TRANSIT LIAISON ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES THURSDAY, December 11, 2008 4:15 P.M., CAUCUS ROOM Darcy Clark in the Chair called the meeting to order at 4:40 p.m. when quorum was present. 1. ROLL CALL Darcy Clark welcomed Elisabeth van der Made, new Brantford Transit Manager. The Chair requested that all present identify themselves by name and the group or agency they represented. PRESENT: ABSENT WITH REGRETS: ABSENT: ALSO PRESENT: Darcy Clark, Chair, Lisa Hooper, Janice Kucharew, Heather DeBoer, Bob Brown, Tina Topper, David Prang (Laurier) Councillor J. Bradford, Charlene Nicholson, Esther Williams, Marie Myke, Paul Armstrong (Mohawk), Dr. Maria Cantalini-Williams (Nipissing) Sally O Brien Russ Loukes, Elisabeth van der Made, Serge Belanger, Rachel Cavin, Melissa Robertson, 2. PRESENTATIONS None 3. DECLARATION OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST None 4. CONSENT ITEMS 4.1 Minutes Moved by Bob Brown and seconded by Janice Kucharew THAT the following minutes BE ADOPTED: 4.1.1 Transit Liaison Advisory Committee October 30, 2008 CARRIED
Minutes December 11, 2008 Page 2 5. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION 5.1 TRANSIT MANAGER 5.1.1 New Transit Manager R. Loukes introduced Elisabeth (Elly) van der Made, the City s new Manager of Brantford Transit who commenced employment with the City effective Monday, December 1, 2008. Ms. Van der Made is a graduate of North Park Collegiate and returns to Brantford after spending five years at the City of Guelph Transit as Supervisor of Operations, Driver Training and Development. As well, Elly s previous experience in public transit includes 10 years at Ajax Transit and Pacific Western Transportation in the positions of Marketing, Customer Services and Operations and driver-training. The Committee welcomed Ms. Van der Made to her new challenging role as Manager of Brantford Transit. 5.1.2 Brantford Transit Ridership Graphs The Committee was provided with Ridership Graphs for October and November, 2008, and it was noted that ridership decreased in October by 3.9% (5,318 trips) and in November by 13.1% (18,008 trips) compared to the same months in 2007. Staff noted that the large decrease in November could be partially attributed to the month of November, 2008, having only 20 weekdays vs. 22 days in 2007 and there being 5 Saturdays/Sundays during the month. As well, since Spring, 2008, BCI no longer purchased special passes for the French Immersion Program which impacted ridership and revenue. It was noted that year-to-date figures indicate a 1.3% decrease (16,093 trips). 5.1.3 Proposed NWIA Service Enhancements A report was provided to the Committee advising that in October, 2008, at the request of employers in the Northwest Industrial Area, Brantford Transit added four (4) additional buses between 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on weekdays for a total of twenty-two (22) transit vehicles servicing the Northwest industrial Area each day. These additional trips were provided by rerouting the Brantford Mall section of the Mayfair-Holmedale route and the Green Routes to the Northwest Industrial Area instead. The service will continue through January, 2009, at which time staff will prepare a report to the Transit Liaison Committee and Council on the ridership. Staff advised that there are currently 4,500 monthly transit users to/from the NWIA and approximately 30 riders use this new service weekly. Monthly ridership has been
Minutes December 11, 2008 Page 3 increasing during most of 2008 in comparison to 2007, however it is 10% lower since September. This decrease in ridership could possibly be due to lower gasoline prices. Brantford Transit will be targeting employers in the Northwest Industrial Area with information on its service in December and January in an effort to increase ridership. R. Loukes advised that a count is undertaken every two weeks. In accordance with Council s direction in October, an update report with regard to the NWIA Transit Service enhancements will be provided to Council in January, 2009. B. Brown enquired whether the decrease in ridership could be attributed to the fact that the bus is not going into the Brantford Mall anymore and if the NWIA transit service is not as successful as anticipated, whether the route would be changed back to the Brantford Mall. Staff noted that ridership on the Mayfair-Holmedale route going to the Brantford Mall in the evening was low in the past. Brantford Transit has not received even one complaint with respect to this bus not going to the Mall in the evenings. The red route continues to go to the Mall in the evening and riders may be utilizing that option instead. 5.1.4 No Pennies Implementation R. Loukes advised that on November 1, 2008, Brantford Transit implemented the No Penny policy for cash fares. The purpose of this policy was to improve customer service by reducing delays to customers entering the bus, to allow a larger variety of Canadian and American coins to be used in the fare box, and to minimize the amount and weight of coin that is handled by the fare box, security firms and the coin sorters in the Finance Department. In order to minimize the impact on customers, initially a soft ban was implemented, meaning that transit riders were encouraged not to use pennies through instructions from the drivers and advertising, however the fareboxes still accepted pennies. During September, October and November, 2008, there were 80 to 83% fewer pennies received daily when riders were advised not to use pennies. The estimated weight of the daily coinage was also reduced by approximately 0.8 kg. During the last week of November, 2008, the fare boxes were upgraded to accept a wider variety of coins and no pennies will be accepted after that time. 5.1.5 Free Transit on Remembrance Day Staff Report No. TLC2008-067 provided information to the Committee that on November 3, 2008, City Council passed a resolution to provide transit rides at no cost to all those wearing poppies and travelling to/from the Remembrance Day memorial service between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on November 11, 2008. The resolution also recommended that this practice continue each year.
Minutes December 11, 2008 Page 4 Ridership summaries on November 11 th, 2008 between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., indicated that Brantford Transit carried a total of 660 riders. Sixty (60) of these 660 passengers rode without charge because they were wearing poppies and were travelling to/from the memorial services. Staff further advised that the week following Remembrance Day on November 11, 2008, the Mayor's Office received a request that the City of Brantford consider providing free bus passes to veterans throughout the year in the same manner as is done by Grand River Transit in Cambridge and Kitchener-Waterloo. Veterans of the World Wars and Korea in these communities can apply to receive free transit for life. Similar programs are provided in Guelph and Windsor. In the Greater Toronto Area (from Durham to Hamilton, including York Region), all veterans in uniform and their companion travel without charge on Remembrance Day. A report summarizing the results of a survey with other communities that offer this service was attached to Report No. TLC2008-067 for the Committee s information. R. Loukes advised that in order for Brantford Transit to provide a program similar to Grand River Transit, a Resolution of Council and an amendment to the Fees and Service Charges By-law would be required. He suggested that the Transit Liaison Committee may want to consider making a request to City Council asking staff to examine such an option and prepare a report to Council for consideration in the New Year. B. Brown noted that he was in favour of veterans riding for free on Remembrance Day, but there was concern with regard to other groups (such as visually impaired, disabled, etc.) that may also come forward requesting transit at no cost. A question arose as to whether there would be any criteria for veterans and their level of service in the military. As well, the Committee needs to know how many veterans there are in Brantford, which this proposal could ultimately affect. It was the consensus of the Committee that this matter be deferred until additional information could be provided. R. Loukes noted that E. van der Made has knowledge with regard to a similar program which was undertaken in Guelph several years ago and suggested that additional research be undertaken and reported back to the Committee at the January meeting. 5.2 COMMISSION MARKETING CO-ORDINATOR 5.2.1 Marketing Report Melissa Robertson, Marketing Co-ordinator provided a brief overview of Report No. TLC2008-007 summarizing marketing activities in November/December 2008.
Minutes December 11, 2008 Page 5 1. Transit Newsletter The Winter Transit Newsletter was distributed in the Transit Terminal the week of December 1 st. This full-colour publication highlighted the following information: North West Industrial Area route changes Website and updates 1 st Annual Paul Clarkson Christmas Lights Tour New Year s Eve free transit service Transit Study update Implementation of No Pennies program for cash fares Bus replacement program/accessible transit 2. 1 st Annual Paul Clarkson Christmas Lights Tour On Wednesday December 17 th, Brantford Transit will be hosting the 1 st Annual Paul Clarkson Christmas Lights Tour. A copy of the flyer was distributed at the terminal and on the buses on November 28 th. The flyer was also advertised in the Civic News on December 12 th, along with notices on the City of Brantford Intranet and Transit website. 3. New Year s Eve Free Transit Service Brantford Transit will again be offering Free New Year s Eve Transit service between 6:30 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. on December 31 st. This year, the service is sponsored by: City of Brantford Environmental Services, Brant County Health Unit, Brant/Brantford Impaired Driving Committee, Beck s Print Services, Brantford Police Services, Brantford Fire Department, Wilfrid Laurier University Mohawk College. M. Robertson noted that $2,250 was received towards sponsorship of the New Year s Eve free transit service which goes towards promoting the event and printing costs for flyers and advertising. Flyers will be placed on the buses and in the Transit Terminal during the week of December 1st. In addition, there will be a billboard advertisement at Charing Cross Street and West Street starting on December 15 th for three (3) weeks. There will also be advertisements at six (6) transit shelters around the city at the following locations: Lynden Road/Corporate Place Colborne Street/Lynwood Drive Blackburn Drive/B.S.A.R. West Street/Farringford Drive Fairview Drive/Memorial Drive West Street/Galileo Blvd
Minutes December 11, 2008 Page 6 The free New Years Eve service was also promoted through a flyer with the December Hydro bill and on the City of Brantford Intranet and Brantford Transit website. B. Brown inquired as to whether the department had undertaken advertising on the radio for visually impaired individuals. It was noted that the radio station will mention events as points of interest without charge, but that to advertise a 30 second ad would cost approximately $45.00 per spot and the budget would be limited. 4. Holiday Hours The following is a summary of the 2008 Transit Holiday service schedule: Transit service ends at 6:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve No service on Christmas Day Boxing Day service is Saturday service from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. New Years Eve service is free from 6:30 p.m to 2:00 a.m. No service on New Years Day 5. 2009 Holiday Schedule The 2009 Holiday Schedule was provided to the Committee in the agenda package. Committee members were requested to note the change for Family Day, February 16 th, as there will be no transit service on this day. R. Loukes advised that this would be the last meeting for Melissa Robertson who was on contract during a maternity leave by Rachel Cavin, who has now returned. He thanked Melissa on behalf of the Committee on a great job done during her period of employment. 5.3 DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES R. Loukes provided information on each of the following items: 5.3.1 2009 Budget Update The 2008 Transit Operating Budget was presented to the Estimates Committee on November 25, 2008. This included: a discussion of the base budget increase (approximately 4% over 2007); proposed increases to transit fares/upass ( $81,000 revenues); savings in vehicle maintenance, due to newer vehicles ($148,375) to be used to offset the increase costs for ($275,000) operators and vehicle hours to provide additional transit service for Saturdays in 2009; install bike racks on all buses (to be funded from Provincial Gas Tax Monies). It has been confirmed that the Provincial Gas Tax can be used to offset operating costs associated with the growth in ridership. It was also noted that to date, Council has only used gas tax for capital projects because there is a risk that the Province may
Minutes December 11, 2008 Page 7 discontinue using gas tax for transit, at which time the cost of the additional service would need to be absorbed by the Municipality. Council also asked about the ridership by WLU students using the U-PASS program and the potential for extending it to the future. It was noted that from January to October there have been approximately 29,000 riders using U-PASS. Currently, there are 1,888 WLUSU students that paid for the U-PASS through their tuition for 2008/2009. Brantford Transit is currently in negotiations with WLUSU to extend the program for another five (5) years. The next meeting for review of the Operating Budget with the Estimates Committee is now scheduled for January 20, 2009. D. Clark inquired with regard to the $150,000 savings in maintenance costs due to the new fleet. R. Klochnyk noted that the cost savings have been achieved through a reduction of inventory and the fine-tuning of fuel usage on the new vehicles. In response to a question from Janice Kucharew, R. Loukes reviewed the proposed increases in traffic fares proposed to become effective April 1, 2009. 5.3.2 Transit Concern Response Committee members were advised that their agenda package for the October meeting included an e-mail from Mrs. Diane Gibbons which had been forwarded to the Mayor and City Councillors regarding transit concerns. A copy of the reply that was forwarded to Mrs. Gibbons on November 5, 2008, is attached to Report No. TLC2008-066 included in the agenda package for this meeting. D. Clark noted that the information prepared by staff in response to the issues raised by Mrs. Gibbons in her letter was very well organized and informative for both the resident and Committee members. 5.3.3 Transit Users Group Representative The Committee was advised that the City s Clerk s Office has been requesting a representative s name for the upcoming term for the Transit Users Group. Staff have now confirmed that the Transit Users Group is no longer in existence and has provided a draft report for approval of the Transit Liaison Committee prior to being forwarded to the Committee of the Whole Meeting on January 12, 2009. It was noted that the Transit Users Group was originally created by a group of individuals who undertook hikes, tours and social outings in the City through the use of transit. Members of the group have now moved on to other interests and have disbanded the Committee. R. Loukes noted that the Transit Liaison Committee originally came into existence due to the Transit Users Group and their interest in improving the City s transit system.
Minutes December 11, 2008 Page 8 D. Clark noted that the removal of the Transit Users Group representative from the TLC s composition is done with regret and he wished to express the Committee s appreciation for the work done by Marie Myke in connection with the Transit Liaison Committee in the past. Moved by B. Brown and seconded by J. Kucharew that the draft report as attached to Report No. TLC2008-069 regarding the by-law change to remove the representative from the Transit Users Group BE APPROVED and forwarded to the Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday, January 12, 2009. CARRIED 5.3.4 Leave of Absence Senior Representative R. Loukes noted that due to the health concerns of Esther Williams, Senior Representative of the Transit Liaison Committee, a draft report has been prepared requesting a leave of absence from the Committee until such time as she is able to return or the expiration of her term. As of the date of the TLC meeting, Esther remained in hospital, although it was reported that she is very upbeat and alert and was able to sit up, but was still in quite a bit of discomfort. There was concern expressed relating to the length of the proposed leave of absence until 2010, as the Committee felt this is a very important position, which should not be vacant for such a long period. It was suggested that possibly the leave of absence should run until November, 2009, at which time it would be determined if Mrs. Williams s health would allow her to come back. It was felt that the proposed leave of absence would be recommended to Council, and that the Committee was confident that if Mrs. Williams felt her health concerns would prohibit her from fully participating on the Committee during the next year that she would advise the Committee at the earliest opportunity in order to have the vacancy filled to provide representation for seniors on the Committee. B. Brown suggested that one option may be for Mrs. Williams to participate in the meeting discussion through a conference call set-up. Moved by B. Brown and seconded by J. Kucharew that Report No. TLC2008-070 regarding the by-law change to grant a leave of absence to the Senior Representative of the Transit Liaison Committee BE APPROVED and forwarded to the Committee of the Whole on Monday, January 12, 2009. CARRIED 5.3.5 ATU Negotiations R. Loukes advised the Committee that the agreement with Amalgamated Transit Union Local 685 was ratified by its members and City Council in November. The agreement is for four and one half (4½) years and will provide three percent (3%) increase per annum to the Transit Operators and maintenance staff that are covered by the agreement.
Minutes December 11, 2008 Page 9 5.3.6 Operation Lift R. Loukes noted that at the last meeting of the Transit Liaison Committee, a report was requested from staff on the status of the Operation Lift strike. As of the date of this meeting, Operation Lift was still on strike. The Committee was advised that on November 17, 2008, Brantford City Council passed a resolution to authorize registered Operation Lift users be reimbursed for transportation costs incurred during the strike. Operation Lift customers have been advised to save their receipts to be submitted to Operation Lift for forwarding to the City of Brantford at the end of the strike. At the same Council meeting, Council passed a resolution appealing to the Government of Ontario to enable the immediate restoration of disabled service within the City of Brantford. Copies of both Council resolutions and a notice that appeared in the Civic News, on the City s website, has been advertised on the radio and in the media and is also included on the Operation Lift s website and telephone message were also provided to the Committee for their information. 5.4 FLEET MANAGER 5.4.1 Delivery of New Buses The Committee was provided with a report noting that Brantford Transit accepted delivery of four (4) new Nova LFS, low-floor accessible, clean burning diesel buses the week of November 24, 2008. One of these buses will be ready to be put into service the week of December 8, 2008, and the remaining three once the fare boxes are installed. It was anticipated that all four buses would be on the road within the next four working days. These units replace four (4) of the aging GMC buses that have been servicing Brantford Transit riders for the past twenty (20) plus years. The four (4) new units are identical to the last five (5) Nova Bus units put into service in January, 2008, and will increase the complement of clean burning, low floor accessible buses to twenty five (25) or 86 % of our bus fleet. Some of the features of these new units are: good visibility; tinted glass; air conditioning; auxiliary heating, and; molded seating with the Brantford Transit logo. The Nova Bus LFS has proven to be a very dependable unit and should remain in the Brantford Transit Fleet for many years.
Minutes December 11, 2008 Page 10 5.3.2 Stanchion Poles and Rubber Mats for Buses R. Klochnyk noted that as a follow-up to questions raised at the October 30, 2008 meeting of the Transit Liaison Committee, the following information regarding the concerns expressed with stanchion poles and rubber mats was provided in a report as part of the agenda package. Stanchion Poles The vertical yellow stanchion poles are installed on buses in an effort to make them as visible as possible. With the location of the rearward facing wheelchair positions and the need for a tie-down device point, more stanchion poles had to be located partway in the aisle of the bus. This is the only way to provide adequate room for a mobility device. The poles are powder coated to withstand daily use and the colour and effect have been standing up very well. It is very difficult to have only a portion of the pole painttreated so therefore the pole has to be either all yellow or the conventional chrome. Chrome is what is found in the high-floor portion of the buses. R. Klochnyk noted that BC is currently working on a device which, if successful, would allow future buses to have less stanchin poles. Bus Mats Bus manufacturers are constantly looking at ways to improve their flooring, reduce their build time, save costs and still supply a durable product. What is going to be produced next is a three piece composite floor to replace the traditional sectional wood-base floor, which allows the flooring to be glued and cured in a separate location. The traditional RCA rubber floor is being phased out and will be offered in specialized units only such as Operation Lift type buses. R. Klochnyk noted that the new rubber flooring will reduce the weight of the bus by approximately 200 lbs and will speed up bus production. The Committee was advised that some municipalities are using a tough coat material on the floor at the exit or entrance ramps, but this type of change may affect the warranty. 6. RESOLUTIONS None
Minutes December 11, 2008 Page 11 7. NOTICES OF MOTION 7.1.1 Bus Shelters Brantford Mall J. Kucharew requested a status report in regard to the bus shelter situation at the Brantford Mall. S. Belanger noted he has been in contact with the contractor at the Brantford Mall. He has provided information to put the contractor in touch with Pattison Outdoor in order to obtain a quote for the cost of purchasing two bus shelters. The contractor is waiting for approval from the owner of the property and then will get back to the City. The Committee was advised that the manufacturing process for bus shelters takes between 8 to 10 weeks. The proposal is to put in one shelter on each side in front and across from the Dollar store. The Committee requested a follow-up report as to when the shelters are going to be installed for the next meeting. 8. OTHER BUSINESS 8.1.1 Call of Transit Stops J. Kucharew noted that some of the drivers are not using their microphones when calling out stops. R. Loukes noted that a recent survey indicated that there are three routes where the drivers are calling every stop and that there is approximately 40% compliance. E. van der Made and S. Belanger are to review the service in order to increase the compliance. A follow-up report will be provided for the next meeting. 9. NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the Transit Liaison Advisory Committee will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2009, in the Charlie Ward Room. 10. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
Minutes December 11, 2008 Page 12 J. Spagnuolo, Recording Secretary