Public Transit Advisory Board

PUBLIC TRANSIT ADVISORY BOARD IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL MEETING January 29, 2024 3:30 PM Staff Liaison: Bren Schweitzer bren.schweitzer@siouxfalls.gov (605)367-8689 Karla Resendiz karla.resendiz@siouxfalls.gov (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, Bailey Abbott, Manny Gutierrez, Al Svennes, Luke Senst Staff Participants: Tierza Lanham, Glenn Wright, Bren Schweitzer, Kevin Hansen, Karla Resendiz, Jeff Eckhoff, Garry Horrocks, Emily Shapiro Public Participants (attending virtually and in-person): Barbie Dickson, Phyllis Arends, Bret Glirbas, Joe Martin, Joe Sneve, Lori Montis Minutes Call to Order and Quorum Determination: Erik Nelson, Chair called the meeting to order at 3:34 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 Manny Gutierrez and second a second by Joni Tschetter to approve the January 2023 PTAB Agenda. Motion passed unanimously. 3. PTAB Meeting Minutes: A motion was made by Manny Guiterrez and a second by Jaime Johannesen to approve the November 2023 PTAB Minutes. Motion passed unanimously. 4. Public input on non-agenda items: Joni Tschetter told the group about her experience while riding the bus with her son. It was during one of the City’s winter events where the wind chill weather was below fifty degrees. She and her son were welcomed on a warm bus that was on-time, clean and friendly driver. Director’s Comments: Director Jeff Eckhoff presented challenge coins to Sioux Area Metro staff Glen, T, Colleen, Ryan, and Kevin. The leadership team at SAM has been key to transitioning from First Transit to Via. Additionally, he recognized Emily for her work as interim manager at SAM and Bren S. for the Planning & Development’s transition involvement. Unfinished Business: None. New Business 5. Board Update Bren recognized Sean Garney’s commitment to the Board for the last six years. He served on several sub committees and filled the role as vice chair. Bren welcomed PTAB’s newest member, Luke Senst. Luke introduced himself. This board piqued his interests due to his previous employment as the transportation specialist at the 211-call center. 6. Triennial Review Process Bren updated the group about the Triennial Review, a 3-year audit done with FTA. This process includes several city departments and the SAM operation. Bren and Karla will be traveling to Denver, Colorado for training on these requirements. 7. Introduction of SAM General Manager/Via Update Emily Shapiro updated the team about the transition from First Transit to Via. Operations have remained as existing, and riders have not experienced any interruptions. Emily highlighted that the SAM App has seen 65% increase in the past 60-90 days. The app has been advertised throughout the city in different mediums. She clarified that riders could expect up to a quarter mile is the walk distance. Generally, it will be must less. The first operation expansion is to provide live updates on a map. This will allow riders to see exactly where their bus is at. Additionally, the southeast side of Sioux Falls will be used as a pilot for expanded coverage with on-demand services, which will launch in the 2nd quarter of 2024. Phylis Arends asked for clarification on price and accessibility. Emily indicated that prices would remain the same in the foreseeable future. Accessibility will increase with the introduction of door-to-door pick-up and drop off for those needing it. 8. Operations Report - Glenn Wright Glen Wright updated the group with a 30% increase on all ridership in the 2023 year. He indicated that sometimes there is only standing room on buses. Paratransit ridership from 2022 to 2023 was very similar. Bren Schweitzer provided percentage updates increase in service and key highlights of the 2023 calendar year. Adjourn: Motion by Allen Svennes, Second by Luke Senst 4:48PM Minutes prepared by Karla Resendiz