Transit Advisory Board Meeting
Documenter name: Nancy Davis
Agency: Wichita City - Transit Advisory Board
Date: Nov. 20, 2024
See more about this meeting at Documenters.org
Notes
The Zoom link on the Meeting agenda did not function. The meeting ID number was invalid, so I was not able to attend via Zoom. Telephone participation was limited, unable to access presentations, handouts, or visuals.
Board Members:
Ben Blankley, Eddy Brotemarkle, Rosa Cisneros, Diana Edmiston, Nick Hoheisel, Jason Jantz, Emily Martin, Craig Perbeck, Susie Santo, Justin Shore, Derek Sorrells
Network Plan Update:
Recommendations for the new Network Plan are being drafted but need more public input. A survey launched in September has only 10 responses. There has been other public outreach and so far, there have been no negative responses.
Drafts of new network recommendations will go to the City Council at a later date.
Service routes will be updated to align with the new transit hub, with recommendations provided to improve service hours, reliability, and efficiency.
Emphasis is on providing direct service to key destinations like grocery stores and medical facilities, as discussed in the September meeting. Efforts prioritize riders with disabilities and the elderly, with new crosstown routes planned, particularly in the south side of the city.
Short term goals focus on alignment rather than expansion, including decreased travel times and increased efficiency. Long term goals are to expand service hours and routes based on funding and public response.
Next steps include continuing to collect feedback on the Plan. Updated routes can be found on the website. The plan will also be presented to the City Council for consideration and a final report to the Board.
The website will be updated by the end of the week. Transit Network Plan:
Q: Do we have a “one-pager” comparison of Wichita Transit compared to other similar cities?
A: Yes, that was included in the “State of the System” report. There also was a peer review of other cities. We have to consider limitations, funding, and public feedback.
A one-page summary of services will be prepared.
Q: Can temporary bus stops be added to routes to accommodate construction and other obstructions? The Contractor could pay for signage.
A: Yes, temporary stops exist to test new routes and for construction mitigation. This is important for advance notice, promotion and good signage. Also, routes must ensure ADA compliance, good access to the stop and to the bus.
Financial Update (presenter not identified)
October 2024 expenses were up 59.4% over October 2023 due to increases in capital and grant related expenses.
The purchase of an optical electrical band totaled $3M.
Monthly expenses decreased including fuel and maintenance.
Revenue is down 0.5% over 2023.
Q: What is the status of new electric vehicles?
A: New EV buses will be road ready in January 2025. They are currently developing a schedule cycle for charging.
Director Report: Penny Fiest
Employee vacancy is at 12%:
Bus drivers
Van drivers
Mechanics: Diesel and EV
2 intern positions
3 administrative positions—a new analyst will start next week.
The department is focused on a partnership with WSU Tech and Butler County Community College to recruit new mechanics from their programs. A member of the Board suggested including Cowley County Community College as well.
Ridership is good. It is projected to be one million riders for 2024. The total was 1.3 million in 2023. Statistics are a bit off due to the cyber-attack in May which shut down the City system.
City Council approved an expenditure of American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds for a minivan to serve disabled and elderly riders.
Hub Update: No update today. A progress meeting is scheduled for later today.
Q: What is the status of software updates for ridership?
A: The current software contract is for 2 more years. They will demo new software in preparation for the update. They will also try to consolidate functions and reporting.
A team of staff visited Phoenix recently and were impressed by their transit system which includes light rail and WAYMO (autonomous automobiles).
Q: Is transit part of the City parking plan discussions?
A: Yes, it is. It was included in the 4-hour discussion at the City Council meeting last night.
Old Business
There was discussion of implementing the no smoking policy at the transit station. Signage is in place and smokers are being directed to smoking areas off the platform and 10 feet away from the building. So far there have been no issues.
Announcements
A MOU has been put in place with the International Rescue Committee for additional funding for 2025 to continue the program of providing 6-month bus passes for newcomers so they can access key destinations such as grocery stores and medical facilities.
Meeting Adjourned: 10:45
Wichita Transit Advisory Board: https://www.wichita.gov/1474/Wichita-Transit-Advisory-Board
Summary
1. The Transit Network Plan is well underway and new draft routes and other recommendations should be completed by the end of the year.
2. The Transit Authority had an almost 60% increase in expenses this year while revenue was essentially the same as last year.
3. The Newcomers Bus Six Month Bus Pass program will continue next year with additional funding provided by the International Rescue Committee.
If you believe anything in these notes is inaccurate, please email us at dhaslam@kansasleadershipcenter.org with "Correction Request" in the subject line.