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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1998-10-13 SPWTC\1998-10-13-SPE PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 13, 1998 CITY OF KITCHENER The Public Works and Transportation Committee held a special public meeting on this date under the Chairmanship of Councillor John Smola, with all members present, except Councillor Jake Smola. Councillors M. Yantzi and T. Galloway were in attendance. The purpose of this special public meeting was to discuss the future direction of Kitchener Transit. Mr. E. Kovacs advised the Committee that support is being sought for the Transit Division Strategic Plan and the Mr. Kovacs referred to the objectives as contained in the Transit Division Strategic Plan and this documentation is attached hereto and forms part of these minutes. In regard to the future direction of Transit, Mr. Kovacs advised that the report, as presented, contains a wide variety of information regarding what could take place in the future. After this document is considered and recommendations approved, staff will develop an Implementation Plan which will result in several more detailed reports being submitted to the Committee. The recommendations, which the Committee is requested to consider at this meeting, are as follows: That the desired leadership model for Kitchener Transit be resolved as the first step towards addressing the future direction of transit. That a policy be established to service new growth areas with alternative public transit delivery mechanisms that better match transit capacity to ridership demands. That the level of service on Iow performing, existing sub-routes be reduced and that the cost reductions resulting from these actions be allocated towards the provision of new service to areas that presently lack but are deemed to justify transit service. That the Council of the Corporation of the City of Kitchener pass a resolution requesting the support of the City of Cambridge to make application to the Ontario Highway Transport Board to authorize the municipalities to integrate public transit services between the two cities, and further, that the transit staff of the two cities be directed to prepare any required supporting evidence for the application and any potential public hearing. That the City of Kitchener Council pass a resolution requesting the Boards of Education to form a task force with the City to investigate how overall transportation costs to taxpayers can be reduced through better co-operation and co-ordination in the planning and delivery of municipal transit and school transportation services. That the City of Kitchener Council pass a resolution requesting each of the Universities and Colleges and their respective student councils to separately negotiate a universal pass for the mutual benefit of students and Kitchener Transit. That the ongoing discussions between Kitchener Transit and Project Lift be brought to closure and final recommendations on the potential to merge the two entities be tabled with both bodies before year end. That to avert a potentially divisive matter, staff be directed to enter into collaborative discussions with C.A.W., the transit union, to negotiate a mutually beneficial resolve to the introduction of alternative delivery mechanisms into the public transit system. That priority be placed on the implementation of the Time Transfer System so that the potential for any realignment and introduction of alternative delivery mechanisms for feeder routes may be determined. 10. That as part of a further refinement of the transit fare structure, a corporate pass be developed to offer more attractive group rates to employees of corporations. The Committee was advised that the matter of reduced funding from the Province has not been specifically addressed, however, it is recognized that alternative sources of funding will have to be reviewed. It was noted that, in 1997, the conditional and unconditional grants received from the Province PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 13, 1998 - 74 - CITY OF KITCHENER amounted to approximately $10,000,000.00. There was a shortfall of approximately $5,000,000.00 in 1998 and it is difficult for staff to determine how much of this shortfall was offset by the Education Tax reduction. Mr. Kovacs advised the Committee that the Corporate Plan is divided into three basic areas consisting of Revenue Generation, Service Enhancement and Cost Efficiencies. In an attempt to evaluate these areas, Kitchener Transit has been compared with transit systems in municipalities having similar but not identical populations. Mr. J. Cicuttin referred to the area of Revenue Generation and suggested that staff will work with the local School Boards in an attempt to develop an integrated student transportation plan. It is believed that such a plan would reduce service duplication and costs to the taxpayer. It was suggested to the Committee that it may be appropriate to involve a third party as a consultant when meeting with the School Boards. Recommendation No.5, as outlined above, deals with this particular matter. Staff also intend to work with University and College students with a view to implementing a universal pass. This would result in a lower transit cost for the students and a steady stream of revenue for the City. If successful, an off-shoot benefit to the Universities would be a reduced demand for student parking facilities. This item is outlined in Recommendation No.6. The final area to be considered from a revenue generation point of view is to enter into partnerships with major employers to offer corporate pass rates. Such a program would result in reduced transit costs for employees, reduced demand for employee parking and a stable stream of revenue for Kitchener Transit. This item is covered by Recommendation No. 10, as outlined above. Mr. E. Kovacs referred to possible areas for Service Enhancements. The Committee was advised that staff are seeking direction as to whether or not further meetings should be held with the City of Cambridge regarding the development of an integrated transit system. A potential recommendation regarding this matter is outlined as Recommendation No.4 above. The Committee was advised that staff wish to accelerate the implementation of the Timed Transfer System which will improve service quality and allow the restructuring of a number of feeder routes. A recommendation in this regard is outlined above as Item No.9. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. Kovacs advised that approximately $300,000.00 has been spent in the two major malls to accommodate transfer sites, which are required to implement the Timed Transfer System. The dollars required in smaller malls would be less, however, it was noted that there has been some hesitation in some cases to make the required space available. The Committee was advised that the dollars required are presently being reviewed by staff and will be the subject of further discussion during the Capital Budget process. Councillor T. Galloway noted that he is not a member of the Public Works and Transportation Committee, but declared a pecuniary interest as he will be representing the University of Waterloo during the discussions regarding universal passes and the Timed Transfer System. Councillor Galloway indicated that he would not be discussing these two matters at this meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee and, when they come to Council, he will abstain from all discussion and will not vote. Mr. Kovacs advised the Committee that another suggested service enhancement involves the implementation of alternative service strategies for new growth areas. The use of alternative vehicles would seem to be appropriate when comparing service capacity to the demand. Recommendation No.2, as outlined above, deals with this particular matter. Councillor J. Haalboom questioned whether or not subdivision streets are designed to accommodate the largest of buses. In this regard, Mr. Kovacs noted that collectors and arterials are the preferred bus routes, however, this is not always possible. Mr. Kovacs acknowledged, however, that when it is known that a local street will be used by public transit it must be properly designed to carry the load. Mr. Kovacs then referred to possible cost efficiencies and indicated that alternative service delivery may create some problems for the bus drivers. In this regard, it is suggested that discussions be initiated with C.A.W. Local #4304 which is the Bus Driver Union. A recommendation regarding this particular matter is outlined above as item No.8. The Committee was advised that the integration of Kitchener Transit and Project Lift should also be reviewed for possible cost efficiencies. It was noted that discussions have taken place at a staff level and PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 13, 1998 - 75 - CITY OF KITCHENER Project Lift, while not opposed to the idea, want to be assured that the special services they provide would not be swallowed up and lost in a large transit entity. There has also been some disagreement regarding the potential savings which may be achieved. A recommendation regarding this matter is outlined above as Item No.7. The Committee was advised that the leadership of the Transit Division is presently under review and a presentation to Council, in Caucus, will be made in the very near future. This item is covered by Recommendation No.1 above. Mr. Kovacs advised the Committee that any reallocation of resources or reduction of service must be undertaken slowly and cautiously. He pointed out that, if a transit system is to have any success, it must be convenient and reliable or it will not be accepted by the users. Mr. Kovacs also pointed out that a reduction in costs of $1.00 does not result in bottom line savings of the same amount. The actual savings are significantly reduced. Mr. J. Cicuttin presented the Committee with various statistical data dealing with the following areas, namely: · number of vehicles by service day · revenue/cost ratio by route leg · time period revenue/cost ratio · evening revenue/cost ratio. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. Cicuttin advised that 57% is the revenue/cost ratio when taking into account all sources of revenue. This figure reduces to 52% when only passenger generated revenue is considered. The information presented indicates that the lowest revenue/cost ratio takes place during the evening hours. In this regard, Mr. Cicuttin suggested that routes with a revenue/cost ratio of less than 25% must be reviewed. He did caution, however, that a route should not be discontinued just because of this revenue/cost ratio. To do so could have spin-off effects on daytime riderships and result in a number of neighbourhoods not having any evening service. To overcome these problems staff will look at the possibility of realigning existing services. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. Cicuttin advised that staff are looking at marginal reductions in the hours of service on some of the lower used routes during the evening hours. He agreed that in some areas the use may not drop off until after 9:00 p.m. and the use of alternative vehicles may be appropriate to provide service during the evening hours. As noted earlier, staff have carried out surveys to compare Kitchener Transit with transit systems in other municipalities having a similar population. In this regard, the following statistical data was provided: 1996 1997 Revenue/Cost Ratio 1% above average 1% above average Subsidy Per Ride 18% below average 27% below average Cost Per Ride 14% below average 19% below average Hours of Service Per Capita 10% above average 12% above average Rides Per Capita 23% above average 23% above average. The Committee was advised that one negative trait was discovered which is that the cost per hour of operation for Kitchener Transit was 7% higher than the average in 1996 with this amount being reduced to 3% higher than the average in 1997. The Committee was advised that the amount of subsidy per rider in 1996 was $1.13. This compares to $1.38 in the comparable systems. In 1997, the subsidy per rider has dropped to $0.97. Mrs. Doris Paprocki appeared before the Committee representing residents on Greenbrook Drive who are opposed to double bus service on the street with bus stops on both sides of the street. The changes became effective several months ago because the residents of Birchcliff Drive and Forest Hill Drive did PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 13, 1998 - 76 - CITY OF KITCHENER not want buses on their streets at all. Mr. Alexander Egerhazi also appeared before the Committee regarding the Greenbrook Drive issue and pointed out that many buses servicing this area are empty even during the peak use hours. In this regard, Egerhazi suggested that Route 2 be discontinued at the Forest Hill Plaza and return to the Downtown area. Mr. Egerhazi suggested that following this course of action would result in reduced costs for the transit system. Mr. Egerhazi also expressed concern about buses exceeding the speed limit. Councillor G. Lorentz referred to Route 2 and noted that revenue and usage are both below the acceptable target figures. In this regard, Councillor Lorentz suggested that this route should be seriously reviewed to see if service reductions would be appropriate. Ms. Marjorie Hall appeared before the Committee and advised that she is a student at the University of Waterloo who has been retained by the Downtown Advisory Committee to review alternatives which would eliminate the need for Mutual Life to destroy existing housing stock to provide additional employee parking. She acknowledged the implementation of a corporate pass rate as a possibility in this regard. Ms. Hall advised that, when her study has been completed, she will provide the information to the Downtown Advisory Committee, the Public Works and Transportation Committee and Kitchener Transit. Mr. E. Kovacs advised that he would be pleased to work with Ms. Hall regarding this matter. Ms. Mary Ann Wasilka appeared before the Committee representing the Rides to Work Program. This organization is dedicated to the idea that a transit service supports the unemployed and Iow income wage earners who cannot afford to own and drive their own vehicle. Public transit is important to these individuals in, not only getting to a place of employment, but getting to job interviews. Ms. Wasilka expressed concern that there are occasions when people cannot take or keep a specific job because they are dependent on public transit and an appropriate level of service is not available. The Committee was advised that a link to the Sportsworld Drive area of the City of Kitchener and to the City of Cambridge is required. It was suggested that employment opportunities may exist but are lost because of the lack of appropriate transportation connections. Councillor T. Galloway questioned whether or not the Rides to Work people have contacted the local Members of Parliament in an attempt to get the support of the Provincial Government, which would result in an integrated transit system being allowed between the Cities of Kitchener and Cambridge. Ms. Wasilka advised that they have not contacted the local Members of Parliament but would be happy to do so. The Committee was advised that anything they can do to establish a service link, particularly to the Sportsworld Drive area, would be appreciated. Mr. Neil Bricker, President of C.A.W. Local #4304, appeared before the Committee and indicated his support for most of the proposals being presented at this time. Mr. Bricker expressed the opinion that a Regional transit system would seem to be the way of the future. Councillor C. Weylie noted that, in the past, Project Lift successfully utilized taxis to provide a needed service and questioned whether or not Local #4304 would support the use of taxis to provide service in under-serviced areas. In response, Mr. Bricker expressed the view that Project Lift should be integrated as part of Kitchener Transit and possibly their vans could be used for, not only the handicapped, but to provide service to outlying areas. Mr. Greg Stroh appeared before the Committee and advised that he is visually impaired and cannot drive. He is concerned about the lack of service provided by Route 16 to the Caryndale area. Mr. Stroh suggested to the Committee that, since it is unlikely that Route 16 can be expanded, he would like to see some form of alternative service put into place. When questioned by Councillor J. Haalboom, Mr. Stroh responded that a service which would run until late afternoon would be a significant improvement and benefit. Mr. Stroh suggested that possibly something similar to the old Dial-A-Ride would be an appropriate solution. Mr. Stroh noted that there was more transit service to his area in 1977-78 than is the case at the present time. In regard to a service similar to Dial-A-Ride, Councillor J. Ziegler pointed out that such a service was discontinued because of cost implications. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 13, 1998 - 77 - CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. Warren Schnurr, a young City resident, pointed out that transit services cross municipal boundaries in the new City of Toronto and questioned why the same could not be done between Kitchener and Waterloo. In this regard, Councillor T. Galloway noted that in our case operators hold commercial licences which do not allow public systems to operate on these routes. Mr. Schnurr advised the Committee that he was concerned about the overloading of buses on major routes, which is basically caused by students, and suggested that this problem could be overcome by adding more school specials or making use of 56 foot articulated buses. Mr. Schnurr also suggested that making use of Smart Card technology would be a benefit to transit users. In reply to the comments of Mr. Schnurr, Mr. Kovacs advised that money to implement the Smart Card technology has been in the Capital Forecast for many years, however, it is now being reconsidered with a view to using it for a wider range of City services. In regard to articulated buses, the Committee was advised that the possibility has been considered, however, in the past, the product was not reliable. Mr. George Bechtel appeared before the Committee and suggested that staff review the situation in Hamilton and Stoney Creek in regard to the provision of cross boarder transit services. Mr. Bechtel encouraged the fast tracking of a corporate pass program which, hopefully, will result in Mutual Life retaining the existing rental housing and not removing it to provide staff parking. It was also noted that success in this regard would be beneficial for Kitchener Transit from a revenue point of view. Mr. Bechtel also suggested that Park and Ride possibilities be considered to assist in any situation where large volume parking is required. In conclusion, Mr. Bechtel suggested that buses be provided with equipment which would allow them to control traffic signals. The initiation of this type of program may make transit use more attractive than the use of the automobile. All members of Council in attendance expressed their support for the recommendations, as presented, on the basis that more detailed reports would be prepared by staff and presented at some later date. Mr. Kovacs advised the Committee that changes to the fare structure must complement the existing structure and it may be even more important to strive to increase the off-peak ridership. Councillor J. Ziegler indicated his support for the recommendations, as presented, but expressed concern about increasing costs to increase ridership and service. Councillor Ziegler noted that, if service is increased but it is not cost effective in the future, it is often difficult to return service to the original level. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the desired leadership model for Kitchener Transit be resolved as the first step towards addressing the future direction of transit, and further, That a policy be established to service new growth areas with alternative public transit delivery mechanisms that better match transit capacity to ridership demands, and further, That the level of service on Iow performing, existing sub-routes be reduced and that the cost reductions resulting from these actions be allocated towards the provision of new service to areas that presently lack but are deemed to justify transit service, and further, That the Council of the Corporation of the City of Kitchener pass a resolution requesting the support of the City of Cambridge to make application to the Ontario Highway Transport Board to authorize the municipalities to integrate public transit services between the two cities, and further, that the transit staff of the two cities be directed to prepare any required supporting evidence for the application and any potential public hearing, and further, That the City of Kitchener Council pass a resolution requesting the Boards of Education to form a task force with the City to investigate how overall transportation costs to taxpayers can be reduced through better co-operation and co-ordination in the planning and delivery of municipal transit and school transportation services, and further, PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 13, 1998 - 78 - CITY OF KITCHENER That the City of Kitchener Council pass a resolution requesting each of the Universities and Colleges and their respective student councils to separately negotiate a universal pass for the mutual benefit of students and Kitchener Transit, and further, That the ongoing discussions between Kitchener Transit and Project Lift be brought to closure and final recommendations on the potential to merge the two entities be tabled with both bodies before year end, and further, That to avert a potentially divisive matter, staff be directed to enter into collaborative discussions with C.A.W., the transit union, to negotiate a mutually beneficial resolve to the introduction of alternative delivery mechanisms into the public transit system, and further, That priority be placed on the implementation of the Time Transfer System so that the potential for any realignment and introduction of alternative delivery mechanisms for feeder routes may be determined, and further, That as part of a further refinement of the transit fare structure, a corporate pass be developed to offer more attractive group rates to employees of corporations." On motion, the meeting adjourned. L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT Deputy City Clerk