Councillor Froude presented highlights from the update from the St. John's Transportation Commission from the Quarter1 Report 2022.
Highlights included:
- Operations during the COVID surge in January, currently the service is seeing a return to 2019 ridership numbers.
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On January 31st, Metrobus returned to regular service and work schedules and introduced the new ZIP network.
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Staff continued to work with Via Mobility, the software provider for the GoBus On Demand scheduling system, to address outstanding issues impacting customers. Progress has been made with the issues deemed as priority resolved. A few minor issues remain and are currently being addressed.
- A replacement tower in Shea Heights owned by NTV has been secured. The radio system will be moved to the NTV tower in June.
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the price of diesel climbed to $1.9408. The 2022 budget was based on $1.19 resulting in an estimated deficit of $1.1 million in 2022. This concern was raised to the Commission and Council who approved the overage in an effort not to increase fares or reduce service at this time. It will continue to be monitored and will be revisited to determine if changes are necessary.
- In March, the City’s internal auditors began an audit on the GoBus service. This will be the first internal audit since Metrobus had an internal audit on cash handling completed in 2019.
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On March 18th , Transit Operator and Worker Appreciation Day was celebrated across Canada, Recognition of this day was shared through social media.
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Metrobus is working with Edmundo Fausto on an electrification plan. Funding from infrastructure Canada has been approved for development of the plan for 80% of the cost up to $250,000. Plans are also in place to install four chargers for electric vehicles on site.
Councillor Ellsworth added that he is glad to see this report and the information circulated to Council. Regarding the Go Bus challenges, he sent his apologies to the users, but with the modifications made, it seems that we have turned the corner on the software issues. There continue to be meetings with the software company, and other staff. Councillor Ellsworth urged users to feel more confident with the service. He noted that there were challenges with the number of drivers which caused a capacity issue, but that also has been resolved. Councillor Ellsworth reiterated that the service is moving in the right direction, and if any paratransit users are facing any challenges they are asked to reach out for assistance.
Work continues for the application of funding for the service through the Provincial Government to the Federal Government fund. This is a great opportunity to work with both levels of government, with meetings coming up on this. This service affects everyone that comes to the City as students or visitors as it is a very cost effective way to get around the area. MHAs throughout the Province should be supporting this as it affects all who use and come into the City from all areas.
Councillor Burton gave appreciation to Ms. Powell and the Staff of Metrobus who were very adaptable to keep the staff safe during the pandemic and they kept the service running as needed throughout the pandemic. Thinking about the COVID pandemic, talking to the province about relief funding, keeping in mind that we were all in this together and we should remain together as we continue to recover.
Councillor Burton asked about any updates on the Zip network is very popular, great and what is the next step. Ms. Powell advised that as there will need to look at priorities, and improvements that have been recommended to the system, such as later hours and feeder routes. This will be discussed more in detail in the fall when setting priorities and looking at budget considerations.
Deputy Mayor O'Leary thanked Ms. Powell and Councillor Ellsworth, Froude and Burton on bringing this update to Council. She also wanted to thank the the front line Metrobus drivers. She noted that she receives a lot of communication from non-residents of the City that are looking to access the system. Funding is not just a City issue, and looks to keep the discussions going on this with the province.