PCC March 29, 2006, minutes

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Minutes

PCC Executive Committee Meeting

March 29, 2006

711 Eddy Street, San Francisco

PCC Executive Committee Members Present: Stu Smith, Chair; Jeanne Lynch, Vice Chair; Dee Ann Hendrix, Secretary; Griff Humphrey; Ruth Lawner; Erma Brim; Bruce Oka; Cheryl Damico; Jewel McGinnis; Gilda Chico; Byron Yan; Ruach Graffis; Jacy Cohen; Cynthia Davis for Elizabeth Boardman; Michael Gurevich; Lisa Rosene; Lucky Walker for Hal Mellegard; Kaye Griffin; Shun Tao; Genya Ehrlich; Thomas George-Williams; Paul Gillespie

PCC Executive Committee Members Excused: Vince Behan; Pat Lovelock; Patty Clement; Laurie Graham; John Lazar

Guests: Diane Diep Ngo, Self Help for the Elderly; Kelli Valle, Trans Metro; Terrance Jones, R&D Transportation; Laura Morena, R&D Transportation; Bill Hollabaugh, Advisory Council on Aging; Michael Kwok, SF Taxi Commission; Feysan Lodde, MV Transportation; John Murphy, MV Transportation; Derik Calhoun, MV Transportation

Paratransit Broker: Marc Soto; Kevin McNay; Richard Lesser

Muni: Annette Williams, Kate Toran

Read and Approve Agenda

Stu Smith, PCC Executive Committee chair, called the meeting to order at 10:35 a.m. Stu wished Jeanne Lynch a Happy Birthday. Jeanne Lynch read the agenda. The agenda was motioned/seconded/passed (M/S/P) as presented.

Approve minutes of January 25, 2006 meeting

The minutes were M/S/P with one correction – add Laurie Graham as present.

Comments from the Chair

Stu Smith thanked PCC members for coming out to the meeting in the rainy weather. Stu stated that the PCC has done a lot of good work and he wants to keep that up. Stu encouraged more people to get on subcommittees.

Report from the February 1, 2006 PC&O Taxi/Ramp Taxi meeting

Since the Vice Chair of the PC&O Taxi/Ramp Taxi Subcommittee, John Lazar, was not in attendance, Marc Soto read the following report:

John Lazar was re-elected as the Vice Chair of the PCO Taxi/Ramp Taxi Subcommittee
Marc Soto explained that Supervisor Peskin introduced legislation at the San Francisco Board of Supervisors amending the Police Code to ramp up the enforcement of the taxicab companies in San Francisco. Supervisor Peskin’s amendment would prevent medallion holders from joining a taxicab company that does not comply with the rules and regulations of the San Francisco paratransit program. The San Francisco Taxi Commission passed it with one minor language modification: the authority to ensure the regulation is vested with the San Francisco Taxi Commission instead of with the Executive Director of the Taxi Commission. The item is moved on to the Supervisor’s Peskin’s office.
Marc Soto stated that 8 taxicab companies that have total of 11 medallions are not in compliance with the San Francisco paratransit program:
Kate Toran explained that Muni had asked the Board of Supervisors for the extension of the sunset for the medallion offset beyond December 31, 2005. Muni’s request went through a committee of the Supervisors, City Services Subcommittee, and the committee recommended a one-year extension and forwarded to the Board of Supervisors. The Board sent it back to the subcommittee for further review.
The San Francisco paratransit office is planning to relocate in April 2006 to its new location, 68th 12th street. The servers will be kept at the 365 Main Street, which is a high tech IT environment.
The San Francisco paratransit office is in the process of upgrading the computer hardware and Mobility Master software. With the new version of the software, multiple end users will be able to use scheduling module.
The selection process for the ADA Lift-van/ADA Access services has been completed. The selection committee recommended selecting Trans Metro Express and Medsam Transportation. San Francisco paratransit is planning to have multiple outreach programs to riders, dialysis centers, Adult Day Health Centers and social service agencies on service transition. All affected riders will receive letters notifying them of the change. Ramp taxi companies will also be notified because ramp service might increase during the transfer period.
Commissioner Paul Gillespie stated that Supervisor Ma introduced a meter and gate increase.

Report from the March 1, 2006 PC&O Lift Van/ADA Access meeting

Cheryl Damico provided the following report:

Cheryl Damico was re-elected as the Vice Chair.
Dialysis Update: No representative attended this meeting.
Service Provider Report: (MVT): Derik Calhoun stated that with the upcoming changes drivers seem to worry about their future but overall the moral is still good. He added that MVT is still working closely with the Paratransit in order to avoid any complications. He also mentioned about the significant reduction in the number of complaints for the months of January and February.
Trans Metro Express: Nelson Sosa stated that TME is in process of getting new vehicles for the upcoming transition. Michael Guervich added that TME is working with the Broker’s Office to maintain a smooth operation for the upcoming transition. Michael said that TME is in the process of upgrading a new phone system, and he has also hired more office staff.
Broker Report: Marc Soto announced the following:

The Broker Office received a protest from MVT for not being selected as a Paratransit provider. The protest involved five issues, to which the Broker Office responded thoroughly.
Upgrade of hardware and software (by March 06)
Distribution of the riders: Current TME riders stay the same. MVT clients will be divided as to 70 % of riders with TME and 30 % of riders to Medsam.
The Broker Office is in the process of sending letter to consumers, which will be sent within 10 days. Consumers can make their reservations with their new provider beginning March 25, 2006.
The new facility is coming along very well and as soon as it is ready we will take some PCC members for a tour.
We are in process of making new stationary for the new office.
We are training for the new software. The hardware will be functioning from 365 Main Street.

Kate Toran announced that Muni has relocated to 1 South Van Ness (Ph # 415-701-4485), but the discount ID Department has not moved.

Ruth Lawner stated that she has been having trouble with Trans Metro in the past few weeks. She stated that the order taker does not listen and a vehicle was sent to 9th Avenue instead of 9th Street. Ruth had a pick up scheduled for Monday and van came on Saturday. Ruth cannot ride in a mini van, but today a mini van was sent instead of a lift van. It was hard to get a person to answer the phone over the weekend. Ruth called and was put on hold and she waited 7 minutes before hanging up. She called back and then had to wait another 16 minutes.

Genya Ehrlich asked if people applying for paratransit service are given opportunities to find out what services are available. Marc Soto stated that there is an educational video about the SF Paratransit program, there is a regional resource guide and brochure, resources guides are sent out with new applications, the new SF Paratransit Rider’s Guides are available in multiple languages, and staff is available in the Customer Service department to help answer questions. The SF Paratransit program is very complex and it takes some effort to understand. Stu Smith added that most people simply want to get taxi scrip, and some people dismiss the van program when they don’t get scrip.

Jewel McGinnis stated that there should be more community outreach conducted. Marc responded that the Broker’s office does quite a bit of community outreach, as well as Muni staff. Dee Ann stated that her building could benefit from community outreach. Kate stated that she would work with Dee Ann to set up a meeting in her building. Kate has also been conducting outreach meetings about the van provider transition at various senior and disabled housing facilities.

Report from the Membership Subcommittee

Bruce Oka reported that he was elected Chair at the February Membership Subcommittee meeting. At that meeting, the subcommittee also discussed the By-Laws. There was a report from the Membership Subcommittee included in the PCC agenda packet. The report details proposed changes to the PCC By-Laws. Kate read the report. Lisa Rosene asked about the role of Treasurer. Kate responded that the Treasurer receives and disburses funds for the PCC Annual Meeting and Appreciation Luncheon. Ruach Graffis asked why the wording regarding driver training in the PC&O description has been deleted. Kate responded that the function still exists, but it’s too specific and it’s not a role that the PC&O has been active in as a group. Annette stated that the new suggested name of the Membership Subcommittee, Planning and Review Subcommittee, sounds like its function is overall paratransit planning. Annette suggested adding the term Administrative to the name, “Administrative Planning and Review Subcommittee.” Jacy suggested “PCC Activities and Planning Subcommittee. Bruce stated that he would put that on the agenda of the next Membership meeting. Bill Hollabaugh stated that the description of the PC&O is very confusing and not very well worded. He suggested that the Membership Subcommittee work more on the language in that section. Bruce suggested that the PCC hold off on voting on the recommendations until the next PCC meeting. The Membership will meet again to discuss the issues raised. Griff added that the By-Laws amendments have a long process; they need to be approved by the PCC Executive Committee and then go before the full PCC at the Annual Meeting. Griff encouraged those who want input on the By-Laws recommendations should attend the next Membership Subcommittee meeting.

Paratransit Broker’s Report

Marc Soto gave the following report:

Transition of ADA Van Service:

Marc Soto gave an overview of Information Technology (IT) computer issues encountered over the past six weeks. The hardware at the Broker’s office needed to be upgraded to handle the software upgrade. The Broker’s file servers have also been relocated to a remote location 365 Main Street, a high tech support environment. Overall, the IT transition went very well. There were some minor connectivity issues that have been resolved. Along with the Mobility Master software upgrade, end-user training on the new software was scheduled. On Monday, March 13 a major problem occurred causing corruption of data files, and the Broker’s IT staff worked all night to resolve the problem. Another problem occurred when MV’s unscheduled trips were moved to another provider. This was determined to be a training issue. These issues are occurring because the new providers need to be able to access the database to edit standing orders and to confirm information in the trip records. Some data was changed, and staff is working to correct these problems and re-train provider staff. The telephones will be staffed at the Broker’s office over the weekend in order to handle any informational phone calls related to the April 1 transition. The Broker has been meeting regularly with the new service providers to review their preparedness for the transition. Issues such as driver recruitment, staff hiring, vehicle procurement, telephones and training have been discussed. Jeff Hauser, a transition specialist from Connex/ATC, spent a week on-site and will be back during the first week of transition.

All ADA Access and Lift Van consumers have been sent letters informing them of the transition in providers, and letting them know which company they have been assigned to for the first 6 months. Letters were sent out in appropriate languages and formats, and the Broker staff has followed up in some instances with phone calls.

New Office Location:

The notification of the office relocation will be sent out to all paratransit consumers, informing them that the Broker will begin operating out of the new site on May 1. The main phone numbers will stay the same. There are some minor construction issues at the site, and Marc will meet with the architect to resolve the final issues. At a prior PCC meeting, issues were raised regarding chemical sensitivity. Marc brought up those issues with the architect. As a result, environmental-friendly materials were used for the carpet, glue and paint, and certificates to this effect were issued on the work. Kaye Griffin thanked Marc for following up on the environmental issues.

The re-zoning of parking to white zones in front of the office was approved. A public hearing was held, and there was not opposition. Marc thanked Bruce Oka for supporting the re-zoning application at the hearing.

Service Level Statistics:

Marc referenced the statistics that were included in the agenda packet. Ridership is on track with what was projected. The East Bay paratransit trip levels have decreased which may be due to fare changes. ADA Access service increased 33% in January on Trans Metro, and the Broker will be conducting a review to identify the reasons for the large increase. There was a drop in complaints statistics in November through January which is attributable to MV working to reduce formal complaints. The on-time reliability statistics are based on sampling methods. Taxi on-time is based on random surveys. ADA Access and Lift van on-time reliability statistics are based on a 5-day sample conducted each month. Group Van on-time reliability is based on the sign-off sheets. Marc noted that MV’s on-time reliability has improved 3% over the past year.

Accidents:

Marc reported that there have been only two reportable accidents thus far in the fiscal year. The federal definition of Major accident:

Existence of one or more of the following:

A fatality other than a suicide
Injuries requiring immediate medical attention away from the scene for two or more persons
Property damage equal to or exceeding $25,000
An evacuation due to life safety reasons
A collision at a grade crossing
A mainline derailment
A collision with person(s) on a rail right-of-way (ROW) resulting in injuries that require immediate medical attention away from the scene for one or more persons
A collision between a rail transit vehicle and another rail transit vehicle or a transit non-revenue vehicle resulting in injuries that require immediate medical attention away from the scene for one or more persons.

Non-Major accident:

Incidents not already reported on the Major Incident Reporting form. Existence of one or more of the following conditions:

Injuries requiring immediate medical attention away from the scene for one person
Property damage equal to or exceeding $7,500 (less than $25,000)
All non-arson fires not qualifying as Major Incidents

MV had one accident with a frail elderly client, and Trans Metro had one accident in January on group van when a penny was stuck in the track of the securement system and the wheelchair therefore was not fully secured.

There have been 13 non-reportable incidents during the same period. These are small, fender-bender type incidents where there are no injuries and no vehicular damage.

Marc concluded his report by stating that it has been a very challenging few months and he apologized for any problems the community may have had particularly related to date/IT issues resulting from the upgrade. The Broker’s staff has been diligently working with all providers to achieve the performance standards expected by the passengers. Marc thanked his IT team, and Rich Conklin in particular. They have been working very hard and doing a great job.

Public Comment

Jeanne Lynch stated that Mr. Ford was invited to attend a PCC meeting, and she would like to see him attend.

Ruach Graffis stated that there was an article about congestion pricing in downtown San Francisco, and if it goes through, it could create a lot of money for the City. Taxi drivers would like some of the funds to go toward subsidizing hybrid vehicles, and Paratransit may want to look into that money.

Kate Toran stated that Dee Ann Hendrix, the PC&O Chair Coordinator, called a Systemwide PC&O meeting for April 12. Also, the fare equity proposal will be heard at the Municipal Transportation Agency Board meeting on April 18, 2:00 p.m. in room 400 of City Hall. Kate added that she wanted to acknowledge the hard work of the Grant Review Subcommittee. The subcommittee members worked very hard, and scored 6 proposals this year. When the final scores come back from the State level, the Grant Review Subcommittee will report back to the PCC. Erma Brim stated that she was a member of the Grant Review Subcommittee for many years, and the Subcommittee members always worked hard, and that in the past they scored more applications.

Byron Yan stated that the transition in van providers has caused a lot of concerns with the users. Annette responded that Muni and Broker want to hear the concerns. Marc added that as issues come up, the Broker staff would identify the problems and then work to correct them. The Broker is prepared to work very hard to address issues as they come up.

Annette stated that she wanted to acknowledge the work the MV has done for the City. MV has had a commitment to the senior and disabled community in San Francisco. Derik responded that MV’s number one priority has been caring for the passengers. He added that MV appreciates the community and that they provide other service in San Francisco, and the community will see MV again.

Paul Gillespie stated that the Taxi Commission refused to let a medallion move from one company to another because the company was not in compliance with the paratransit program rules.

Announcements:

Jeanne Lynch stated that there is a hearing on pedestrian safety today at the Land Use Committee of the Board of Supervisors at the request of Senior Action Network at 1:00 at City Hall. Supervisor Ma is developing a long term plan for improving pedestrian safety. Also, there was a positive community action meeting in the Richmond district about senior housing. The Institute on Aging is proposing to build 150 units of senior housing at the old Coronet Theater building. There will be a hearing on April 6 at the Planning Commission meeting to discuss this issue. There has been some opposition to the housing the neighbors.

Ruach stated that at the planning meeting on April 20, there will be discussion of re-zoning a huge section of the Mission district, changing the allowable heights for buildings from 35 feet to 85 feet.

The next PCC meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 26, 2006,

10:30 am – 12:30 pm at 711 Eddy Street.

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