OPERATIONS:

Driver Run Picks: Summer and Fall run picks will be on the following dates:

There will be handouts for the newer drivers in April about how the run pick works and what to expect. Check the break-room for late-breaking run-pick news. (Tom D.)

MLX Appreciation Breakfasts (It’s on us!): All Moonlight Express (MLX) drivers are cordially invited to attend breakfast after their MLX shift ends on May 4th or 5^th. CyRide appreciates all the hard work that its MLX drivers have done and will treat them to breakfast. More details to follow. (George)

Windows and Roof Vents: Now that the weather is warming, when you return to base to park your bus at the end of your shift, please close all windows and roof vents. Also walk through your bus and pick-up any rubbish or lost items. Doing the above will make the laneworker’s life easier when they clean and refuel your bus. (George)

Spring Forward: Daylight Saving Time begins April 7. Don’t forget to set your clocks one hour ahead. (George)

Road Construction Ahead: The construction season is rapidly approaching. The first major construction project that impacts CyRide operations is as follows:

Complaint, Attendance, Accident Statistics: I have had a couple of drivers request updates on our complaint and attendance statistics. Therefore, each quarter I will give you updates on complaints, and attendance statistics as well as accidents and preventability.

For the first quarter of 2002 (January, February, March) we have received 16 complaints. The types of complaint we have received are broken down as follows.

3 Driving     6 Rudeness     2 Service
2 System    3 Passed Passenger

We have also received 3 compliments. If we compare this to the same quarter last year we are doing better. We had a total of 32 complaints last year during January, February, and March. However, I would like us to keep working on this. With 6 rudeness complaints during this quarter we need to work on our interaction with the passenger. Value added service is an important priority for CyRide. Be patient, courteous, and helpful and if you feel you need help with a situation call Mobile or base. You can also talk to me any time.

As far as attendance we have had 29 drivers report late for work and 8 no shows. This always puts a strain on the Dispatchers to quickly cover runs and keep the service running. This unfortunately is worse this year than last. Last year for this three-month period we had 16 lates and 3 no shows. Help CyRide by being on time for work.

CyRide was involved in 16 accidents during the first quarter of 2002. Eleven of these were preventable. In many of these the damage was minor but it does remind us that we need to be alert, and drive defensively. We have, however, done better this year. Last year for this quarter there were 31 accidents with 21 of them being preventable. Safety is our number one priority. (Karen

We’ll be conducting another recruitment this month in our preparation for Fall 2002. Look for many new faces here at CyRide over the next few months. (Brent)

The Driver Manual is undergoing its periodic update. When completed it will be distributed to all. (Brent)

VEISHEA: VEISHEA is Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20. Due to budget cuts, we will NOT be providing the free shuttle service (parade shuttle) between Iowa State Center and campus on Saturday, April 20, before the parade.

There will be numerous road closings for the festivities. Typically, they close Welch Ave. and Lower Friley on Friday, April 19 through Sunday, April 21. On Saturday, most of campus will be closed for the parade. We will post information on the window between the office and garage, as it becomes available. (Barb

"Take Back the Night": The YMCA, along with Ames and Iowa State University, will host the annual "Take Back the Night" rally on April 17. This event’s purpose is to raise awareness about sexual assault and personal safety for women. That evening, we will be offering free rides after 6:00 p.m. on all fixed routes to increase participation at this event. After 6:00 p.m., please tally all passengers as "free." (George

School Tours: It is that time of year, CyRide will be helping pre-school and grade school students become better bus riders. We have changed the program this year by implementing a $20 user free. This fee can be applied toward ticket booklets.

CyRide offers two individual programs: a Pre-Riders program designed for younger children and an Independent Riders program designed for older children. Each program includes a bus wash, safety talk, and several promotional items. If you are interested in being involved in school tours, please let Brent know. (Barb)

New Buses: The City Council has awarded the contract for the eight new buses to Orion. We are now discussing the possibility of purchasing the motors this summer even though the buses will not be constructed until later. This will move us up on the production line and we may have the buses delivered during the summer of 2003. (Bob

Garage: The architect has prepared a construction estimate for the new addition. They think it will cost $2.7 million. We have $2.1 million available, so it is back to the drawing board for the architect to figure out how much can be built for $2.1 million. (Bob

Unit 859: Unit 859 has been painted and striped. The inside of the bus is being cleaned up and new seats are being put in. We are waiting on lettering to arrive for the out side of the bus. Every one is welcome to come see this fine piece of CyRide history. The bus is in the paint bay. We hope to have 859 on the road soon. (Terry

Low floors: Due to paint chipping and peeling we have replaced the painted luggage racks over the wheel wells with stainless steel luggage racks. They look very nice and will last as long as the buses do. (Terry)