Signals December 2001


	December 3, 2001

OPERATIONS:

Winter Driving Tips: We’ve all heard the saying "there are two seasons in Iowa – road construction and winter." Most years it seems that way. Iowa’s snow season typically runs from November through early March (we have been fortunate this year).

The following tips will help in reducing the chances of becoming involved in a weather-related accident.

Ż Report for work rested and alert.

Ż Do a thorough pre-trip inspection. Make sure you have melt-it, an ice scraper, Windex, and plenty of grit.
Ż Slow down. The posted speed limit may not be a safe speed to travel at during inclement weather. Remember safety before schedule.
Ż Give yourself more stopping distance about 15-20 feet before where you would usually stop. Bridges and shady spots can be icy when other areas are not. Avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes.
Ż Turn off the transmission retarder if the bus is equipped with one.

Snow and ice create hazards for our passengers as well. The following tips can help reduce the chances of our passengers having an accident.

Ż Turn your four ways on early so the passenger knows you see them at the stop.
Ż Approach the stop cautiously and allow extra clearance on the right side, if necessary.
Ż Choose the boarding and deboarding area carefully. If there is snow at the bus stop, select another area such as a sidewalk or driveway. If the sidewalk is icy or snow covered, give the passengers warning of the condition before they exit. If there is not a clear location keep a clearance of three to five feet from the snow bank so that passengers can use the street for boarding and deboarding. Do not move the bus until all people are safely away from the bus. Check your mirrors carefully to make sure the area is clear.
Ż If the steps or aisle are wet or snow covered, put down grit and scrape any snow off the steps.
Ż Monitor the interior temperature of the bus for the comfort of the passengers. (Barb)

Daylight Running Lights: Daylight running lights (DRL) are to be used during daylight operations and are not a substitute for nighttime headlights. DRLs come on automatically when the ignition is turned on an illuminate only to 75% power. Mini-bus drivers, ensure that you use the headlight switch to turn the headlights to full power when driving at night. Light up at night so you can see and be seen! (George)

C.Y. Stephens Bus Stop Closure: The bus stop south of the C.Y. Stephens Auditorium on Center Street has been closed. In its place, a new northbound stop has been created west of C.Y. Stephens on Beach Avenue near Greeley Street. (George)

No Right Turns Please! Drivers, please do not make a right turn (southbound) from Elwood drive into the gates located at the east end of the garage. There is not sufficient space for a proper setup and alignment of your bus prior to entering the gate. You will damage both your bus and the gate if you attempt to make this turn. (George)

Airport Shuttle Results: One hundred sixty-five passengers were transported to and from the Des Moines International Airport during this year’s Thanksgiving break. This is an increase in 22 passengers from last year’s Thanksgiving break. Kudos to the drivers and dispatchers who made this shuttle run so smoothly. (George)

Moonlight Express Update: It has been a very busy semester for Moonlight Express (MLX). To date, our MLX drivers have transported 14,303 passengers, an increase of 1,995 passengers over this time last year. (George)

MARKETING:

‘Tis the Season: CyRide’s annual Holiday Open House will be Friday, December 14 from 9:30am – 6:00pm. CyRide will provide lunch. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share. Family and friends are welcome. (Barb)

It’s a Record! Last month CyRide set an all-time record in ridership. We carried
442,590 passengers in October, a 20.5% increase over last year at this time. Look for new monthly records to be set as the weather gets colder. (George)

SHOP:

Garage Expansion: The Master Plan has been completed for the garage expansion. We have enough federal and state money to complete Phase 1, which will be to expand to the north of doors 8 -11. A new bus washer, service lane, and storage for 14 buses will be constructed. The architect should have the plans done by June or July and bidding should be completed by August (remember, we have not met any deadlines yet). Construction will take 12 to 15 months, so we may be able to move in some time in the winter of 2002-03.

Phase II will be construction of space for 14 buses south of the current south wall of the building and a new office area that will accommodate the needs of 150 employees. We do not have the federal money yet for this part of the project, but expect it within two years. (Bob)

Used Buses: A bus that looks familiar will be returning to CyRide. We purchased 928 from a bus dealer several years ago and sold it to a bus company in Buffalo, NY when 933 and 934 were delivered. The bus company in Buffalo is in the process of liquidating its assets and we have repurchased the bus. It is still painted in our colors and has been taken care of quite well during its time in Buffalo. It is scheduled to return in mid December. (Bob)

959: 959 will be entering service soon and will primarily be used on the Gold Route, but can also be used on Green or Yellow on weekends or at night. Driver training will be conducted in December. (Bob)

926: The new engine and W/C lift have been installed and the bus has been moved into the paint bay. We hope to have 926 painted and back on the road by December 14^th. (Terry)

Snow and Ice: We have been preparing for bad weather for some time now. Ice melt has been purchased and is in stock. The snow blowers are ready and the shovels have been dusted off. The snowplows are ready and the men are hoping for a mild winter. (Terry)

925: I am very sorry to report that unit 925 has suffered a mortal wound (its transmission has ceased to function and it will not be repaired. Unit 925 will be stripped and taken to the warehouse until its final resting place can be determined. (Terry)