Public Transit Advisory Board

PUBLIC TRANSIT ADVISORY BOARD IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL MEETING November 27, 2023 3:30 PM Staff Liaison: Sam Trebilcock, strebilcock@siouxfalls.org (605) 367-8890 Bren Schweitzer, bschweitzer@siouxfalls.org (605) 367-8689 Karla Resendiz, kresendiz@siouxfalls.org (605) 367-8895 MEETING ASSISTANCE: UPON REQUEST, ACCOMMODATIONS FOR MEETINGS WILL BE PROVIDED FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES. PLEASE CONTACT THE HUMAN RELATIONS OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, CITY HALL, 224 WEST 9TH STREET, SIOUX FALLS, SD AT 367-8745 (VOICE) OR 367-7039 (TDD) 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE OF THE MEETING. Public Transit Advisory Board Member Participants: Erik Nelson, Jaime Johannesen, Joni Tschetter, Sean Garney, Bailey Abbott, Manny Gutierrez, Al Svennes Public Transit Advisory Board Members Absent: None Staff Participants: Sam Trebilcock, Tierza Lanham, Glenn Wright, Bren Schweitzer, Kevin Hansen Public Participants (attending virtually and in-person): Sean H., Adam S., Mallory M. Barbie Dickson (Avera), Lori Montis, Phyllis Arends, Adam S., Ron Baumgart, Brett Glirbas, Via: Cathal O’Gorman, Alex Onish, Gal Kramer, Emily Shapiro (Virtual) Minutes Call to Order and Quorum Determination: Erik Nelson, Chair called the meeting to order at 3:30 pm and welcomed all participants. Member participants represented a quorum. 1. Meeting Procedures: Bren Schweitzer read the meeting procedures for the PTAB meeting. 2. Approval of Agenda: A motion was made by A. Svennes, Second by Manny Gutierrez Garney to approve the November 2023 PTAB Agenda. Motion passed unanimously. 3. PTAB Meeting Minutes: A motion was made by Jamie Johannessen and a second by Bailey Abbott to approve the October 2023 PTAB Minutes. Motion PDS Letterhead.docx.docx  passed unanimously. 4. Public input on non-agenda items:  Phyllis A., representing Empire Mental Health Support, again had questions on the Route 7 inbound at 6th & Phillips and 14th & Cliff. Glenn explained that one leg of this has been resolved with the completion of construction, the remaining will remain until construction is complete. Further explanation was provided. It is complicated with the construction projects that are ongoing.  Barbie Dickson, Direct Hire with Avera, wanted to address the challenges that employees have in getting to three locations, two of which include 69th & Louise, and the Prince of Peace. The Via representation did acknowledge this conversation. Via took note. Unfinished Business 5. Via Transition Update – PowerPoint Presentation – The Via team’s presentation included:  Introductions of the attending team members.  Project Goals and Understanding  Approach and Timeline  Microtransit Update Cathal reviewed the process and the purpose of the strategy team, reinforcing that no immediate system changes would be made other than the implementation of the Via scheduling software. Analyzing the routes, demands, and options from the Transit Development Plan as well as Via’s review will be put into place at a pace that works for everyone following the evaluation process. A timeline was provided with the evaluation to be completed by April 30th. There was emphasis on how this system will work with all system modes, Fixed Route, Paratransit and Microtransit for the greatest service and efficiency. Via’s Communication team is working with communication processes for the SAM team, passengers, and the public to convey the transition process, timeline, and system transitions. All federal compliance will be followed in any changes to routes, fares, or a decrease in services. The first focus is the riders. The goal includes to have riders be aware of changes using current communication options (to include Everbridge Texting) as well as additional methods. There was a question-and-answer period as well as an opportunity for conversation following the meeting. PDS Letterhead.docx.docx New Business 6. Operations Report - Glenn Wright Glenn reported the October Ridership and Y-T-D comparisons. The total ridership for October 2023 is up 22.86% over the previous year, (50,987) with a Y-T-D increase of 25.72% (465,301); Fixed Route has a notable 28.34% Y-T-D increase, with Para up 10.03%. Kevin reported their Fixed Route driver count is at 32, with 38 being at full capacity. Paratransit has 21 drivers. 8: Other Business: President Erik Nelson read and presented Sam Trebilcock a letter of recognition and appreciation for his dedication and commitment to the Sioux Area Metro system for the past 13 years. Sam’s support and cultivating community relationships has provided better access to Sioux Falls through the bus system. PTAB members, past and present recognize this impact to public transportation in Sioux Falls. Those attending shared conversation with Sam following the meeting. Next meeting will be January 22, 2024. Updated meeting dates and invites will be sent out. Adjourn: Motion by Allen Svennes, Second by Jaime Johannesen. 4:30 PM Minutes prepared by Bren Schweitzer PDS Letterhead.docx.docx