VTA Advisory Board
Meeting Minutes
December 16, 2016
The Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority Advisory Board met Friday, December 16, 2016 at 9:00 AM in the offices of the Transit Authority, 11 A Street, Edgartown. Present were Alice Butler (Oak Bluffs), John Alley (West Tisbury), Lou Paciello (Edgartown) and Jay Grande, (Tisbury). Also present were Angela Grant (VTA) and Lois Craine (VTA). Absent was Lenny Jason (Chilmark).
The meeting was called to order at 9:12AM.
Meeting Minutes April 28, 2016
Mr. Alley moved to accept the minutes of April 28, 2016 and Mr. Paciello seconded. M/s/c.
June Manning (Aquinnah), joined the meeting at 9:17AM.
Ridership through November 2016
Ridership reports were distributed and Ms. Grant pointed out solid growth through the year with July and August at capacity. A wet Labor Day brought a slight decrease but October and November were strong.
Financials through October 2016
Financial reports through February 2016 were distributed and Ms. Grant advised that contract revenue increased and fare revenue was flat. Purchased transportation was up due to increased shoulder season service, additional route 13 service and overtime. GASB requirements meant accounting costs increased. Improvements made to the Visitors’ Center, Church Street are reflected in outside services. When completed the FY16 audit will be presented to the Board in early 2017.
Capital Plan Review
Ms. Grant reported that the Commonwealth agreed to fund paving of the remainder of the VTA lot following a visit. Four buses will be purchased this year, three 35’ and one 40’. The 40’ will be slightly wider so will be exclusive to Route 13.
Alternate Fuel Study Update
Ms. Grant reported that following the Alternate Fuel Study a visit was made to BYD Company’s manufacturing facility for electric buses and visits to three operators in California one of which will be fully electric by late 2018. Ms. Grant and Darren Morris, General Manager of TCI, were impressed by the advances in electric bus technology, especially in battery life and power storage. BYD batteries are now guaranteed for the life of the bus. Maintenance costs could be reduced by one half to two thirds. The Commonwealth has an initiative to implement alternate fuels by 2025 and will fund some infrastructure. Ms. Grant met with the Secretary of Transportation in November to discuss the electric bus project and a tentative meeting is planned in January 2017 with the addition of the MBTA. Mr. Alley moved to
allow the Administrator to proceed with securing funding for the transition to an electric fleet. Ms. Manning seconded. There were 4 votes for and one opposed (Mr. Paciello). M/s/c.
Cape Area Medivan Planning
Ms. Grant reported that the vans awarded by the Commonwealth and used by “the Lift” have not changed design consistent with trends so the VTA has issued an RFP for replacement accessible minivans, smaller vehicles in the hope of getting accessible taxis on the island. The taxi vehicles will be provided to the successful bidder at no charge for the vehicle in return for contract assurances consistent with Federal requirements, drug and alcohol, VTA training, maintenance and record keeping requirements and discounted rides for elderly, disabled and Veterans.
Ms. Craine reported that the accessible minivan will be parked in Woods Hole for off island medical trips for elderly including members of the Wampanoag Tribe, disabled and Veterans. These trips are currently made by taxi through the MVCenter4Living and are increasingly expensive lowering the number of clients served. Collaboration between groups including the Healthy Aging Task Force, MVCenter4Living, Veterans services, the Wampanoag Tribe of Aquinnah has been working towards decreasing costs and expanding access. Mr. Alley moved to allow the Administrator to pursue the Cape Area Medivan Plan including keeping the vehicle in Woods Hole. Mr. Paciello seconded M/s/c.
The meeting adjourned at 10:14AM
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