SOCIAL SERVICES TRANSPORTATION ADVIS ORY COUNCIL

San Diego Association of Governments SOCIAL SERVICES TRANSPORTATION ADVIS ORY COUNCIL November 19, 2018 AGENDA ITEM.: 2 Action Requested: APPROVE SEPTEMBER 17, 2018, MEETING MINUTES File Number 3320100 The meeting of the Social Services Transportation Advisory Council (SSTAC) was called to order by Vice Chair Meagan Schmidt, Facilitating Access to Coordinated Transportation [FACT], at 10:01 a.m. at the SANDAG offices. 1. INTRODUCTIONS The attendance sheet for this meeting is included. 2. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES (APPROVE) Action: Upon a motion by Mary Birdine (At-Large Voting Member Seat A) and a second by Ted Kagan (At-Large Voting Member Seat C), the SSTAC approved the minutes from its July 16, 2018, meeting. Yes: Helen Elias (Special Interest Voting Member Seat A), Ms. Birdine, Rebecca Steiner (At- Large Voting Member Seat B), Mr. Kagan, Rachel Mahoney (Survivors of Torture, International), Ms. Schmidt, Charles Main (North County Transit District [NCTD] Fixed Route), Robert Gebo (NCTD Paratransit). Abstain: Sharon Beckas (Special Interest Voting Member 1 st Alternate), Anthony DeSalis (The ARC of San Diego), Peter Casellini (Metropolitan Transit System [MTS] Fixed Route), Jay Washburn (MTS Paratransit). Absent: San Diego Center for the Blind, Access to Independence, 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS/COMMUNICATIONS/MEMBER COMMENTS Ms. Ornelas commented that blind or visually-impaired riders have difficulty distinguishing between paratransit vehicles and the taxis MTS and NCTD has contracted with to provide some paratransit trips. Ms. Ornelas recommended that the transit operators inform paratransit riders which type of vehicle to expect. Ms. Ornelas also stated that some taxi drivers wait in the driver s seat as they would for riders who are not visually-impaired, meaning the drivers miss their passengers. Ms. Ornelas suggested that MTS and NCTD follow Los Angeles example, asking riders during the reservation process if they would like to be approached. Ms. Ornelas and Ms. Beckas commented that bus drivers do not pull-up close enough to the curb. Ms. Beckas requested to see bus route numbers displayed at the back of MTS buses, instead of MTS. Ms. Beckas also requested that bus drivers uniformly enforce the height limit of personal belongings, citing inconsistency with what bus drivers will allow on the bus. Ms. Ornelas asked that MTS and NCTD enforce stricter policies on pets, comfort animals, and service animals. Ms. Birdine noted her positive experiences riding with service animals and interacting with bus drivers. Clytie Koehler, member of

the public, questioned where homeless riders are expected to store their pets if bus drivers bar pets from boarding public transit. Audrey Porcella (SANDAG) read aloud one petition submitted by the Scripps Ranch Planning Group, recognizing that the Scripps Ranch Civic Association and the Miramar Ranch North Planning Committee separately submitted petitions with similar content. All three petitions were provided as handouts at the meeting and are included as attachments in the minutes. Ms. Ornelas asked why MTS does not provide paratransit service in the Miramar Ranch North area as was described in the petitions. Mr. Washburn and Ms. Lerinska stated that paratransit service is dependent on fixed-route service. Ms. Ornelas informed the SSTAC that the requirement to provide paratransit service within a three-quarters mile of fixed-route was not established by MTS, but rather by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Mr. Washburn said that MTS would review the petition and respond. Ms. Beckas asked about what happens after MTS concludes its review. Ms. Porcella informed the SSTAC that per the Brown Act, further discussion of the content of the petitions, including the results of MTS s review, needs to be placed on the agenda of a future meeting and properly publicized. The SSTAC decided to add the petitions to the agenda of its November meeting. REPORTS 4. FY 2019 MEMBERSHIP APPOINTMENTS AND ELECTIONS FOR CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR (APPOINT) 4A. CHAIR ELECTION (APPOINT) Action: The SSTAC approved the appointment of Ms. Schmidt as SSTAC Chair. Yes: Ms. Elias, Ms. Beckas, Ms. Birdine, Ms. Steiner, Mr. Kagan, Ms. Mahoney, Mr. DeSalis, Ms. Schmidt, Mr. Casellini, Mr. Washburn, Mr. Main, Mr. Gebo. Absent: Access to Independence, San Diego Center for the Blind, 4B. VICE CHAIR ELECTION (APPOINT) Action: The SSTAC approved the appointment of Mr. Washburn as SSTAC Vice Chair. Yes: Ms. Elias, Ms. Beckas, Ms. Birdine, Ms. Steiner, Mr. Kagan, Ms. Mahoney, Mr. DeSalis, Ms. Schmidt, Mr. Casellini, Mr. Washburn, Mr. Main, Mr. Gebo. Absent: Access to Independence, San Diego Center for the Blind, 5. PARK BOULEVARD BIKEWAY (INFORMATION) This item was pulled from the agenda. 6. REGIONAL MOBILITY HUB IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY (DISCUSSION) Danielle Kochman (SANDAG) discussed the Regional Mobility Hub Implementation Strategy, which seeks to integrate transportation services, amenities, and supporting technologies to make it easier for communities to access transit and other shared mobility choices. Ms. Kochman showed and verbally described visual simulations of mobility hubs and asked for the SSTAC s input on features that could be incorporated into the mobility hubs concept to improve accessibility and usability of mobility hubs. The PowerPoint presentation for this item is attached. 2

Ms. Elias recommended that SANDAG include audible pedestrian crosswalk signals in addition to flashing beacons into the mobility hub concept to enhance the safety of visually-impaired pedestrians. Ms. Beckas asked if the information kiosks at mobility hubs would be staffed and if there would be restrooms at the Oceanside Transit Center with the mobility hub concept. Ms. Kochman replied that there are no plans currently to staff the kiosks or provide restrooms as a component of mobility hubs. Ms. Steiner suggested changing the mobility hub visual simulation for the Oceanside Harbor Mobility Hub to include curb cut outs so those in wheelchairs can access the information kiosks. Mr. DeSalis and Ms. Elias recommended that SANDAG have designated bike and scooter parking so that bikes and scooters do not block sidewalks and curb cuts or obstruct pedestrian access. Ms. Ornelas commented that digital displays are not accessible for the visually impaired; an audio component is needed. Ms. Ornelas recommended that electric vehicles emit a sound to alert pedestrians of their arrival since many visually-impaired individuals cannot see or hear them. Ms. Beckas suggested that paper versions of transit schedules be posted in the case of the digital information kiosks not functioning properly. 7. STAFF REPORT (INFORMATION) Ms. Porcella informed the SSTAC that SANDAG is soliciting grant proposals for the Cycle 10 Specialized Transportation Grant Program, which are due on October 25, 2018. She stated that she may ask some SSTAC members to be evaluators. Ms. Porcella also mentioned the Specialized Transportation Strategic Plan and the Fare Study, stating that the SSTAC will be notified of opportunities for public input and informed of the outcomes of these planning efforts. 8. TRANSIT OPERATOR UPDATE (INFORMATION) Mr. Washburn reported that Senate Bill 1376, which passed in the California Assembly and Senate and currently sits at Governor Brown s desk, would empower the Public Utilities Commission to levy a fee on Transportation Network Companies, such as Uber and Lyft, to help pay for specialized transportation. Mr. Casellini notified the SSTAC about September service changes for MTS including those in Santee. He also announced the new South Bay Rapid bus service and discussed the Mid-Coast Feeder Bus Plan, a study to determine how to best integrate the Mid-Coast Trolley Extension and the current bus network in the area. Mr. Washburn provided an update on the MTS taxi pilot program. Ethel Miranda, member of the public, recounted her experience using the MTS taxi program, urging MTS to better coordinate with taxi drivers when providing rides to visually-impaired customers. Mr. Washburn notified the SSTAC that MTS expects propane-fueled vehicles to arrive in December. He also shared that MTS passed its recent FTA Triennial Review with no findings. Mr. Washburn informed the SSTAC that Managed Care Providers are required to cover transportation costs for MediCal riders making medically-eligible trips. He passed out a letter describing this benefit to riders. The letter is included in these minutes. Ms. Mahoney asked if the eligibility criteria to access the transportation benefit have changed from MediCal to the Managed Care Providers or varies between Managed Care Providers. Mr. Washburn stated that it was his understanding that the eligibility criteria have not changed and that any Managed Care Providers that accept MediCal dollars must provide transportation for medicallyeligible trips. 3

Mr. Gebo stated that NCTD passed its FTA Triennial Review with no findings, is retraining its contractors to follow updated policies and procedures and continues to test Trapeze projects before they are rolled out to customers. Mr. Gebo stated that NCTD is looking to onboard both an eligibility appeals contractor and an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) auditor. NCTD is also updating its website so that the online and print versions of the ADA Riders Guide will match. Ms. Ornelas expressed concern that there appeared to be miscommunication between NCTD paratransit drivers and riders on an agreed pick-up time, leading her driver to arrive an hour and a half before she expected the driver to arrive. Mr. Gebo stated that NCTD has addressed this issue with its contractors but will investigate further. Mr. Main informed the SSTAC that on October 7, 2018, NCTD will implement schedule changes for 22 of its routes. Information on the schedule changes are available in the Riders Guide online. The maps on the Riders Guide are now drawn to scale and include all bus stops. Ms. Koehler asked for better driver call-outs as well as clarification of bus stop locations. Ms. Beckas asked if it was possible to align the MTS and NCTD customer service call-in hours. Mr. Main said he would relay that request to his colleagues. Mr. Main also stated that it is NCTD s policy to stop at any bus stop where an individual is sitting, regardless of whether the individual is sleeping or homeless. FACILITATING ACCESS TO COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION UPDATE (INFORMATION) Ms. Schmidt informed the SSTAC that FACT s upcoming board meeting is on September 27, 2018, at the Encinitas City Hall. The upcoming Council on Access and Mobility meeting is on October 9, 2018, at a location to be determined. FACT s annual board meeting will be held on December 13, 2018, at a location to be determined. Ms. Schmidt updated the SSTAC on FACT s pilot transportation program with the Parkinson s Association. 9. UPCOMING MEETINGS (INFORMATION) The next SSTAC meeting is scheduled for November 19, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. at the SANDAG offices. 10. ADJOURNMENT Vice Chair Schmidt adjourned the meeting at 11:47 a.m. 4

Meeting Start Time: 10:01 a.m. Meeting Adjourned Time: 11:47 a.m. SOCIAL SERVICES TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING ATTENDANCE FOR SEPTEMBER 17, 2018 JURISDICTION/ORGANIZATION NAME ATTENDED COMMENTS Special Interest Voting Member (Seat A) Special Interest Voting Member (Seat B) Helen Elias Sharon Beckas, Alternate Wayne Landon Tamara Airhart, Alternate At-Large Voting Member (Seat A) Mary Birdine At-Large Voting Member (Seat B) Rebecca Steiner At-Large Voting Member (Seat C) Ted Kagan At-Large Voting Member (Seats A through C) Alternates Linda Haddock, 1 st Alternate Sharlene Ornelas, 2 nd Alternate Kathleen Baldwin, 3 rd Alternate Survivors of Torture, International Rachel Mahoney San Diego Center for the Blind Monica Aguirre Access to Independence Ruben Ceballos The ARC of San Diego Anthony DeSalis International Rescue Committee Mary Cory Full Access & Coordinated Transportation (Seat A) Full Access & Coordinated Transportation (Seat B) Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Fixed Route Arun Prem Meagan Schmidt (Vice Chair) Peter Casellini MTS Paratransit Jay Washburn North County Transit District (NCTD) Fixed Route Charles Main NCTD Paratransit Robert Gebo OTHER ATTENDEES David Jackson Clytie Koehler Vassy Lerinska Mark McCumsey, Caltrans Ethel Miranda SANDAG STAFF MEMBERS Peter D Ablaing Brian Lane Danielle Kochman Ryan Kohut Lisa Madsen Audrey Porcella Zachary Rivera 5