Stakeholder And Community Engagement Summary

Transcription

1 1. Introductions DSATS Transit Subcommittee Monday, 23 January :00 A.M. DeKalb County Highway Department 1826 Barber Green Rd. DeKalb, IL Conference Room # Approval Of Agenda Approval of the January 2016 Transit Subcommittee Agenda. Approval Of Minutes Approval of the November 28, 2016 Transit Subcommittee Minutes. Documents: DSATS_TS1116_Meeting Minutes.pdf Public Comments TDP Update SRF has prepared a document detailing their efforts thus far. The following items will be presented for discussion by SRF: Documents: DeKalb TDP Update.pdf 5.A. 5.B. 5.C. Stakeholder And Community Engagement Summary Summary Of Passenger Counts Funding Opportunities 6. Updated TDP Schedule SRF submitted a data request list in October. Several data request items remain outstanding, and SRF is requesting an extension to the TDP schedule. Members are asked to review the attached list and determine how soon the remaining data can be delivered to SRF in order to determine a revised schedule. Documents: SRF Data Request List.pdf Additional Business Adjourn

2 If you have any questions regarding this notice, please contact: Brian Dickson Jessica Hyink Transportation Planner Assistant Transportation Planner Assistive and Language Services provided upon request.

3 DSATS Transit Subcommittee Meeting TRANSIT SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING 28 NOVEMBER :00 A.M. MEETING MINUTES MEETING # TS1116 ATTENDANCE City of DeKalb (1 votes): Tim Holdeman City of Sycamore (1 votes): not present DeKalb County (1 vote): Donna Moulton NIU (1 vote): John Heckmann NIU SA (1 vote): not present VAC (1 vote): Ellen Rogers, Paul LaLonde, Leah Jordal Kishwaukee College (1 vote): Nancy Partch IDOT Planning & Programming (non-voting): not present DSATS Staff: Jessica Hyink Others Present: Mona Elabbady, Joseph Kapper, Jacob Knight, Bob Bourne (BOLD indicates main voting member. Italics indicates proxy voting member.) CALL TO ORDER Chair Moulton called the meeting to order and established a quorum at 9:00 a.m. Introduction of members present was made. 1. Approval of Agenda Motion #TS : A motion was made by Ms. Rogers to approve the November 28 th meeting agenda. Second by Mr. Holdeman and approved by unanimous voice vote. 2. Approval of Agenda Motion #TS : A motion was made by Ms. Rogers to approve the October 24 th minutes. Second by Mr. Holdeman and approved by voice vote. 3. Public Comment There was no public comment. DSATS_TS1116_meeting minutes Page 1 of 3

4 DSATS Transit Subcommittee Meeting 4. Draft TDP Goals SRF began their presentation. Ms. Elabbady said her team reviewed previous DSATS plans and member organization documents related to the Transit Development Plan (TDP). She noted most goals in the previous DSATS TDP have yet to be implemented, and SRF is looking at the barriers as to why some recommendations have not been implemented. SRF provided an overview of the draft TDP goals they developed. Goal themes include consistent data collection, performance measures, needs assessments, expansion of service, and improved cohesion, coordination, and customer service. Mr. Heckmann suggested there should be greater emphasis on technology and inter-community connections beyond just Elburn. Discussion was held on technology being incorporated as a goal. SRF said technology would be given greater emphasis in goals 2 and 7. Ms. Elabbady also confirmed intercommunity connection recommendations will include more than just Elburn. 5. TDP Outline Mr. Kapper presented the draft DSATS TDP outline SRF developed based on the Eau Claire TDP and previous DSATS TDP. The outline included an introduction to establish the project and goals, a system overview to analyze existing conditions, a comparison of peer systems to compare characteristics with other systems, stakeholder input to engage the community, transit system observations to establish a baseline, and recommendations to determine how to DSATS should proceed. The recommendations will include a five-year implementation plan on not just what could be done, but also how the recommendations can be implemented. Discussion was held on other student systems such as in Bloomington-Normal, Decatur and Macomb. Ms. Partch asked Mr. Bourne if he knew of any other community colleges who offer transit. Mr. Bourne said it s rare for a community college to participate in transit. Mr. Kapper confirmed all recommendations will be tied back to goals and objectives. 6. Data Collection Update Mr. Knight presented on how SRF has partnered with a firm to conduct the on/off passenger counts. In addition to the counts, SRF will also review schedule adherence. Ms. Hyink provided an update on the off bus survey. She said response is very good from NIU, but participation from the community is lacking and needs promotion from DSATS member organizations. Ms. Hyink said items are still needed from the SRF data request summary. She requested members review the list and provide an update as soon as possible. 7. Stakeholder Engagement SRF discussed their stakeholder engagement efforts for the week. These efforts include a focus group for human service providers held at the Blank Slate Room and open houses held at NIU, Taylor Street Plaza, and the Legislative Center Gathertorium. The boards to be used at the open houses were presented. DSATS_TS1116_meeting minutes Page 2 of 3

5 DSATS Transit Subcommittee Meeting 8. Additional Business SRF asked if anyone had any thoughts on the opportunities, strengths, and weaknesses of the current system. Ms. Moulton said that living wage positions at the Park 88 corridor aren t accessible through public transit. Mr. Holdeman said leaders need to be informed and a review of VAC funding levels is needed. Mr. Bourne encouraged members not to reduce local support for transit. ADJOURNMENT Motion #TS : A motion was made to adjourn at 11:08 a.m. by Ms. Partch. Second by Ms. Rogers and approved by voice vote. Submitted By: Jessica Hyink and Leah Jordal Date Approved: [Publish Date] DSATS_TS1116_meeting minutes Page 3 of 3

6 DeKalb Region Transit Development Plan DSATS Transit Subcommittee January 23, 2017 In Collaboration with: Bourne Transit Consulting, LLC 1

7 Agenda 1. Stakeholder and Community Engagement Summary 2. Summary of Passenger Counts 3. Funding Opportunities 2

8 Stakeholder and Community Engagement Summary Open Houses NIU: Holmes Student Center Lobby Monday, Nov. 28; 2:00-4:00 p.m. DeKalb: Taylor Street Plaza Tuesday, Nov. 29; 1:00-3:00 p.m. Sycamore: Legislative Center Tuesday, Nov. 29; 5:00-7:00 p.m. Stakeholder Meetings NIU IDOT Human Service Providers Kishwaukee College 3

9 Open House Themes NIU Huskie Line Lack of, or incorrect information On-time performance issues Evening and weekend service expansion On-campus coverage: Good Off-campus coverage: Needs improvement Satisfied, overall TransVAC Lack of, or incorrect information On-time performance issues Evening and weekend service expansion Confusion barrier to riding Capacity inconsistencies Better frequency desired Coordination with NIU Connection to regional medical services 4

10 How well do current transit services meet travel needs in the community? Why or why not? Very well Meets only basic needs Not very well NIU Community For people who rely on transit? For students? For commuters? For visitors?

11 Do you agree with the following statements? NIU I agree Neutral I disagree Community I feel safe walking to and from the bus The bus gets me to where I want to go It is easy to understanding how to ride the bus I can easily access information about bus routes and schedules There are usually seats available on the bus Bus drivers provide good customer service

12 Regional Trip Origins and Destinations Kish Hospital: Improve frequency, stop location, transfers Better connections between DeKalb and Sycamore Sticky Notes Collected Target/ Walmart Shopping Area on Sycamore Rd Connection to Park 88 employment opportunities Downtown DeKalb Connection to Rockford, Elburn, regional medical services 7

13 Do you ride the Huskie Line bus? Why or why not? The reasons I ride NIU Saves students money on gas Provides alternatives for students Bus is safer than driving in winter Winter weather No car (x2) Shopping No license, disabled Surface parking is too expensive Share vehicle with partner Free for students Safe Shopping Community Many convenient stops Free for students and staff The reasons I don t ride NIU Drive to campus (x4) Live next to campus Environmental considerations Commuter (x2) Own a car Takes too long Trip to Walmart requires long wait time Prefer to walk (x3) Community Doesn t accept Medicare card Requires a long-distance walk Too many people Unsure how it works or where to get information 8

14 Do you ride the TransVAC bus? Why or why not? The reasons I ride NIU Pleasant alternative to driving Access to job at Jewel The reasons I don t ride NIU Difficult to ride on holidays Unfamiliar with schedule, route, stops Community Shopping and groceries Medical appointments To visit friends Affordable Flex route will deviate from planned stops Car repair Medical appointments in and out of town Community Doesn t run late enough Limits on bags Own a car Get rides from others Unsure of the pick-up times Doesn t cover the places I need to go Unfamiliar with route and schedule Unreliable, often late Hard to understand Doesn t go to Rockford Prefer to walk 9

15 Given financial constraints, how would you prioritize transit service improvements? Distribute your stickers among the different improvement categories, in any combination, based on your transit improvement priorities Frequency More buses per hour Span Run buses earlier and later Coverage Buses serve a larger area Travel Time Improved speed and reliability Amenities Benches, shelters, heat, etc. Information Schedules, maps, etc. Other Please indicate NIU 14 -Evenings -Weekends -Peaks -Route Holidays -Night classes -Weekends 8 -Campus buildings 5 -More punctual -Weekend service is slow 5 -Staying dry and warm 2 1 -Quality of buses Community 9-30-minute service -Greater capacity 9 -Weekends -Evenings -Holidays 10 -Elburn -Rockford 4 -On-time performance 4 -Paved surfaces at stops -Protection from elements 4 -Scheduling and dispatch -Precise times 4 -Park-and-ride serving CHI -Huskie Line and VAC fare difference 10

16 Summary of Passenger Counts Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 28 and 29 Observation Summary Statistics 11 routes 143 trips 78 service hours 1,809 boardings 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Routing and schedule information posted online is often incorrect On-time performance varies greatly Routes 3 and 5 perform very well; routes 4, 6, 8R, and Blue perform poorly Routing inefficiencies and underutilized stops Capacity exists 11

17 Summary of Passenger Counts Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 28 and 29 Route Cycle (minutes) Daily Scheduled Observed Span Trips Revenue Hours Performance Daily Scheduled Observed (n) Observed (%) Daily Scheduled Observed (n) Observed (%) Observed Boardings Passengers per Revenue Hour* Observed Maximum Trip Load Vehicle Capacity (Seats) 3R 20 7:00A-5:50P 7:30A-1:00P % % L 20 7:00A-9:00P 9:20A-1:00P % % /20 7:00A-8:00P 7:20A-8:00P % % R 30 7:00A-6:30P 7:10A-5:40P % % L 30 7:00A-6:30P 7:30A-1:30P % % :00A-8:00P 7:30A-1:30P % % R 45 8:00P-11:45P 8:00P-11:45P % % L 30 8:00P-11:45P 8:00P-11:45P % % :00P-12:00A 8:00P-12:00A % % GREEN 60 7:00A-9:00P 7:45A-7:45P % % BLUE 60 7:00A-9:00P 8:00A-8:15P % % % % 1, *Typically, passengers per revenue hour below 20 is cause for further evaluation 12

18 TransVAC Weekday Green and Blue Lines 13

19 14

20 15

21 Huskie Line Weekday Routes 3, 4, 5, and 6 16

22 17

23 18

24 19

25 20

26 21

27 22

28 23

29 Huskie Line Weeknight Routes 8R and 9L 24

30 25

31 26

32 Funding Opportunities Downstate Operating Assistance Program (DOAP) appropriation is dedicated to City of DeKalb DOAP covers 65% of operating expenses currently under-matched NIU investment in Huskie Line is not reported to FTA/IDOT, and could potentially leverage additional investment into regional public transit Using full DOAP appropriation Qualifying for FTA Small Transit Intensive Cities program (STIC) 27

33 EXAMPLE FUNDING SCENARIO DeKalb County Rural Transit Service TransVAC City of DeKalb / DSATS INCREASED DOAP FUNDING Urban Downstate Operating Assistance (City of DeKalb) Rural Downstate Operating Assistance (DeKalb County) Urban Transit Service NIU INCREASED FEDERAL FUNDING (STIC) FTA Section 5307 FTA Section Data Reporting Funding Operations

34 DeKalb Regional Transit Development Plan Data Request Summary October 19, 2016 Where applicable, please provide the following data and information pertaining to TransVAC and NIU Huskie Line: GIS Data To complete market analysis, demographic analysis, and route planning we are requesting the following GIS geodatabase or shapefiles if they are available: Project setting High density housing Retail centers Schools Hospitals and medical clinics Employment density Civic facilities, major government service centers Population Population below poverty level or low-income individuals Minority population Zero vehicle households Population over 65 Transit System Information Each Huskie Line fixed route as unique line work TransVAC Routes Bus stop inventory o Specific location and, where possible, orientation (e.g, near-side, far-side, mid-block) and amenities (shelter locations, etc.) ADA paratransit service boundary MPO planning area/urbanized area Transit System Data Electronic copies of route schedules

35 October 21, 2016 Page 2 Detailed vehicle inventory (age, make/model, seating capacity, mileage, condition, active vs. spare) Transit service change history at the route and/or system level within last 5 years Staff listing and organizational chart Operations Data Annual system-wide data for the previous five years Ridership Revenue miles Revenue hours Operating expenses Farebox and program revenue IDOT grant applications or financial reports Route data for Huskie Line and TransVAC from a month when NIU is in session (April 2016 or October 2015); the following measures, by route, where applicable Ridership by route by time of day Revenue miles Revenue hours Passenger revenues On-time performance Lift/ramp usage Layover location University and College data List of residential addresses and/or zip codes of students, staff, and employees of NIU and Kishwaukee Community College Campus master plans Financial reports from Huskie Line to NIU for the previous five years