body,date,page,text,path
TransportationCommission,2013-10-23,1,"Transportation Commission
January 22, 2014
Item 4A
Action
Transportation Commission Minutes:
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Commissioner Jesus Vargas called the Transportation Commission to order at 7:00 p.m.
1.
Roll Call
Roll was called and the following was recorded:
Members Present:
Jesus Vargas (Chair)
Michele Bellows
Thomas G. Bertken
Sandy Wong
Eric Schatmeier
Gregory Morgado
Members Absent:
Christopher Miley (Vice Chair)
Staff Present:
Staff Payne, Transportation Coordinator
Staff Ta, Assistant Engineer
Staff Nguyen, Assistant City Manager
Staff Patel, Transportation Engineer
2.
Agenda Changes
None.
3.
Announcements / Public Comments
None.
4.
Consent Calendar
4A.
Meeting Minutes - July 24, 2013
Commissioner Vargas called for a motion to approve the Consent Calendar.
Page 1 of 19",TransportationCommission/2013-10-23.pdf
TransportationCommission,2013-10-23,2,"Commissioner Bellows moved to approve the Consent Calendar. Commissioner Bertken
seconded the motion. The motion was approved 5-0; 1 abstention.
5.
New Business
5A. AC Transit Fare Increases
Commissioner Schatmeier explained that he produced a memo on his recommendations dated
October 14th and discussed the objections raised at the Inter-Agency Liaison Committee (ILC)
meeting. He said since the meeting, Staff Payne received a notice from AC Transit staffer
Nathan Landau that transfers for transbay riders would continue. He felt his major objection is
the elimination of transfers on the system and the fact that passengers located near the worse
service would receive a fare increase and that seems inequitable. He noted that the memo says
that service speeds would increase due to the elimination, but to him that does not make sense
because passengers would have to come up with cash each time they board. Moreover, he
believed the change is convenient for the operating department and not for the passengers, and
the policy will increase the fare on the least efficient service. Thus, his recommendation is for
AC Transit to provide every passenger with a 90-minute transfer, similar to MUNI, as proof of
payment.
Commissioner Bellows said she commended Commissioner Schatmeier's research and she
agreed with his recommendations.
Commissioner Vargas opened the floor to public comments.
Commissioner Bertken said he rode MUNI three times a week and he felt their program was
good. Furthermore, he liked the implementation of the transfer policy onto the Clipper card and
their ability to provide paper transfers.
Commissioner Schatmeier said AC Transit provided examples of other transit agencies
implementing a similar transit policy, but the policy still represents a trend for favoring the
operating department rather than the customers' needs.
Commissioner Vargas asked AC Transit staff about the time savings once the transfer policy is
eliminated.
Robert del Rosario, AC Transit Director of Service Development, replied that staff analyzed the
boarding times and cash paying passengers took eight seconds, Clipper passengers took four
seconds and simply walking on board took three seconds. Thus, he said the transfer would be
around the four seconds range. So, he said elimination of paying cash is the key.
Commissioner Bertken said he was somewhat familiar with MUNI's system since he has been
using it for some time and the biggest delay is inserting cash into the farebox. However, he felt
the operators could easily generate a transfer pass within seconds.
Page 2 of 19",TransportationCommission/2013-10-23.pdf
TransportationCommission,2013-10-23,3,"Robert del Rosario said AC Transit use to have paper transfers back in the 1990s and they
changed over in early 2000 when new fareboxes were installed. Overall, he said the paper
transfers were surrounded by fraud and it was hard to determine the transfer's time limit rip.
Basically, the agency wanted to move away from the paper transfers, so they converted to
magnetic strip transfers and passengers had to dump the pass into the farebox. This procedure
took anywhere between four to eight seconds per passenger.
Commissioner Schatmeier replied the SFMTA inspectors enforce the proof of payment system
on MUNI more than the drivers. He explained the proof of payment policy speeds up the
process, but AC Transit may not be ready to implement such a process.
Commissioner Vargas requested a motion from the Commission.
Commissioner Schatmeier moved to insert the recommendations from his October 14, 2013
memo and asked AC Transit for clarification on the transbay transfer policy. Commissioner
Bertken seconded the motion. The motion was approved 6-0.
Commissioner Schatmeier asked Staff Nguyen if there is an appropriate way to communicate the
Commission's motion to AC Transit.
Staff Nguyen replied for the record staff would give the motion to AC Transit directly.
5B. AC Transit Line 51
David Fyfe, URS Consulting Engineer for AC Transit, presented the report.
Commissioner Vargas opened the floor to public comments.
Vincent Wu, engineer and Alameda resident, said he resides on the corner of Santa Clara Avenue
and Caroline Street, and he opposed the relocation of the bus stop from the southwest corner to
the southeast corner. He said years ago, the owner of 1000 Santa Clara Avenue repaired the
storefront because the store was damaged by a car. He felt the relocation is dangerous because
of the setback from the curb.
John Brennan spoke on behalf of Christ Episcopal Church. They are supportive of the overall
plan, but do not support the stop relocation in front of the church on Santa Clara Avenue at
Grand Street. He explained that there is a lot of pedestrian and vehicular activity in front of the
church. Additionally, there is handicap access to the church to accommodate services, weddings
and funerals. They proposed a number of alternatives such as moving the stop in front of the
dentist office at Union Street or leave it where it is.
Sheri Stock said she wanted to make additional comments to John Brennan's comments. She
said there are many studies on this transit line, but when she sat on the church steps and watched
the traffic flow go by she found not much of a savings of time. She saw the bus stop after
loading passengers on numerous occasions. Also, she noticed that while the bus would be in
front of the church, motorists could not easily make a free right turn and that would lead to
traffic congestion.
Page 3 of 19",TransportationCommission/2013-10-23.pdf
TransportationCommission,2013-10-23,4,"Harry Reppert, parishioner of Christ Church, said there is a 60 foot white zone in front of the
church for easy drop off of passengers. He mentioned that the church's activities would be
impacted if the drop off zone is eliminated.
Commissioner Vargas asked where the location of the drop off zone was specifically located.
Harry Reppert replied that the loading zone is on the Santa Clara Avenue side and right in front
of the church.
Dennis Yee, parishioner of Christ Church, said he opposed the bus stop relocation on Santa Clara
Avenue at Grand Street because the church hosts many activities and a large number of youth
and elderly visit the church. The church has a small parking lot and only one handicap space.
The drop off curb area serves as the handicap space. Furthermore, the church conducts many
weddings and funerals and the majority of the events come from non-members of the church. He
also said the relocation would displace motorists who would have to park further down the street.
Every Tuesday, the church serves a food pantry for over 100 clients, which is the same morning
for street cleaning on Grand Street.
Genevieve Monterrosa, resident of 1716 Santa Clara Avenue, said she lives two doors down
from Christ Church and opposed the bus stop relocation primarily because of parking. There are
only three residences on the block, so parking is already challenging. Having two bus stops on
the same block would cause cars to go around both buses and increase the risk of accidents. AC
Transit wants to be consistent of the running times, but the running time only changes by less
than one minute. The areas that are more challenged are in Oakland and Berkeley and this stop
is not in the top 20 locations listed in the relocation list. She read a letter from her neighbor,
Laurie Harper, who said that she does not want the bus stop moved because it would place a
stop in front of the church and there is no evidence supporting the need for the change.
Ultimately, congestion and noise would be generated from the relocation.
Pam Cowart, parishioner of Christ Church, said she opposed the relocation of the bus stop.
Norbert Scheunemann, parishioner of Christ Church, said he opposed the relocation of the bus
stop. He said the Girls Inc. facility next to Christ Church have a lot of youth activity that
increases potential accidents. He noted that service delays are related to Oakland and Berkeley
and will not save time in Alameda. Additionally, he asked the Commission to review the activity
next time they drive by the church because there is a lich gate that is an integral part of the
Anglican tradition and the relocation would obstruct its use.
Maria Phraner, resides across from Christ Church, and agreed with the parishioners and
constantly observed traffic and pedestrian activities. She felt the relocation would hinder the
activity because there would be two bus stops across from each other and that would increase
congestion, noise and pollution.
Michael Cordell, resident of Santa Clara Avenue and Willow Street, said he opposed the bus
stop relocation because the stop would be directly in front of his house. He stated there is
already a parking problem on the block and the relocation could cause potential accidents from
Page 4 of 19",TransportationCommission/2013-10-23.pdf
TransportationCommission,2013-10-23,5,"children attending Henry Haight Elementary School and Little Seeds Children's Center. He
explained that two stops would be on the same block (Santa Clara Avenue/Chestnut Street and
Santa Clara Avenue/Willow Street). He felt AC Transit and the City will compound traffic
congestion rather than negate the issue.
David Baker, resident near Caroline Street and Santa Clara Avenue, wanted to focus on the delay
issue and the bus lane extension specifically within the Santa Clara Avenue corridor. He
suggested staff think outside the box and study a bus only lane in two directions on Lincoln
Avenue to reduce the load on Santa Clara Avenue.
Frank D. Valenzuela, owner of Dan Francisco Salon, opposed the bus relocation because his
patrons can access his salon easily, but the relocation would displace them. He explained that
loading and unloading passengers in front of the entrance door with a 15-foot setback from the
curb would affect the privacy of the 27-units surrounding the stop. Additionally, the placement
of the bus stop in front of the salon would be far less safe than the current location and there is a
utility post at the corner of the relocated stop, so if a bus hits the post it would be disastrous.
Lance Russum said he is familiar with the intersection of Santa Clara Avenue and Caroline
Street. He worked near there for over 47 years and witnessed accidents and near accidents.
There is no reason why the bus should be moved to the southeastern side. He believed the
relocation would create more congestion and blockage. He also suggested eliminating the stop
on Santa Clara Avenue at Everett Street.
Carolyn Pounds, resident near Eighth Street and Santa Clara Avenue, said she opposed the bus
stop relocation near her area. She mentioned that Eighth Street and Santa Clara Avenue is a busy
intersection and she does not see the benefit from the relocation.
Lesley V. Gustafson said she opposed the relocation near Santa Clara Avenue and Caroline
Street, and felt it would be unsafe for the businesses and the 27-unit residents. Furthermore,
parking would be impacted by the relocation.
Dan Thuzon, resident of 1645 Broadway and an engineer, opposed the bus stop relocation onto
Broadway and Buena Vista Avenue. He said working as an engineer he must produce the
following outcomes: 1. faster; 2. cheaper; and 3. better. He believed that moving the stop does
not address those issues. He noted that there are three houses on the corner that do not have off-
street parking and street cleaning further displaces cars. He mentioned that Edison School (2700
Buena Vista Avenue) is a block away and the children cross the intersection in the early morning
and afternoon. The bus would impact the visibility of motorists and cause pedestrian accidents.
He also carried a letter from his neighbor, Karen Pierce, at 1647 Broadway Avenue. His
neighbor is a bed ridden senior, and wrote the noise and smoke would disrupt her health, remove
parking for her caretaker and decrease her property value.
Letty Soogian explained that moving the Santa Clara Avenue and Caroline Street bus stop would
be detrimental for residents and business owners. She pointed out that parking is already limited
and that would further hurt senior residents and visitors in the area. She said now is not the time
to threaten businesses and employees' incomes.
Page 5 of 19",TransportationCommission/2013-10-23.pdf
TransportationCommission,2013-10-23,6,"Leanne Corrie, patron of Dan Francisco Salon, opposed moving the bus stop at Santa Clara
Avenue and Caroline Street. She said there has always been an issue with parking and traffic
and crossing Santa Clara Avenue is already dangerous. She recommended installing a cross
walk at the intersection.
Mike Tuttle, resident of 787 Santa Clara Avenue, opposed the relocation at Eighth Street and
Santa Clara Avenue because the stop is close to his house and it would create additional traffic
and noise. He said, in the past, he called the police several times to have a person removed
because she was screaming at the top of her lungs while waiting for the bus and that goes on all
the time. He suggested moving the stops to Santa Clara Avenue at Ninth Street where the
transbay bus stop and 5-6 businesses are located. He had additional concerns with the relocation
during the 8 am and 5 pm peak hour because children are picked up and dropped off. The result
creates double parking at the elementary school, so that is why they need a consolidated bus stop
to open up parking spaces and a loading zone. He mentioned that Officer Jones is at the
intersection every weekday since the beginning of September to issue parking citations.
Pedro Marquez said he opposed the relocation at Santa Clara Avenue and Caroline Street
because he does not find anything wrong with the existing stop.
Matt Valenzuela, employee of Dan Francisco Salon, said he opposed the Santa Clara Avenue and
Caroline Street stop relocation. He recognized the issue of buses stopping within proximity to
the salon's windows. Additionally, he felt the fumes would enter the salon, which would be
detrimental for the patrons. He added that patrons do not have an area to wait if the stop is
relocated and the new stop may bring loiterers. Furthermore, the relocated bus stop is near a
driveway that is frequently used and when that driveway is being used, it would be an issue of
visibility to the street.
Jane Sullwold said Frank Valenzuela came to her and asked for her helped. She referred to AC
Transit's letter dated June 25, which noted the delays at Santa Clara Avenue and Caroline Street.
She received the study from Fehr Peers and found no delays in that area. She said public
comments sent to AC Transit were never published to the Commission. She brought copies of
the letter submitted by her and Mr. Valenzuela. She also mentioned that Mr. Valenzuela
collected over 100 signatures of people opposed to the bus stop relocation. She said AC
Transit's initial goal was to reduce service delays, but at the community workshop many have
said that there are no delays. Now, AC Transit has shifted its goal to resolving the safety issue.
Reverend Stephen McHale, Christ Church, said his primary role is to make the space open and
welcoming to the community. He felt the relocation would limit access to the front of the church
and that would deter visitors attempting to come to a number of events that are hosted by the
church. He mentioned the delicate lich gate has architectural significance and the relocation
would make the gate a defacto bus stop. Moreover, he has seen an uptick of theft in the church
and he does not want trash increased near the church.
Bryan Sperry, Oakland resident, felt that moving the bus stop at the front of Christ Church would
not help increase service speeds. He would like the relocations focused in Oakland. He believed
the lich gate at Christ Church would be subject to graffiti and the City would eventually request
the gate be removed because of safety reasons.
Page 6 of 19",TransportationCommission/2013-10-23.pdf
TransportationCommission,2013-10-23,7,"relocating the bus stop based on safety reasons. She pointed out that Alameda High School is
close to the intersection, so possibly eliminating the stop at Santa Clara Avenue and Willow
Street would increase service time.
Eleanor Wiley, resident of 1402 Santa Clara Avenue, said she opposed all bus stops relocating
and felt Alameda is being painted with the same brush as Berkeley and Oakland.
Alex Helperin, resident of 1705 Broadway, said he opposed the Broadway and Buena Vista
Avenue relocation and the existing stop has a large setback and less parking issues.
Jon Spangler, Alameda resident and a League of American Cycling Instructor, said at the July 9
meeting a lot of people commented about the wrong type of people are being attracted to bus
stops. He lives three blocks from the Santa Clara Avenue corridor and said not everyone who
rides the bus is homeless or starting trouble. That night he rode his bike down Santa Clara
Avenue and he never worried about AC Transit buses hitting him. They are the safest drivers on
the street. However, he felt motorists tend to cause pedestrian accidents overall. He also pointed
out that buses do not stop at the Dan Francisco Salon for more than 15 seconds and they are
gone. Yet, he did hear legitimate transit-related conflicts such as the Broadway and Buena Vista
Avenue stop and he hoped they could fix the service between downtown and Fruitvale BART
Station. Overall, he approved of the incremental stop changes because every second is essential.
Louie Martirez, Line 51A passenger, said he is in favor of moving the bus stop to Ninth Street
and Santa Clara Avenue because of the current location's safety issues.
Page 7 of 19",TransportationCommission/2013-10-23.pdf
TransportationCommission,2013-10-23,8,"Alan Pryor, resident of 1009 Santa Clara Avenue, said that moving the stop in front of Dan
Francisco Salon would be detrimental and he felt Christ Church made valid points about not
having the stop close to their location.
Jim Strehlow, Alameda resident and local employee, said the Santa Clara Avenue section
between Everett Street and Broadway does not need a stop at Everett Street because Park Street
and Broadway are good enough as they are. He felt the relocation stop at Buena Vista Avenue
and Broadway did not make sense. In addition, he wanted to see Broadway and Santa Clara
Avenue kept as a stop and the City should paint the stop SO it is clearly marked as a bus stop.
Cynthia Landry said she travels on the bus down at Webster Street to downtown Oakland for
work. She is not clear of all the existing issues, but the bus worked fine for her. She felt
everything should stay as it is.
Commissioner Schatmeier said the Everett Street and Santa Clara Avenue speakers mentioned
there is one stop on Everett and not on the westbound side. He felt that is a prime candidate for
elimination.
Sean Diest Lorgion, AC Transit Senior Transportation Planner, said a few years ago they did
remove the westbound stop, but the current spacing in the eastbound direction between Park
Street and Santa Clara Avenue at Broadway is roughly 1,600 feet. He noted that AC Transit has
an 800-1,300 foot spacing guideline and they would like to keep the policy with regards to
Everett Street.
Commissioner Schatmeier asked AC Transit staff if the parking spaces in front of Dan Francisco
Salon are designated for disabled people.
David Fyfe replied the parking spaces are not disabled spaces.
Commissioner Schatmeier wondered why the Ninth Street and Santa Clara Avenue bus stop was
not shown in the presentation map.
Sean Diest Lorgion replied that the current bus stop on Ninth Street and Santa Clara Avenue is
used for the Transbay Line O only and the Line 51 stops at Eighth Street and Santa Clara
Avenue.
Commissioner Schatmeier asked AC Transit staff if they examined consolidating the lines.
Sean Diest Lorgion replied that staff discussed the option and they are willing to consolidate
both lines onto Eighth Street and Santa Clara Avenue. They chose Eighth Street and Santa Clara
Avenue because the intersection is signalized and Ninth Street and Santa Clara Avenue has an
uncontrolled intersection.
Commissioner Schatmeier said there are safety conflicts between traffic and pedestrians,
especially when buses pick up at the near side and far side of an intersection.
Robert del Rosario replied that a stop sign controlled intersection if on the far side had to stop at
Page 8 of 19",TransportationCommission/2013-10-23.pdf
TransportationCommission,2013-10-23,9,"the sign and then pull into the stop. However, the near side is substandard because the bus often
does not have enough space and must pull into the stop at an angle. The far side approach takes
up less parking and allows the bus to go through the intersection and pull into the stop.
Commissioner Wong referred to the Santa Clara Avenue and Morton Street bus stop proposal.
She noticed that moving the stop on the far side would create conflict with an existing fire
hydrant shown in the staff presentation on page 18. She is wondering about the impact of it.
David Fyfe replied that the fire hydrant would be moved.
Robert del Rosario said they would not want the bus to dwell near a hydrant for long periods, but
the driver could move out of the way if there was an emergency.
Commissioner Wong replied SO there is not a code or regulation of distance for placing a bus stop
near a fire hydrant.
Robert del Rosario said not for a bus stop.
William Buller, AC Transit Traffic Engineer, said the back end of the bus would be 10 feet away
from the ramp and the hydrant.
Commissioner Wong asked staff for the approximate distance needed between bus stops.
William Buller replied 800 to 1,300 feet.
Commissioner Wong referred to the Santa Clara Avenue and Eighth Street bus stop, and she
wanted to know the location of the Ninth Street and Santa Clara Avenue stop.
Robert del Rosario replied that the Ninth Street stop is on the west side near the corner store.
Commissioner Wong said since it is in front of the corner store, which is the same distance as
Maya Lin School, then there are two bus stops on each corner even if the stops are not used by
the same bus route.
Robert del Rosario replied the bus stops have different routes that pick up and drop off and the
policy of distance is based on the same route.
Commissioner Wong said when consolidating the stops down to Ninth Street and Santa Clara
Avenue and then Webster Street and Santa Clara Avenue there would be two bus stops on the
same block by Maya Lin School and another by the corner store.
Robert del Rosario replied they would consider removing the Ninth Street bus stop and the stop
sign per route policy. However, the point of the policy is to have access to a line for all
passengers and not the fact that there are two bus stops on one block. Otherwise, their
passengers have to walk further to access the service.
Commissioner Morgado asked staff if they contacted the Alameda Police Department when
Page 9 of 19",TransportationCommission/2013-10-23.pdf
TransportationCommission,2013-10-23,10,"conducting the report. The reason he asked was that he had Sergeant Simmons attend the
meeting to comment about general crime around bus stops within the Santa Clara Avenue
corridor.
Sergeant Simmons, Alameda Police Department Traffic Division, said over his 23-year history
he has seen graffiti, loitering and occasional theft of cell phones or personal property at bus
stops.
Commissioner Vargas asked Sergeant Simmons about accident data along Santa Clara Avenue.
He specifically wanted to know about the number of speeding buses and parking or drop off
concerns.
Sergeant Simmons replied that the drop off at Eighth Street and Santa Clara Avenue concerned
him because the stop is right in front of the library. He said if the relocation were to happen, the
City would lose around seven parking spaces on that block. Moreover, the area near Maya Lin
School is one of the worst areas for picking and dropping off passengers and many motorists
double park or encroach in the bicycle lanes. Regarding speeding buses, he routinely receives
calls about this issue, and he is armed with a radar gun to check AC Transit buses, but he does
not see many speeding buses. He stated that he does not have all of the accident data for Santa
Clara Avenue, but he recalled the last collision was at Grand Street and Santa Clara Avenue
involving a motorist running a red light and hitting a car.
Commissioner Bellows told Sergeant Simmons that every time she drove near Eighth Street and
Santa Clara Avenue it is impacted in all directions. She avoids the area because it is such a
tough intersection. Also, she wanted to know his opinion about relocating the bus stop from
Eighth Street to Ninth Street.
Sergeant Simmons said he was concerned with the Ninth Street and Santa Clara Avenue
intersection because the heaviest crossings involve Maya Lin students. Additionally, he said that
they deploy a crossing guard at the intersection, adding extra activity would hinder the children's
safety.
Commissioner Morgado asked Sergeant Simmons if lighting was an important element to
stopping crime.
Sergeant Simmons replied lighting is an important factor to reducing crime. Yet, he does not
know if he could make a fair assessment about the lighting at the bus stops along Santa Clara
Avenue because he has not worked night shifts in a long time. However, he would ask the night
time officers and come back to the Commission with an answer.
Commissioner Schatmeier said it would be good to know how the proposed moves would be
impacted by the presence or absence of lighting.
Commissioner Bertken asked AC Transit staff for clarification of the route 51A when discussing
service delays in the staff presentation.
Robert del Rosario replied the 51A line runs through Fruitvale BART Station and into
Page 10 of 19",TransportationCommission/2013-10-23.pdf
TransportationCommission,2013-10-23,11,"Broadway, through Santa Clara Avenue and up Webster Street. The bus goes into downtown
Oakland and up Broadway in Oakland and terminates at the Rockridge BART Station.
Commissioner Bertken said the staff presentation displayed a one-way savings of 17 minutes.
He questioned the amount of delay within the Webster Street and Broadway section.
William Buller replied there would be 3-5 minutes time savings through Webster Street, Santa
Clara Avenue, Broadway and back.
Commissioner Bertken asked if AC Transit has kept records on accidents around the bus stops
and pedestrian crosswalks.
Robert del Rosario replied AC Transit has the data, but he does not have it currently. He went
on to say there were some significant incidents that have occurred such as the case at Frick
Middle School in Oakland along Foothill Boulevard. He pointed out that AC Transit does not
want pedestrian incidents to occur because the liability to them and their customer base is huge.
Commissioner Bertken said a number of public speakers presented their input this evening. He
wanted to know how AC Transit staff incorporated community input.
Robert del Rosario replied that the safety issues that were mentioned are taken very seriously. In
addition, AC Transit has the County sheriff officers who work with the agency to address the
safety issues and the agency worked with the police department to coordinate ways to make bus
stops safe. He noted that there are opportunities for grants to incorporate more lighting and other
enhancements around bus stops.
Commissioner Bertken asked AC Transit staff if they made any changes since the first proposal
based on community input.
Robert del Rosario replied that three months ago they had a community meeting that was well
attended and based on that they went back and conducted field work to see if there were parking
issues and ways to mitigate those issues along Santa Clara Avenue. Staff then came up with two
tiered recommendations. The priority recommendations were for bus stop locations that are
labeled tier 1 for the agency and City staff agreed. The second tier is high priority, but they have
some discretion to postpone the implementation.
Commissioner Bertken asked about the basic locations and the changes that are not associated
with a traffic signal.
Robert del Rosario said he does not have the exact details, but they could pull up the list. He
emphasized the safety benefits from near side to far side at uncontrolled intersections.
Commissioner Bellows wondered why several locations are moving from near side to far side,
but others are not.
Robert del Rosario replied he would have his team talk more about that because obstacles such
as traffic signal cabinets and driveways prevent the agency from moving the bus stops.
Page 11 of 19",TransportationCommission/2013-10-23.pdf
TransportationCommission,2013-10-23,12,"Sean Diest Lorgion explained that there are a couple of locations where they would like to move
the bus stops, but sometimes there are multiple driveways that would not allow them to install a
bus stop and they do not want to move a stop midblock.
Commissioner Bellows asked staff if they would consider a controlled intersection a stop sign or
only a stoplight.
William Buller replied when the side street is stopped that is a semi-controlled intersection.
However, when all directions are stopped that is an all way controlled intersection. The reason
they call the intersection controlled and uncontrolled is that they are focusing on the main route.
Commissioner Wong said she understood the benefits of locating the bus stops, but she wanted
clarification on whether the agency's goal for moving the locations was for safety or time
savings.
Robert del Rosario replied the goal is for both safety and time savings. However, the far side has
an accessibility advantage, so there would be some time saving and safety in all situations.
David Fyfe explained that the far side bus stop could also minimize parking removal. He
explained that a bus could easily pull over to the far side bus stop and maneuver through the
intersection, but the near side bus stop would eliminate more parking spaces.
Commissioner Wong replied that it is a 2.5-minute savings total.
David Fyfe said the time savings preliminary estimate is 3 minutes in Alameda in each direction.
Commissioner Wong referred to the bus location on Santa Clara Avenue in front of the library.
She felt moving the stop in front of Maya Lin School could pose potential problems like loitering
and graffiti. Moreover, there is a school gate nearby the bus stop and that is a safety issue.
Commissioner Schatmeier wondered if there were available funds to upgrade the relocated bus
stops with shelters, benches or lighting.
Robert del Rosario replied that the primary purpose of the project was to increase speed and
reliability and that is what the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) approved and
funded. Alternatively, staff could look into small spot treatments and the agency recently
applied for a Safe Routes to Transit Grant with Alameda.
William Buller replied that they are also tasked with being accessible and some amenities could
fall under the heading of accessibility, especially under ADA.
Commissioner Schatmeier was concerned that the amenities at the existing bus stops would not
be available at the relocated stops.
Sean Diest Lorgion explained that as part of the project if there was an existing shelter or bench
it would be relocated.
Page 12 of 19",TransportationCommission/2013-10-23.pdf
TransportationCommission,2013-10-23,13,"Commissioner Wong asked AC Transit staff if the preferred relocation recommendations were
a
package deal or could the Commission approve them separately.
David Fyfe said it is not a package deal.
Commissioner Wong explained that she found value of relocating some of the bus stops but for
the others she did not see intended service or safety improvements.
Robert del Rosario explained that the relocation's objective is to improve the time savings to
load the passenger quickly.
Commissioner Vargas asked AC Transit staff how they addressed bus stop relocations around
schools in other cities that they serve.
William Buller said they work with the schools and attempt to find a solution either by shifting
the bus stop or working around established equipment that impedes on relocating the stop.
Ultimately, they work around the obstacles to find a solution.
Commission Bellows would like to make separate motions.
Commissioner Schatmeier felt the Commission would review the first and second tiers. There
should be discussion on prioritizing the locations for the second tier.
Commission Vargas requested clarification on whether the first tier was priority deployment and
the second tier would need further discussion.
David Fyfe said staff evaluated the technical basis for operational benefits and safety concerns.
The first tier does not have a traffic signal and the second tier is all traffic signal controlled.
Thus, all locations give operational benefits, but the first tier is not traffic signal controlled.
Commission Vargas asked AC Transit staff if they were looking for a package approval to move
the project along quickly.
Staff Payne directed the Commission to pages 26-27 of the staff report. The pages illustrate all
the items needed for approval.
Commissioner Vargas called for a motion
Commissioner Bertken moved to endorse the five items found on page 26 of the staff report.
Commissioner Bellows seconded the motion. The motion was approved 6-0.
Commissioner Bellows made a motion to approve the intersection relocations separately.
Commissioner Bellows moved to approve the relocation at Santa Clara Avenue and Mozart
Street. Commissioner Bertken seconded the motion. The motion was approved 6-0.
Page 13 of 19",TransportationCommission/2013-10-23.pdf
TransportationCommission,2013-10-23,14,"Commissioner Bellows moved to deny the relocation at Santa Clara Avenue and Caroline Street.
Commissioner Wong seconded the motion. The motion was approved 6:0.
Commissioner Bellows moved to approve the relocation at Santa Clara Avenue and Morton
Street. Commissioner Schatmeier seconded the motion. The motion was approved 4:2.
Commissioner Bellows moved to approve the relocation at Santa Clara Avenue and Chestnut
Street. Commissioner Bertken seconded the motion. The motion was approved 5:1.
Commissioner Bellows moved to approve the relocation at Santa Clara Avenue and Willow
Street. Commissioner Schatmeier seconded the motion. The motion was approved 6:0.
Commissioner Bellows moved to approve the relocation at Santa Clara Avenue and Walnut
Street. Commissioner Wong seconded the motion. The motion was approved 6:0.
Commissioner Bellows moved to require further analysis on Santa Clara Avenue and Everett
Street. Commissioner Schatmeier seconded the motion. The motion was approved 6:0.
Commissioner Bellows moved to approve the relocation at Buena Vista and Webster Street.
Commissioner Bertken seconded the motion. The motion was approved 6:0.
Commissioner Bellows moved to deny the relocation at Santa Clara Avenue and Eighth Street.
Commissioner Wong seconded the motion. The motion was approved 6:0.
Commissioner Bellows moved to deny the relocation at Santa Clara Avenue and Grand Street.
Commissioner Wong seconded the motion. The motion was approved 6:0.
Commissioner Bellows moved to deny the relocation at Broadway, Tilden Way, and Eagle
Avenue. Commissioner Wong seconded the motion. The motion was approved 5:1.
Commissioner Bertken asked City staff what would be the consequence of the action taken by
the Commission.
Staff Nguyen replied that they need to hear from AC Transit staff because they have a 24 month
time horizon and that would frame how they go forward.
David Fyfe said that they were conducting public outreach until December 2013, and the design
consultant will continue to work with the community. They expected the design process to
conclude by the end of the year and they would start construction by early 2014.
Commissioner Bertken asked if they would review the bus stops that were of concern to the
community and the Commission.
Page 14 of 19",TransportationCommission/2013-10-23.pdf
TransportationCommission,2013-10-23,15,"Robert del Rosario replied that the relocation stops that were of concern would be put on hold
until further analysis.
David Fyfe said all votes for no's would be dropped out of the proposal.
Staff Nguyen replied that the Commission took the vote and anyone who disagreed with the
decision could appeal to the City Council within ten days. He also mentioned that there is a fee
to file an appeal.
Robert del Rosario replied staff would continue moving forward with the bus stops that are
approved because of the deadline set by MTC.
Commissioner Wong asked for clarification on the final motion for Santa Clara Avenue and
Caroline Street.
Commissioner Vargas called for the Commission to make another motion for Santa Clara
Avenue and Caroline Street.
Commissioner Wong moved to keep the bus stop at Santa Clara Avenue and Caroline Street.
Commissioner Bellows seconded the motion. The motion was approved 6-0.
Michael Cordell asked the Commission for a re-vote on the Santa Clara and Willow Street
relocation because the new location contains a fire hydrant, school and daycare center. He also
asked about the appeals process.
Staff Payne replied that an appeal could be submitted with the City Council within ten days.
5C. San Jose Avenue at Regent Street All-Way Stop Appeal - Report
Staff Ta presented the report.
Commissioner Vargas opened the floor to public comments.
Neil Heyden, resident of 2500 San Jose Avenue, said he was glad the issue was being addressed.
He has experienced five accidents in the last couple of years at the corner and constant honking
horns. He pointed out that motorists traveling along Regent Street do not realize that the other
motorists do not have a stop sign. Thus, the proposal will not address the issue. Additionally, he
felt the height of the parked cars comes into question because the signage may not be visible to
oncoming traffic. He proposed Regent Street to include a sign that says ""Cross Traffic Does Not
Stop."" He explained that congestion and speed around San Jose Avenue is high in the morning
and around 100 cars pass around the area during the peak hours.
Mary Claire Neumann, resident of 2504 San Jose Avenue, composed the letter for the appeal.
She said everyone in the neighborhood was concerned about this issue. She stated that every
other day she hears shrieking tires and honking horns, and she does not understand why an all-
way stop sign would not resolve the issue. Moreover, she noted that parking may be available at
1:30 pm, but not at 5 pm and on. Usually, she has to park three blocks away from her house and
Page 15 of 19",TransportationCommission/2013-10-23.pdf
TransportationCommission,2013-10-23,16,"it is getting worse. However, she was okay with losing one parking space in exchange for more
visibility.
Jon Spangler said that since 2002 he was concerned that Alameda does not measure up to the
Caltrans' recommendation to paint one parking space red at all intersection corners for visibility.
His experience living over in the Gold Coast entails terrible sight lines at St. Charles or Ninth
Street as he bikes or drives along Central Avenue.
Commissioner Wong asked staff if ""Cross Traffic Does Not Stop"" signs warrant or meet the
standard of the signage installed.
Staff Ta replied that the ""Cross Traffic Does Not Stop"" sign is typically placed where stop signs
are new or orientation has been changed. However, they could put them in if the Commission
requested.
Commissioner Bellows asked Sergeant Simmons if it is possible to get more surveillance within
that area.
Sergeant Simmons replied yes it is and he was going to pass his business card to offer a
Neighborhood Speed Watch program. The program arms community members with radar guns
and helps them to accurately gauge the speed of the vehicles.
Commissioner Vargas asked staff what are the fiscal implications of moving the
recommendations forward.
Staff Ta replied that there are none. The review is part of the traffic operations program, and are
programmed under the maintenance budget.
Commissioner Schatmeier moved to amend the recommendation to include the City actively
solicit the Neighborhood Speed Watch program.
Commissioner Bellows moved to also include ""Cross Traffic Does Not Stop"" signs in both
directions.
Sergeant Simmons replied that the program is only as effective as the participation of the
volunteers. So, if they find that there is no participation then there is not much they can do about
it.
Commissioner Vargas asked Sergeant Simmons about enforcement of the signage height.
Sergeant Simmons replied that he arms his parking technicians with every tool that they need to
enforce the signs and the technicians have tape measures to measure the height of vehicles.
Commissioner Vargas requested a motion from the Commission to approve the staff
recommendations with two amendments to actively solicit residents to participate in the
Neighborhood Speed Watch program and to add ""Cross Traffic Does Not Stop"" signs in both
directions. Commissioner Bertken seconded the motion. The motion was approved 6:0.
Page 16 of 19",TransportationCommission/2013-10-23.pdf
TransportationCommission,2013-10-23,17,"Commissioner Schatmeier asked staff if the neighborhood appealed the decision would it come
back to the Commission for consideration.
Commissioner Vargas replied that the appeal would go to the City Council.
5D. Planned Construction of Class I Bike Path on Ron Cowan Parkway
Hugh Johnson, Port of Oakland Project Manager, presented the report.
Commissioner Bellows asked if the project is a Class II bicycle lane and ultimately if it would be
a Class I path.
Hugh Johnson replied that they are building a Class I path, and it currently has a side of road
bike lane from Harbor Bay Parkway to Air Cargo Road. Currently, there is a Class I path from
Air Cargo Road to Airport Drive.
Commissioner Schatmeier asked if this would be a gap closure.
Hugh Johnson replied yes.
Commissioner Vargas asked if the letter received from Bike Walk Alameda made it to the Port
of Oakland.
Hugh Johnson replied yes.
Staff Payne replied that the two organizations had a nice exchange and after the exchange they
received the letter.
Commissioner Vargas requested a motion from the Commission.
Commissioner Bellows moved to accept staff recommendations. Commissioner Schatmeier
seconded the motion. The motion was approved 6:0.
5E. Estuary Crossing Shuttle Proposed Route Change
Staff Payne presented the report.
Commissioner Schatmeier said he liked the idea in principal, he but wondered how the shuttle
would proceed if an AC Transit line #51 needed to pull in when the bus stop was occupied.
Staff Payne replied that it is a long stop and fits multiple buses. So, depending on where the AC
Transit bus is at the time, the shuttle could go before the bus or after it.
Commissioner Vargas requested a motion from the Commission.
Page 17 of 19",TransportationCommission/2013-10-23.pdf
TransportationCommission,2013-10-23,18,"Commissioner Bellows moved to accept staff recommendations. Commissioner Bertken seconded
the motion. The motion was approved 6:0.
Staff Nguyen explained that there were comments opposing staff recommendations and the
comments are included in the staff report. Additionally, he said staff made an effort to reach out
to the College of Alameda who opposed the change, but were unsuccessful in doing SO. He went
on to say that a faculty member at College of Alameda proposed a different route to maintain the
stop in front of the college. He mentioned that there would be an Estuary Crossing Shuttle Task
Force meeting the next day and a representative from the college would be there.
Commissioner Bellows asked if the time-related issue occurred because of the service area's size.
She asked about the distance between the shuttle stops.
Staff Nguyen replied that the service had to meet the standard of the grants. So, there is a 30
minute loop requirement and people were complaining about the fact that we are taking the
college stop away rather than the Wind River stop. However, Wind River pays into the service
and the new objective is to eventually create a second shuttle.
Commissioner Schatmeier pointed out this is a special purpose shuttle and the service is designed
to serve specific clientele at specific stops.
Commissioner Vargas said the conclusion would be to eventually discuss establishing dialogue
with the college and possible funding for a second shuttle to accommodate students.
6.
Staff Communications
6A.
Transit Line 631 Changes
- Changed to meet the Academy schedule.
6B.
BART Service to Alameda Request
- The mayor sent a letter to consider BART service within the City.
6C.
Bicycle Rack Voucher Project - Call for Projects
- Staff will submit a bike parking grant and staff solicited suggestions from the
Commission on bike rack locations.
6D.
Potential Future Agenda Items
- Park Street Pedestrian Safety Project
- Jean Sweeney Open Space - Preliminary Conceptual Layout
- Transportation Priority List Update
- Quarterly Report
- Alameda Point Draft TDM Plan
Commissioner Schatmeier pointed out that last month he requested a discussion on the City's
ferry service, and he would like the item placed on the agenda.
Jon Spangler explained that the next day at 9 am BART Board would vote on staff
recommendations under item 5a to make bikes on board a permanent policy.
Page 18 of 19",TransportationCommission/2013-10-23.pdf
TransportationCommission,2013-10-23,19,"Commissioner Wong asked about the supplementary bus service at the Academy of Alameda,
and wondered if the schedule for the #631 line presented pick up and arrival times.
Staff Payne said the bus would leave Encinal High School at 3:30 pm, and would then leave the
Academy at 3:35 pm.
7.
Announcements/ Public Comments
Jim Strehlow spoke about the traffic light at Webster Street and Pacific Avenue, and over a year
ago he asked how this signal is going to be timed for Webster Street. Staff replied that it would
be timed along with the other traffic lights on Webster Street. Currently, he found the
intersection's traffic signal produced traffic back up and now wondered if the signal is on
demand. Overall, he was concerned that the public did not get what was promised and requested
a review of the signals as a future agenda item.
Staff Patel, Transportation Engineer, replied that the Webster Street project was still under
construction and the signal has not yet been set. The timing would occur at the end of the year,
and staff would give the Commission an update at the beginning of this year.
Jon Spangler said he also had feedback on the light at Webster Street and Pacific Avenue. He
was glad to see the light at the intersection. Furthermore, he does not mind seeing the traffic at
Webster Street slow down a little bit. However, he wanted the City to de-emphasize auto
convenience in favor of pedestrian crossing and bicycle safety.
8.
Adjournment
10:46 pm
Page 19 of 19",TransportationCommission/2013-10-23.pdf