VTA Advisory Board
June 25, 2015
The Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority Advisory Board met Friday, June 25, 2015 at 8:30 AM in the offices of the Transit Authority, 11 A Street, Edgartown. Present were Alice Butler (Oak Bluffs), John Alley (West Tisbury), Lenny Jason(Chilmark), June Manning (Aquinnah), Lou Paciello (Edgartown), Russell Ashton(Rider Community Representative OB), Angela Grant (VTA) and Lois Craine (VTA).
The meeting was called to order at 8:35AM.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of March 29, 2015 were tabled due to a lack of voting members present.
Financials FY15 through January 2015
Financials through May 2015 were distributed and discussed. Ms. Grant reported revenue up due to the fare increase but also an increase in riders. Purchased transportation increase reflects added in season service. Fuel costs and insurance continue to be lower in this Fiscal Year. Insurance is expected to rise in the next Fiscal Year.
Connie Teixeira (Tisbury), arrived at 9:17AM. Ms. Butler asked for a motion to now accept the minutes of March 29th 2015. Mr. Alley so moved and Mr. Paciello seconded. M/s/c.
Ridership update through May 2015
Ridership numbers by route and month were distributed and discussed. Ms. Grant pointed out that ridership, except during stormy February shows a 6.59% increase pointing towards a banner year.
RTA Study Plan update
Ms. Grant reported that the RTA study plan under way with AECOM, a consulting firm, is expected to be complete by August. Six chapters have now been reviewed and edited and are available for public comment on the VTA website. AECOM will list recommendations for some routes in three categories; Phase 1 requiring no funding, Phase 2 requiring some Capital and operational funding and Phase 3 requiring Capital and operating funding.
Capital Plan update
Ms. Grant reported on the four new low floor buses arrived. They are 96”, the first wide low floor buses available in the U.S Their wheelchair ramps are mechanically much simpler than the present lifts and next years will have ramps at both doors. In State FY 2016 the VTA will conduct a study of the feasibility of bringing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to the island. CNG powered buses run much cleaner, are better for the environment and their maintenance is simpler.
New Business
Ms. Manning advised Board Members of the ongoing sign up for license plates to support Martha’s Vineyard Community Services.
Mr. Alley asked about reminding buses at the West Tisbury Town Hall to pull up further and turn off their engines. Ms. Grant reported that the present bench will be moved to help and a second bench added.
Mr. Jason asked what has transpired since the vote on Union representation of TCI drivers. Ms. Grant responded that an appeal of the no vote was granted and will be heard in Washington with results expected in August.
Ms. Manning asked about Route 12 this peak season. Ms. Grant replied that starting July 1 the route will serve as a free park and ride between the Town lot and Menemsha in the morning for employees and also a free Sunset Bus in the evening whilst maintaining the link between route 4 and route 5 at a regular fare the rest of the day. The Town decided to issue beach parking permits to the inns so there will be no beach service.
The meeting adjourned at 9:44AM
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