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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-07-19 Transportation Committee MinutesTRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE OPEN SESSION MEETING MINUTES JULY 19, 2016 1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 9:00 am in the Public Works Administration Conference Room. Present were Councilmember Tony DeLuca, Councilmember Dennis Dare, Councilmember Mary Knight, City Manager Douglas Miller, Mayor Rick Meehan, Hal Adkins, Jim Parsons, Wayne Pryor, Mark Rickards, Jessica Waters, Katie Tabeling, and Shawn Soper. 2. Introduction of New Transit Manager – Mark Rickards – Hal introduced Mark Rickards, newly hired Transit Manager to the Committee members. Mark then gave a brief summary to the Committee of his career in the Transit field and expressed his excitement of accepting this position and being able to come home to the area he had grown up. All welcomed Mark aboard. 3. Update on Bus Driver Status  Wayne Pryor provided the Committee with bus driver number for July 1st for the past 4 years  2013 134 Drivers  2014 119 Drivers  2015 156 Drivers  2016 145 Drivers  Numbers show that the recruitment efforts started in 2015 have helped increase the number of drivers recruited. Wayne brought to the Committee’s attention that we have had 22 drivers leave since their initial hire date for various reasons inclusive of health issues, job just not for them; let go do to performance, etc. Still feel confident that with the number of drivers still on payroll are in great shape to finish out the season.  Wayne stated that he felt that the current recruitment efforts needed to continue and suggested for next season possibly reaching out to local civic organizations in our efforts. New Transit Manager, Mark Rickards agreed that we need to be diligent in recruitment efforts and felt that his strong ties and connections in Sussex County would be an asset in future recruitment efforts.  Human Resources has already been contacted and is onboard with continued recruitment efforts.  Councilmember DeLuca asked if being low on drivers is affecting the deployment levels of the buses. Wayne answered that he does not feel that it is; because to date he is not aware of any service level complaints that have been received. Hal also stated that through the websites he has not received any emails regarding service levels of the buses; the Mayor stated the same and stated that we need to be diligent in continuing with recruitment efforts.  Mark Rickards stated that for the recruitment of bus drivers he was not sure that job fairs were the best venue; felt that reaching out to civic organizations might be more beneficial in recruitment efforts.  Hal brought to the Committee’s attention that he knew that other departments were also having issues with applicants to fill seasonal positions such as the Maintenance Dept., Police Dept. and Beach Patrol and would like to reach out to the business community to see if recruitment was also an Issue for them as well this season. 4. Update on Bus Deployment  Wayne Pryor informed the Committee that he had been analyzing ridership numbers and that for the past seven years that had been a decrease in ridership; last year, with the increased deployments and public awareness, there was a 1.3% increase. For the month of June is appears ridership decreased by ½ percent from last June. The three highest ridership days in the month of June for the current year were June 6th through 8th. The numbers show that compared to last year the ridership for the Airshow was down a bit and the first three days of June were down as well, weather may have been a factor for the decrease.  Councilmember DeLuca suggested that we add an additional column to the ridership spreadsheet denoting the weather.  Per Wayne, so far in July the ridership is down about 4% from last year. We are trying to analyze ridership by shift and deploy the appropriate number of buses based on the ridership need to be more efficient and have right number of buses on the road to avoid empty buses running.  There was a 1.6% increase in sales of “Play It Safe” wristbands this year as compared to last. We did add the Convention Center as an additional facility to purchase these wristbands. The wristbands were sponsored this year by “OC Screams” and they have given indication that they would like to consider being next year’s sponsor as well. The most popular place to purchase the wristbands was the Police Department; wristbands were also sold at City Hall and Northside Park.  Wayne informed the Committee that the revenue projection in the budget for the wristband sales was right on.  Wayne pointed out to the Committee that when looking at deployments; having an artic bus deployed is equivalent to having two regular buses deployed.  Councilmember DeLuca acknowledge that having an artic bus deployed was equivalent to 2 for 1; however he also noted that the last couple of days this week the deployments were down 19% and 18%. Wayne stated that they have been trying to put the right number of buses on the highway based on ridership numbers and that these numbers have been drilled down by shift to analyze need; as well as utilizing the AVL to analyze deployment needs.  Wayne stated that the Committee a year or so ago had wanted to see a 20% increase in deployment; and that number had been meant; however now trying to be financially feasible the department is working on better analysis of ridership numbers and AVL technology showing peak times to decide number of deployments needed to meet the need.  Wayne stated that he felt that any decrease from the 20% deployments has not caused any issues; as we have not received any complaints to his knowledge regarding the service levels of the transit system.  Mayor Meehan stated that he felt the increase in reliability of the transit system; translates to an increase in ridership.  Councilmember DeLuca asked if the Transportation Department could tell when a bus reached a bus stop and could not load all passengers waiting at that stop. Wayne stated that they were aware when these instances occur; both by notification from drivers over the radio and by viewing the AVL. In these cases another bus is dispatched to pick up the residual riders. Wayne suggested that at a future Transportation Committee Meeting be held in the AVL office so that the Committee could see firsthand the AVL operation.  Mark Rickards added that the technology for transit systems has become quite advanced in recent years. Mayor Meehan brought up that the Committee had started working toward a “Next Bus” system a few years ago which has not come to fruition to date.  Mayor Meehan suggested that one of Mark’s goals as new Transit Manager is to work toward getting some type of “Next Bus” system implemented for next year; and to look into any type of grant funding available to the Town for such a system. 5. Update on Bus Advertising and Tram Advertising – Hal asked the Committee to look at the sales spreadsheet for the Trams in comparison to that of the buses and note that it appears the bulk of the Tram sales is to Government/Public agencies and not the private business sector.  Wayne Pryor stated that he feels that there is a competing interest between bus and tram advertising and that there is a finite number of revenue dollars available for both; approximately $335,000 per year.  Wayne also pointed out that the Tram advertising is being heavily utilized by Government/Public Information agencies, i.e. “stop smoking”, Zika Virus, Health Dept. ads. etc. Hal stated that of the 48 available advertising spaces on the Trams that the majority of them are sold to such agencies; there are only 6 Tram ads to private businesses.  Transportation stays in close contact with Direct Media regarding advertising sales; Susan Maex is still working at selling ads. Two new bus advertisements were installed yesterday. For FY’16 revenue for Tram advertising will exceed the projected budget; the advertising revenue for the buses will fall slightly short of the projected budget.  Mayor Meehan asked to continue to work diligently toward increasing the pool of advertisers; especially private business. 6. Update on Tram Revenue & Credit Card Sales – Hal informed the Committee that used of credit cards for Tram payment is increasing.  Wayne told the Committee that the use of credit cards for Tram rides is gaining momentum and that the staff likes the ease of processing credit card.  In June – 10% of Tram revenue dollars was taken by credit card at the back of the tram and 8% paid for with credit card at the ticket booth. 18% of total tram revenue credit card sales for June.  In July through July 10th – 11.3% of Tram revenue was paid with credit card payments at the back of the Tram and 8.8% of Tram revenue was collected through credit card payments at the ticket booth.  Mayor Meehan asked that Jessica Waters work to continue to get the word out to the public regarding credit card payment ability for riding Boardwalk Tram.  Councilmember Dare stated that when manning the information booth on the Boardwalk; he frequently gets asked by people how to get on the Tram. Dennis suggest that we possibly run some form of advertisement on how to ride the Tram; logo suggestion “Raise your hand to ride the Tram”.  Wayne Pryor suggested possibly advertising how to ride the Tram on the public access channel.  Mayor Meehan suggested that Jessica Waters start working on a video that will explain to people how to ride the Tram utilizing the logo “Raise your hand to ride the Tram”. 7. Overview of Recent Transit Facility Upgrades – Wayne provided pictures to the Committee on the Transit Facility upgrades completed to date. Wayne also pointed out that the Transit facilities are a direct reflection on the Town and that we need to continue to make certain that we continue to maintain funding to continue maintenance on these facilities.  Hal pointed out that the 144th Street Transit Center still has some salt treated wood that has not been painted yet; and informed the Committee that it would be painted; however the wood has to cure some first.  Wayne also pointed out that some of the upgrades made the facilities more energy efficient.  Mayor Meehan requested that the Transit Facility Upgrade pictures be submitted with the minutes to be included in the Mayor and Council agenda packet. 8. Adjourn – Councilmember DeLuca motioned to adjourn the open session at 9:46 am; Councilmember Knight seconded the motion, vote was unanimous. Adjourned to Closed Session to discuss legal issues. 9. Synopsis/Action Items  Committee was introduced to newly hired Transit Manager, Mark Rickards by Hal. Mark gave a brief overview of his education and background in Transit.  Update on driver status – to date currently have 145 drivers on payroll. Lost 22 drivers this season to date for various reasons; health, job not for them, etc.  Department needs to stay diligent on recruitment; look into local civic organization for possible recruitment opportunities.  Hal brought up that other departments in City are having recruitment issues this season and questions whether the business community is experiencing the same.  Trend for past seven years was decrease in ridership on buses; last year ridership figures were up 1.3%.  There was a 1.6% increase in the sale of “Play it Safe” wristbands this year. The wristbands were sponsored this year by “OC Screams” and they have expressed interest in possible sponsorship of them again next year. Wristbands sales meant project FY’16 budget.  Mayor Meehan asked that Mark Rickards start looking into possible funding and implementation of a “Next Bus” system for next year.  Wayne Pryor, Hal Adkins and Mayor Meehan all stated that they were not aware of any complaints received this year regarding issues with service levels of our Transit System. Deployments seem to be meeting passenger needs; department is actively working to be financially responsible and have the right number of buses on the highway for passenger levels.  For FY’16 revenue for Tram advertising will exceed the projected budget; the revenue for bus advertising will fall slightly short of the projected budget. When looking at the advertising; it is apparent that the advertisers on the Trams are more Government/Public entities and the advertisers on the buses are more private businesses. Mayor Meehan asked to continue to work diligently toward increasing our pool of advertisers for both Tram and Bus.  The use of credit cards to ride the Boardwalk Tram is gaining momentum. In June 18% of total Tram revenue was paid with credit cards and through July 10th about 20.1% of total revenue was paid with credit cards.  Councilmember Dare stated that a frequent question asked of him when he is working the information booth on the Boardwalk is how to board the Boardwalk Tram. We need to get more publicity to the public on procedures for boarding the Tram. Dennis suggested logo “Raise your hand to ride the Tram”; Committee liked this logo. Mayor Meehan suggested that Jessica Waters start working on a video promoting the Tram and how to ride the Tram with the logo “raise your hand to ride the Tram”.  Hal and Wayne Pryor updated the Committee on the Transit Facility repairs and showed before and after pictures of the facilities. Wayne pointed out that the Transit Facilities are a direct reflection on the Town and that we need to continue to make efforts to maintain maintenance funding for these facilities.  Mayor Meehan requested that the next Transportation Committee meeting be held in the AVL office; Hal will be emailing Committee members with dates for next meeting.