ADMINISTRATION:

Grants Update:  Last month, an update was provided in Signals of what projects have received approval or are still pending.   Since that time, the Iowa DOT has approved a portion of the projects submitted under the 2010 State Grant under the Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC), New Freedom (NF) and Public Transportation Infrastructure Grant (PTIG) funding programs highlighted in yellow below.  JARC federal funding promotes getting individuals to work or training, while NF federal funding increases opportunities for the disabled community.  The PTIG projects fund vertical infrastructure projects for transit agencies through the state legislature’s Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund.  This project will remove the EIFS material and incorporate a more inflammable material next to the cooling towers.  A summarization of those recently approved 2010 state projects as well as previous project awarded can be seen below.

In addition, administrative staff is working towards a Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant submission on behalf of CyRide, the City of Ames and Iowa State University partners for an Ames Intermodal Transportation Facility.  This opportunity allows for projects encouraging multi-modal transportation but also stimulate job opportunities and new economic development.  The facility could connect CyRide, intercity bus carriers – Jefferson Lines & Burlington Trailways, airport shuttle – Executive Express, Heartland Senior Services, taxicabs as well as incorporate functions such as the campus police, parking (students, faculty, business persons, visitors, shoppers), public restrooms, bike lockers/showers, bicycle/pedestrian trailhead connections to name a few.  The study committee is still working hard towards a preferred site location.  The sites being reviewed are located downtown, 13^th/Stange area, Iowa State Center and campustown area.  One public hearing has already transpired in regard to the project but more are still to come over the next month.  To view more about the project, please go to the www.cyride.com and click on Ames Intermodal Transportation Facility Study under the Planning link.  All public meetings are listed and CyRide employees are welcome to attend.

The following summarizes additional federal funding still pending of which we’ll keep you posted if and when we receive these projects.

(Shari A.)

OPERATIONS:

Time Off Reminder:  This is just a reminder that we do not guarantee time off for the first two weeks of the fall semester.  We will have some open runs during this time so it would be a good time to pick up extra hours. 

Gate Cards:  The ISU Department of Public Safety will be activating the gates on Osborn Drive before the start of the fall semester.  When you drive up to the gates, you will see a black square (about a foot square) mounted on a cement monolith.  This black square is the card reader.  You need only hold your vehicle’s card up to the reader to activate the gate.  The card readers should be able to read your card once it is within 18-24 inches of the reader.  During the week of August 17-21, each CyRide vehicle will be issued a gate card that will stay within that vehicle (cards will be attached to a lanyard that will be attached on or near the front door handle).  Drivers should ensure that they have their vehicle’s gate card when starting or taking over a shift.  Report lost cards immediately in order for a replacement to be obtained. 

Does Anyone Require a Transfer?  Drivers must communicate with each other to ensure that their passengers make connections when a transfer is required.  When drivers arrive at a transfer point on time, there is no need to call transfers over the radio.  If drivers are expected to arrive at a transfer point one or two minutes late, they must notify the driver of the connecting bus.  If drivers expect to be late arriving at a transfer point and no transfers have been requested, they should use their PA system to ask passengers whether anyone needs a transfer.  If no passengers need to transfer at this time, drivers should notify other drivers so they can leave on time.

Fall Meetings:  The annual fall meetings are being scheduled this month.  We will be discussing our service to our customers, performance trends, and other items of interest.  Bring your questions and comments.

Change of Address: If you have moved over the summer be sure to fill out a change of address form.  You can get these forms from the Dispatchers and please return them to Dispatch after filling them out.  

HIRING AND TRAINING:

Many New Faces

Maybe you’ve noticed a lot of new faces on the picture board this summer.  George and Tom have been very busy hiring and training drivers for the start of the fall semester.  Take a minute to welcome them aboard!   

SAFETY ISSUE:  Kids Crossing in Front of the Bus:  Please ensure that when children depart your bus that they do not cross in front of your vehicle (especially when transferring from one bus to another across a street).  Children should move to the rear of the bus so they can see oncoming traffic.  If necessary, have small children exit the bus through the front doors in order for you to better determine where they are.  With school starting this month, we will have many new and unfamiliar "little riders."  Please be careful!   

FLEET AND FACILITIES

Wireless Building Status:   WiFi is another step closer to becoming reality at CyRide after the installation of two antennas in the building this summer.  According to the city’s Information Technology (IT) staff, consultants will configure the system over the next few weeks and we are expected to have access by mid September!  Another issue of WiFi is whether the service should be 100% open to the public or have user id/password access which should be resolved relatively soon.  How to access WiFi directions can be found by clicking the WiFi link at www.cityofames.org.  As it stands now, first-time users are required to sign up for a username and password but thereafter should have logon access.  CyRide users would utilize the Brookside Park wireless network.  We hope that you enjoy this new feature starting this fall. (Rich L.)

Bus Procurement:  This is a repeat from June Signals but so exciting we thought we’d share this information again!  CyRide currently has twenty buses (14 large and 6 small) pending with delivery expected after July 2010!  (Rich L.)

Procurement                                                              Delivery Date

2 Gillig 40-foot low-floor HYBRID buses                 July 2010

7 Gillig 40-foot low-floor buses                                July 2010

5 Gillig 40-foot low-floor buses                                September 2010

(replaces 926, 980, 927, 983, 981)

1 Gillig 40-foot low-floor bus (expansion)               Pending Council Action

6 Eldorado minibuses                                              Pending Council Action

(replaces 859, 938, 939, 949, 960, 961)              

Steam Cleaning Lane Construction Delayed:   We had hoped to finalize construction of the old wash bay lane by the start of fall service so buses could circulate throughout the facility.  Unfortunately, we’ll be waiting for concrete to cure for part of the first week of the fall schedule. (Rich L.)