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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - December 18, 1991UNMET TRANSIT NEEDS PUBLIC HEARING HUTCHINS STREET SQUARE CAFETERIA 125 SOUTH HUTCHINS STREET WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991 10:00 A.M. Assistant City Manager Glenn opened the meeting at approximately 10:05 a.m. Mr. Glenn first gave an opening statement pointing out the following accomplishments for Dial -A -Ride during the last year: a. Established a citizens commission to review transportation in Lodi. The Ad Hoc Transportation Commission, chaired by Mayor Pro Tempore Phil Pennino, is in the process of completing a final report to the Lodi City Council. b. Explored possible need of a fixed -route transportation system. c. Received federal grant monies to hire a consultant for Lodi to look at the present transportation system and determine what needs have not been met. Mr. Glenn stated that Lodi is reaching 90,000 riders per year. Dial -A -Ride meets the City's needs at this point, but as the number of riders increases per year there will be a need to explore other means of transportation. The service level of Dial -A -Ride is still high, picking up and delivering an estimated 95% of the passengers within one hour of the call. Mr. Glenn then opened the hearing to the public. Lillian Goldsmith, 1830 South Hutchins Street, Lodi, California, representing the Senior Citizens Commission, commented that she is happy with Dial -A -Ride and it works well for her, but she does still see somewhat of a wait for other riders. Ms. Goldsmith feels that a fixed -route bus system would have set times and would not be late; therefore, creating less of a wait for citizens. Another concern expressed by Lillian Goldsmith was the fact that not all members of the Ad Hoc Transportation Committee attend the meetings. The Ad Hoc Transportation Committee currently meets at 4:30 p.m. and she feels this time is inconvenient for the members. Ms. Goldsmith suggested that a better time be set to make the meetings more consistent and more effective. Ms. Goldsmith also suggested that the City cooperate with the School District on developing a transportation system that would be more cost efficient for all people. Terry Whitmire, Adult Day Care Center, Hutchins Street Square, suggested that Dial -A -Ride would benefit the handicapped more if there were a public transit system to help free up Dial -A -Ride. Lois BoAardt, Women's Center, felt that the City needs to tie-in with Stockton somehow, either with SMART or some other means of transportation. There are many people in the City of Lodi who have appointments in Stockton or in the County with no means of getting there. 1 Continued December 18, 1991 '?(01'% Ms. Lillian Goldsmith suggested that representatives from the Kettleman Lane and Cherokee Lane areas be on the Ad Hoc Transportation Committee to express their concerns of how transportation effects the merchants in that area. Discussion followed regarding concerns of pollution. It was suggested that single -driver trips be reduced and that the number of carpools and ridesharing be increased. After further discussion, Mr. Glenn then summarized the unmet transportation needs that were expressed by the audience: ° Ad Hoc Transportation Committee; . change hour so that attendance would be more regular . representative from Kettleman Lane should be on Committee ° Environmental concerns should be addressed in determining methods of meeting transportation needs; ° Need to eliminate single -driver trips; ° Need to monitor and utilize available Federal and State funds; ° Need to work with School District to maximize transportation resources; ° Reduce wait times - one hour is too long; and ° Lodi to Stockton transportation is not available - tie in with SMART. The public hearing was then adjourned at approximately 10:35 a.m. and scheduled to reconvene on December 18, 1991 at 7:30 p.m. in the Carnegie Forum. imp Attachment Attest: e;i nnier�r+lin Deputy City Clerk 2