| Members: | Acting Chairman Rene Barrera, Oscar Gaytan, Roger Cauvin, Kirk Royal, James Harris, Jessica Wilson, Rich MacKinnon, David Patterson, Mark Sze-To |
| Visitors: | Lee Hill, Boone Blocker, BJ Taylor |
| CMTA Staff: | John-Michael Cortez, Dottie Watkins, Randy Hume |
- Introduction of CSAC members, staff, and visitors
- Approval of Minutes for May 1, 2008 CSAC Meeting – Motion to approve minutes passed 6-0. Roger Cauvin and Oscar Gaytan abstaining.
- Citizens Communication
- Boone Blocker took issue with the manner in which STS clients were informed of proposed Paratransit changes. Mr. Blocker indicated that the STS fare is too low for the exceptional service provided by Cap Metro, and he is encouraged by the efforts of Councilmember Martinez to find a compromise regarding the proposed changes.
- Proposed Fare Adjustment – John-Michael Cortez
- Mr. Cortez provided a presentation on Cap Metro’s revised proposal for a fare increase based upon feedback from community on previous proposal. Mr. Cortez reviewed the need for a fare increase. Mr. Patterson suggested that CSAC members attend upcoming public meetings regarding the proposed fare adjustment and report back to the committee. Mr. Cortez then reviewed the revised proposal for fares, including an option for zone fares. Mr. Cauvin indicated his main concern is not with the fare amount, but the convenience to the rider; and that passes and the fare structure should be easy to understand. Mr. Patterson expressed concern for the costs of handling coins and the amount of time fare collection requires. Mr. Barrera asked for information about what other cities charged for Rideshare services – staff will provide information at a later date. Mr. Harris suggested that the Airport Flyer also be considered for an additional premium charge. Mr. Hill inquired as to the membership of the Local Government Approval Committee (LGAC), this information will be distributed via email. Mr. Hill suggested that Cap Metro not introduce zone fairs on fixed route bus service, and had concerns with the fare increase public notices.
- Mr. Patterson moved to adopt a resolution in favor of a fare increase in principle (attached), seconded by Mr. Cauvin. Mr. Cauvin added a friendly amendment regarding encouragement of a fare structure that is as simple as possible for existing and potential new riders. Friendly amendment accepted by Mr. Patterson. Motion passed 7-2-0 (MacKinnon/Harris – Nay)
- Messrs. Mackinnon and Harris noted that their vote against the motion is to indicate support for the fare increase as proposed by Cap Metro staff.
- Discussion and Possible Action on Proposed Paratransit Changes
- Cortez reminded the Committee of the status of the proposed Paratransit changes. Mr. Cortez provided additional information on the proposed changes as well as a peer review on eligibility determination.
- Mr. Patterson reported that the ACCESS subcommittee is meeting with Councilmember Martinez on this issue.
- The Committee requested that postponement of any consideration of this item until the next meeting.
- Subcommittee Reports:
- CSAC Bylaws
- A committee will try to meet in the near future.
- Officer Nominations Committee
- A committee will try to meet in the near future.
- CSAC Bylaws
- Report from Urban Transportation Commission – Rich MacKinnon
- Mr. Mackinnon provided a report on the previous UTC meeting, including items regarding bicycle connectivity at the Mueller development and an easement vacation.
- Report from ACCESS Committee – David Patterson
- Mr. Patterson reported that a resolution regarding IVR was passed as well as a resolution concerning Sunday bus service to the Greyhound station.
- A report from staff on the interaction between Cap Metro and the City of Austin regarding street closures was provided.
- Mr. Patterson indicated that the schedule information at the Northcross transit center is out of date and unreadable.
- Report on Action Items – John-Michael Cortez
- Include a summary of Customer Call Reports in CSAC members’ meeting materials. – No Report
- Continue recruitment of additional CSAC members. – No report.
- Report on status of stop and service requests from CSAC meeting attendees.
- Relocation of stop on Riverside Drive. – Awaiting installation of bollards on Riverside Drive
- Stop shelter at Southpark Meadows – Pending
- Tracking of pocket schedules availability on buses and at transit centers – No report.
- CSAC preview of MetroRail – In progress
- Report on number of accidents on Congress Ave. stops due to vehicles making right turns from center lanes in front of stopped buses – No report
- New/Other Business
- Mr. Cortez indicated that space at City Hall will be available for the foreseeable future for CSAC meetings.
- Mr. Patterson asked for a report on inappropriate behavior on buses.
- Mr. Mackinnon would like to discuss the Google maps that were recently added to the Cap metro website. Mr. Cortez suggested incorporating this item in a future Technology Update.
- Acting Chair Barrera indicated an interest in a subcommittee to examine alignments for future rail service.
- Mr. Cauvin would like a future discussion on how Cap Metro can partner with popular destinations for marketing purposes.
- Mr. Patterson will submit resolutions passed at ACCESS for consideration at CSAC.
- Discussion of future agenda items and issues
- Quarterly Information Technology Update – August
- MetroRail connectors
- Downtown Transfer Center
- Vehicle Maintenance
- Pedestrian Safety Initiative - MacKinnon
- Standards for Amenities Placement
- Public Involvement Process for Service Changes
- Adjourn
WHEREAS the Customer Satisfaction Advisory Committee (CSAC) serves as an advisory body to the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors, as outlined in the Transportation Code, Subtitle K. “Mass Transportation”, Section § 451.109 “Advisory Committee;” and
WHEREAS, CSAC reviews, studies, and makes recommendations to the Capital Metro Board of Directors; and
WHEREAS, CSAC receives and studies member and citizen comments and suggestions in all areas of Capital Metro operations, including but not limited to route planning, facility design and operation, customer service, marketing, budgeting, purchasing, and special projects;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that CSAC supports in principle a fare increase for the continued financial and service viability of Capital Metro; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, CSAC encourages a fare structure as simple as possible for existing and potential future riders.
Adopted this __11th __ day of __June___, 2008
_____________________________
Rene Barrera, CSAC Acting-Chair
Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority
2910 East 5th Street | Austin, Texas 78702 | (512) 389-7400
Specific Route Information | (512) 474-1200