Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (Cmrta)

The committee meeting included adoption of the agenda and a brief positive reflection on current operational status during challenging times. Key discussion items involved updates on the Midway Transit Association, which lacked a representative present. The status of deferred matters was reviewed, including analysis of data for the long-term service plan in Richland County, the setup of a website for the Reimagine the Common project, and progress on the park and ride lot plan. Specific attention was given to the streetscape plan for the Hardin and Taylor Street project, which involved securing permission from Allen University of Benedict College to remove parking spaces for constructing a super stop. The safety plan review was noted as ongoing, anticipated to be ready by the June service committee meeting. The Ridership Report detailed a significant overall decline of 33.655% in boardings in 2020 compared to 2019, attributed to COVID-19 and service reductions, though flex routes and Sunday service slightly increased due to new route creation. The Transdev Operations and Safety Report noted zero preventable accidents for March, alongside four non-preventable accidents, and implementation of COVID-19 safety procedures like rear boarding and seating restrictions. In personnel updates, the Operations Manager was reported to be out for personal reasons, with a proposal to promote Tyrone Gambrell to Interim Operations Manager. Finally, discussion on passenger amenities included the approval of an additional stop (Stop 103) at a McDonald's on Broad River Road, which incorporates associated sidewalk work connecting to a super stop area.

The meeting included discussions and actions related to several items. A primary topic involved addressing required revisions to financial policies and procedures based on feedback from the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT). These revisions included establishing procedures for lobbying activities, developing a cost allocation methodology for urban and rural funds, and clarifying state mass transit fund auditing procedures. The committee also discussed updates to the procurement code following changes in state law, specifically regarding protest procedures and thresholds for small purchases, noting that while compliance with state code is not strictly mandatory, adherence to federal requirements is necessary. Finally, the committee reviewed and sought authorization for an HVAC replacement contract at the Lucious Road facility, which received only one bid. The discussion on procurement code changes, specifically item 9c concerning protests and small procurements, was ultimately voted to be held in committee until the August meeting to reconcile state and federal funding limits.

The meeting was primarily focused on amending the agenda to immediately discuss Phase Two of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout due to the ongoing crisis. Key discussion points included developing an education plan to dispel skepticism among community members regarding the vaccine, emphasizing the need for trusted voices such as doctors, pastors, and community leaders to deliver information. Discussions also covered ensuring access to vaccinations for drivers and DART riders who qualify under Priority Group 1B (including those over 75 or with existing medical conditions), potentially establishing vaccination points at transit hubs, and leveraging CARES Act monies for this rollout plan. Input was sought from experts regarding community engagement strategies and utilizing local health departments as partners.

The Service Committee Meeting covered several agenda items. The initial discussion involved the adoption of the agenda and a report on Midlands Transit Riders Association, where concerns were raised regarding driver awareness of new shelter locations. Key discussion and action items focused on infrastructure projects. A report detailed ongoing coordination with contractors, noting that several stops requiring easements are pending. Significant concern was raised regarding the quality of concrete work on a project, specifically citing cracks that appeared soon after installation, potentially indicating underlying ground stability issues. Due to these quality concerns, a recommendation was made to postpone the Phase One implementation date from September to January to allow for contractor remediation and thorough review. Discussions also covered the contractual leverage available, including retaining funds and bond insurance, to ensure contractor accountability. Additionally, the committee received updates on restroom access plans, aiming for installation before the initially planned September date, though January remains a contingency. Public feedback on proposed route changes, specifically concerning commuter delays versus improved frequency on a new loop, was also presented.

The board meeting commenced following procedural discussions regarding the agenda order, including the relocation of item 10a concerning the acceptance of the Attorney General's opinion. Following roll calls and debates over parliamentary procedure, the agenda was adopted as amended. The primary focus was the discussion and subsequent motion to accept the Attorney General's opinion dated September 8, 2020, regarding membership criteria for the Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority, specifically concerning population requirements for municipalities. The legal counsel later updated the board that the Attorney General's office had revisited the legislative history and intended to revise the opinion, agreeing that an incorporated municipality does not necessarily require a population of 5,000 or more persons to be a member. Other agenda items addressed included the absence of a report from the Nissan's Transit Writers Association and the absence of a presentation from employees of the net wrap.