SOCIAL SERVICES TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COUNCIL

                        MINUTES                 April 7, 2021

Present              Voting Attendees:

Ted Ceasar                               Consumer

Karen Teran                             Access to Independence

Dr. Kathleen Lang                    California Health & Wellness

Michelle Soto                           Calfornia Children’s Services (CCS)

Sarah Enz                                 Area Agency on Aging (AAA)

David Aguirre                         CTSA–ICTC

Maricela Galarza                      CTSA–ICTC

Gustavo Gomez                        CTSA–ICTC

                        Non-Voting Attendees:            

Cesar Sanchez                          IVT/IVTAccess/IVTRide/IVTMedtrans

Helio Sanchez                          IVT

                        Jose Guillen                             IVT MedTrans

                        Karla Pacheco                          IVT Access

                        Karla Aguilar                           IVT Ride

1.       Dr. Lang called the meeting to order at 10:04 a.m. A quorum was present. Introductions were made.

2.       Minutes were reviewed for March 3, 2021. (Ceasar, Enz), Motion carried.

3.       CTSA Reports:

Mr. Aguirre had the following updates:

-          ICTC’s Coordinated Plan is ongoing.

-          The Fare Analysis Project is close to finishing, brief presentations are available on all our services websites allowing feedback from the public.

-          CAD AVL project is about 95%  close to the finish, with hopes of implementation in the upcoming months. Expected before the summer arrives which would prevent passengers waiting long periods in the summer heat. Outreach and training for the project will follow.

·         Dr. Lang asked if there would be a media release.

Ø  Mr. Aguirre stated that there are various ideas to introduce the implementation of CAD AVL capabilities. Some ideas revolve around a video spot, commercial, social media, etc.

Ø  Dr. Lang asked if any link about the outreach of the project implemented be shared to possibly amplify the public reached.

-          This year’s UTN process will be approached differently because of the pandemic safety guidelines. Commenting period is open from March 23 through April 24, in the form of a survey that is posted on all service websites, and social media. There has been a good response as of now. ICTC wants to ensure the public is given enough time to comment on any unmet transit needs, as ICTC can move forward with developing the 2021-2022 budget.

Ø  Dr. Lang asked when is the UTN hearing scheduled.

Ø  Mr. Aguirre stated that there is to date set for the hearing, but it will be via zoom. The process is different this time, therefore commenting period will run for 30 days, will evaluate the surveys and then the hearing will be scheduled.

Ø  Ms. Galarza added that the link to the survey was shared with all SSTAC members, but if needed the link can be resent.

Ø  Dr. Lang stated that it would be great to have the link to share with the student body.

Mr. Gomez had the following updates:

-          IVT Access certification received applications has increased.

-          IVT Ride registrations have picked up.

-          Staff is available for presentations via zoom, for anyone that may need to refresh on the transportation services or new to the services.

Ms. Galarza had the following updates:

-          There will be various upcoming presentations, these will be focused on the disabled high school seniors who are in a transitioning point, nevertheless, continuing school and/or work life, etc. This a great opportunity to reach out to them and present the different transportation options they have.

Ø  Dr. Lang asked what high schools the will staff be working with.

Ø  Ms. Galarza stated that information is still pending, but staff will be working with Ms. Raquel Lopez, Technician from an IVROP program named Workability I. Ms. Galarza stated that she has worked with Ms. Lopez in the past and usually worked with Southwest and Central Highschool.

4.       Transit Operator Updates:

IV Transit; Mr. H. Sanchez had the following updates;

-          Service is still running a Saturday schedule.

-          During the weekday's passengers have slightly increased, 750-850 passengers. Saturdays and Sundays have no big change.

-          There has been limited outreach, there is a plan to go to the terminals and set up to answer any questions or provide help for the passengers and provide them with some giveaways.

IVT Access; Ms. Pacheco had the following updates;

-          There are no changes in operations or passenger demand.

-          The service is still running on a Saturday schedule.

IVT Ride; Ms. Aguilar had the following updates;

-          Passenger demand has increased for the following cities; Calexico, El Centro, Heber, and Westshore.

IVT MedTrans; Mr. Guillen had the following updates;

-          There are no big changes to the operations, passenger count similar to the previous month.

-          Coordinated with Miracle Baby and brought back to the Imperial Valley 50 cases of baby formula.

5.       General Discussion

-          Ms. Enz announced that the Area Agency on Aging/Imperial County Public Administrator office will be opening soon to the public, as the county is already in the orange tear. Transit service brochures will need to be restocked. Ms. Enz also announced that AAA is offering a fall prevention program, if there is any known individual in need of railings in the shower, shower seat, non-slip mat, and/or nightlights. They can contact AAA to sign up for the program, it's free, goes on till the end of June. Individuals must be over the age of 60, meet the low threshold of the income requirement. A flyer will be shared with Ms. Galarza to share with SSTAC members. In addition, there is a fall prevention necklace program available.

6.       Adjournment

-          The meeting adjourned at 10:27 a.m. (Lang), Motion Carried.

-          The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 5, 2021, at the Imperial County Transportation Commission Office, 1503 N. Imperial Ave., Suite 104, El Centro, CA 92243.