Advisory Board
The Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority Advisory Board met Friday, August at 9:00 AM at the offices of the Transit Authority, 11 A Street, Edgartown. Present were Alice Butter (Oak Bluffs) John Alley (West Tisbury), Lenny Jason (Chilmark), June Manning (Aquinnah) and Lou Paciello (Edgartown). Also present were Angela Grant (VTA) and Suzanne Cioffi (VTA). Absent was John Grande (Tisbury).
The meeting was called to order at 09:12 AM.
Meeting Minutes 1.5.2018
Mr. Alley moved to accept the minutes of the meeting of March 30, 2018 and Mr. Paciello second. M/S/C.
Ridership through June 2018
Ms. Grant reported that ridership for FY 18 was down slightly from FY 17, 0.01% or 11,530 riders, however compared to the National Average we are down less, as some transit agencies are seeing a 10% decline. She reported that transit authorities are being affected with usage of UBER and LYFT; she stated that this topic will be discussed at the Fall Conference in September
Cape Medical Van
Ms. Grant stated that Dan Doyle, MVC reached out to CCRTA to seek approval for us to run the Cape Medical Van starting from the island to appointments Cape and Plymouth area; he was given approval for service as it is starting from the island. Ms. Grant was able to secure Mass DOT funding for a one year pilot program “New Freedom Monday” in the amount of $55,000. She stated the various committees, particularly Healthy Aging Task Force, for a permanent funding source. She stated the Cape Medical Van will be dispatched from here with drivers from TCI .
Ms. Manning made a motion to accept the service and Mr. Alley second. M/S/C unanimously
Mr. Alley made a motion to set the rate as $25.00 round trip including SSA ticket and Ms. Manning second. The motion was 1-4 and was not passed.
Mr. Jason made a motion to set the rate as $20.00 round trip or $10.00 each way which includes SSA passage and Mr. Paciello second. The motion passed 4-1
Electric Bus Project Update
Ms. Grant reported that five of the six buses had been delivered to the island. The sixth one was in route from California and will arrive next Friday, August 10. She stated they were delayed in being deployed due to radio communications. She stated that BYD, the bus manufacturer has a service representative on the island for the first year, at their expense.
She stated that in FY19 the funding is secured for the Church Street in ground (inductive) charging project and redesign; a RFP will be released for bids to go for the design, chargers and energy storage unit. The plan is to have Eversource bury the lines.
Other Business
Ms. Grant discussed the racial incident from July 11, 2018. The board had requested an apology letter written on their behalf; Chair Alice Butler signed apology letter.
Ms. Grant advised the board of accident on Church Street from July 26, 2018. She stated that all injured parties had been released from the hospital: one was discharged night of accident (party in the bus); one of the males hit was discharged the next morning from MVH and the second male was taken to a Boston hospital and was discharged on that Saturday, July 28, 2018. She stated that the driver involved passed all alcohol and drug tests and that the police, to her knowledge were not seeking charges; she further stated that he voluntarily left employment and went back to Florida.
Richie Townes addressed the board in reference to the 11th District of Atlanta decision on 4/13/18 and the union will be negotiating for the drivers; he stated he was not clear of how negotiations will go. He stated that the drivers are looking for a member to be non-voting member on the board; he was informed that the board does not address driver issues.
Mr. Alley made a motion to adjourn at 10:23 and Mr. Jason second. M/S/C
Documents
- Meeting Minutes March 30, 2018
- Ridership report through June 2018
- Letter Secretary of DOT July 27, 2018
- Apology Letter Kevin Brooks