2017-03-28_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Thompson noted elimination of some of the deviations created in the 1960's to 1980's to address current needs. On page 18 of the plan document, Chair Cihacek noted the need to avoid duplication of service (e.g. Routes 60 and 62) that was essentially the same and often minutes apart from each other. Chair Cihacek asked how Metro Transit addressed not having buses back to back or covering the same territory. Mr. Thompson responded that several routes on 262 had recently been eliminated when found to be within five minute of each other, while one may be faster than another, but serving as an example of what was being reviewed. As further economies were sought, Mr. Thompson agreed that this type of duplication could not nor should it continue. However, specific to the A -Line Route 80 and Route 84, Mr. Thompson reported that was a different situation for several reasons, including that while the A -Line is accessible for most people, some could not access it. In the case of the University Avenue service, Mr. Thompson reported that the Green Line versus Route 16 had been down to 5% ridership before the change; and those routes were continued to fill gaps for those unable to make it to the train station or in this case, the A -Line Station. For Route 84, Mr. Thompson recognized that was a holdover that also served the Highland area as well. Chair Cihacek questioned if an option would be to reduce the size of the bus along a certain route or to run Metro Mobility or other contracted services to fill that gap. Mr. Thompson noted that was a question asked fairly often of Metro Transit: the right -sizing of buses to meet demand. While having tried to do so to some extent, Mr. Thompson advised that the real savings is in operation, whether a 25' or 40' bus, with those costs not changing all that much, since 90% of the cost is for the driver/operator. However, Mr. Thompson advised that Metro Transit would continue looking at possible options for any economies to be found in the upcoming budget situation. Additional discussion ensued, including AVL service availability for third -party apps, some of which were available through the Metro Transit site and several other non -Metro Transit apps that could provide arrival times; new express Route 267 into Maplewood from Roseville to downtown St. Paul with western connectivity across Highway 36 to I -35E; Park and Ride facilities on Cleveland Avenue/I-35W and Rice Street/Highway 36; and Rosedale Center parking under future agreements and policing of those areas, frequently considered sanctuaries or "Park and Hides." Mr. Culver recognized Member Heimerl and thanked him for submitted his questions in advance of tonight's meeting, with responses from Metro transit provided via email to Mr. Culver. Page 8 of 14