Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Operations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board hears operations update: ridership drop, RFP progress, safety steps and weapons policy draft to follow
Summary
Board members heard an operations update covering a drop in ridership, the status of an RFP for mobility operations, a recent collision and safety issues including seat-belt compliance.
Board members heard a broad operations update covering ridership declines, service changes, procurement and safety issues. The director said ridership fell significantly from August to September and noted that, even with a recent fare increase, farebox intake is only roughly on par with 2024 levels. Staff said reduced ridership raises structural concerns and that they will pursue ideas to increase ridership.
Staff reported that fuel expenditures fell (reflecting lower fuel prices) but that electric-vehicle charging is not yet separately tracked in fuel reports and should be included in future reporting. The board was told that seat-belt compliance on buses remains below expected levels; staff noted a policy requiring seat belts on exposed seats and said a safety and service meeting is scheduled for the 11th to address compliance and workplace issues.
Service changes discussed included establishing a stop at the local high school (described in the transcript as BHS) outside the library with a sign and QR code so people can request pickups; the board was also updated that east-side stair repairs near the facility are underway. On procurement, staff said the mobility-operations RFP drew seven responses (six identified as high quality) and that staff expect to begin contract negotiations and potentially name a vendor around Nov. 7; Transpro consultants assisted the RFP process.
Safety and liability topics included a collision on Oct. 14 on Miami Road in which another driver turned into an agency vehicle; staff discussed insurance implications, no-fault rules and potential liability for uninsured passengers. The director said these collisions remain a part of operating risk in Michigan transit operations.
On facilities, previously discussed automated garage doors are planned to reduce heat loss and improve security; staff expect to report back with installation updates next month. On weapons policy, staff reported they could not locate a current formal policy and reviewed peer-city approaches (Ann Arbor: "no weapons of any kind"; Kalamazoo: no weapons unless permitted by law). Staff cited Michigan statutory restrictions relating to firearms (transcript reference to "750.227d") and said they will draft a weapons policy for board review and public signage; board members emphasized that a written policy is needed for liability and enforcement.
During public comment, Velma Kilgore described her recent termination and asked for reinstatement; the chair said personnel matters cannot be discussed in open session and that administration would follow up privately. Aaron Sturman of the Center for Growth and Independence introduced himself and requested partnership opportunities to support transit-dependent clients, noting many clients rely on bus service for employment. The board then moved into closed session to discuss an interim director's contract.
