1). Minutes of the April Meeting were
approved.
OLD
BUSINESS:
1). CDOT
reported that the 15% Fare increase would be effective
2). CDOT
reported that the SLE on-time performance for April was approximately 99% and
86.28% YTD and average daily ridership for April was 1451 which was in line
with the YTD average.
The
Council reported that there is a lack of schedule and timetable information at
both the SLE stations and on the SLE trains themselves. CDOT indicated that
they would look into it and supply the necessary timetables.
The
Council again noted the dirty train conditions on the SLE trains. CDOT
indicated that they would again review the problem.
3). CDOT
reported that there were no bus substitutions on the Waterbury Branch Line
during April, and that on-time performance for April was 91.7%.
Responding
to Council questions, CDOT indicated that the
4). CDOT
reported that there were no bus substitutions on the Danbury Branch Line during
April, and that on-time performance for April was 100%.
There
were no other Danbury Branch Line issues raised.
5). CDOT
reported that there were no bus substitutions on the New Canaan Branch Line
during April, and that on-time performance for April was 94%.
There
were no other New Canaan Branch Line issues raised.
6). CDOT reported that the Washington Boulevard
Bridge Replacement project at the Stamford Station was ongoing. Work was
continuing on the storm drain system, roadway and the sidewalk areas were
excavated to grade and the granite curbs were installed. In addition, light
pole foundations; pedestrian signal foundations and handholds were also
installed.
No work
was performed on the Stamford Transportation Center Improvement project or
CDOT
announced that the new garage would not be opened until at least Labor Day
(9/03).
7). Metro
North reported that there are currently approximately 54 cars in the shop
backlog. Metro North provided the Council with a new report that is more
meaningful. This “Consist Report” shows the number of trains that are short.
After discussion, the Council decided that the consist report more accurately
reflects the effect on the riders of short trains. This report information will
replace the out of service report information, since the out of service
includes routine maintenance, which may not affect the riders.
8). CDOT reported that the TSB Final Report went to the
General Assembly and that it is believed that the TSB Bill (HB 6671) will go
nowhere due to a lack of funding. CDOT added that the Section 16 Projects, such
as the SLE thru trains and the express busses would continue through the next
fiscal year. CDOT agreed to supply the council with a copy of the Section 16
legislation, which set up the TSB
A copy of
the TSB Final Report can be found on the Council’s website and all members are
encouraged to read it.
9). CDOT
reported that a Rail Governance Study is being conducted which will review the
operations of the stations. That study is expected to be completed over the
summer and CDOT will report on it at the September meeting.
10).
Council members and CDOT employees that attended the “Meet the Commuter Day”
indicated that they thought the program went very well, and suggested that it
be held more than once a year.
11). CDOT agreed to fix the broken downspout at
the Darien Station.
12). In other new business:…CDOT announced that
AMTRAK has agreed with the DEP that the right of way issue related to operating
trains over bridges (navigable bodies of water), needs to be expanded. CDOT
further added, that there is no quick answer and final resolution will take
some time.
CDOT
announced that it would be canceling the bus shuttle from the Temple Street
Parking Garage to Union Station effective
Metro
North announced that the eastbound onboard penalty of $1 would not apply until
the ticket machines are placed in all eastbound stations in question.
Responding
to council questions regarding a train fire, on
NEW
BUSINESS:
1). Metro North announced that the next Customer
Satisfaction Survey would be conducted in September 2003, and the Council will
have input into the questions.
2). In
other new business:
After
lengthy discussions relating to the Councils’ role in budgetary process, the
Council agreed to work to develop a program, which will support the Council’s
recommendations and positions to be taken for the next budget process.
Chairman
Chabot instructed Council member Marcuse to work with Metro North to develop a
program and statistics to report to the legislature.
The meeting was adjourned at
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary
Rodney Chabot, Chairman Phil
Wilhbuy, Metro North
Jim Mohs, Secretary John
Longobardi. Metro North
Bob Jelly, Council
Member
Peter Myers, Council Member Harry Harris, CDOT
Ed Zimmerman, Council Member Mike Donnarumma, CDOT
Jeff Maron, Council Member Mark Hogan, MTA Police
Lee Carlson, Council Member Scott Crosby, commuter
Joe Kanell, Metro North
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