HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - December 2, 1992UNMET TRANSIT NEEDS
PUBLIC HEARING
HUTCHINS STREET SQUARE
FINE ARTS BUILDING
125 SOUTH HUTCHINS STREET
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1992
10:00 A.M.
Assistant City Manager Glenn opened the meeting at approximately 10:00 a.m.
Mr. Glenn first gave an opening statement pointing out the following
achievements for Dial -A -Ride during the last year:
a. In September problems occurred with City Cab Company. City Cab was
operating without Workers' Compensation Insurance, among other
var;ous operational problems, resulting in the Dial -A -Ride drivers
walking off the job. Dial -A -Ride was then taken over by the City.
The City has hired more drivers than were used previously, provided
training sessions for the drivers and dispatchers, and operated more
vehicles on Saturdays, all of which have caused fewer delays.
b. Last year the City became eligible for Federal funds for
transportation which the City plans to use to expand on the
Dial -A -Ride program and to make any enhancements for transit needs.
Following further comments by Mr. Glenn the hearing was then opened to the
public.
Mr. Bob Phillips, a resident of Lodi, commented that certain cities, Stockton
for example, uses all of the funds set aside for transit needs, and that the
City of Lodi should possibly consider doing that also. Mr. Phillips also
suggested that the City try to reach more people through advertisements,
notices, etc. in notifying the public of transit needs public hearings and to
make it eas er for the disabled/handicapped to get to these meetings. Further
Mr. Phillips feels a strong need for a fixed transit system and a need for Lodi
to Stockton transportation.
Hazel Tusten, a disabled citizen, expressed her gratitude for Dial -A -Ride, but
emphasized the need for Lodi to Stockton transportation for those who need to
travel to Stockton for medical/doctors appointments, shopping, school
attendance at the various colleges, etc. Ms. Tusten also suggested that
Dial -A -Ride operate on Sundays to accommodate those who attend the local
churches.
A request was then made for a brief report regarding a fixed -transit system.
Mr. Glenn responded that a study had been done by a consultant regarding the
City of Lodi's transit system. The study did show that if the City continued
to grow as it is, Dial -A -Ride will someday be insufficient; however, the
consultant did not define "someday". Mr. Glenn is currently in the process of
preparing the Transportation Development Act claim asking for funds for
mini -vans which could carry 9 - 12 people, and could be used on an experimental
basis if the City were to try a fixed -route bus system.
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Continued December 38', 1991
c;�77
Comments were then made on how efficient Dial -A -Ride is since the City took
over its operation; however, it was suggested that it offer more weekend
transportation, especially on Sundays. Mr. Glenn stated the main reason there
is no Sunday operation, is the fear that the Dial -A -Ride system will become
overloaded with the church service transportation. A comment was made by a
member of the audience that the study done regarding the City's transportation
system did determine that Dial -A -Ride was maxed out at certain times (food
distribution days, Loel Center activities, etc.), and that there was a need to
search for alternate situations.
A fixed -route bus system was then compared with Dial -A -Ride. Comments were
made that most senior citizens will not want to walk certain distances to and
from a bus stop whereas Dial -A -Ride offers door service. One comment was made
that a fixed -route bus system would not work in Lodi, and that the City should
instead concentrate on expanding the Dial -A -Ride system or creating a fixed
flexible system with vans and mini -vans. However, it was stressed again the
importance of a Lodi to Stockton transportation system.
Questions were then posed regarding the possibility of Amtrack coming to the
area. Nancy Miller of the San Joaquin County Council of Governments (COG)
responded that it eventually will; however, there are delays concerning
equipment, and there is no time frame when Amtrack will be operational in our
area. Mr. Glenn explained that Amtrack would not be an immediate assistance to
Lodi area transportation due to poor scheduling, but it could eventually be
worked out to benefit the community. Comments were then made about the
problems encountered with the Greyhound Bus system in regards to seating and
with County Area Transit (CAT) that it can only be used by senior citizens and
the handicapped/disabled for medical transportation only. CAT also transports
only town to town and not within a certain area.
Several other miscellaneous comments were then made by members of the audience:
° The City of Lodi needs to have a reliable, consistent, scheduled
transportation system for - those needing to keep scheduled
appointments.
• A suggestion was made that future advertisements for unmet transit
needs public hearings be sent in the City of Lodi utility billings.
° School children need transportation to and from school.
° Senior citizens walk more now than ever before and would be willing
to walk to a bus stop.
° Citizens need to be reeducated about transportation and not be afraid
to make a change in their lifestyle (carpool, take public
transportation, etc.).
° Dial -A -Ride takes two (2) bags per person rather than per ticket.
There being no further comments, Mr. Glenn closed the public hearing and
informed the audience that the comments would be summarized in a report to the
Lodi City Council at its public hearing to be held on January 6, 1992 and
invited the public to attend.
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Continued December ate, 1991
The meeting was then adjourned at approximately 11:10 a.m.
Attest:
�=fle-r4. Perrin
Deputy City Clerk
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