pages: TransportationCommission/2016-03-23.pdf, 10
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
TransportationCommission | 2016-03-23 | 10 | Commissioner Vargas felt from Commissioner Bellows' comments there was a sense of urgency to improve the parking. He wanted to go with that theme and comment to the schedule that staff showed, which it was slightly different than the staff report plan. He also wondered if it was possible to move this plan forward because BART is having operational problems with their trains, so there is a sense of urgency to have an alternative route. He asked staff if they could shave a year off the projected date. He further asked what could be done and who could implement the project delivery methods. He wondered if the City could take the lead, WETA or a Joint Power Agency. Jennifer Ott replied there are a number of factors that drive the schedule, but in terms of construction of the terminal, the City is responsible because the City is the applicant. She said another issue would be the boat procurement and the time it takes to construct the boats. Currently, the City does not have operating dollars and if to the extent, the City has to depend on Regional Measure 3 dollars or some regional gas tax it would not be up for this year's ballot. So, ultimately it comes down to operating subsidy, timing of the measure and vessel procurement. Commissioner Bellows asked staff about the $16 million cost for one boat. Jennifer Ott replied they are big boats. Kevin Connolly replied it is a 450 passenger vessel and there is a small vessel building community in the United States. Additionally, he explained the vessels have to be US built. Commissioner Bellows opened the floor for public comment. Jim Strehlow stated that he felt the plan was a great idea, but when he talked to other people they wondered what the "E" in WETA stands for. He wondered why WETA has to include the word "emergency" in the title because the organization should be involved in transportation solutions. He said he was surprised that the WETA administration building at Alameda Point has 50 or so parking spaces for their staff and the Alameda Transit Demand Management (TDM) plan specifically looks for employees to find transit alternatives. He was disturbed by the idea that there are different rules for businesses and residents and government agencies exempt themselves. Finally, he said to not forget about Bay Farm Island. He was happy to see the third ferry option happening, but they did not come up with a solution for Bay Farm Island's parking situation. He exclaimed that residents are having a horrible time with the parking because there is way too much of a demand. Kevin Connolly stated that he appreciated the Commission working with WETA. Regarding providing service, he said they are bursting at the seams for Transbay service demand and this spring and summer, they are pulling in vessels that are not formal commuter boats for regular service to combat the demand. He noted that WETA recognized the increased demand and growing pains as far as parking challenges are concerned, but he was optimistic that they will find a solution. Commissioner Miley stated that although the vessels are expensive they are made in America, which was important. He questioned the 20-year strategic plan because that is a big span of time and he wanted to know if WETA will review the plan periodically. Page 10 of 13 | TransportationCommission/2016-03-23.pdf |