MAAC January 20, 2005, minutes

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Muni Accessibility Advisory Committee (MAAC)

949 Presidio, Room 150A San Francisco CA 94115

Phone (415) 923-6142 Fax (415) 923-6307 TTY (415) 351-3443

Minutes of

January 20, 2005

Members Present:

Anna Aureoles, John Cailleau, Leslie Clark (Chair), Melvin Galloway,

Barbara George (JLMB), Ed Harley, Jeanne Lynch, Bruce Morgan, Bruce Oka, Arden Wheeler

Excused Absent:

Rae Chamberlain (Secretary), Ed Evans (Vice Chair), Melvin Galloway,

Jewel McGinnis

Members Absent:

Jean Ellis- Jones (TWU-250 A), Maurice Wilson (Muni)

Staff Present:

Paul Fichera (Accessible Services)

Guests:

Michael Baines (Muni Operator),Suany Chough (Capital Planning), Jan Copriviza (Muni rider), Rachel Hiatt (Transportation Authority)

Introductions:

Introductions were made in lieu of a roll call.

Reading and approval of agenda:

The agenda was read and approved.

Approval of the November 2004 minutes:

The November 2004 minutes were approved. (note that the December 2004 MAAC meeting was canceled)

Report from the Chair:

Les Clark (Chair) reported that a letter had been sent to TWU-250 A and to date there has not been a response. He stated that he wants to meet with them to express MAAC’s concerns. Barbara George (JLMB and MAAC member) said she would follow-up on the issue.

MAAC Award to Muni Employees:

Operator Michael Baines from Flynn Division was presented the MAAC award for exceptional service to seniors and persons with disabilities for the month of January 2005. Mr. Baines thanked MAAC and stated that he was very pleased to receive the award.

Public Comment:

Jan Copriviza (Guest) introduced herself and stated that she is interested in becoming a MAAC member.

Discussion of the Geary Corridor Transit Improvement Plan:

Suany Chough (Capital Planning) reported that the Board of Supervisors recommended that rather than remove five (5) bus stops between Van Ness and Market that only three (3) be removed. They are as follows:

O’Farrell & Mason

O’Farrell & Polk

Geary & Mason

Once these adjustments have been made the proposed plan will move ahead.

Rachel Hiatt (Transportation Authority) introduced the Van Ness Avenue Bus Rapid Transit Corridor Study. For more information call Paul Fichera at (415) 923-6142.

ADA Complaints:

The ADA complaints for the months of November and December 2004 were distributed to MAAC members.

Update on Bi-Fold Ramp:

Paul Fichera reported that a low floor coach equipped with the Bi-Fold ramp will be available for MAAC’s review within a few weeks. MAAC will be notified.

Discussion of 1993 Gillig coaches from AC Transit:

On November 18, 2004, after a short MAAC meeting, members and guests reviewed the accessibility features on a 1993 Gillig coach from AC transit. Their comments were as follows:

Power – there were concerns raised about the reliability of a coach this old and whether the newer engines installed were sufficient to handle the hilly Muni operating environment.

Stair Height – members mentioned the front door stair riser height, noting that it appeared higher than most Muni coaches.

Turning radius – the turning into the coach seemed a bit tighter which was attributed to the narrow lift which is 32” as compared to most of the Muni fleet which is 36”.

Aisle width – Members felt the aisle width was superior to many Muni coaches and easer to navigate.

Clamp – No consensus that the current clamp needed to be exchanged for the Muni Standard Mobile Tech clamp, but if in revenue service this becomes an issue we should allow funding to do so in the future.

Discussion of coach stops (IB & OB) on the 24 Divisadero Line at Castro & 23rd Streets:

There is a proposal by the Joint Labor Management Board (JLMB) that the stops (IB & OB) at Castro & 23rd Streets be moved from the center of the intersection (cable car style) to the nearside of both corners. Paul Fichera stated that if that were to happen those stops would be recommended as non - accessible because of the steep grade. It was suggested by JLMB that a double stop could be made at the present stops for wheelchair users while other passengers would board at the corner. Mr. Fichera stated that if that were to happen there is a good possibility that wheelchair users would be passed up.

There was a motion, seconded and passed, with two (2) abstentions that the stops remain where they are.

Next Agenda:

1) Discussion of stop change on the 27 line

Member’s questions and comments:

Jeanne Lynch noted that she has seen some of the car cards on the buses to educate passengers on issues regarding seniors and persons with disabilities.

Ms. Lynch also noted that there are some operators who are still not pulling to the curb or kneeling the buses. There was much discussion regarding these two issues.

Bruce Oka stated persons with disabilities should not be referred to as “ADA people”.

Les Clark expressed concern regarding the lack of attendance by some MAAC members.

Announcements:

There were no announcements.

Adjournment

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