Bryan Garner

The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority's 2017 Year In Review highlights its role in providing essential transportation services, including emergency evacuations during Hurricane Harvey. The authority focused on innovation to enhance service quality, improve first and last-mile connectivity, and embrace technology through system upgrades and public Wi-Fi. Future plans include allocating funds for improved rider amenities such as covered benches, trash receptacles, bike racks, and charging stations, aiming to ensure the entity's long-term stability.

The meeting included a safety and security report for November, detailing two non-preventable vehicle collisions and reporting a collision rate of 1.06 for the month, which is significantly better than the previous year. Updates were provided on contact statistics, with loading and quality of life concerns dominating inquiries. Security updates for the Staple Street Center noted increased daily entries due to movement in the Greyhound office, emphasizing enforcement of mask requirements. The K9 unit conducted multiple Health and Welfare inspections at transfer stations. A significant COVID-19 issue was noted within the RTR authority unit, with 11 officers testing positive and 5 exposed, impacting a third of the workforce, though patrol coverage was maintained. Operational reports for November 2020 indicated approximately 195,000 passenger trips, nearly 22,000 service hours, and over 330,000 miles, showing a 53% decrease in ridership compared to the previous November, particularly in fixed-route services. Cost-per-mile analysis for the third quarter was consistent due to stable ridership. On-Time Performance was strong at nearly 94%, despite nine services being on detour due to construction. Customer service call volume remained low. The CEO's report mentioned the process for the annual CEO performance evaluation would be facilitated in February. Board members expressed appreciation for staff efforts during difficult times and discussed scheduling a future in-person board retreat.

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Constable Jason McKahan. A safety briefing was provided, outlining emergency evacuation procedures. Roll call established a quorum, and confirmation of the public notice posting in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act was confirmed. The board received no conflict of interest affidavits and no public comments were offered. Under awards and recognitions, new hires across facility maintenance and vehicle maintenance departments were introduced. MV Transportation was recognized for celebrating its 50-year anniversary of service as the subcontractor for paratransit services. The CCRTA was recognized by SWAT for earning three Marketing Spotlight Awards for print, social media, and event coverage related to the American GI Forum bus wrap, the Downtown Dasher promotion, and the Ports Transfer Station grand opening. The board approved the minutes from the July 2nd, 2025 meeting. Consent items included approval for the purchase of 11 unleaded support vehicles and a three-year contract for unleaded fuel supply. An update on ARCAT committee activities covered the unsung hero nomination list, the timeline for the fare re-process, and resolutions regarding reserves and grant funding applications for a new maintenance facility. The legislative committee reported securing $1.94 million in federal funding from Congressman Cloud's office to begin the design phase for a new 85,000 square-foot, emergency-ready operations facility designed to withstand Category 4 hurricane winds.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance. Discussions included an introductory safety briefing noting the demonstration of a new R Box vehicle and the introduction of Tamika Weathers as the new Assistant General Manager. Committee reports covered administrative and finance activities, while operations capital projects required additional action as the committee lacked a quorum previously. The board discussed and voted on rescheduling a September 1st meeting due to the APTA expo, although this motion was tabled upon learning the conference moved dates. The minutes of the March 3rd, 2021 meeting were approved. Consent items (A through C) were approved. A significant portion of the meeting involved the discussion and acceptance of the findings from the quadrennial performance audit, which indicated a clean bill of health and full compliance, though several recommendations regarding maintenance procedures, KPI development, and data analysis trends (decreasing ridership versus increasing revenue miles, changes in sales and use tax per passenger, miles between mechanical road failure, and accidents per 100,000 miles) were noted for future focus. Finally, an update was provided on COVID-19 response efforts, focusing on employee vaccinations, continued safe cleaning protocols, and the return to a modified in-office work schedule.

The board meeting covered several significant agenda items. Discussions included the ratification and adoption of resolutions regarding the reserve policy, specifically adding a catastrophic reserve account, after noting that the previous reserve established around 2018 was discontinued. The board also addressed the amendment of the policy governing the naming of shelter stations and other facilities, proposing exceptions for honoring former employees or board members under strict conditions. Furthermore, the board confirmed four reappointments to the Committee on Accessible Transportation (ARCAT). An update on ARCAT activities detailed ridership statistics showing a 17.6% increase compared to 2022, the launch of the Destination Education Program offering free rides to K-12 students, and information on capital projects like the installation of accessible parking signs and playground renovations. A 2023 year-in-review presentation highlighted achievements in ridership growth (up 26% from 2022), operational transparency, street improvements, safety enhancements, and workforce retention efforts. The committee reports section noted that several standing committees did not meet due to a lack of quorum.