Transit Authority Of Northern Kentucky

This Transit Development Plan, titled 'Reimagining the Future of Transit in Northern Kentucky,' outlines TANK's strategy to achieve a fiscally secure future over the next 10-15 years. The plan addresses funding challenges and reduced ridership by focusing on providing exceptional and accessible transit services across urban, suburban, and rural areas within existing financial frameworks. It is developed based on public input and a comprehensive evaluation of the current network to meet the diverse transportation needs of Northern Kentucky's residents and businesses.

The agenda for the May 14, 2025 meeting included the approval of minutes from the April 9, 2025 Board Meeting and the May 6, 2025 Special Board Meeting. Key discussion items covered Pension Committee minutes review, Finance/Administration topics such as the March FY25 Financial Statement Review, Equipment Disposition (Action item), and a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Plan update for information only. The agenda also allocated time for reports from the General Manager and General Counsel, and Old Business related to operations presentations.

The Board Meeting covered several key areas. The Transit Development Plan presentation indicated public concerns regarding the replacement of fixed routes with TANK Plus, recommending the retention of fixed routes where feasible, with a final decision scheduled for February. The Financial Committee Report included a recommendation to adopt the Via Transportation platform for demand response scheduling, funded by federal grants, and the approval for the disposal of old computers and monitors. The Operations & Safety Committee reviewed budget impacts from the Transit Development Plan, noted positive accident trend improvements, and discussed the Amazon 24/7 service pilot. The Attorney Report required board members to provide notice of receipt of open records information.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Audience members raised questions regarding development on Buttermilk Pike, pedestrian access points, temporary service during the Fourth Street Bridge construction, and suggested service extension to Route 17. The Board reviewed the May financial statements, noting a slight overall ridership increase but a decrease in Southbank Shuttle ridership due to fare and service changes; revenue and expenses were both under budget, maintaining a positive financial position. Key actions included the unanimous approval to declare identified equipment as surplus property and to remove fully depreciated items under $5,000 from the capital asset list. Additionally, the Board unanimously approved updated versions of the Hazard Communication Policy and the Bloodborne Pathogen Policy. The General Manager reported that a planning study will commence shortly. During New Business, Board officer elections were held, resulting in the nomination and unanimous election of Gina Rittinger as Chair and Ed Kuehne as Vice-Chair for one-year terms.

The board meeting addressed follow-up from a previous request regarding service addition on Route 17 to Kroger Independence, noting ongoing planning studies. The Pension Committee reported a total portfolio balance of $12,747,530 as of June 30, 2025, with a 2.61% yield. Key financial actions included authorizing five-year contracts for ADA accessible paratransit and on-demand vehicles, authorizing a three-year contract for tire leasing and service not to exceed $1,483,182.12, and adopting the FY26 Administrative pay structure which includes a 2% market adjustment and a 3.5% merit pool. The Operations and Safety Committee reported significant improvements, including a 30% decrease in preventable accidents. The Planning and Marketing Committee discussed the upcoming transit development plan, community engagement, and the UPass and shuttle service contract renewal with NKU.