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Approved 9/20/2017 105 Department. The Transit Demand Coordinator position is common in most transit departments and is often funded 106 through a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant. 107 108 Heidi Perry asked if they had trouble filling the bus driver positions. 109 110 Theo Letman said they have had no trouble filling the positions. There were actually more applications received 111 than in recent periods. They were able to screen -out people who did not have CDLs. Mr. Letman explained that one 112 of his plans includes reducing the size of the vehicle they purchase in the future so that the department can hire 113 people who do not have CDLs. He explained that finding good bus drivers with CDLs is a nationwide problem. If 114 there is a candidate with a good driving record but does not have a CDL, they can train them. Good drivers tend to 115 stay where they are. 116 117 Heidi Perry asked if the other two positions had been filled already. 118 119 Theo Letman responded that the Transit Dispatcher position will be filled in the next couple of weeks. The Transit 120 Demand Coordinator position has been posted and the application period is still open. 121 122 Alex Castro asked if Mr. Letman now has the software needed for dispatch and other functions. 123 124 Theo Letman answered that Staff is reviewing 2 software packages. Peter Murphy has helped get the CTS software 125 update through procurement. It's used for scheduling. Staff will also be getting tablets to increase efficiency and to 126 use for GPS for navigation. The other software package is being finalized with the Legal Department and focuses 127 on transit planning. It will be used for the deviated routes, like the Rural Zonal routes. The software will tell the 128 department where their passengers are and where they want to go, using relevant data. This useful tool not only 129 helps plan routes but it also can help determine where riders would be. 130 131 Alex Castro said that the existing system is labor intensive and the software will give better information without 132 burdening the drivers. 133 134 Theo Letman agreed that the software will help with data collection, heavy paperwork, and analysis. 135 136 Peter Murphy continued the presentation and discussed vehicle replacement. The department got 3 new buses. It 137 is taking some time to get them on the road because of a few minor problems. These buses will be used under the 138 fixed routes, based on the grants tied to them. The plan is for them to be on the Hill -to -Hill shuttle and Hillsborough 139 Circulator. He echoed Mr. Letman's recommendation of buying smaller vehicles, that are easier to maneuver on dirt 140 roads and driven by an operator without a CDL. If a driver is handling a vehicle for less than 14 riders, the driver 141 does not need a CDL. If the driver later needs a CDL, the department can assist with the training and upgrade. 142 143 Alex Castro asked if the smaller vehicles would still be handicap accessible. 144 145 Theo Letman answered that it is a requirement by the FTA for all of their vehicles to be handicap accessible. 146 147 Peter Murphy elaborated that the smaller vehicle would still be a true transit vehicle; they have the layout like a 148 larger bus and are less expensive. 149 150 Heidi Perry asked about the size of these smaller buses. 151 152 Peter Murphy answered that the smaller vehicle would be able to accommodate 10 to 14 passengers, like a Ford 153 transit vehicle or similar to a utility vehicle. They will have ramps or lifts for passengers using wheelchairs or others 154 needing assistance to get onboard the vehicle. 155 156 Theo Letman added that smaller vehicles tend to be easier to work on (maintenance). 157 3