Everett Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC)

TAC MINUTES February 16, 2017 In attendance: Members Staff Guests T.J. Fournier Tim Miller, Public Works Bob Hunter J.T. Dray Jeffrey Marks, Public Works Chelsea - EviroIssues William Weber Tom Hingson, Transit Aaron – Fehr & Peers Victor Harris Sabina Popa, Transit Christina Curtis Paul Kaftanski, Administration Tyler Rourke Richard Smith 8:05 a.m. T.J. Fournier called the meeting to order.  M/S/P for January 2017 minutes. Announcements & Requests to Add Agenda Items  Tyler requested an agenda item to cover the infrastructure improvements at 41st and Colby.  T.J. requested an agenda item that would cover the City’s bike plans.  Paul Kaftanski addressed the issue of photography during the TAC meetings. After checking with the Legal department, since the TAC meeting is a public meeting, photos are allowed to be taken; however, such photos cannot be used for commercial purposes. Citizen’s Comments  None. Engineering Report  J.T. asked about the upcoming bus bulbs on Broadway and how they would affect traffic flow. Tim Miller stated that Traffic Engineering has not done any special analysis in that area and noted 30 seconds duration stops every 10 minutes on a 5 lane facility would have minimal traffic impact. Tom Hingson added that stops using bus bulbs stops are quicker to service than standard stops.  Tom Hingson gave a brief history of how the bus bulb project was created. He stated that about 70% of mirror strikes on buses occur north of Everett Ave. When a mirror strike occurs, the bus goes out of service. A State senator approached ET about a project to improve those incidents and the bus bulb project was the result. A financial analysis wasn’t done due to the very short timeframe for responding to the initial legislative request, but ET is confident that it will change how things are done for the better.  J.T. expressed concern that the bus bulbs may result in unanticipated consequences, such as perhaps more cars moving to Colby as the buses slow traffic on Broadway.   Richard asked what the communication process to the community would be like for the bus bulb project. Tom stated that some public outreach has already been done, but acknowledged that when ground is being broken, it will be important to reiterate it.  J.T. requested that Carol Thomas could be brought into the TAC meeting to talk about the art associated with the bus stops.  Tim talked about taxi stands, a subject which had been brought up in an earlier meeting. He stated that we have two existing stands – one at Everett Station, the other at Oakes by Xfinity Center. He also stated that taxis can use passenger loading zones, freight loading zones and bus stops, but cannot park at those locations and must not impede the principal zone use. He said that other cities address taxi stands as market-driven, to which Everett does not plan on making any changes. Victor asked if the bulb-outs on Broadway would accommodate taxis. If so, perhaps an amendment might be needed for the bulb-outs to be “transit only.” Police Report  None. Transit Report  Tom Hingson reported that boardings are down (5.8% from the year before). He stated that it’s a steady decline regionally. Costs are being reviewed to see if this is an issue.  Tom stated that 1500 ORCA cards with $10 will be offered for low-income riders. Distribution will be through several different channels. Some will be at the customer service center, 200 cards to hand out at outreach events; 500 for a “street” team where people catch the buses; 150 for “Rides of March” event, as well as others. Inspectors will also have some to give away, as well as security staff at Everett Station. Other transit agencies are doing similar things, as a way of encouraging ORCA use.  Tom reported that the full cost for the Electric Bus Project will be coming alter this month or March, with a delivery of July 2018 for the buses.  Additional discussion ensued about the North Broadway bulb-out project. Tom stated that amenities will include electrical conduit at the stops for future use. The project is currently funded for up to $1M, which will be spent by June 30th. A second million is subject to legislative approval, but appears to be going through well.  It was reported that two projects are currently being addressed by the legislature. 1) Three electric bus expansion. The new buses will connect service from the waterfront development area to the riverfront. ET is still working with riverfront developers on how to turn buses around in that area. Timing for the buses will be linked to the development at both areas; 2) an 80-stall park-and-ride expansion at Everett Station, near the south end. The hope is to expand it further south.  Tom reported that Everett Station is now 15 years old, thus wear and tear is happening. In the next year or so, some changes and repairs will be done. One such change will be adding a gutter system.  It was reported that ET has reduced hours at the service center in Everett Station, due to staffing. This is perceived to be a temporary reduction, as they are looking to fill the position ASAP.   There was also discussion about the ETA program. Sabina and Tom reported that the program started in the 3rd quarter of 2014; by 2015 calls were around 261,000. In 2016, it has jumped to 408,000. A positive aspect is that it doesn’t require an app for a smart phone.  Tom briefed the committee on the long range plan. There has been a kick-off meeting with public outreach, and also a meeting with consultants for the financial end. ET has also met with CT for coordination.  It was announced that ET will be expanding the number of schedule holders out in the system. Currently the system has 78 and is project to increase to 202. These will be put in this summer in order to meet the September changes.  J.T. requested the reference that Tom cited was a basis ET used in determining the ridership threshold for providing bus schedules at bus stops.  T.J. asked about a maintenance facility update. Tom stated that ET is still in negotiations to purchase the property, but is committed to buying it.  J.T. stated that the look of Everett Station has gotten older and dumpier. He said that it doesn’t compare to Lynnwood’s station, and felt that the introduction of pianos and bookshelves interferes with the design.  Victor asked about what to expect when it comes to transportation funding from the Trump administration. He stated that he’s received emails and read articles where the administration will be cutting funding and moving it to the defense department. Tom Hingson acknowledged that there is some concern with the administration, but assured the committee that there are a lot of people working with Congress. Additional discussion centered on how certain segments view transit as a regional and local issue, and not something federal government should be involved in.  J.T. suggested TAC members read the APTA report prepared for ET. Agenda Items: Item 1: Everett Transit Long Range Plan Public Outreach Process  Chelsea from EnviroIssues and Aaron from Fehr and Peers talked about how the long range plan was going to be handled. A handout was provided which detailed the plan as it currently stands.  The document is considered a “living document” and will change as things go along.  J.T. expressed that some of the jargon was confusing. He also had concerns for how the City Council and Mayor have been approaching Transit and that even though the long range plan may be a good idea, it will ultimately be up to the Mayor and City Council as to what will actually happen. He felt the exercise may be futile and is putting the cart before the horse.  Victor stated that ET has always moved forward, no matter what type of administration has been in place. He said that a plan, a vision, is needed no matter what may happen in reality for the region. Item 2: ORCA Update – Bob Hunter  Bob Hunter stated that ORCA was looking to upgrade the system, due to aging technology. Some of the upgrades will include quicker loading times for the cards (currently is takes 24- 48 hours. The upgrade will make it instantaneous).   ORCA is also looking at hiring more developers by next year.  Bob stated that upgrades will be done in a phased roll-out. By September 2023, all the old equipment will be retired.  The project is a $92.6M regional shared cost. ET will spend .8%. New equipment for buses and terminals will be made to handle the upgrades.  The headquarters for ORCA is located in Seattle. Meeting adjourned at 9:40 A.M. Next Scheduled Meeting: March 16, 2017