pages: TransportationCommission/2007-10-17.pdf, 5
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TransportationCommission | 2007-10-17 | 5 | Carrie Boger noted that she rode both ferries four times a week, and noted that it was a crucial transportation mode for her. She inquired whether she would be able to get back home in the event of an emergency, or whether her ferry would be diverted elsewhere. She was also concerned about changes in schedules, as well as whether routes would be cut to accommodate the subsidized funding. She noted that if there were major changes with the ferry, she and her family would move back to San Francisco. Howard Smith noted that he lived in Harbor Bay, and added that he was concerned about the clean-up legislation. He was also concerned about enhancements, and noted that the parking lot filled up quickly. He believed that more riders would be captured if all-day and weekend service were to be offered. Susan Decker, Alameda Transit Advocates, echoed the comments made by the previous speakers. She noted that ATA recognized that ferries were an important everyday part of the transportation system, not just for emergencies. She inquired who would be responsible for disbursing information about the ferries. Close public hearing. Commissioner Schatmeier expressed concern about this legislation and the way it was passed. He noted that it appeared to him like it was hurried through without public input, and that the motives differed from those that were touted in the media publicity. He would have preferred to see a more fully realized bill that had been developed by consensus, rather than a bill that needed to be cleaned up. He was very concerned about the consolidation proposal. He noted that since the mayor represents Alameda on the WTA board, Alameda residents may indicate their ferry-related concerns to the mayor and have them brought to the appropriate authorities. He was very concerned about who would be appointed to the new board, and hoped that it would be local representation. He noted that he had not voted for any members of the Bay Area Council. He recalled the role the ferries played following the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989, and noted that because people pulled together, and bureaucracies did not take over, that was an effective disaster response. He would like to see coordinated and better emergency access, which could have been accomplished with the existing structure if properly organized. Commissioner Ratto inquired whether the meeting at the Ferry Building was a public meeting where public comment had been taken. Ms. Weinstein replied that it was a public meeting, and noted that copies of the meeting notes were available. Commissioner Ratto noted that he was disappointed that clean-up legislation had to be enacted. He acknowledged Councilmember DeHaan and the Deputy City Manager in the audience, and urged City Council and City staff to work as diligently as possible with the legislators for as many years of commitments as they could get. He noted that the ferries were an integral part of this community, and hoped that Senator Perata and the committee members would take the ferry service seriously. Special Meeting of the Page 5 of 8 10/17/07 Transportation Commission | TransportationCommission/2007-10-17.pdf |