Yuma Regional Transit Study

              Yuma Regional Transit Study
Meeting Summary
Meeting Date: July 14, 2011
Meeting Time: 12:30pm – 3:30pm
Location: 2351 W 26th Street, Gold Room, Yuma, AZ
Subject: Technical Advisory Committee – Review of Current and Future Conditions, Goals and Objectives
Distribution Date: July 19, 2011
Attendees: See below
Distributed by: Jennifer Love
Sign
In
Name Organization, Title Phone Email
Study Area Representatives
Allison Collins Quechan Tribe, Transportation Planner 760.572.5270 a.collins@quechantribe.com
X Charlene FitzGerald YMPO, Executive Director 928.783.8911 cfitzgerald@ympo.org
X Don Kilner First Transit, Inc., General Manager 928.919.6576 Don.kilner@firstgroup.com
X Jennifer Albers City of Yuma, Planner 928.373.5175 jennifer.albers@yumaaz.gov
X John Andoh YCIPTA, Transit Director 928.539.7076 jandoh@ycipta.org
X John Starkey City of San Luis, Public Works Director 928.341.8577 jstarkey@cityofsanluis.org
X Norma Lekan YMPO, Communication Transit Coordinator 928.783.8911 nlekan@ympo.org
X Paul Melcher Yuma County, Planning & Zoning Director 928.817.5180 paul.melcher@yumacountyaz.gov
Paul Soto Cocopah Indian Tribe, Planning Director 928.627.2102 psoto@cocopah.com
X Paula Backs MCAS, Community Planning & Liaison 928.269.2103 paula.backs@usmc.mil
X Rudy Reyes First Transit, Inc. Rudy.Reyes@firstgroup.com
Rodney Rinehart Town of Wellton, Town Manager 928.785.3348 wellton@town.wellton.az.us
Samuel Palacios City of Somerton, Public Works Director 928.627.4115 samp@cityofsomerton.com
ADOT
X Mark Hoffman ADOT/MPD, Project Manager 602.712.7454 mhoffman@azdot.gov
X Gaby Kemp ADOT/CCP, Public Information Officer 928.699.8983 gkemp@azdot.gov
PB
Steve Hogan PB, Project Principal 480.927.6864 hogan@pbworld.com
X Jennifer Love PB, Project Manager 480.449.7734 love@pbworld.com
X Melina Baala PB, Transportation Planner 480.449.4628 baalamm@pbworld.com
Public Involvement
John Godec Godec Randall & Assoc. 602.266.5556 info@godecrandall.com
Debra Duerr Godec Randall & Assoc.
1. PB staff presented the following topics for discussion
a. Overview of Existing Conditions
b. Overview of Future Conditions
c. Update on Stakeholder Outreach, Public Involvement and Web-Survey
d. Goals and Objectives
e. Next Steps
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TAC Meeting #2 – Meeting Summary
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2. Overview of Current Conditions
a. Existing transit service
􀁸􇡒 Red and Blue routes have been suspended, but are included in the study.
􀁸􇡔 The existing bus network serves most of urbanized area.
􀁸􇡁 Available data on existing route is limited.
b. Current socioeconomic conditions
􀁸􇡔 The TAC discussed Environmental Justice within the study area and the distinction between
“Hispanic” and “non-white” populations will be defined in the Current Conditions Report.
􀁸􇡍 Major employment and activity centers mostly located in the City of Yuma.
c. Comments on the current conditions draft report
􀁸􇡔 The study area will be described in the reports as “Southwestern Yuma County”.
􀁸􇡉 Imperial County provides lifeline transit service between Winterhaven and El Centro once a
week. YCAT could provide service to complement this existing service. Relevant information
from Imperial County transportation plan and transit vision will be incorporated in the analysis.
PB will examine potential service to Winterhaven.
􀁸􇡔 The First Transit representatives reviewed the bus fleet data included in the report. The fixed-route
consists of 17 vehicles (which includes spares), with 32 or 34 seats. The DAR fleet consists
of 13 vehicles (which includes spares), with 6 or 10 seats.
􀁸􇠜 “YCAT” only designates the fixed-route transit system. The whole system, including both the
fixed-route and the demand responsive services, should be designated as YCAT/DAR.
􀁸􇡎 Not all bus stops have shelters. This information will be corrected in the report according to the
bus stop inventory to be provided by John Andoh.
􀁸􇡆 Funding information currently included in the report is not accurate. Charlene FitzGerald will
provide more accurate and up-to-date information.
􀁸􇡍 More detailed information concerning seasonal housing occupancy will be provided in the study.
􀁸􇡁 Additional sources will be explored to provide more detailed and accurate employment data.
􀁸􇡐 Provide a description of the current and future roles and responsibilities of YMPO and YCIPTA.
John Andoh and Paul Melcher will provide the correct wording for the report.
􀁸􇡔 The working papers will be updated according to the data currently available in the 2010 U.S.
Census data. Any additional data released before the completion of this study will be
incorporated into the final report.
3. Review of Surveys and Stakeholder Interviews
a. Fixed-route on-board survey
􀁸􇡔 The comparison of the origins/boarding points and destination/alighting points reveals how far
people travel to get to a bus stop.
􀁸􇡄 Desired improvements include: higher service frequency, later evening service, service on
Sundays, and restoration of suspended routes.
b. Telephone survey
􀁸􇡁 Additional service areas suggested are: Fortuna Foothills, Area formerly served by the Red route,
Pacific Avenue area, education and health facilities.
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TAC Meeting #2 – Meeting Summary
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􀁸􇡔 The majority of respondents would support a bus fare increase as a funding strategy. This result
is to be used cautiously as most of the respondents do not use transit.
􀁸􇡍 More than 50% of respondents are likely to use an alternative transportation service
c. Stakeholder interviews
􀁸􇡓 Some stakeholders support a transit sales tax. Stakeholders suggest pursuing other federal
funding sources.
􀁸􇡄 Desired service improvements include the restoration of suspended routes and earlier/later
service.
4. Review of Future Conditions
a. Future growth areas
􀁸􇡊 Jennifer Albers noted there is a recently released update to the City of Yuma General Plan (June
2011). Additional growth areas, presented in the recently updated City of Yuma General Plan,
will be included in the study. It will be indicated if they are planned in the next 10 years.
b. Future socioeconomic conditions
􀁸􇡔 The Arizona State Prison Complex – Yuma should not appear on the maps as a high density
residential area. It should be indicated on the employment density map.
􀁸􇡃 Charlene F. – An express route serving the prison, the City of San Luis and Yuma Palms has been
requested.
􀁸􇡊 John A. – Better service between YPG or the City of Somerton and the City of Yuma have been
requested; as well as a direct route between the City of San Luis and the colleges.
c. Comments on the future conditions draft report
􀁸􇡊 John S. – San Luis and Somerton may have pull-outs in their CIP. Check CIP for pull-outs that
may be programmed. Add to the report if they are in CIP.
􀁸􇡊 John A. inquired if the YCAT logo should be added to the report cover, etc and Mark H. indicated
it is not necessary.
􀁸􇡐 Paula B. indicated that the population assumption for military families based on employment is
a factor of 2.3.
5. Goals and Objectives Workshop
a. The PB team prepared an extensive Goals and Objectives table for discussion which consisted of goals,
objectives and strategies identified in the RTP, 2011 RTCP, or in peer cities policy documents.
b. The Goals and Objectives were reviewed in detail and significant changes were proposed. The revised
Goals and Objectives are described in the attached Goals and Objectives Presentation and comments are
detailed below.
􀁸􇡁 Add ‘Accessibility’ to ‘Enhance Mobility’ heading. Should read “Enhance Mobility and
Accessibility”
􀁸􇡃 Combine goals of “Serve all current and future transit users” and “Enhance the availability of
transit service for residents and workers” into one goal which focuses on coverage area,
frequency, and productivity. Also, change to not say ‘all’. Focus on serving the most people
possible as efficiently as possible, as the current system is too overextended.
o Consider lifeline services
Yuma Regional Transit Study
TAC Meeting #2 – Meeting Summary
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o Include reference to premium transit services, such as BRT or commuter service, in the
rephrased first goal.
o Add objective to comply with ADA requirements
o Add objective to meet needs of transit dependent populations
o In amenities objectives, focus on how to quantify what type and where amenities would
be most appropriate. Look at spacing, ridership, transfers. Remove objective regarding
transit center, rephrase to say “Appropriately locate transit center with amenities
consistent with route system”
􀁸􇡃 Change “Enhance availability and access to transit information” to “Marketing and Education”.
o Move route map and schedule objective to amenities goal.
o Rephrase objectives regarding Marketing and Education, “…teach children, disabled and
elderly how to…”
􀁸􇡉 ITS technology: rephrase smart card objective to read “Examine advanced fare collection
system”
􀁸􇡕 Under “Encourage Multi-modal Options”:
o Combine bicycle and pedestrian goals. Add ADA access/compliance objective.
o Add “Transit Supportive Policies” Goal
o Move amenities objectives to previous section.
o Remove “Implement innovative programs to diversity and grow ridership”. Move these
objectives to the Marketing/Education and Coverage Area goals, respectively.
o Change “Coordinate with other transportation providers” to “Mobility Mangement”.
Move DAR objectives to this goal.
􀁸􇡃 Combine “Establish a dedicated management program” with “Ensure contracting is working in
YCAT’s best interest”, simplify objectives. Include objective to “Separate Transit Authority to
oversee transit operations in Yuma County”
􀁸􇡁 Add objective to “Establish performance measures”
􀁸􇡁 Add objective to “Examine other federal funding opportunities”
c. General Comments
􀁸􇡊 John A. – We need to build a system financially sustainable that serves the most people.
􀁸􇡊 John A. – The priority is to provide service to the transit-dependent population, including the
elderly, disabled, households without vehicle, children, students and people without driver’s
liscence (especially those who had it suspended).
􀁸􇡊 John A. – We need to balance coverage over frequency and develop a network based on
productivity, not only on coverage.
􀁸􇡔 The study should consider providing hybrid (flex-) routes, combining fixed-route and demand-response
services, especially in areas with low transit demand such as the Town of Wellton, and
in areas where the fixed-route needs and the disabled/elderly population data indicate that it
would be viable.
􀁸􇡔 The one-way circulators, such as the Green route, are not convenient because they increase the
travel time.
􀁸􇡓 Some fixed-route trips/stops could be made only if requested by commuters, or on certain days.
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TAC Meeting #2 – Meeting Summary
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6. Next Steps
a. Comments on the Current and future conditions reports have to be received by Jenifer Love before
Friday July 22nd.
b. Paul Melcher and John Andoh – Provide a description of the current and future role of YMPO and YCIPTA
c. Charlene FitzGerald – Provide up-to-date funding information
d. Charlene FitzGerald and John Andoh – Provide additional information on any transit services that have
been requested by the public
e. Paula Backs and Jennifer Albers – Provide accurate employment data or reliable source
f. PB
􀁸􇡁 Analysis of DAR survey results
􀁸􇡁 Analysis of public outreach / internet survey results
􀁸􇡐 Peer cities review. The following transit systems have been proposed by J. Andoh and D. Kilner
based on their similar network and management system: Napa, Yuba City, Imperial County,
Sonoma County, Butte County, Yolo County.
􀁸􇡄 Develop the deficiencies working paper
g. Next Meeting: October 13
Yuma Regional Transit Study
Goals and Objectives - DRAFT
* This item is similar to a goal/objective/strategy proposed in the RTP or RTCP
A.1 - Develop a
productivity-based
transit system
serving the most
current and future
transit users possible
A.1.a - Better coordinate trips to common destinations
A.1.b - Provide hybrid fixed-route/DAR service in areas where demand is suitable
A.1.c - Provide levels of service adapted to seasonal transit demand variations
A.1.d - Evaluate the feasibility of premium transit services, such as BRT or
commuter express
A.1.e - Promote transit-supportive policies, land uses, and street design
A.1.a - Improve transportation service within areas with high transit orientation
A.1.b - Provide efficient transit access to major employment and activity centers
A.1.c - Increase frequency of peak weekday services on routes that are determined
productive
A.2 - Ensure transit
facilities and
amenities are
adequate
A.2.a - Provide comfortable and safe access to transit amenities
A.2.b - Ensure vehicles and amenities are safe, and well-maintained
A.2.c - Enhance current transit amenities and provide new one (s) appropriately
located
A.2.d - Appropriately locate transit center(s) with amenities as appropriate,
consistent with route system
A.2.e - Comply with ADA requirements
A.2.f - Provide route maps and schedules in buses and at major bus stops
A.2.g Provide neighborhood maps and other pedestrian way-finding systems
to/from major transit stops
A.3 -Implement ITS
technologies
A.3.a - Install Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) information systems to provide
real-time information at major bus stops
A.3.b - Use signal priority systems to adjust traffic signal timing and expedite bus
service *
A.3.c - Examine an advanced fare collection system
A.3.d - Use automated passenger-counting technology
A.4 - Enhance
Mobility
Management
A.4.a - Provide alternative transportation services in areas where fixed-route or
DAR is not financially viable
A.4.b - Effectively refer users to other (or more appropriate) transportation
services *
A.4.c - Develop bulk purchasing of insurance, vehicle maintenance services, and
other items/services in order to realize cost savings for the region’s
transportation providers.*
A.5 - Encourage
Multi-Modal Options
A.5.a - Coordinate bicycle and pedestrian facilities with transit network
A.5.b - Provide bike racks or lockers at primary transit facilities
A.5.c - Provide bike racks on buses
A.5.d - Consider transit facilities when developing the bicycle network
A.5.e - Provide safe pedestrian access to transit facilities
A.5.f - Ensure compliance with ADA requirements, providing appropriate
infrastructure such as curb cuts or tactile features
A.5.g - Establish park & ride locations
A - ENHANCE MOBILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY
Yuma Regional Transit Study
Goals and Objectives - DRAFT
* This item is similar to a goal/objective/strategy proposed in the RTP or RTCP
B.1 - Implement a
dedicated
management
program
B.1.a - Establish a separate transit entity to oversee transit operations in Yuma
County
B.1.b - Maintain the bus facilities inventory as well as the maintenance and
improvement plan
B.1.c - Periodically examine contracting methodology and compensation structure
B.2 - Identify and
develop long-term
funding strategies
B.2.a - Examine federal and state funding opportunities to enhance mobility
B.2.b - Evaluate feasibility of dedicated transit sales tax
B.2.c - Anticipate and plan for the impacts of population growth on federal grant
funding programs
B.2.d - Develop funding partnerships, such as employer-based subsidies, student
pass programs, or advertising revenue
B.2.e - Encourage entities benefiting from seasonal residents and workers to fund
transit services to this population
B.3 - Incrementally
restructure transit
services to reduce
costs and increase
productivity
B.3.a - Establish performance measures linked to performance
B.3.b- Run an annual performance review program to detect inefficiencies and
implement mitigation measures
B.3.c- Examine contractor practices for sustainability opportunities and structure
contract incentives to improve sustainability
B.3.d - Evaluate the use of alternative fuel vehicles
B.4 -Develop
Marketing &
Education Plans
B.4.a - Conduct travel training to teach riders and non riders how to use the transit
system
B.4.b - Develop outreach programs to teach children, the disabled, and the elderly
about the transit system
B.4.c - Enhance availability and access to transit information
B.4.d - Coordinate with public and private entities to develop transit incentive
programs for employees and customers
B.4.e - Partner with community event sponsors to promote transit use during
events
B - ENSURE TRANSIT SYSTEM VIABILITY