AGENDA TRANSPORTATION PROFESSIONALS ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TPAC) MEETING

Transcription

1 AGENDA TRANSPORTATION PROFESSIONALS ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TPAC) MEETING Thursday, April 12, :30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. Access Services Headquarters 3449 Santa Anita Avenue, 3rd Floor Council Chamber Room El Monte CA, TPAC MISSION STATEMENT Through our diversity and expertise in the transportation industry, the Transportation Professionals Advisory Committee provides the Access Board our perspective, advice, and advocacy with an understanding of the community, environment, and regulations. TPAC promotes innovative, cost effective and high quality specialized transportation solutions. Time Item Item Description Disposition Pages 1. Call to Order Action 2. Introductions Approve February 9, 2012 Meeting Minutes Action Staff Report Information 5 6. General Public Comment Information 1

2 5 7. Report from Board of Directors Information TAP Card Program Update Information Proposed PCA Policy on Access Free Fare Program Possible Action TPAC Officer Elections Action New Business Raised Subsequent to the Posting of the Agenda Possible Action 12. Adjournment Action Access Services does not discriminate on the basis of disability. Accordingly, Access Services seeks to ensure that individuals with disabilities will have an equal opportunity to participate in the range of Access Services events and programs by providing appropriate auxiliary aids and services to facilitate communication. In determining the type of auxiliary aids and services for communication that will be provided, primary consideration is given to the request of the individual with disabilities. However, the final decision belongs to Access Services. To help ensure availability of those auxiliary aids and services you require, please make every effort to notify Access Services of your request at least three (3) business days (72 hours) prior to the meeting in which you wish to utilize those aids or services. You may do so by contacting (213) Note: ASI board meetings are held pursuant to the Ralph M. Brown Act [Cal. Gov. Code 54950] and are open to the public. The public may view and obtain all written information supporting this agenda provided to the board both initially California and on its website at Documents, including Power Point handouts distributed to Board Members by staff or Board members at the meeting will simultaneously be made available to the public. Three opportunities are available for the public to address the board during a board meeting: (1) before closed session regarding matters to be discussed in closed session, (2) before a specific agendized item is debated and voted upon regarding that item and (3) general public comment. The exercise of the right to address the board is subject to restriction as to time and appropriate decorum. All persons wishing to make public comment must fill out a yellow Public Comment Form and submit it to the Secretary to the Board. Public comment is generally limited to three (3) minutes per speaker and the total time available for public comment may be limited at the discretion of the Chairperson. Persons whose speech is impaired such that they are unable to address the board at a normal rate of speed may request the accommodation of a limited amount of additional time from the Chair but only by checking the appropriate box on the Public Comment Form. Granting such an accommodation is in the discretion of the Chair. The Board of Directors will not and cannot respond during the meeting to matters raised under general public comment. Pursuant to provisions of the Brown Act governing these proceedings, no discussion or action may be taken on these matters unless they are listed on the agenda, or unless certain emergency or special circumstances exist. However, the board may direct staff to investigate and/or schedule certain matters for consideration at a future Board of Directors Meeting and the staff will respond to all public comment in writing prior to the next board meeting. 2

3 TRANSPORTATION PROFESSIONALS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES FOR THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012 CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Jesse Valdez called the meeting to order at 10:45a.m. READ TPAC MISSION STATEMENT Chairperson Jesse Valdez read the TPAC mission statement. INTRODUCTIONS TPAC members and alternates in attendance: Jesse Valdez, Kathryn Engel, Ernie Crespo, Ian Dailey, Gracie Davis, Linda Evans, Evelyn Galindo, Valerie Gibson, Shirley Hsiao, Kevin McDonald, Jose L. Medrano, Darren Uhl, Wayne Wassell, Giovanna Gogreve (alternate), Joyce Rooney (alternate). TPAC Members absent: Diane Amaya, Jose Barrios. Guest: David Howie-Jones, CARE Evaluators; Mr. Steve Wilkes, IBI Group; Ms. Elizabeth Carter, Metro. Access staff in attendance: Matthew Avancena, Eric Haack, F. Scott Jewell, Mark Maloney, Elisa Sanchez. APPROVE SEPTEMBER 15, 2011 TPAC MEETING MINUTES Motion: Mr. Valdez entertained a motion to approve the September 19, 2011 minutes as submitted. First: Moved by Mr. McDonald Second: Seconded by Ms. Engel Vote: All members were in favor and the motion passed. 3

4 STAFF REPORT Mr. Avancena reported the following: This was the first meeting of TPAC following an Access Board approved restructuring of Advisory Committee]). Though many TPAC members were returning members, there were some new members. Background information on some of the new TPAC members was provided by Mr. Avancena: - Evelyn Galindo, South Central Los Angeles Regional Center - Darren Uhl, City of Culver City Senior and Social Services - Jose Barrios (Not in attendance), Transit Manager City of Santa Fe Springs - Valerie Gibson, Transportation Manager, City of Pasadena FTA, through Metro, recently began accepting solicitations for funding under New Freedom and Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC) grant opportunities. Grant applications are due Friday, April 27 th, o New to the New Freedom and JARC grant cycle this year is Metro is allowing Toll Credit funds the grant. This means that the local match which often must come from the budget of the grant-writing agency, will now be covered by federal toll credits, allowing for projects approved for funding to be 100% paid by Federal monies. Access Services Annual Meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, March 28 th, 2012 at the California Endowment Center in Downtown Los Angeles. The main presentation at the conference will be discussing the results of a recently completed telephone survey of Access customers GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT No General Public Comment heard at this time. REPORT FROM BOARD OF DIRECTORS No report was given at this time. PROPOSED REASONABLE MODIFICATION RULES FOR TRANSIT Mr. Avancena reported the following: 4

5 Transportation (DOT) in It is designed to expand the definitions of service set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Transit/paratransit customers under this new policy could request certain services above and beyond what currently Access is providing: o In theory, customers may request certain drivers for their paratransit service; o Also, a customer may invoke the Reasonable Modification rule to request door-to-door or door-through-door service above and beyond curb-to-curb service; o A customer may, in theory, be able to flag down a bus at a curb between stops, which opens up liability issues; The announcement from DOT for this rule was published in January A concern of this new Reasonable Modification rule is that it could put a new Ms. Davis added that new guidelines include new rules associated with oversized/different-sized mobility devices. Reasonable Modification provides that transit providers are required to transport individuals in wheelchairs (no matter the size), so long as it is safe to do so. DISCUSSION ON REGIONAL INTEGRATION OF PARATRANSIT RESOURCES PROJECT Mr. Jewell of Access and Mr. Wilkes of the IBI Group reported the following: The Regional Integration Project is designed to coordinate different paratransit vehicles throughout Los Angeles County through a uniform scheduling software and coordination of agencies. This project will develop a scheduling platform in which different agencies can connect, so other providers can provide paratransit/dial-a-ride trips with surplus vehicle space. First steps, applied for a CMAQ grant and were awarded the contract. Access Services will work with different dial-a-ride services 5

6 perhaps some city/dial-a-ride services could take (and be paid for taking) paratransit passengers. Some TPAC members raised questions regarding whether local services would be expected to travel outside of their respective service areas, or would local agencies be reimbursed for their participation in this program for transporting Access passengers, and would training requirements be different for dispatch and driver staff under this program. DISCUSSION ON T.A.P. CARD PROGRAM UPDATE Mr. Jewell reported the following: Access transition to TAP Card is moving forward. Original supply was delayed due to flooding conditions at manufacturing plant city, after approximately 25,000 cards were issued to Access customers; Additional supplier has been located and remaining requested cards are being shipped to Access and several thousand have already been mailed out to Access customers. February 29 th, 2012 will be the last day Free Fare partners will accept the older (blue and white) Access pass and thereafter only the new Access TAP I.D. cards will be acceptable for Free Fare trips on fixed route systems. Access had experienced a considerable increase in call volume from customers calling and asking questions about the new cards. Access took steps to add additional temporary staff to call center and streamline question and answer process for customers asking about their new TAP card; Usage of the TAP card has been growing. In October 2011 there were 80,000 rides on TAP-enabled Free Fare partners. In January 2012 there were over 490,000 trips on TAP-enabled Free Fare partners with the majority on L.A. Metro. DISCUSSION ON PROPOSED CHANGES TO ACCESS SERVICES PCA POLICY WITH FREE FARE PROGRAM PARTNERS Mr. Avancena reported the following: 6

7 been highly successful. Currently, on Free Fare partner agencies, Access customers may ride for free, and if they are authorized to travel with a Personal Care Attendant (PCA), the PCA will also ride free. Access has contracts with each of its Free Fare partners to either provide no reimbursement for Access customers and PCAs, some reimbursement for Access customers (i.e. a fixed fee for the service) or provide reimbursement (at PCA companions. Access Services through its Free Fare partners - has recently become aware of a growing trend of fraud and fare evasion from Access customers. Some seats. Also, concern exists that some Access customers may be threatened by individuals demanding the Access customer make this person their PCA at a bus stop for free fare purposes. Proposed New Policy: Access intends to remove this fraud/fare evasion incentive by discontinuing reimbursement for PCA fares with its Free Fare partners. Access would then recommend that independent fixed route agencies charge fares for PCA riders. A number of TPAC members discussed the issue at length. Some of the discussion topics raised were: (1) Concerns with ending free PCA trips for Access customers who need such aides. (2) Discussion regarding formerly free trips now shifting back to Access Services as paratransit trips. (3) Debate concerning the overall costs expended on reimbursing different partner agencies. (4) The possibility of issuing PCA cards to PCA riders Motion: First: Second: Vote: Mr. Valdez entertained a motion to create a sub-committee to further discuss the approach and ramifications of a PCA reimbursement policy change for Access Services. Moved by Ms. Davis Seconded by Ms. Evans All members were in favor and the motion passed. 7

8 TPAC OFFICER NOMINATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE Mr. Avancena reported the following: Officer Nominations sub-committee will be re-started to help selection of new officers Ms. Rooney and Mr. McDonald were designated to provide names for chair and vice-chair for TPAC to present before the Access Board of Directors. NEW BUSINESS RAISED SUBSEQUENT TO THE POSTING OF THE AGENDA Request made for new membership list and alternate list be sent to all TPAC members. Request for agenda item of next meeting to have each city provide Alternate members for all TPAC members. Access Services recently purchased five new CNG-fueled (MV-1) vans. Following the meeting, they were available for viewing by TPAC members ADJOURNMENT Motion: First: Second: Vote: Mr. Valdez entertained a motion to adjourn. Ms. Engel Mr. McDonald All were in favor and the motion passed. 8

9 APRIL 12, 2012 TO: TPAC FROM: MATTHEW AVANCENA, MANAGER OF PLANNING AND COORDINATION RE: ISSUE: abuse of personal care attendant (PCA) rides on fixed route systems. A growing number of free fare partners have reported multiple instances of fare evasion from PCAs traveling with Access customers. In addition, a number of free fare partners have requested reimbursement for PCAs which could lead to budget impacts for the agency. RECOMMENDATION: Approve the following policy which shall take effect on July 1, 2012: Access would only be obligated to reimburse free fare partners for trips taken by an Access customer with a valid ID Card. free fare partners for PCA trips. Access will defer to each Free Fare Program participant to determine fare policy regarding PCAs. IMPACT ON BUDGET: 9

10 There is no impact on the budget. ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED: Reimburse for PCA trips Staff has received PCA reimbursement request from Metrolink, Culver City Bus and Antelope Valley Transit Authority (AVTA). While Access may reimburse free fare partners for PCA trips, it is estimated that reimbursements to Metrolink and other free fare partners will cost an additional $839,000 annually. Staff does not recommend this option because of the impact on current and future budgets. Terminate free fare agreements Access could terminate the Free Fare Program agreements with Metrolink, Culver City Bus and AVTA. Metrolink accounts for 10% of total free fare trips (approximately 263,000 trips) and $1.9 million in annual reimbursements. Culver City Bus and AVTA collectively account for 7% of total trips or $112,000 in annual reimbursements. Access may save $2 million annually by terminating these free fare agreements. However, trips not taken on these systems may be diverted back to Access at a potential cost of $ 9 million annually to the agency. Therefore, staff does not recommend this option due to the additional cost if Access were to provide these trips. Discontinue the Free Fare Program Since its inception, the free fare program has been very successful and has potentially saved the L.A. County Region in excess of $100 million annually, assuming that Free Fare trips replace a similar ADA paratransit trip. (These savings are projected to be much higher now that Access is receiving actual trip usage reports with the introduction of the new Access TAP ID Card.) In addition, the free fare program has given Access customers greater mobility by providing more travel options. For these reasons, staff does not recommend this option. BACKGROUND In 2000, Access established the Free Fare Program with other fixed route partner agencies to encourage Access customers to use regular, accessible bus or rail service 10

11 when appropriate. The Free Fare Program allows Access customers and their personal care attendant to ride the bus or rail free of charge. In turn, Access reimburses free fare partners for the cost of the trip, typically the cash fare for elderly and/or disabled riders charged by the participating bus agency. However, the success and popularity of the Free Fare Program has led to an increase in the abuse of PCA rides on fixed route systems. A growing number of free fare partners have reported that some Access customers have made a business of selling PCA free fare rides on fixed route systems and/or Metrolink commuter rail. An example of this scheme involves an Access rider who approaches another (non Access) rider at a bus or rail stop and offers the rider the opportunity to travel as the fare amount less than the regular transit or commuter rail fare. Free fare partners have also reported multiple instances of fare evasion when the PCA boards with the Access customer but does not disembark at the same stop as the passenger. Since July arrest concerning fraud and abuse of the Access TAP card. Staff continues to work with LASD to proactively investigate the alleged abuse of PCA rides but the growing number of fare evasion reports continues to threaten the integrity of the free fare program. Staff believes the recommendations above strike a delicate balance of addressing the fare evasion concerns expressed by free fare partners without inhibiting Access -route and commuter rail systems. 11

12 APRIL 12, 2012 TO: TPAC FROM: MATTHEW AVANCENA, MANAGER, PLANNING AND COORDINATION RE: TPAC OFFICER ELECTIONS FY ISSUE: In accordance with Transportation Professionals Advisory Committee Bylaws, it is necessary to elect new officers for TPAC for Fiscal Year RECOMMENDATION: Elect Mr. Wayne Wassell from L.A. Metro as chairperson and Mr. Ian Dailey from Torrance Transit as vice-chairperson. BACKGROUND: The TPAC bylaws require that officer elections take place for the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson to fill 12 month terms effective September 2011 through October Initially, a nominating subcommittee was formed to select potential nominees at the April 2011 TPAC meeting. Ms. Joyce Rooney (Beach Cities Transit) and Mr. Kevin McDonald (Foothill Transit) volunteered to serve on the nomination subcommittee. However, due to the proposed restructuring of TPAC and CAC, officer elections were postponed until the Access Board approved the restructuring of both committees at the January 2012 board meeting. Subsequently TPAC, at its February 2012 meeting took action to form the nominations subcommittee. The nominations subcommittee has recommended Mr. Wayne Wassell and Mr. Ian Dailey, as chairperson and vice- 12

13 chairperson, respectively. Attached are relevant portions of the TPAC Bylaws that address officer elections: Article 5 - Officers Committee members will recommend a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson for consideration by the Board Chair. If ratified by the Board Chair, the term is one year from September through October. Officers will be elected every year at the August meeting by a ROLL CALL VOICE VOTE of the majority of the members present. Officer seats will be limited to two consecutive terms served by any one individual, subject to Board chair ratification. Duties of the Chairperson The Chairperson will preside at the meetings and will represent the Committee at meetings of the Access Services Board of Directors and Board committees, when appropriate. Duties of the Vice Chairperson The Vice-Chairperson shall perform the duties of the Chairperson in the absence of the Chairperson. Vacancies of Officer Positions A vacancy of an officer position shall exist in the following circumstances: (a) the resignation or death of an officer; (b) the removal of an officer by a ROLL CALL VOICE VOTE of the majority of the Committee; (c) the removal of an officer as a member of the Committee by the Board of Directors as provided in Article 3 of these bylaws. 13

14 Filling Vacancies of Officer Positions Except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws, vacancies of an Officer position shall be filled by approval of the affirmative ROLL CALL VOICE VOTE of the members present at a regularly scheduled or special meeting held pursuant to Article 7 of these bylaws. Access staff will provide nominations to the Board of Directors. One (1) or more individuals may be nominated for any Committee vacancy. In the event of a vacancy of the officer position of Chair, the presiding Vice-Chair officer will automatically assume the role of Chair for the remaining term. There will then be an election conducted for the Vice-Chair position by approval of the affirmative ROLL CALL VOICE VOTE of members present at a regularly scheduled or special meeting held pursuant to Article 7 of these bylaws. Article 6 Subcommittees Officer Nomination Subcommittee The Chairperson may establish a two to three member nominating subcommittee at its June meeting to recommend nominees, preferably two or more, for each officer position. In addition to the slate of officers developed by the subcommittee, nominations may be received from the floor. The nominating subcommittee report shall be presented in writing to the members in August prior to the election of officers. 14