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NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE SUBCOMMITTEEPursuant to A.R.S. Section 38-431.02, notice is hereby given to the members of the CITY OF PHOENIX TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE SUBCOMMITTEE and to the general public, that the CITY OF PHOENIX TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE SUBCOMMITTEE will hold a meeting open to the public on Thursday, September 4, 2008, at 9:00 a.m. located in the City Council Subcommittee Room, 12th Floor, 200 West Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona.
One or more Subcommittee members may participate via teleconference.
The agenda for the meeting is as follows (times are estimated and items may be discussed in a different sequence than posted):
1.
Call to Order
Chair
2.
Review and Approval of the June 5, 2008 Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee Meeting Minutes
Item 3 is for information only. Although no presentation is planned, staff will be available to answer any questions.
3.
Lake Pleasant Water Treatment Plant Update: This report updates the Subcommittee on the status of the Lake Pleasant Water Treatment Plant and a first year review of the operating agreement with American Water Enterprises. This report is for information only. No presentation is planned.
David Modeer
Carlos Padilla
Est: 0 minutes
4.
Development Services Department Financial Update: This report provides an update regarding the financial and operational status of the Development Services Department and requests Subcommittee approval of a severance program similar to programs offered in previous reductions in force. This item is for information, discussion and action.
Mark Leonard
Cindy Stotler
Est: 10 minutes
5.
New Fare Structure and Fare Collection System Update: This report is in response to the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee’s request for an update on the status of the new fare structure and fare collection system for the Public Transit Department and the Phoenix Metropolitan area. This item is for information and discussion.
Debbie Cotton
Jeff Dolfini
Est: 10 minutes
6.
Dial-A-Ride Update: This report provides information on the status of the regional Dial-A-Ride study. This item is for information and discussion.
Debbie Cotton
Al Villaverde
Est: 10 minutes
7.
Police Transit Bureau Staffing Update: This report provides information on progress made regarding the transition of contracted security services in the Public Transit Department to a function within the Police Department. This report is for information and discussion.
Louis Tovar
Debbie Cotton
Est: 10 minutes
8.
Future Agenda Items: This item is scheduled to give Subcommittee members an opportunity to mention possible topics for future Subcommittee agendas or to request City staff to follow-up on Subcommittee issues.
9.
Call to the Public: Consideration, discussion and comments from the public; those wishing to address the Subcommittee need not request permission in advance. Action taken as a result of public comment will be limited to directing staff to study the matter or rescheduling the matter for further consideration and decision at a later date.
10.
Adjournment
For further information, please call Jennifer Emerson, Management Assistant, City Manager’s Office at 602-262-7684 or Stephanie Lopez at 602-256-3332.
Persons paid to lobby on behalf of persons or organizations other than themselves shall register with the City Clerk prior to lobbying or within five business days thereafter, and must register annually to continue lobbying. If you have any questions about registration or whether or not you must register, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 602-262-6811.
For reasonable accommodations, call Jennifer Emerson at Voice/602-262-7684 or TTY/602-534-5500 or Stephanie Lopez at 602-256-3332 as early as possible to coordinate needed arrangements.
Subcommittee Members
Vice Mayor Peggy Neely, Chair
Councilman Tom Simplot
Councilman Claude Mattox
Date: August 28, 2008
Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, September 4, 2008
Item 2
Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee Summary Minutes
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Members Present Members Absent
Vice Mayor Peggy Neely, Chair None
Councilman Claude Mattox
Councilman Tom Simplot
Staff Present Public Present
Tom Callow Joel Waggener Marvin Rochelle
John Trujillo Ed Zuercher Mark Weber
Barbara Glaus Angelica Medina Rick Doell
Rebecca Velarde Joe Villasenor Richard Gayer
Mark Leonard David Cavazos Bob Jewell
Lisa Takata Stephanie Lopez Marc Sheer
Penny Parrella Melissa Sweinhagen Brad Brauer
Mark Cernetic Debra Stark Greta Rogers
Wylie Bearup Jeremy Legg Ron Passarelli
Carolyn Bristo Debbie Cotton
Jorge Luna Mark Melnychenko
Jerome Miller Cynthia Seelhammer
David Modeer Erynn Crowley
Dennis Murphy Kerry Wilcoxon
Tim Tilton Cindy Stotler
Derek Horn Mo Glancy
John Watson Paul Driver
Debbie Dertz Nathan Wright
Rick Doell Jan Hatmaker
Tauny Woo Steve Wetherell
Amanda Griffin Cheri Ditto
Al Villaverde
1. Call to Order
Vice Mayor Neely called the meeting to order at 9:11 a.m. with Councilman Mattox and Councilman Simplot present at the meeting.
2. Action on the Minutes of the May 1, 2008 Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee Meeting
Councilman Simplot motioned to approve the minutes and Councilman Mattox seconded. The minutes were approved 3-0.
3. Customer Information System Project Update
Vice Mayor Neely accepted the informational report and asked Ms. Barbara Glaus, Assistant Water Services Director to return to the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee in September 2008 with an update on the project. Ms. Neely emphasized the critical importance of operations to run smoothly over the next three months as the project prepared to go “live.”
4. Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (AZP DES) Storm Water Permit Status
That item was information only.
14. Willo Neighborhood Streetscape Improvements – Edgemont Avenue at 3rd and 5th Avenues
Vice Mayor Neely moved the item out of order.
Mr. John Siefert, Deputy Street Transportation Director introduced the item, Mr. Don Herp, Assistant Streets Director and Kerry Wilcoxon, Traffic Engineer III.
Mr. Wilcoxon provided a power point presentation and explained the Streets Department’s involvement and technical process on the item. In addition, he provided three hand-outs: Tracy A. Gromer, Attorney at Law (letter to Streets Department); City of Phoenix Moving Forward: Willow Neighborhood 3rd Ave and 5th Ave Streetscape Plan; and a map of Proposed Willow Streetscape and Petition Results.
Councilman Mattox expressed his concern regarding the receipt of last minute information on the item.
Mr. Tom Callow, Deputy City Manager asked why the Almeria streetscape didn’t pass the petition process and staff responded that some signatures were unavailable due to foreclosures and that they were key properties to approve the project.
Mr. Wilcoxon stated that staff was asking Council to approve the petition results and Vice-Mayor Neely clarified that they would be accepting the approved petitions for Edgemont, but that the Moving Forward document allows the neighborhood to continue the petition process into the future to secure signatures for Almeria.
Vice Mayor Neely called for public comment from the submitted cards and two persons present decided to speak:
Mr. Richard Gayer spoke in opposition to the item stating the Streets Department violated speed hump rules and that it would be disruptive to the neighborhood.
Mr. Brad Brauer spoke in support of the item stating the project would begin with four intersections.
Councilman Simplot asked what the department’s response was to the petition process and the department replied that they rarely receive a request for a 100% neighborhood funded project, so they had to tweak an existing process for that project.
Mr. Callow added that the process used was over and above the requirements for a speed hump process.
Vice Mayor Neely asked what the time frame was for completion and staff responded that the process would be guided by the Moving Forward document with engineers and contractors.
Councilman Mattox asked if there was a sense of urgency and Mr. Wilcoxon replied that the neighborhood had been working on that for three years and were anxious to begin the project.
Councilman Mattox stated that he would like to talk with Councilman Nowakowski and motioned for a continuance.
Councilman Simplot stated that it was regrettable that the Subcommittee was not informed, but motioned to adopt staff recommendations. Vice Mayor Neely seconded the motion noting Councilman Mattox’s concerns, but stated that Councilman Nowakowski had been briefed on the item.
Motion passed, 2-0.
8. Proposed Code Amendments
Vice Mayor Neely moved the item out of order.
Councilman Mattox stated that he received the agenda packet late and asked Mark Leonard, Acting Development Services Director if the item could be moved to the Work Study agenda and he agreed. Councilman Mattox motioned that the item be moved to the Work Study agenda and Councilman Simplot seconded the motion. Motion passed, 3-0.
5. DASH Service Improvements Update and Recommendation
Public Transit Debbie Cotton introduced the item, Melissa Sweinhagen, Management Assistant III and Mark Melnychenko, Principal Planner.
Ms. Sweinhagen started a PowerPoint presentation on the item and provided two handouts: a DASH Upgrades map for the Downtown Loop and one for the Government Loop. She stated that public meetings were held and there was community support for the proposed upgrades.
Vice Mayor Neely asked if Arizona State University (ASU) was keeping their shuttle and Ms. Sweinhagen confirmed that they were.
Councilman Simplot asked if the ASU shuttle would phase out with Light Rail and Ms. Sweinhagen stated that she would confirm with ASU.
Councilman Mattox asked about evening ridership with downtown venues and sports events and increases in gas prices as a possible boost for riders and Ms. Sweinhagen stated that their ridership survey showed that the numbers don’t support late evening hours, but they would continue to assess the ridership.
Mr. Callow stated that there would be no increase in cost with the upgraded loops and Ms. Sweinhagen agreed that the new loops would maximize ridership and connect with Central Station.
Ms. Cotton then presented the new DASH bus exterior design themes that focused on work, education, dining and play. She stated that downtown was a signature service with a positive image.
Councilman Mattox asked if the Downtown Phoenix Partnership was still contributing to the DASH and Ms. Cotton confirmed that they were contributing $55,000 to DASH.
Councilwoman Simplot motioned to approve the item and Councilman Mattox seconded. The item was approved 3-0.
6. West Phoenix Streetscape Update
Deputy City Manager Ed Zuercher introduced the item and Mark Landrith, Streets Department Principal Planner.
Mr. Zuercher provided an overview of the item.
Councilman Mattox commented that the 72nd Avenue enhancement would be native plants and not trees that would grow into the power lines. He also stated that the West Phoenix Advisory Committee was working hard on these improvements.
Vice Mayor Neely asked if art features would be on the walls and Mr. Zuercher replied that they would.
Councilman Simplot motioned to approve the item and Vice Mayor Neely seconded. The item was approved 3-0.
7. Non-Permitted Construction Enhanced Enforcement / Amnesty Pilot Program
Deputy City Managers David Cavazos and Ed Zuercher, Acting Development Services Director Mark Leonard, and Neighborhood Services Director Jerome Miller were present for that item.
Vice Mayor Neely stated that there has been discussion on the item since 2005 and specifically in regard to health and safety.
Councilman Mattox stated that his office was inundated with complaints and that there needed to be some “teeth” in the enforcement for it to be effective.
The Enhanced Enforcement/Amnesty Pilot Program would begin August 1 and give offenders 30 days to comply.
Councilman Mattox suggested a grandfather clause and different process for those who purchased a home that already had the unpermitted structures, if it wasn’t a health/safety concern.
Vice Mayor Neely was looking for a Council policy in a 3-5 year period.
All three subcommittee members have been in real estate and stressed the importance of disclosure and “Buyer Beware”. Mr. Mark Shearer from the Realtor’s Association supported that position and offered assistance.
Mr. Leonard stated that the policy would be drafted with input from the Law Department and Mr. Cavazos stated that he would make the contact.
Mr. Cavazos clarified that action that the motion was for staff recommendations and to begin working on a policy.
Councilman Mattox motioned to approve the item and Councilman Simplot seconded. The item was approved 3-0.
Vice-Mayor Neely called for public comment. Greta Rogers submitted a card, but her comments were halted as they weren’t pertaining to that item.
Councilman Simplot left the meeting at 10:10 a.m.
9. Priority Plan Review
Deputy City Manager David Cavazos, Acting Development Services Director Mark Leonard introduced the item.
Councilman Mattox left the meeting at 10:11 a.m. and returned at 10:12 a.m.
Councilman Simplot returned to the meeting at 10:13 a.m.
Councilman Mattox motioned to approve the item and Vice Mayor Neely seconded. The item was approved 3-0.
10. Residential Collector Street Mitigation Program
Interim Streets Development Director Wylie Bearup introduced the item and a power point presentation was provided by staff.
Councilman Mattox asked if the number of vehicle per day (VPD) was a national standard and staff replied that it was. He also asked if bond money was being used and staff replied not for VPD of less than 10,000.
Vice Mayor Neely stated that she was concerned that we were fixing things after the fact and staff responded with that they were working closely with the Development Services Department on those issues.
Vice Mayor Neely and Councilman Mattox shared their concern regarding property owner approvals and the existing policy.
Councilman Simplot shared his concern with rental properties and the lack of follow-up verification.
Councilwoman Simplot motioned to approve the item and Councilman Mattox seconded. The item was approved 3-0.
11. Parking Meter Technologies
That item was information only and staff provided a power-point presentation hand-out.
12. Solid Waste Multi-Family Living Units
Ms. Carolyn Bristo, Public Works Director introduced the item.
Vice Mayor Neely and the subcommittee members requested that the item return as an item on the fall agenda after additional research on the item.
13. Revised Duncan Associates Impact Fee Update: Policy Memorandum
Deputy City Manager David Cavazos and Planning Director Debra Stark introduced the item.
Councilman Simplot left the meeting at 10:35 a.m.
Staff provided several handouts: Impact Fee Update: Policy Memorandum Clarifications and Answers to Questions dated May 7-May 29, 2008; Changes to Impact Fee Update: Policy Memorandum; Resolution Adopting the Impact Fee Update: Policy Memorandum Relating to Policy Guidelines to Development Impact Fees and five letters of support for that item .
Vice Mayor Neely stated that the Planning Department was to meet with all groups involved with the update and return to Council in October 2008 with a financial plan.
Councilman Mattox motioned to approve the item and Vice Mayor Neely seconded. The item was approved 3-0.
15. Future Agenda Items
(Lisa: Add future agenda items)
16. Call to the Public
Noted in the minutes.
17. Adjournment
Chairwoman Neely adjourned the meeting at 10:40 a.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Stephanie Lopez
Management Assistant II
Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, September 4, 2008
Item 3
TO:
David Cavazos
Deputy City Manager
FROM:
David V. Modeer
Water Services Director
SUBJECT:
LAKE PLEASANT WATER TREATMENT PLANT UPDATE
This report updates the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on the status of the Lake Pleasant Water Treatment Plant (WTP).
THE ISSUE
The Design, Build, Operate (DBO) contract was awarded in July 2003 to build the Lake Pleasant WTP. Construction was completed and the plant began water deliveries on April 18, 2007. Provisional construction acceptance was issued on June 26, 2007, moving the contract into the 15-year service agreement phase. Under the service agreement, American Water Enterprises is responsible for operation and management of the Lake Pleasant WTP.
American Water provides the day-to-day operations of the Lake Pleasant WTP, including water production, regulatory compliance, equipment replacement, plant maintenance, and laboratory testing. Compliance with the service agreement is monitored carefully by a Water Services Department team with expertise in regulatory requirements, plant operations, water quality, laboratory testing and accounting. As with the start up of many new facilities of this size, various operational and maintenance issues have occurred and have been resolved during the first year of operation. None of these issues affected American Water’s ability to meet regulatory water quality requirements at all times.
OTHER INFORMATION
The Lake Pleasant WTP is staffed with 14 employees, including a facility manager, chief operator, maintenance manager, administrative assistant, water quality technician and five operations specialists. The maintenance staff includes an instrument technician, electrician, mechanic and laborer. Plant security is managed and provided by the Water Services Department to maintain consistency at all Phoenix water treatment plants.
In addition to meeting Federal and State regulatory requirements, the service agreement requires American Water to produce finished water at “enhanced” water quality standards. The plant includes state-of-the-art equipment such as granular activated carbon (GAC) filters as well as ultraviolet light disinfection and ozone treatments which are used, when needed, to meet contracted requirements.
2007-2008 PERFORMANCE RESULTS
American Water’s contract currently provides an average water production of 40 million gallons per day (MGD). Since the start of the contract period, American Water has operated the Lake Pleasant WTP in compliance with Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) water quality regulations. American Water also met the enhanced standards in the contract with minor issues which are being addressed. American Water has filed all the required reports on a timely basis and has maintained all the required permits necessary for plant operations.
There are several procedures and controls in place to ensure compliance with the service agreement between the City and American Water. The Water Services Department’s contract monitoring team meets with American Water’s representatives monthly to discuss operational issues. In addition, the Department conducts monthly plant inspections. The contract also includes the assessment of various monetary penalties if American Water fails to meet the enhanced water quality standards, regulatory standards, requested finished water deliveries, or administrative requests from the City.
As is expected with any new large facility during the initial operating period, the need for new procedures and communication protocols between the Water Services Department and American Water were identified, and some minor equipment malfunctions occurred. All of the issues have been resolved or are being addressed. None of these items affected the water quality delivered to Phoenix customers. The Water Services Department will continue to work with American Water to complete the remaining open items.
In addition to the contract requirements, American Water is working closely with the Water Services Department to facilitate coordination of the Lake Pleasant WTP operations with the other Phoenix water treatment plants. The Department has also been meeting with American Water to identify ways to expand the treatment parameters at the Lake Pleasant WTP to assist the City in enhancing water quality throughout the distribution system. Cooperative efforts between the two parties will continue in all areas, including research partnerships.
RECOMMENDATION
This report is for information only.
Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, September 4, 2008
Item 4
TO:
Deputy City Manager
FROM:
Mark Leonard, Interim Director
Development Services Department
SUBJECT:
The purpose of this report is to update the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee regarding the financial and operational status of the Development Services Department (DSD). This report also requests Subcommittee approval of a severance program similar to programs offered in previous reductions in force. If approved, this item will be forwarded to the full City Council for consideration.
THE ISSUE
Last fiscal year, DSD experienced a significant downturn in workload and revenue associated with residential construction. The collapse of the sub prime market and increased number of foreclosures has had a negative impact on the residential market.
DSD revenue fell from $54.5 million in FY06/07 to $47.2 million in FY07/08. This was a loss of $7.3 million. In order to address the downturn, 187 positions were eliminated in two phases of reductions. These eliminations occurred mostly in the Residential, Civil, and Site Divisions. The department was able to maintain plan review turnaround and inspection times in all areas because staff reductions were targeted in areas where workload had decreased.
While commercial revenue remained strong during most of FY 07/08, DSD has seen a downturn in commercial activity in the last six months. Preliminary Site Plan log-ins is down 46 percent from the previous year and all commercial building plan log-ins are down at least 11 percent. Residential, Civil, and Site activity remains low. Based on the current economy and information from the homebuilders, DSD is estimating a further reduction in single-family home permits issued in FY 08/09. Walk-in customers have also decreased by 12 percent at the Development Center counters.
This decline in residential construction has affected other sectors of the construction market to the extent that DSD must continue to reduce expenditures to keep the department financially viable and to ensure the special revenue fund remains solvent. DSD is currently projecting revenue for FY 08/09 of $36.7 million, a further decrease of $10.5 million from the FY 07/08 reduced level.
With current workloads down in all divisions and a projected revenue loss of over $10 million, additional staffing reductions of 15 vacant and 24 filled positions are necessary at this time. If workloads and revenues continue to decrease, DSD may seek additional reductions later in the fiscal year
Once again, every effort is being taken to minimize the impact on staff in the department. As in the last two Reductions in Force, DSD is working closely with Personnel and other departments to help place employees elsewhere in the City.
DSD is confident that by acting quickly to reduce expenditures and taking other appropriate cost saving actions, the department will have the ability to respond to market conditions and maintain levels of service. Meanwhile, DSD will look across the department organization to examine expenditures, save money, and reallocate resources and workloads while maximizing the utilization of staff. The goal of DSD is to maintain a superior level of customer service and continue to focus on process improvements and turn-around times.
In an effort to keep everyone up to date on the department’s financial and operational status, staff has briefed Labor representatives, the Development Advisory Board, and representatives of the Homebuilders Association of Central Arizona. There have also been numerous briefing sessions with DSD staff to share this updated information and address their questions and concerns.
OTHER INFORMATION
DSD and Personnel are requesting approval of the employee severance plan used in fiscal year 2007-08. This plan calls for the use of voluntary retirements and voluntary severance to be paid only if a layoff is avoided. Voluntary retirement payments include 2 percent of base salary up to $40,000; 1 percent for the next $40,000 and .5 percent for any additional salary for each year of full-time, regular, continuous City service. (Voluntary retirements can only be made available to employees already eligible to retire.) Voluntary and involuntary severance would include 2 percent of pay for each year of full-time, continuous, regular City service with a minimum of two weeks pay guaranteed. The proposed severance package also includes, for employees who are laid off, a continuation for two months of the City portion of medical and dental insurance and assistance with resume preparation, job searches, unemployment claims and recall rights.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff requests the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee recommend City Council approval of a severance program similar to programs offered in previous reductions in force.
Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, September 4, 2008
Item 5
TO:
Thomas E. Callow, P.E.
Deputy City Manager
FROM:
Debbie Cotton
Public Transit Director
SUBJECT:
NEW FARE STRUCTURE AND FARE COLLECTION SYSTEM UPDATE
This report is in response to the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee’s request for an update on the status of the new fare structure and fare collection system for the Public Transit Department and the Phoenix Metropolitan area.
BACKGROUND
In 2005, a regional team reviewed the current farebox technologies and developed a new fare structure plan that provided for future system growth. The plan included a simplified fare structure, Smartcard functionality, sale of All-Day passes on the bus, currency and coin validation, and rolling period passes. A new regional fare structure was developed and was adopted by the Phoenix City Council in October 2005 for implementation with the new fare collection system. The same regional team also developed specifications for the new fare collection system, evaluated the proposals, and recommended award to Scheidt & Bachmann USA, Inc. A regional project team was formed to coordinate testing, installation, and implementation of the System by November 2007.
WORK COMPLETED
Installation of the new system was completed in November, and the new fare structure was implemented on December 1, 2007. Despite extensive testing performed before the system went live, there were some unexpected problems with issuing all-day passes on the buses and bill acceptance. Both problems were related to software. Passengers were not held accountable for these initial challenges and were allowed to board the bus if the farebox was not functioning with a request that they pay on their next bus. Many of the system problems that directly affected the customer in December have been corrected, and bus operators have been instructed to enforce the Council-approved fare policy.
Other system problems caused delays reporting ridership data, issuing billings, and distributing fare revenue to the regional partners. Regional ridership reports, customer billings, and fare revenue distribution are now current. However we are still having ongoing problems with reporting from the new system. As a result, we have implemented a number of work arounds to accomplish these tasks which requires more staff time than planned to complete these tasks.
In preparation for light rail operations in December, we also have been working to convert all of the existing Bus Card Plus customers to the new Platinum Smartcard. The Platinum Card replaces the old magnetic stripe style fare card with a Smartcard, which is a small device that resembles a credit card but contains an embedded microprocessor. More than 270 corporate customers have been converted to the new cards representing 79 percent of the corporate accounts and over 133,000 Smartcards. The goal is to have all corporate customers converted by the end of October well ahead of light rail operations.
There continue to be some new and ongoing challenges with completing the implementation and final acceptance of the new fare collection system. In addition to the previously mentioned reporting issues, which represent the greatest challenge, there are some software issues. These software problems are smaller in magnitude and primarily impact our contractors and regional partners and not the bus riding public. They involve items such as screens freezing on the fareboxes and having to restart the process that transfers data from and to the fareboxes. Several of the needed software updates have been developed and are in various stages of testing. Reporting issues still require more analysis and research by S&B.
NEXT STEPS
Public Transit Department staff and the regional partners will continue to test the custom reports and notify the contractor to take corrective action. Once this major issue with reporting and the other issues have been resolved, we will work with the contractor and our regional partners to start the final acceptance testing phase of the project. The regional team will not begin final acceptance testing until all issues have been addressed. We will also continue to review and update our business processes and procedures.
After final acceptance testing of the fare collection system is complete, we will work with Metro to combine the two separate bus and rail fare collection systems into one integrated system. This will allow for seamless transfer of data and additional Smartcard fare options to be evaluated and implemented.
The Regional Public Transportation Authority is hiring a consultant to work with a regional team to study various Smartcard and other fare options that could be implemented in the future. The following are potential options that may be included as part of the evaluation.
• Issue stored value Smartcards to customers that can be loaded with various fare products at fare vending machines.
• Allow the customer the option to store a fare product of their choice, cash, or a combination of both based on the customers choice. This would allow the customer to purchase a 31-day local pass and also have cash value loaded on the card should the customer board a RAPID or Express route that would require an upgraded fare to be paid.
• Evaluate the potential for installation of retail sales terminals in various transit centers and retail locations to allow customers to purchase and load fare products on Smartcards or purchase other magnetic fare media.
• Evaluate the potential for a joint agreement with a major credit card company to create a joint-use credit card/transit pass application. One card could be used for normal credit card transactions and also have the same technology on the card so the card can be used as a transit pass.
The above list is not meant to be comprehensive, and as part of the evaluation process, many more options for future Smartcard use may be evaluated. In addition, all of these options would require additional costs to add software and hardware functionality and implement enhancements to compensate for higher risk associated with automated payment processing.
RECOMMENDATION
This report is for informational purposes only. No City Council action is requested.
Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, September 4, 2008
Item 6
TO:
Thomas E. Callow, P.E.
Deputy City Manager
FROM:
Debbie Cotton
Public Transit Director
SUBJECT:
DIAL-A-RIDE UPDATE
This report provides information on the status of the regional Dial-A-Ride study.
THE ISSUE
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) requires a fixed-route service operator to provide complementary paratransit (Dial-A-Ride, or DAR) service to those who, because of a disability, are unable to use the fixed-route service. Such service must be available when and where the fixed-route service is available. The City of Phoenix exceeds this standard by providing ADA DAR service to almost the entire 518 square miles of city limits.
In March 2005, the Transportation and Seniors Subcommittee and Public Transit Department (PTD) staff began to discuss Phoenix Dial-A-Ride operations and methods to improve service delivery. In September 2005, the Transportation and Seniors Subcommittee approved staff recommendation to hire a consultant to review the Phoenix DAR system and make recommendations for improvement. The last consultant review of Phoenix DAR was completed in 1999.
Staff completed the consultant scope of work and prepared to issue the request for proposals. In the interim, Regional Public Transportation Authority (RPTA) staff requested that Phoenix join in their soon-to-begin regional DAR study. Phoenix agreed to participate in the regional study with the condition that the Phoenix DAR would be the first study phase. In September 2006, the RPTA awarded a contract to study regional paratransit (DAR) services. An overview of the first phase Phoenix DAR report was presented to the Transportation and Seniors Subcommittee in May 2007.
The Subcommittee tabled any action on the report until publication of the Regional Paratransit Study final report. The final report will be used by RPTA-member cities to determine their participation in a regional DAR service.
OTHER INFORMATION
In August 2007, the RPTA released the Regional Paratransit Study Draft Final Report. However, member cities requested additional information concerning cost estimates, implementation dates, and service reductions. The final report was presented and accepted by the RPTA Board of Directors in April 2008 as a tool to identify steps toward improvements to ADA DAR.
The following is a summary of the study’s objectives and recommendations.
Regional Program Objectives
· Standardized service policies and practices
· Improved regional travel
o Minimized transfers
o Reduced wait and ride times
· Service structured to accommodate future growth
· Actively develop travel options for seniors and riders with disabilities
· Meet service demand for all ADA trips
· Provide the ability to meet non-ADA demand (defined by local jurisdictional policies)
Study Recommendation on Regional Design
The study presents several forms of regional DAR service, concluding that the most beneficial would be that customer reservations and dispatch services are centralized.
Multiple contractors operating sub-regions (possibly in east, central, and west zones) managed by RPTA would operate and maintain all vehicles. Stated benefits of this plan are:
· A single point of contact for customers
· Simplified policies and procedures for customers
· Elimination of most transfers, making travel between sub-regions more realistically possible
· Allows for travel times that are more comparable to fixed-route buses
· Centralized scheduling functions
· Manageable service areas where contracts with multiple service providers allow competition and provide service redundancy in case of emergencies
· Elimination of duplication of some services in management and administration
Additional Recommendations
· In-person ADA eligibility determination process
· Fare-free ADA fixed-route pass (only if in-person eligibility process is implemented)
· Expanded travel training
· Expanded taxi and mileage reimbursement services
· Paratransit-to-fixed-route “feeder” service
Challenges of the Plan Outlined in the Study
· A significant restructuring of existing DAR service valleywide
· Questions on how RPTA will serve member cities’ constituents in the same manner as cities’ staffs
· RPTA would play a lead role in managing all service contracts
· A source of funding to pay for improvements, especially start up costs
RPTA Board Recommendation
On April 17, 2008, the RPTA Board of Directors moved to:
1) Accept the September 26, 2007 TranSystems Corporation Regional Paratransit Study, supplemented by the January 31, 2008 Reponses to Questions report; and
2) Concur that the Valley Metro Operating and Capitol Committee (VMOCC) Regional Paratransit Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) use the study as a tool to identify and bring recommendations to VMOCC for consideration of incremental steps toward improvements to ADA paratransit in the region. Any steps recommended by VMOCC will be referred to Financial Oversight Advisory Committee (FOAC) when appropriate.
3) Any incremental recommendations brought forward through the committee process are to be fully funded regionally. If a recommendation has an adverse effect on a member agency budget, the recommendation shall not be implemented unless approved by the member agency.
Public Transit Staff Perspective
Phoenix staff support a service delivery model that clearly demonstrates improving benefits to Phoenix residents within current and projected budgets and City Council-approved service levels. Staff are concerned that the RPTA cost estimates for regionalization of Phoenix DAR are significantly over the budget limits set forth in the Transit 2000 plan. Additional funding would need to be identified. Cost estimates differ, varying from $20.1 million to $49.0 million, for the initial year of regional operation depending on retention of same day, non-ADA service as is currently provided by Phoenix DAR.
Rather than dismiss the regional DAR study and concept, City staff recommended to RPTA that the final study be used as a tool by member cities to work toward planning a member-developed regional paratransit system with consideration given to members’ budgets and city councils. RPTA’s acceptance of this idea resulted in the creation of a members’ technical advisory committee.
VMOCC Paratransit Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Tasks
The role of the new TAC is to keep the regional DAR concept viable by actively engaging member cities’ staff to identify:
· Issues of agreement among members regarding regionalizing ADA paratransit
· Incremental steps that can be taken in the short-term
· Items and timeline to be recommended through the committee process and the Executive Director to the RPTA Board
· Items for the longer term
· Issues of disagreement and a process for reaching consensus
Items on the TAC agenda for discussion include:
· In-person eligibility determination
· Uniform regional service standards and policies
· Expanded travel training programs
· Subsidized (fare-free) bus passes for ADA-eligible riders
· Expanded taxi-based programs
· Paratransit-to-fixed-route feeder service
On August 19, 2008, the TAC approved implementation of in-person assessment as a prime component of a regional DAR. No deadlines or timelines have been set for the completion of the TAC’s work, and regular meetings began in May 2008.
Public Transit staff will return regularly to the City Council to report progress.
RECOMMENDATION
This report is for information and discussion purposes only. No Council action is requested.
Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, September 4, 2008
Item 7