the Board agreed to the transfer
point being relocated to Iowa Street as long as all the buses
travel down Main Street and have a stop there.
Lightcap asked for additional comments, there were none.
Public Comments None
Adjournment Davidson made a motion to adjourn. Enderson seconded.
All ayes Motion carried. Meeting was adjourned at 6:18 p.m.
The next meeting is scheduled for October 1 1, 2007.
Respectfully submitted,
Joanne Kiefer
Secretary
These minutes passed, approved and adopted on this day of September,
2007.
George Enderson, Jr.,Vice Chairman
Dubuque Transit Trustee Board