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City and County of San Francisco
Municipal Transportation Agency
Citizens’ Advisory Council

Operations & Customer Service Committee (OCSC)

Regular Meeting Minutes

Monday, July 21, 2008 at 3:00 p.m.
1 South Van Ness Avenue, Conference Room 3075
San Francisco, California

1. Call to Order / Roll Call
Chairman Downey called the meeting to order at 3:03 p.m. 

OCSC Members present at Roll Call:  Joan Downey, Norman Rolfe and Ruth Wheeler (appointed by Chairman Downey as pro tem for Daniel Murphy). 

OCSC Members present, but absent at Roll Call:  Mary Burns arrived at 3:26 p.m.

OCSC Members absent:  Daniel Murphy

2. Adopt Minutes of June 16, 2008

On motion to adopt the minutes for June 16, 2008: Adopted: Ayes – Downey, Rolfe and Wheeler.  (Absent – Burns and Murphy)

3. Public Comment concerning any issue within the jurisdiction of the Council and not noted on the agenda: 

Rosie West stated that M-line drivers close their window at the West Portal station hindering passengers from paying their fare.  John Byrd stated that since fares were collected at fare gates drivers didn’t need to have their windows open to collect fares.

Ms. West said that an operator had the window closed and instructed her to use the red emergency button.  She needed to request a handicap stop.  John Byrd stated that the red button is for passengers to speak with the driver.

4. Report of the Chairman:  Joan Downey

Chairman Downey stated that on Tuesday, July 8, 2008, the line for purchasing the special three-day pass at the Powel Street kiosk extended around the corner.  Long lines can potentially discourage passengers from buying passes.

Chairman Downey cancelled the OCSC meeting for August 2008.

5. Rubber Tire Not-Outs: (Discussion/Action) Don Gee

Don Gee, Superintendent, was not present.

6. Cable Cars - Update on the on-time performance. (Discussion/Action) Brendon Scanlon

Brendon Scanlon, Superintendent, Cable Car Operations, was not present.

7. Operations Update (Discussion/Action) John Byrd

John Byrd, Deputy Director of Rail Operations, gave an update on recent developments in the Metro system.

Chairman Downey commented that the number of “not-outs” was down.  Mr. Byrd stated that it was due to attrition.  Mary Burns asked about cleaning trains.  John Byrd stated that the cleaning department needs more staff.  Chairman Downey stated that the SFMTA CAC passed a motion that recommended reinstating vehicle cleaning assistance from General Assistance Program workers and the Sheriff’s Work Alternative Program.

Chairman Downey asked for an update on double berthing and re-sequencing cars from the Embarcadero station.  Mr. Byrd stated that Thales is going to evaluate the system to accommodate double berthing.  He spoke about the possibility of establishing LRV storage at Harrison and working out union issues to reassign relief operators as drivers.

Mary Burns asked about vehicles wrapped with advertising.  Mr. Byrd stated that the advertising campaign clearance program will ensure that vehicle visibility levels would remain safe.

Chairman Downey asked about people assigned to watch each line.  John Byrd stated that six new inspectors recently completed training; however, there remains a shortage of inspectors.  During peak commute hours, inspectors are available at terminals to ensure that trains leave on time.

8. Staff responses for Recommendations and Information Requests  (Discussion/Action)

9. Committee Members’ Questions/Information Requests: (Discussion) 

Chairman Downey stated that there have been several accidents at Willard and Carl Streets because the stop sign is a two-way sign.  There needs to be a sign indicating that cross traffic does not stop. 

10. Schedule Upcoming Meeting and Agenda Items
Next regular meeting: September 15, 2008 Time: 3:00 p.m.
1 So. Van Ness Avenue, 3rd Floor (Conference Room 3075)

• The OCSC meeting for August 2008 has been cancelled

• Passenger etiquette rules – Murray Bond

11. Adjournment:  4:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by:
Debra J. Reed
SFMTA CAC – Secretary

Accessible meeting policy – One South Van Ness Avenue

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