OctoberSummary2011
October 2011 Summary
Comments received at Durham Transit Public Input Meeting on October 5, 2011
• The changes to Routes 4 and 9 that were implemented on August 13th have created obstacles to using the DATA buses for customers with limited mobility.
Staff has heard these complaints from numerous customers since the implementation of the service changes that were intended to improve on-time performance on Routes 4 and 9. We held a community meeting on October 13th from 4-5:30pm at Life House of Durham at 251 Commons Blvd (off Carver St. across from the Carver Living Center).
Triangle Transit has drafted proposed service adjustments in response to these complaints. They are included in the agenda for the November 2nd meeting when we will take further comments.
• The Durham Station should have food vendors on the 2nd floor or in the center of the platform; an ATM, coin change machine, and storage lockers should be also be available.
The City has initiated a review of how Durham Station is being used and what improvements customers and neighbors would like to see. A display of findings from research conducted by the Freelon Group (architects of Durham Station) and a student group from North Carolina State University is being shown on the second floor of Durham Station through mid-October.
• Request that DATA serve the new Wal-Mart on MLK, Jr. Boulevard at South Roxboro Street, King’s Drive-In on Foster and Geer Streets, and new transit centers at Durham Tech and Patterson Place.
The Triangle Transit marketing staff will consider these suggestions.
• The Bull City Connector is not operating on a reliable schedule.
We know that the Bull City Connector is often running behind schedule. We have taken the following steps to improve the situation: removed three bus stops, re-routed the westbound service to use Corcoran Street rather than Chapel Hill Street to approach Durham Station, worked with the Durham Police Department to enforce loading ordinances on Main Street, and implemented a protocol for dispatching buses when they are “bunched.”
These measures have not solved the problems. The City Transportation Department is also implementing a transit signal priority pilot project at three intersections along Main Street that would provide some time savings. Finally, the Designing Better Bus Service effort will evaluate extensions to the east and west that would add vehicles and recovery time to the operation of the route.
Customers are also reminded that they can now use the GoLive real-time bus location system to estimate when buses will arrive at their stop. Visit live.gotriangle.org for more information.
• The DATA System Map needs to be re-printed.
The DATA System Map was reprinted reflecting all changes effective August 13, 2011. These maps should be available at Durham Station and at other distribution locations around the City (e.g., public library branches).
• The GoPass is a great benefit to Duke employees and a great motivation for new riders to try public transportation services. You should encourage other employers to contract for GoPasses.
Triangle Transit has a staff person dedicated to working with Durham employers on providing commuter benefits, including GoPasses, to their employees. The City of Durham recently began offering GoPasses to their employees, joining Durham County which has offered it for several years.
• Please maintain the GoLive real-time bus location system.
Maintaining the information that goes in to the system, as well as the hardware and training of bus operators and dispatchers will be essential to providing quality information that the GoLive real-time bus location system promises. We have those processes in place, and will be vigilant in sustaining them over time. Customers can get access to the system at live.gotriangle.org. Full functionality for the system is expected by mid-November.
• Request for a new bus stop on Route 11 at Neal Road and Bennett Memorial Road.
Staff will investigate this request and decide on whether a bus stop can be located here by November 30, 2011.
• Suggestion that Routes 6 and 11 be interlined through American Drive.
This suggestion will be evaluated through the Designing Better Bus Service process.
• Both complaints and compliments about bus driver conduct and courtesy were received.
We remind customers to call to 919-485-RIDE (7433) whenever there is a specific complaint or commendation so that DATA supervisors can appropriately follow up.
• Inspect the wheelchair ramps and wheelchair restraints. They are not always in proper working order.
The operators are required to cycle the wheelchair ramps every morning and make sure the restraints (straps) are in working order. The maintenance department also performs monthly Preventative Maintenance Inspections on the ramps. In the event that either the restraints or lift is not functioning, the operator is to notify maintenance and the bus is immediately replaced. If a malfunction occurs in route, the operator has the capability of manually operating the lift. The bus would also be replaced upon return to Durham Station in this scenario. If a customer experiences a problem with this, he or she should call to 919-485-RIDE (7433) to report the specific complaint so that DATA supervisors can appropriately follow up.
Triangle Transit holds a public input meeting on transit issues in Durham on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm at Durham Station, located at 515 W. Pettigrew Street in downtown Durham. The agenda and a summary of each month’s meeting are available online at data.gotriangle.org.
Customers are always encouraged to provide feedback:
• By calling GoTriangle Call Center at 919-485-RIDE (7433),
• By Submitting an online form at data.gotriangle.org, or
• By completing a Customer Comment Card at the Durham Station customer information window.
