OUTBoard agenda 092017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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109 Theo Letman said they have had no trouble filling the positions. There were actually more applications received 110 than in recent periods. They were able to screen-out people who did not have CDLs. Mr. Letman explained that one 111 of his plans includes reducing the size of the vehicle they purchase in the future so that the department can hire 112 people who do not have CDLs. He explained that finding good bus drivers with CDLs is a nationwide problem. If 113 there is a candidate with a good driving record but does not have a CDL, they can train them. Good drivers tend to 114 stay where they are. 115 116 Heidi Perry asked if the other two positions had been filled already. 117 118 Theo Letman responded that the Transit Dispatcher position will be filled in the next couple of weeks. The Transit 119 Demand Coordinator position has been posted and the application period is still open. 120 121 Alex Castro asked if Mr. Letman now has the software needed for dispatch and other functions. 122 123 Theo Letman answered that Staff is reviewing 2 software packages. Peter Murphy has helped get the CTS software 124 update through procurement. It’s used for scheduling. Staff will also be getting tablets to increase efficiency and to 125 use for GPS for navigation. The other software package is being finalized with the Legal Department and focuses 126 on transit planning. It will be used for the deviated routes, like the Rural Zonal routes. The software will tell the 127 department where their passengers are and where they want to go, using relevant data. This useful tool not only 128 helps plan routes but it also can help determine where riders would be. 129 130 Alex Castro said that the existing system is labor intensive and the software will give better information without 131 burdening the drivers. 132 133 Theo Letman agreed that the software will help with data collection, heavy paperwork, and analysis. 134 135 Peter Murphy continued the presentation and discussed vehicle replacement. The department got 3 new buses. It 136 is taking some time to get them on the road because of a few minor problems. These buses will be used under the 137 fixed routes, based on the grants tied to them. The plan is for them to be on the Hill-to-Hill shuttle and Hillsborough 138 Circulator. He echoed Mr. Letman’s recommendation of buying smaller vehicles, that are easier to maneuver on dirt 139 roads and driven by an operator without a CDL. If a driver is handling a vehicle for less than 14 riders, the driver 140 does not need a CDL. If the driver later needs a CDL, the department can assist with the training and upgrade. 141 142 Alex Castro asked if the smaller vehicles would still be handicap accessible. 143 144 Theo Letman answered that it is a requirement by the FTA for all of their vehicles to be handicap accessible. 145 146 Peter Murphy elaborated that the smaller vehicle would still be a true transit vehicle; they have the layout like a 147 larger bus and are less expensive. 148 149 Heidi Perry asked about the size of these smaller buses. 150 151 Peter Murphy answered that the smaller vehicle would be able to accommodate 10 to 14 passengers, like a Ford 152 transit vehicle or similar to a utility vehicle. They will have ramps or lifts for passengers using wheelchairs or others 153 needing assistance to get onboard the vehicle. 154 155 Theo Letman added that smaller vehicles tend to be easier to work on (maintenance). 156 157 Peter Murphy continued the presentation. He said that Staff will be working on the CTS software upgrade. It took a 158 long time for sign-offs on the software review but everything has been approved. This upgrade includes the addition 159 of a Medicaid batch-filling module which goes along with EMT Medicaid billing and will cut down on steps. Staff put 160 in for a grant to cover the cost of this module, which NCDOT awarded to the department at 100 percent. The 161 department will begin doing its billing through NC Tracks. 162 5