08-08-16 Public Works and Property Vacation

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Mr. Cangany stated that three (3) years ago, the summer travel pass was launched. For thirty (30) dollars, students from K -12 can ride Transpo all summer long on our fixed -route service. The parks have a summer lunch program, so we can get them wherever they need to go to get what they need. This year was not as successful as it was in the past few years. Committeemember Broden asked how many students are taking advantage of the program, and Mr. Cangany stated that this year they have sold less than one - hundred (100) student bus passes, whereas last year we sold over three - hundred (300) passes. Councilmember Regina Williams- Preston asked if the thirty (30) dollar pass was just for a month long, and Mr. Cangany clarified that during the school year, Transpo offers a pass that is good for thirty -one (31) days for thirty (30) dollars. During the summer, the thirty (30) dollar pass is good all summer long. Transpo also provides bus service for School City of Mishawaka, because they do not provide bus service for students. Their students just buy our thirty (30) dollar monthly passes. The thirty (30) dollar pass is available to South Bend students as well, and the monthly adult pass is thirty - five (35) dollars. Councilmember Dr. Varner asked if Transpo would see more revenues if it were able to work with the South Bend School Corporation, and what that would take to facilitate. Mr. Cangany stated that he has had conversations with the Director of Transportation, and their system is a lot more complex than Transpo's, but there are opportunities for savings because they go down the same streets. Transpo goes right by every high school except for Clay, and if that opportunity were to present itself, Transpo could look into going by Clay. Councilmember Williams- Preston asked if Transpo could make it out to Rise Up Academy because there are a lot of problems with getting there. Mr. Cangany stated that Rise Up sends a yellow bus to the bus station every day, so there are opportunities for anything. Committeemember Voorde asked if there are bike racks, and Mr. Cangany stated that there are bike racks on every bus, and Transpo is adding to them on their next orders. A gentleman from the public asked how Transpo plans to replace all of the retiring bus operators. Mr. Cangany explained that people do not have to have a CDL license to apply for a job with Transpo. Anyone who has a knack for safety, good customer service skills, and the eligibility to drive can be trained to get their CDL. We want them to be safe and courteous when they are on the roads, and we have a six (6) week long training program which is even longer if they are training for their CDL. Those positions will be advertised as they come up. Paul Tipps, 1930 Ribourde Drive, asked if every time someone boards an Access bus, Transpo loses thirty-three (33) dollars.