Josh Crooker

The Executive Committee meeting agenda and minutes covered several operational and policy items. Discussions included the proposed Non-Union Salary Plan, which involved a compensation market study and job reclassifications to maintain competitiveness. The committee reviewed a fare policy analysis, which compared fare structures and recovery ratios with peer transit agencies and proposed incremental fare increases for base fares and fare caps. Other topics included an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Town of Scarborough for new transit service, a procurement exception request for ADA services, and an update on agency safety plans and ridership goals.

The meeting agenda included public comment, review and approval of the January 14, 2026 meeting minutes, and staff reports covering Metro ridership through February 2026 and ongoing marketing activities. Key discussion items involved reviewing a draft Marketing Plan for 2026, including strategies and metrics, and outlining discussion points for communication regarding Metro's revised Sustainability Goal, which now focuses on increasing ridership by 25% by 2040 instead of a zero-emission fleet target. Future agenda items such as Fare Policy, Scarborough Service Launch marketing, Microtransit marketing, and Map and Schedule Overhaul were also noted.

This document outlines the capital improvement program, detailing planned investments across several key areas: planning and programs, facility maintenance and acquisition, vehicle maintenance and acquisition, bus stop improvements, and technology integrations. The plan aims to modernize public transit infrastructure and services through initiatives such as facility replacements, fleet upgrades (including zero-emission vehicles and microtransit), bus stop enhancements, and advanced technological integrations (e.g., CAD/AVL, Transit Signal Priority). It addresses compliance with federal mandates and diversification of funding sources.

The Transit Together Final Report, prepared for the Greater Portland Council of Governments, details recommendations to evaluate and redesign the region's transit services and enhance the overall rider experience. The plan focuses on key areas such as implementing more frequent service, improving connections between transit hubs, and enhancing the rider experience through updated facilities and technology. It also outlines regional initiatives including developing service standards, improving bus stops and hubs, streamlining fares and trip planning, and establishing a microtransit program to create a more seamless, effective, and efficient regional transit system.

The meeting includes discussions and actions on various topics, such as public comments, meeting minutes approval, consent agenda approval, authorization for bond application to finance new buses, authorization for tax anticipation borrowing to provide operating cash flow, selection of Metro officers, executive director's report with a year in review, and future agenda items.