New Director: The recruitment process for Transit Director is proceeding well. Advertisements for the position have been placed in Passenger Transport magazine and on some websites. A list of three to five candidates will be developed by March 3. The candidates will be invited to Ames during the last two weeks of March. There will be opportunities for CyRide employees to meet the candidates during their visits. Three CyRide alumni (or is it alumna?) have expressed an interest in the position. It is expected that the new person will start in July, shortly after Special Olympics. (Bob)

Garage Construction: The next phase of the garage project is construction of new administrative areas including the break room, bathrooms, dispatch area, and offices. Unfortunately, our architect has parted with his firm and this will delay the project. The architect selection process will occur when the new director starts in July. (Bob)

New Buses: Four new buses, instead of three, will be arriving during the late summer. A new federal program produced an unexpected $155,000, which we were able to match with other funds to buy the extra bus. We were fortunate that we had just placed an order with Orion for three new low floor buses and they were able to add the construction slot for the fourth bus. (Bob)

School Tours: It is that time of year, CyRide will be helping pre-school and grade school students become better bus riders.

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 George, Jenny, or Barb know. (Barb and Jenny)

Uniforms: I know it seems like spring – but I fear winter has not yet left us, so in order to be prepared for more unpleasant weather, you can get some extra uniform items to keep you warm – if necessary. If you would like a stocking hat or sweater, talk to Joanne. If we do not have one on hand, we can order one for you. You should always be wearing CyRide issued items. No other jackets, caps, hats, etc. should be worn when driving. It is fine to wear your own coats, jackets, etc to and from work. However, when you report to the Dispatch window and go out to your bus you should have only your CyRide uniform on. (Barb and Jenny)

End of Shift Procedures: When you return to base to park your bus at the end of your shift be sure to put the bus in neutral and set the parking brake. Please close all windows and roof vents, move the driver’s seat back and put the steering wheel up. Also, walk through your bus and pick-up any transfer slips, rubbish or lost items. Doing the above will make the laneworker’s life easier when they clean and refuel your bus. (Barb and Jenny)

Summer Special Events: This summer we have three special events that CyRide will provide transportation for. Odyssey of the Mind will be in Ames May 25-27, 2006. The National Special Olympics will be here July 2-9, 2006 and we will again run State Fair shuttles in Des Moines August 10-20, 2006.

You will be able to pick up extra hours with the possibility of over time. You may want to plan your vacations accordingly so that you can be here when the hours are available.

More information will be posted as we get it. (Karen)

Wheelchair Refresher Training: This is a reminder to all drivers that we will be requiring everyone to complete wheelchair refresher training and competency again. Drivers will demonstrate the proper loading and securing of wheelchair passengers onto a bus. As all drivers will be tested twice a year, expect to see us soon. (George)

New Hires: There are many new faces here at CyRide. Thanks to everyone for extending a warm welcome to all who have been hired in the last few weeks. There will be many more new faces before the fall schedule begins. We are looking for qualified applicants. If you know people who may be interested in working here at CyRide, encourage them to apply. It could be worth $50. (George)

New Instructors: With the students on break and a majority of the buses in the garage, three drivers and one dispatcher took the opportunity to enroll in the Instructor Training Program offered over the break. The group participated in classroom sessions and on the road training. We want to welcome and congratulate Adam Wiederholt, Josh Deutmeyer, Matt Stephenson and Rich Lane on their completion and new positions as New Driver Instructors. (George)

SHOP:

A contract was recently awarded for security cameras to GE Security. We will be installing them on the new 90 series Orion V’s and will be retrofitting the series 50 Orion V’s and some other high priority buses. The image quality will be much improved over current systems.

The Gillig lowfloors have been converted to square fareboxes for ease of use for both drivers and maintenance staff. Square fareboxes eliminate the need for a dollar stuffer and they are much easier to empty. They will also eliminate overfull fareboxes since they hold approximately 30% more than the round fareboxes.

The Gillig lowfloors have recently been sent to ABC Bus in Faribault, MN for extensive frame corrosion repair. ABC completed an entire underbody coating to prevent future corrosion. They have all been finished except 944, which should be completed by 2-15-06.

We have recently found out that all 970 Orion V's have automatic traction control (ATC) installed. It was previously thought by everyone that these were not equipped, as they were ordered without this option. ATC can aid in starting in a slick situation by braking one of the spinning tires, it will then transfer power to the tire that is not spinning. When ATC is activated, you may notice fast braking noises, and ATC and/or ABS lights may also come on. It is possible that the ATC may de-rate the engine power. This actually aids in quicker starts and prevents very expensive repair to the driveline.

As a result of Group Review meetings, it was decided to eliminate the use of grit on all wheelchair buses to prevent the grit from binding up the lift mechanisms. All buses still have buckets of grit, but they should only be used on non-lift equipped buses and bus stop pads.

HISTORY:

Bus 895 is in front of K-Mart on West Lincolnway on the Red Route, May 15, 1986. 895 was purchased used from the Chicago RTA and had been operated by Suburban Transit System in Oak Lawn, IL. The Red Route operated on Beedle, Baughman, Dotson, then to the front door of K-Mart before returning to Lincolnway. The K-Mart building is now occupied by Hy-Vee.