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City and County of San Francisco
 Municipal Transportation Agency
Citizens’ Advisory Council
Thursday, February 3, 2011, at 5:30 p.m.
1 South Van Ness Avenue, Room 3074
San Francisco, California
MINUTES
- Call to Order:
Chairman Murphy called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.
- Roll Call:
SFMTA CAC members present at Roll Call: Art Cimento, Steve Ferrario, Katie Haverkamp, Daniel Murphy, Greg Riessen, Susan Vaughan, Dan Weaver, and Jamison Wieser
SFMTA CAC members absent at Roll Call: Dorris Vincent
SFMTA CAC members absent: Mary Burns, Joan Downey, Griffith Humphrey, and Janel Sterbentz
- Announcement of prohibition of sound producing devices during the meeting.
The CAC Secretary made the announcement.
On motion to approve the minutes of January 6, 2011: Amended
Ayes – Cimento, Ferrario, Haverkamp, Murphy, Riessen, Vaughan, Weaver, and Wieser
Absent – Burns, Downey, Humphrey, Sterbentz, and Vincent
Public Comment:
David Pilpel says his comments on page two, is worded differently. He states he says there is a draft of the financial plan for the service restoration plan. Mr. Pilpel states third sentence should say “should be given operation from Caltrain to Ocean Beach to Judah every five minutes. In addition to service restoration plan presented by John Haley he states there is a draft of the financial component.
On motion to approved amended minutes: Approved
Ayes – Cimento, Ferrario, Haverkamp, Murphy, Riessen, Vaughan, Weaver, and Wieser
Absent – Burns, Downey, Humphrey, Sterbentz, and Vincent
- Report of the Chair (For discussion only):
Chairman Murphy welcomed Katie Haverkamp to the CAC who replaced Cesar Perez. He acknowledged Cesar Perez’s service on the Council and stated Mr. Perez has been on the Council for a number of years and appreciates his time and effort that he contributed. Chairman Murphy states a letter from himself and Chairman Tom Nolan thanking Cesar Perez and Ruth Wheeler, who vacated the Council last month, will be sent to them.
Chairman Murphy mentioned that there are two vacancies on the Council, and one vacancy is reserved for a paratransit user. He explained the Charter requirements and mentioned that Griffith Humphrey is a member, who is also a paratransit user.
Dorris Vincent arrived at 5:42 p.m.
No public comment.
Hasnu Kim from the San Francisco Taxi Coalition stated although the taxi has been a contentious industry, there aren’t enough medallions available and that the SFMTA should update the legacy system and enforce their requirements for taxi drivers.
- Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding the elements of the Service Restoration Plan, including bus stop consolidation real time savings. (John Haley)
John Haley was unable to attend this meeting. Neal Popp, Deputy Director of Maintenance, Transit Services, stated the bus stop consolidation is still in preliminary stage. Staff is looking at situations where routes and stop signs are, trying to get an idea where running time would be impacted. Mr. Popp stated that signal prioritization may be utilized to keep routes moving by extending signal lights. Chairman Murphy mentioned that other cities have signal prioritization but it poses a danger to pedestrians.
Public Comment:
David Pilpel stated he was disappointed there wasn’t a larger presentation on this. He commented if the motion was passed on adoption a strategy. Mr. Pilpel commented that there are not enough trolley coaches available, especially on the Potrero route and the 6 Parnassus line. He states that stop consolidation is not a new topic and has been discussed for many years. Mr. Pilpel commented that the service restoration task force has five candidate lines and this Council has asked repeatedly for specific time savings, but there has not been more concrete deliverables on this.
Jonathan Goldman stated that Muni used to have a policy that when after 8:00 p.m., you could request driver to stop at certain stops and wants this put in effect.
Peter Straus commented that the policy is still in effect for trolley coaches and streetcars only.
- Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding the proposed Open Taxi Access (universal dispatch) contract. (Christiane Hayashi, Taxi Services)
Christiane Hayashi, Director of Taxi Services discussed the City’s interest in arranging a pilot program contract for universal dispatch in the taxi industry. Ms. Hayashi stated this technology will give global data for the whole; will provide effective way for emergency communication to 1,500 taxi vehicles; will improve customer service; and will meet strategic plan goals to downtown parking rate, reduce congestion on the streets, free up parking availability and improve air quality.
Ms. Hayashi introduced John Wolpert, from Cabulous and he conducted a power point presentation of his upstart mobile company, Open Taxi Access and their mission of the universal dispatch contract. Mr. Wolpert discussed the various ways to access obtaining a cab through internet connection and using a smart phone. He demonstrated that when a customer uses their technology, they are able to track the cab to their pick-up location and avoiding duplicate request to other cab companies. Mr. Wolpert mentioned that this technology may improve customer satisfaction. Customers would be able to track their taxi cab at real time.
Council member Vincent stated that in her neighborhood, Bay View, that it is difficult to get a cab and would this technology improve taxi service in the Bay View district. Mr. Wolpert stated that with respect to the Bay View, some drivers do not respond to dispatch calls for their own safety. He also stated this technology may help in the driver and passenger relationship, but it won’t solve the problem in the Bay View entirely.
Council member Vaughan inquired about the cost of the equipment that is placed in the taxi cab to have access to the technology and its cost. Mr. Wolpert stated the equipment is about $100 and that there are approximately 150 taxi cabs that have this technology. Ms. Hayashi mentioned the MTA has $400,000 for this pilot program.
Public Comment:
Mark Gruber, Green Cab, stated that Cabulous has been in some taxi cabs for a while and that its technology is a tremendous step forward. He believes this technology has a number advantageous and will provide better dispatch services.
Jonathan Goldman inquired if a party of six could request two taxi cabs with this system and was informed that there is an application in the system that can allow customers to do this.
Hasnu Kim stated that he speaks for much of the industry and says this is a technology that should be in place. Mr. Kim agrees that this technology can maximize efficiency and is not a threat to existing dispatch services.
Westly Hollis, Executive Taxi, states he is totally behind this technology plan and does not think this will reduce the amount of business the taxi industry has. Mr. Hollis’ concern is hot to inform the public that this exists.
David Pilpel stated that he does not have a smart phone or computer access and is not a regular cab rider. Mr. Pilpel states there are too many cabs at the airport. He also states that having this technology will not improve emergency preparedness during a disaster and taxi drivers and medallion holders are not disaster workers. Mr. Pilpel stated he is unclear on the $400,000 and how much will be used for the technology and outreach.
Tim Csontos, Taxi Magic, stated that this technology is in 75 cities across the U.S. He stated that it is the integration to the computer system for this technology that is expensive.
MOTION 110203.01
The SFMTA CAC recommends, in concept, that the SFMTA Board of Directors adopt an Open Taxi Access Pilot project. As financial details were not available at the time of the SFMTA CAC’s considerations of the issue, the SFMTA CAC recommends that the SFMTA Board of Directors carefully review the financial arrangements pertaining to any such pilot program.
On motion to approve Motion 110203.01
Ayes – Cimento, Ferrario, Haverkamp, Murphy, Riessen, Vaughan, Vince, Weaver, and Wieser
Absent – Burns, Downey, Humphrey, and Sterbentz
Greg Rissen left at 7:20 p.m.
No public comment.
- Discussion and possible action regarding recommendations from the Finance and Administration Committee (FAC).
Motion 110119.01
WHEREAS, Employees of the City & County of San Francisco, including many at the SFMTA, are expected to pay for employee parking;
WHEREAS, Employees in private business are expected to pay for parking, even employees who begin or end work late at night;
WHEREAS, The SFMTA has asked, in accordance with the City’s Transit First policy, San Franciscans to pay more for parking at garages, parking lots, and parking meters;
WHEREAS, The plan for SFMTA employees to pay for parking was adopted as part of the FY2011/FY2012 budget; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED That the SFMTA CAC recommends that the SFMTA Board of Directors immediately adopt the plan for all SFMTA employees to pay for employee parking and the fines pertaining thereto.
Council member Steve Ferrario recommended this motion be dispensed without discussion.
Motion 110119.02
The SFMTA CAC recommends that the SFMTA Board of Directors adopt the increase in the meter-bagging rate and to begin enforcement of the Planning Code ban on discounted parking, per the assumption made in the FY2011/FY2012 approved budget.
On motion to approve Motion 110119.01: Approved
Ayes – Cimento, Ferrario, Haverkamp, Murphy, Vaughan, Vincent, Weaver, and Wieser
Absent – Burns, Downey, Humphrey, Riessen, and Sterbentz
Public Comment:
David Pilpel states that the word assumption should be plural.
Motion 110119.02
The SFMTA CAC recommends that the SFMTA Board of Directors adopt the increase in the meter-bagging rate and to begin enforcement of the Planning Code ban on discounted parking, per the assumption made in the FY2011/FY2012 approved budget.
On motion to approve amended Motion 110119.02: Approved
Ayes – Cimento, Ferrario, Haverkamp, Murphy, Vaughan, Vincent, Weaver, and Wieser
Absent – Burns, Downey, Humphrey, Riessen, and Sterbentz
No public comment.
Motion 110119.03
WHEREAS, The State of California is charging an additional $3 for every citation issued in the state to fund courthouses, the SFMTA CAC recommends that this additional $3 court surcharge, and any future state-imposed surcharges for parking citations, be passed on to violators by the SFMTA Board of Directors.
Public Comment:
David Pilpel stated that there was a previous charge passed on to violators and this latest charge to the SFMTA would reduce revenue by $3 or $4 million dollars. He states even though this would result in higher cost to violators, there is no reason the SFMTA should eat this cost.
On motion to approve Motion 110119.03: Approved
Ayes – Cimento, Ferrario, Haverkamp, Murphy, Vaughan, Vincent, Weaver, and Wieser
Absent – Burns, Downey, Humphrey, Riessen, and Sterbentz
Motion 110119.04
WHEREAS, Eliminating partial window wraps would affect only 10-12 vehicles and cost the agency $2 million, the SFMTA CAC recommends that the SFMTA Board of Directors postpone consideration of a ban on wraps until the next full budget cycle, for FY2013 and FY2014.
Chairman Murphy stated that there is a proposal being discussed on whether to eliminate partial-wrapped vehicles although the advertisement brings in revenue and is on hold until the next budget cycle. Council member Vincent suggested revisiting this issue during the 2013/14 budget.
Public Comment:
David Pilpel states that waiting to discuss is an exceptional compromise, but to discuss during the summer.
On motion to approve Motion 110119.04: Not approved
Ayes – Cimento, Ferrario, Haverkamp, Murphy, Vaughan, Vincent, and Weaver
Nayes - Wieser
Absent – Burns, Downey, Humphrey, Riessen, and Sterbentz
- Discussion and possible action regarding recommendations from the Engineering, Maintenance and Safety Committee (EMSC).
Motion 110126.05
SFMTA CAC recommends that a direct telephone connection between the Line Management Center (LMC) and the Metro Rail Operator (MRO) supervisor on the platform of the Embarcadero station be established, using the existing landline telephone to the platform and a new wireless headset for the MRO supervisor. This would enable the LMC to re-direct LRVs from one line to another for their outbound run. As a consequence, this would reduce bunching and service would be better distributed.
Motion 110126.06
The SFMTA CAC recommends that at least two MRO supervisors, equipped with wireless headsets, be stationed at the Embarcadero station during peak periods, one for the inbound and one for the outbound platform.
Motion 110126.07
The SFMTA CAC recommends that MROs at Embarcadero station ensure that regular and relief operators exit and enter the LRVs as quickly as possible, in order to reduce dwell times for inbound and outbound vehicles.
Motion 110126.08
The SFMTA CAC recommends that at least one MRO supervisor be stationed at all four non-subway terminals at all times in order to actively manage the schedule.
The above motions were combined as one and amended motion reads as follows:
Motion 110126.05
The SFMTA CAC recommends that a direct telephone connection between the Line Management Center (LMC) and the Metro Rail Operator (MRO) supervisor on the platform of the Embarcadero station be established, using the existing landline telephone to the platform and a new wireless headset for the MRO supervisor. This would enable the LMC to re-direct LRVs from one line to another for their outbound run. As a consequence, this would reduce bunching and service would be better distributed.
The SFMTA CAC recommends that at least two MRO supervisors, equipped with wireless headsets, be stationed at the Embarcadero station during peak periods, one for the inbound and one for the outbound platform and one for the outbound platform.
The SFMTA CAC recommends that the MRO supervisor at Embarcadero station ensure that regular and relief operators exit and enter the LRVs as quickly as possible, in order to reduce dwell times for inbound and outbound vehicles.
The SFMTA CAC recommends that at least one MRO supervisor be stationed at all four non-subway terminals at all times in order to actively manage the schedule. These recommendations should not be construed as to increase head count to accomplish these goals.
On motion to approve Motion 110126.05: Approved
Ayes – Cimento, Ferrario, Haverkamp, Murphy, Vaughan, Vincent, Weaver, and Wieser
Absent – Burns, Downey, Humphrey, Riessen, and Sterbentz
- Committee Member requests for information: (For discussion only)
- Steve Ferrario stated the Proof-of-Payment (POP) personnel are headquartered at the Muni Metro East (MME) facility and would like to know why they are not at a central location. He states that there is dead-end time for them to travel on the T Line to the metro rail lines and would like to know why they were placed at a farther location.
- Dorris Vincent stated that the seating on the T Line boarding platforms are fragile and keep breaking down. She would like the seats to be sturdier and would like to see them replaced with mesh wire seats. Ms. Vincent also stated that the seats at the LaSalle and McKinnon platforms have been removed and would like to know if the SFMTA will replace the seats.
- Sue Vaughan would like confirmation if the call button at the Fort Miley stop along the 38 Geary line is fixed and if not, when the SFMTA plans to repair the button.
- Dan Weaver stated that advertising contracts with the SFMTA are in charge of cleaning platforms and graffiti, but he has noticed a lower standard of service. He stated that he reported graffiti on the elevated portion of the ADA platform on Ocean Avenue, but the graffiti is still there.
- Schedule upcoming calendar items: (For discussion only)
Next regular meeting: Thursday, March 3, 2011, at 5:30 p.m.
1 South Van Ness Avenue, Conference Room 3074
ADJOURN: The meeting was adjourned at 8:17 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by:
Yvette Torres
SFMTA CAC - Secretary
Accessible meeting policy – One South Van Ness Avenue
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