Central Pennsylvania Transportation Authority

The meeting agenda included several resolutions for contract awards: Resolution 2606 for heavy duty vehicles to Gillig, LLC; Resolution 2608 for drug and alcohol screening services to Vault Workforce Screening; and Resolution 2609 to award a five-year contract for the Cisco enterprise agreement to TeleCom Business Solutions. Additionally, Resolution 2607 sought pre-award authority for the Executive Director to finalize the fixed-rate gasoline contract following a joint procurement process. Staff reports covered solar panel considerations, a scheduled review of the Shared Ride Program, and ongoing discussions regarding the potential management of a statewide vanpool program with PennDOT. The Board also addressed public comment regarding a bus stop removal.

The committee discussed improving transit services for persons with disabilities and/or low incomes. Key discussions focused on the analysis of a recent survey, where driver courtesy scored highly, but five areas were identified for improvement. The committee will provide recommendations for these five issues, which CAT management will then address. Updates were provided on the Request for Proposals (RFP) process for a new website, with proposals due January 5th. Furthermore, CAT is preparing an RFP for a new phone system to resolve customer service and complaint handling obstacles, including exploring options for callers to hold their place in line. A resolution was discussed regarding transfer station procedures to clarify bus boarding locations, including updating signage and issuing a press release. An ongoing issue with audible alerts on buses is being addressed by installing locked boxes on new buses to prevent drivers from disabling the alerts. Other topics included an observation report regarding dispatch and reservations, and a rider voicing concerns about shared ride scheduling and the importance of noting multiple disabilities.

The meeting included a review of CAT performance metrics for August and September 2021, detailing fixed route and paratransit ridership, on-time performance, and customer service feedback and calls. Rabbit performance metrics were also reviewed for July, August, and September 2021, covering customer service calls and complaint categories. The CCB Quarterly Report presented data on new customers, booked trips, no-shows, and bus passes issued. Updates were provided regarding the Statewide Independent Living Council, including the status of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Plan, the extension of the FAST Act, and the progress of American Rescue Plan dollars supporting projects. Discussions also covered marketing efforts, updating website information, the distribution of a survey for the RabbitCARES strategic plan, and the need to decide on a new committee name. A demonstration of the Find My Ride (FMR) online application was provided. The committee addressed the timeline for the Rabbit/CAT Merger, noting January as the tentative date, and discussed issues related to MATP and No Shows, specifically concerning dialysis facilities' cooperation and CAT's reminder call policy. Concerns were raised by a rider regarding transportation options between counties and the perceived lack of safety related to scooter securing on the bus.

Key discussions included an update on August customer comments, noting 81 total paratransit and fixed route comments/complaints, with the top fixed route issues being no-shows and rude drivers. There was discussion about researching the possibility of gathering rider compliments. Regarding the new phone system, the committee addressed the need to update messages for Cumberland County medical paratransit riders. A suggestion was made to utilize a free conference call line for future meetings. Updates were provided on the Travel Training Program, which will involve presenting an abbreviated version at Shippensburg University on September 11th. Information was shared about the PA Link to Aging & Disability Resources, including upcoming training sessions, and an introduction was made by the new representative filling a vacant seat. The committee also discussed an upcoming Board Presentation detailing the committee's accomplishments, which is scheduled for the October 25th board meeting.

Key discussions focused on the proposed CAT/Rabbit merger, outlining regionalization benefits, service areas, and the structure of the Susquehanna Regional Transportation Authority (SRTA) board. CAT management provided updates regarding a new facility location, improvements at Market Street Square, progress on a new Transfer Center site, the status of the CAT 2020/2021 redesign, efforts to implement Same Day Shared Ride service, and the updating of Shared Ride Guidelines. Systemness initiatives to balance service areas were also discussed. Furthermore, updates included plans for joint meetings between the PWD committees and the provision of free transportation to vaccine appointments. Questions and answers addressed the need for common branding/look for merged agency buses and potential loop routes to avoid required trips into the Harrisburg Transfer Center. Performance metrics for January showed significant declines in fixed route and Paratransit ridership compared to the previous year, alongside high on-time performance for Paratransit. New business highlighted concerns regarding the difficulty visually impaired riders face identifying buses at the Transfer Center and the lack of balance announcements on new fare boxes.