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311 Thompson noted elimination of some of the deviations created in the 1960's to 312 1980's to address current needs. 313 314 On page 18 of the plan document, Chair Cihacek noted the need to avoid 315 duplication of service (e.g. Routes 60 and 62) that was essentially the same and 316 often minutes apart from each other. Chair Cihacek asked how Metro Transit 317 addressed not having buses back to back or covering the same territory. 318 319 Mr. Thompson responded that several routes on 262 had recently been eliminated 320 when found to be within five minute of each other, while one may be faster than 321 another, but serving as an example of what was being reviewed. As further 322 economies were sought, Mr. Thompson agreed that this type of duplication could 323 not nor should it continue. However, specific to the A -Line Route 80 and Route 324 84, Mr. Thompson reported that was a different situation for several reasons, 325 including that while the A -Line is accessible for mostpeople, some could not access 326 it. In the case of the University Avenue service, Mr. Thompson reported that the 327 Green Line versus Route 16 had been down to 5% ridership before the change; and 328 those routes were continued to fill gaps for those unable to make it to the train 329 station or in this case, the A -Line Station. For Route 84, Mr. Thompson recognized 330 that was a holdover that also served the Highland area as well. 331 332 Chair Cihacek questioned if an option would be to reduce the size of the bus along 333 a certain route or to run Metro Mobility or other contracted services to fill that gap. 334 335 Mr. Thompson noted that was a question asked fairly often of Metro Transit: the 336 right -sizing of buses to meet demand. While having tried to do so to some extent, 337 Mr. Thompson advised that the real savings is in operation, whether a 25' or 40' 338 bus, with those costs not changing all that much, since 90% of the cost is for the 339 driver/operator. However, Mr. Thompson advised that Metro Transit would 340 continue looking at possible options for any economies to be found in the upcoming 341 budget situation. 342 343 Additional discussion ensued, including AVL service availability for third -party 344 apps, some of which were available through the Metro Transit site and several other 345 non -Metro Transit apps that could provide arrival times; new express Route 267 346 into Maplewood from Roseville to downtown St. Paul with western connectivity 347 across Highway 36 to I -35E; Park and Ride facilities on Cleveland Avenue/1-35W 348 and Rice Street/Highway 36; and Rosedale Center parking under future agreements 349 and policing of those areas, frequently considered sanctuaries or "Park and Hides." 350 351 Mr. Culver recognized Member Heimerl and thanked him for submitted his 352 questions in advance of tonight's meeting, with responses from Metro transit 353 provided via email to Mr. Culver. 354 Page 8 of 14