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PTAC Minutes 03/17/2015 March 17, 2015 MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC TRANSIT AD HOC ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING March 17, 2015, Naples, Florida, LET IT BE REMEMBERED, the Public Transit Ad Hoc Advisory Committee in and for the County of Collier, having conducted business herein, met on this date at 3:00 P.M. in REGULAR SESSION at Administrative Building "F", Suite 501, Collier County Government Complex Naples, Florida with the following members present: Chairman: Glen D. Harrell Vice Chairman: Dylan Michael Vogel John DiMarco, II Richard Duggan (Excused) W. James Klug, III Morton Rosenberg (Excused) Arthur Doberstein Harold Weeks (Excused) (Vacancy) ALSO PRESENT: Michelle Arnold, Director, Public Transit and Neighborhood Enhancement Brandy Otero, Associate Project Manager Yousi Cardeso, Operations Analyst 1 March 17, 2015 1. Call to Order Chairman Harrell called the meeting to order at 3:04PM. 2. Roll Call Roll call was taken and a quorum was established. 3. Approval of Agenda Mr. Klug moved to approve the Agenda. Second by Mr. DiMarco. Carried unanimously 5— 0. 4. Approval of Minutes from January 20, 2015 Meeting Mr. Klug moved to approve the minutes of the January 20, 2015 Public Transit Ad Hoc Advisory Committee meeting as presented. Second by Mr. DiMarco. Carried unanimously S— 0. 5. Committee Action a. Request to BCC for a 12 month extension to PTAC sunset period Ms. Otero presented the Executive Summary "Request to BCC far a 12 month extension to PTAC sunset period" for consideration. She noted this is the third year for the Committee and after an Ad— Hoc Committee has existed for 3 years. Committee members asked why the PTAC had to be approved each year. Ms. Otero responded that this type of committee must be reapproved and can only exist for 3 years. After such time, the Board may make it a permanent Committee. Mr. DiMarco moved to recommend the Board of County Commissioners approve a 12 month extension for the Public Transit Ad Hoc Advisory Committee. Second by Mr. Vogel. Carried unanimously 5— 0. b. Review and Comment on TDP Technical Memorandum #2 Ms. Otero provided the Executive Summary "Transit Development Plan Major Update"for information purposes. She presented the Power Point "Collier Area Transit Transit Development Plan Technical Memorandum #2" highlighting: • In developing the Memorandum Staff reviewed existing Plans and Legislation, sought input from the ridership, general public and Stakeholders, evaluated the system using the FDOT approved ridership forecasting tool TBEST (Transit Boarding Estimation and Simulation Tool) and a transit market assessment. • The ridership reported the operation of the system is adequate however, expressed concern in some instances there are long walks to the bus stops. • Additionally, the ridership favored increasing the frequency of the bus service, extending the hours of operation (especially in the Golden Gate area) improving signage on the buses and increasing the number of bus racks available on the buses. • Staff also sought input on what feature an "App" should have when it is developed for the system. The following was requested: • The ability to submit compliments or complaints. • Real time bus locator. • Customer service information. • Real time information on the availability of bicycle racks. • "You asked we listened" option. 2 March 17, 2015 • Input from Stakeholders such as the Collier County Planning Commission, Board of County Commissioners, City of Naples, NCH Health Care System, Everglades City, Health Care of Southwest Florida, Lighthouse of Collier County. Staff found: • The Stakeholders representatives do not use the system; however the biggest benefit is transportation for their employees. • The biggest drawback of the system is the current frequency of service. • A CAT Lunch and Learn program would be beneficial to educate Stakeholders and their employees on the operation of the system. • Consideration should be given to increasing the use of web applications including Google Transit (which is now operational). • Advertising should continue on radio, TV, etc. • The efforts to increase the number of bus shelters should continue. • Consideration should be given to expanding service to include Everglade City. The following was noted under Committee/Staff discussion: • The demand for fixed route service in Everglades City is not warranted at this time, however service could begin with a paratransit program to aid in determining if a fixed route is feasible. • Development of an App should incorporate a "Voice over Text" option for the disabled and offer a free version of the App with advertising and a pay version without advertising. • Efforts should continue to change the attitude of some of those in the City of Naples who think buses should not be allowed in the City. • It may be beneficial to undertake efforts to change the perception that the bus is for lower income persons and expand marketing the system to more "upscale" riders. Committee members noted that, based on limited resources, that the primary target audience for the system is lower income individuals. They expressed that expanding the focus of potential clientele may not be a prudent use of resources at this point in time. • Staff should review Route 13 and make any necessary adjustments (if possible) to improve the service for the last run of the day. Staff noted the vision for the system is "To be an integral part of Collier County's multimodal network providing effective and efficient fixed route transportation options that meet the need of the residents and visitors for economic and environmental reasons and benefits. " The Committee reviewed the "Goals and Objectives" of the CAT Fixed Route Transit System identified in the Memorandum and provided comments as follows: Goal #1: Operate a cost effective and sustainable public transportation system that safely and efficiently meets the needs of Collier County residents and visitors. Goal #2: Reduce energy demand implement green initiatives and sustainable processes, and protect Collier County's natural resources using cost-effective and efficient technologies. • Initiative 2.2.1- Clarify it is difficult to run an entire fleet based on alternative fuels, especially given Staff's input on the limited success of the hybrid buses utilized by the system. 3 March 17, 2015 • Initiative 2.2.2 —Cautioned purchasing smaller vehicles based on existing demand may not always be prudent as the cost differential for a larger vehicle is nominal in many cases and larger capacity vehicles may remain in service as the demand for a service or route increases. Goal #3: Build meaningful partnerships that increase the visibility of CAT, promote livability, and enhance economic and social well-being. Goal #4: Coordinate public transportation services with local, regional and state planning efforts. Goal #5: Use the most efficient technologies and innovations available for transportation system operations. Goal #6: Monitor and maintain service quality and standards. • Objective 6.2.2 and 6.2.3 —If this process is already in place, delete it as an objective. Goal#7: Maximize the use of all funding sources to increase services or to provide better service. Staff reported they will review the comments and provide the Memorandum and request a formal recommendation from the Committee at the May meeting. 6. Member Comments The Committee recommended Staff consider placing "No Loitering" signs at the bus shelters to deter long term occupancy of the structures by non users of the system. Staff reported they are aware of the issue and have notified the Collier County Sheriff's Office, however the shelters are a public area and it is difficult to enforce a requirement of"no loitering." 7. Public Comments None 8. Next Meeting Date April 21, 2015 There being no further business for the good of the County, the meeting was adjourned by order of the chair at 4:30P.M. Public Transit Ad Hoc Advisory Committee I _ . .A. hiPar..." Arthur Dobberstein,'Co-Chairman These minutes approved by the Board/Committee on 1 JI j 15 as presented or amended . 4