| Members: | Acting Chairman Rene Barrera, Oscar Gaytan, James Harris, Jessica Wilson, Rich MacKinnon, David Patterson and Shannon Halley. |
| Visitors: | BJ Taylor, Laura Willard and Hammans Stallings |
| CMTA Staff: | John-Michael Cortez, Dottie Watkins, Kirk Talbott and Justin Marlin |
- Meeting called to order– Introduction of CSAC members, staff, and visitors
- Approval of Minutes of the June 11 CSAC Meeting. Minutes were approved with two abstentions.
- Citizens Communication – No citizens signed up to speak.
- Quarterly IT Update
Mr. Talbott reported that an internal team is planning to update the Capital Metro website. Suggestions for improvement were welcomed and it was reported that the final changes would be complete by early next year.
The ITS system (Intelligent Transportation System), which involves GPS location and communication technology, is being installed on the transit fleet. The project goal is to get more accurate, real-time location information to the public. Capital Metro is currently testing the equipment and plans to have ITS running in conjunction with the start of MetroRail service.
Improving the technology requires a uniform system of bus stop identification, which will be a specific number assigned to each stop. Making use of this new location information will depend on a critical mass of bus stop signage displaying the new location number. New signs with new location numbers will be first installed at more popular stops and expanded until all signs are updated.
Mr. Talbott reported that Capital Metro is currently rebuilding the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system. After this task is complete, an outside company will be brought in to test and diagnose any remaining problems. This testing will be followed by pairing touchtone options to all prompts where voice may be used to select an option.
Mr. Talbott reported on the status of Capital Metroblog, which was developed to better communicate with the public. The blog allows for customers to comment on important Capital Metro issues thus providing a deeper discussion of topics. A CSAC member suggested that Capital Metro may want to advertise on bus interiors the blog’s existence Capital Metro’s desire for user feedback. It was also suggested that Capital Metro explore ways to get the feedback of those who are unfamiliar with blogs or those who do not have internet access.
- Customer Satisfaction Survey Findings – John Michael Cortez
A recent survey of Fixed Route, ‘Dillo, UT Shuttle, and Express riders showed high customer satisfaction levels. It was recommended that Capital Metro do more to share the fact that most people are satisfied with the service. Areas of concern included the lack of extended hours, the interactive voice response system, and low service frequencies. This study is one way of measuring performance and can possibly be used as a baseline for evaluating future survey results. Mr. Cortez noted that since Capital Metro receives tax dollars it is important that all people, not just riders, see value in the service that Capital Metro provides.
- Update on CSAC resolutions – John Michael Cortez
Over the past several months, CSAC passed three resolutions. The first resolution supported the restructuring of the ‘Dillo. The second resolution supported the August 2008 service changes, with a review of service options in the William Cannon corridor. Subsequently, changes to the 101 and the 1M were modified to address this issue. The third resolution supported the proposed fare increase, with a simplified fare structure. Changes to the proposed fare plan included a continuation of free fares for seniors and those with a disability fare card.
Mr. Cortez also reported on the progress of MetroRapid service. Initially, two routes will operate along the North Lamar-South Congress corridor and the Burnet-South Lamar corridor. Service on outlying portions of these corridors will run on 10 minute headways, while the central section of these routes will have 5 minute headways.
- Customer Call Reports
Mr. Cortez provided a report detailing customer calls from January through May of 2008. This data was brought forward for CSAC to provide suggestion on how best to use data collected from customer calls. The process for following up on customer calls, and the use of the calls by Capital Metro was also explained to CSAC. CSAC inquired if there are any transit agencies doing interesting or innovative things with the aggregate data collected from customer call reports.
- Bylaws work session
Potential changes to bylaws were discussed during a July work session. Mr. Cortez noted that it requires a 2/3 majority of the full committee in order to revise the bylaws. Revised bylaws must then be approved by the Capital Metro board.
- Urban Transportation Committee update – Rich McKinnon – No report at this time.
- ACCESS Committee Report – David Patterson
Access completed the court-ordered mediation regarding paratransit changes. This resulted in the formation of another group to review the details of the proposed paratransit changes
- Report on Action Items – John-Michael Cortez
Mr. Cortez reported that the appointment of additional CSAC members will be on the August agenda of the Capital Metro Board of Directors.
Mr. Cortez reported that the priority of relocating a stop on Riverside drive was reduced due to upcoming service changes. The recommended stop shelter at Southpark Meadows is under construction.
Mr. Patterson noted that there are still many routes without an adequate pocket schedules on board.
- Meeting adjourned
Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority
2910 East 5th Street | Austin, Texas 78702 | (512) 389-7400
Specific Route Information | (512) 474-1200