HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1999-01-25PWTC\1999-01-25
PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
JAN UARY 25, 1999
CITY OF KITCHENER
The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Councillor
John Smola, with all members present, except Councillors B. Vrbanovic and Jake Smola. Councillor J.
Ziegler was in attendance for part of the meeting.
Others Present:
Ms. J. Billett and Messrs. E. Kovacs, S. Gyorffy, D. Snow, J. Gazzola, J. Cicuttin and
L.F. Parkhouse.
This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 8:45 a.m.
1. TENDERING OF BUSPLUS SERVICE
The Committee was in receipt of a report recommending that the BusPLUS service be re-tendered
for a period of 18 months. This service was introduced as a demonstration project to evaluate use
of smaller vehicles as a cost-saving alternative to regular transit buses in new subdivisions.
Mr. D. Snow advised the Committee that, while the project target of a 25% ratio of cost recovery
was not achieved, when compared to only a 5% ratio of cost recovery using regular bus service
versus the current 17% ratio using BusPLUS, the program has proven to be successful.
In response to Councillor J. Haalboom, Mr. Snow advised that the subsidy cost per ride using the
BusPLUS service is approximately $5.30, and the City is paying a subsidy of approximately $0.98
to run regular bus service.
Councillor C. Weylie advised that a meeting would be held later this date with residents of
Bankside Drive and inquired if information regarding this program could be made available. Mr. J.
Cicuttin advised that he would make public timetables available for the residents of Bankside
Drive. In response to further questioning, Mr. Snow advised that, at this time, it is not possible to
predict when regular transit service would be provided as it is geared toward growth and demand.
He noted, however, that the request to re-tender for an 18 month period allows for review of the
service in conjunction with budget deliberations for 2001.
On motion by Councillor C. Weylie -
it was resolved:
"That the BusPLUS service be re-tendered for an 18 month period."
2. INTERCITY TRANSIT EVALUATION PROCESS
In conjunction with the Transit Division Strategic Plan, the Committee considered a report which
recommends that a working group be established, consisting of staff from the City of Cambridge,
Kitchener and the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, to review and make recommendations for
potential transit service integration improvements between Cambridge and Kitchener.
Mr. D. Snow advised the Committee that the timing for this initiative is ideal as Kitchener is looking
to expand its transit service at a time when Cambridge is also looking for expansion of its service.
He noted that Kitchener will be looking at Sportsworld to integrate a terminal as part of potential
redevelopment in this area, which would also enhance service to the Gateway Park area. In
addition, the Doon area and, in particular, the school population, is being taken into consideration
as part of any service improvements between the two Cities.
At this time, Mr. Snow noted that staff is looking for Council's endorsement to proceed with
negotiations.
Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time.
2. INTERCITY TRANSIT EVALUATION PROCESS (CONT'D)
PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
JAN UARY 25, 1999
-11 -
CITY OF KITCHENER
On motion by Councillor J. Haalboom -
it was resolved:
"That appropriate staff of the City of Cambridge participate in a working group, consisting of
local and Regional staff, directed to evaluate and recommend potential service integration
improvements between Kitchener Transit and Cambridge Transit."
3. INFORMATION ITEMS
The Committee received the following information reports:
· Snow Clearing Update
· Public Works- Operations Division - Supervisors On-Call Schedule
With respect to snow clearing, Councillor C. Weylie asked that issues pertaining to the physically
disabled and clearing of snow from the walkway between Bankside Drive and Highland Road be
referred to the Barrier Free Advisory Committee.
Councillor John Smola then introduced Janet Billett, Committee Administrator, who will now
provide service to the Public Works and Transportation Committee due to retirement of Lloyd
Parkhouse, Deputy City Clerk.
4. ADJOURNMENT
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 9:00 a.m.
L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT
Deputy City Clerk
Janet Billett, AMCT
Committee Administrator