201006 Transit AGDThe Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
Tillsonburg Transit Advisory Committee Meeting
October 6, 2020
10:00 a.m.
Hybrid Meeting- Council Chambers, 200 Broadway, Suite 204 & Electronic Meeting AGENDA
1.Call to Order
2.Adoption of Agenda
Proposed Resolution #1
Moved by:
Seconded by:
THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Tillsonburg Transit Advisory Committee
meeting of October 6, 2020, be adopted.
3.Adoption of Previous Minutes
Propos ed Resolution #2
Moved by:
Seconded by:
THAT the Minutes as prepared for the Tillsonburg Transit Advisor y Committee
meeting of September 1, 2020, be adopted.
4.Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
5.General Business & Reports
6.1 Christmas Bus
6.2 Bus Decals
6.3 Bus Stop Review Discussion
6.4 Norfolk Mall Bus Stop
6.5 Larger Bus Stop Signs
6.6 Mov ing hazardous stop (Simcoe St)
6.7 M ulti-Service Centre Senior Bus Passes
6.8 Marketing Campaign
6.9 Ridership Statistics
6.Round Table
7.Next Meeting
8.Adjournment
Proposed Resolution #3
Moved by:
Seconded by:
THAT the October 6, 2020 Tillsonburg Transit Advisory Committee meeting be
adjourned at _____ a.m.
The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
Tillsonburg Transit Advisory Committee
September 1, 2020
11:00 a.m.
MINUTES
Present: Sherry Hamilton, Cindy Allen, Kathryn Leatherland, Stephanie Ellens -Clark,
Councillor Luciani
Staff: Alex Piggott, Transit Coordinator; Laura Pickersgill, Legislative Services
Coordinator
Regrets: Lynn Temoin, John Verbakel
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 11:02 a.m.
2. Adoption of Agenda
Resolution#1
Moved by: Cindy Allen
Seconded by: Councillor Luciani
THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Tillsonburg Transit Advisory Committee
meeting of September 1, 2020, be adopted.
Carried
3. Minutes of the Previous Meeting
Resolution #2
Moved by: Councillor Luciani
Seconded by: Cindy Allen
THAT the Minutes of the Tillsonburg Transit Advisory Committee meeting dated
February 18, 2020, be approved.
Carried
Stephanie Ellens -Clark introduced herself to the Committee.
4. Closed Session
Resolution #3
Moved by: Stephanie Ellens -Clark
Seconded by: Kathryn Leatherland
THAT the Tillsonburg Transit Advisory Committee move into closed session to
discuss:
-proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the Town
Carried
5. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest declared.
6. General Business & Reports
6.1 Update on Transit Services
Alex noted that the new service provider for in-town service launched July 1st and
the inter-community transit service launched August 4th. There are a variety of
COVID -19 safety measures in place on the transit system including: m andatory face
coverings , Plexiglas barriers between the driver and passengers, reduced
touchpoints between the driver and passengers, regularly scheduled cleaning,
staggered seating, hand sanitizer availability and additional masks are available. It
was noted that the Town needs to continue promoting these safety guidelines to
riders so that the drivers are not forced to police the regulations themselves. It was
also noted that face shields are not an adequate replacement for facial coverings.
6.2 In Town Bus Designs
A floor plan of the new bus was reviewed by the Committee. Alex noted that the
current bus in use is an interim bus and that the new bus is estimated to be ready for
use in October. The features of the bus were discussed, including its ability to move
its ’ entrance ramp level with the curb height. Alex noted that the accessibility
features of the bus will be promoted through the Town’s advertising materials and
that comments on further accessibility needs could be acquired through the
customer service survey.
Staff noted that as part of the public works department sidewalk improvement plan
they are considering the inclusion of cement pad infrastructure moving forward at the
bus stop locations. Alex also indicated that the ramps on the bus will have some
ability to traverse over the grassy areas so that riders using assistive devices will not
have to travel on the unsteady surface of the grass.
A discussion was held regarding a greater need for additional bus stops in the north
east end of Town as a result of the increasing development in that area.
6.3 Inter-Community Bus Designs
It was noted that there are sheets hung up in the bus window that informs riders
what route that bus is currently on so that riders can ensure they are boarding the
correct bus.
6.4 Inter-Community Transit Brochure
Alex will continue visiting and contacting retail vendors weekly to ensure their stock
of passes and brochures remains filled. Alex will continue to follow up with Norfolk
County to ensure that their transit drivers are aware of the routes that the Town’s
drivers are running so that both parties can inform their passengers of the
neighbouring municipalities’ routes and schedules.
6.5 T:GO Ridership Trends
Alex provided a summary of the T:GO ridership trends .. The effects of COVID -19 on
ridership is very notable in the spring months when the CO VID pandemic began to
increase. The new service provider, Voyago, is collecting more detailed statistics
regarding the transit service which will assist in future decision making on
improvements to stopping locations, for example.
6.6 Inter -Community Transit Trends
Alex provided a summary of the transit trends for August 4th until August 21st under
the new program. It was noted that there is no ridership yet on route two but staff
are working with the Multi-Service to increase ridership on this route. It was noted
that ridership may increase once hospitals permit patient visiting again and when
more people resume regular appointments at hospitals as the COVID -19 pandemic
eases.
Alex will reach out to the service provider regarding the potential of having passes
sold directly on the busses.
Cindy left the meeting at 12:05 p.m.
Alex noted that he is willing to ride the bus with first-time users to ensure they
understand how the system works. Support workers for riders can ride the bus for
free when assisting their clients. Alex indicated that he is working with a local
company that could potentially develop a professional quality YouTube video of a
‘local celebrity’ using the transit system that could be shared as an informational
video on the Town’s social media pages. Alex noted that an information video was
posted on the T:GO’s Facebook page from the Oxford County Community Health
Centre.
6.7 Intercommunity Poster
Alex noted that an updated poster with the anticipated start date removed and an
inter-community transit branded logo will be produced and circulated in the
community.
6.8 Advertising Policy
The advertising policy was approved by Council at the July 13 m eeting. It was
suggested that the bus routes and colour coordinated maps be placed inside the
busses on the empty wall space above the seats on the interior of the bus. Alex
mentioned that this should have already been happening but will follow up on this
with the service provider.
6.9 Publicity Opportunities at Tillsonburg Public Library
Sherry will reach out to Merley Wheaton from the Tillsonburg Public Library to
discuss further opportunities for advertising the transit system at the library.
6.10 Northern Oxford County Transit Proposal
Resolution #4
Moved by: Councillor Luciani
Seconded by: Kathryn Leatherland
THAT the Tillsonburg Transit Advisory Committee supports the decision to expand
the Oxford County Transit Proposal to northern Oxford County.
Carried
(Note: procedurally, the committee is required to make a recommendation for
Council’s consideration. A staff report will be prepared for this recommendation for
the September 14th Council meeting.)
6.11 Customer Feedback Survey
This item will be added to a future agenda for discussion.
6.12 GPS App- Voyago
Staff are reviewing this application and various other applications to determine if
there is value to purchasing this app. It was noted that it is important to provide an
avenue for infor ming riders of any delays, etc. Riders are able to contact the
dispatch line to provide delay information.
6.13 Additional Bus Stops
6.14 Welcome Wagon Info Package
Alex will follow up to ensure transit information is included in new resident packages.
7. Next Meeting
Tuesday, October 20 at 10:00 a.m.
8. Adjournment
Resolution #5
Moved by: Stephanie Ellens -Clark
Seconded by: Councillor Luciani
THAT the September 1, 2020 Tillsonburg Transit Advisory Committee meet ing be
adjourned at 12:57 p.m.
Carried
Page 1 of 2
Subject: T:GO Christmas Bus
Report Number: OPS PW 20-xx
Author: Alex Piggott, C.E.T. CRS-S
Meeting Type: Council Meeting
Meeting Date: Monday, October 26, 2020
RECOMMENDATION
THAT Council authorize the T:GO bus to operate on Saturday November 28th,
December 5th, 12th and 19th;
AND THAT the cost to provide this service be paid through the T:GO operating budget ;
AND THAT Sponsorship opportunities be made available to offset any operating costs.
BACKGROUND
The T:GO transit service operates Monday to Friday from 6:00am to 6:00pm. Last year,
the service was provided on the four Saturdays prior to Christmas to promote shopping
opportunities within Tillsonburg with the support from the BIA to assist in providing the
service.
DISCUSSION
The service agreement with the contractor provides pricing to operate the bus on
Saturdays . In 2019, this Saturday service provided 142 additional trips on the T:GO
service. The attached advertising promotion sell sheet will be circulated to businesses
within the BIA to offer additional business promotion opportunities and seek additional
financial support for this service.
CONSULTATION
Staff have contacted the BIA and Voyago about this opportunity. Both are interested in
sponsoring this service for 2020.
Choose an item. Click here to enter text.
Page 2 of 2
The Tillsonburg Transit Advisory Committee supports this recommendation.
FINANCIAL IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE
The cost to operate the transit service is $828 plus HST per day. The total cost to
provide this service on the four Saturdays prior to Christmas is $3,312 plus HST. This
cost will be funded through the transit operating budget.
The cost to produce and install the banner for the side of bus is approximately $600.
The BIA has offered to provide $800 towards to offset the cost of the banner on the side
of the bus and some of the operating costs . Any additional sponsorships will be used to
further offset the cost to the Town.
The advertising of this service will be done through existing marketing contracts at no
additional cost to the Town.
COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN (CSP) LINKAGE
1. Excellence in Local Government
☒ Demonstrate strong leadership in Town initiatives
☐ Streamline communication and effectively collaborate within local government
☐ Demonstrate accountability
2. Economic Sustainability
☐ Support new and existing businesses and provide a variety of employment
opportunities
☐ Provide diverse retail services in the downtown core
☐ Provide appropriate education and training opportunities in line with Tillsonburg’s
economy
3. Demographic Balance
☒ Make Tillsonburg an attractive place to live for youth and young professionals
☒ Provide opportunities for families to thrive
☒ Support the aging population and an active senior citizenship
4. Culture and Community
☒ Promote Tillsonburg as a unique and welcoming community
☐ Provide a variety of leisure and cultural opportunities to suit all interests
☒ Improve mobility and promote environmentally sustainable living
ATTACHMENTS
Appendix A – T:GO Christmas Bus Sponsorship
T:GO Christmas Bus Sponsorship
The Town will be offering a Christmas bus on Saturdays November 28th, December 5th, 12th and 19st
to promote Christmas Shopping in the Downtown. The following sponsorship opportunities are
available:
Selection Level Costs Details
Gold $800 Large company logo displayed with all of the Towns
Advertising and Promotions of this service
Silver $600 Small company logo displayed with all of the Towns
Advertising and Promotions of this service
Frankincense $450 Company name in text displayed with all of the Towns
Advertising and Promotions of this service
Promotions include the Town’s website, Town’s newsletters Page, T:GO Facebook Page, Posters distributed throughout the Town.
Completed forms need to be submitted to the Town of Tillsonburg office by Octo ber 30th. The
promotions campaign will start after Remembrance Day.
Please provide the following information:
Company Name:
Company Address for Invoicing:
Date:
Phone Number and/or email address
Signature:
If your sponsorship level includes your company logo, a high resolution PNG image format will need to
be supplied to transit@tillsonburg.ca.
* Child / Vet / Support Person recorded as Cash but ride Free.
0
5
10
15
20
25
99 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 102 99
Ridership by Stop Route 1
On
Off
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off
Run 1 -6:30 Run 2 - 9:00 Run 3 -11:30 Run 4 - 14:30 Run 5 - 17:00
Ridership by Run Route 1
0
5
10
15
20
25
Senior Adult Student 5+ Child <5* Vet * Supp P *
Fare Type Count Route 1
Cash
Single Ride Ticket
Day Pass
10 Ride Pass
Monthly Pass
* Child / Vet / Support Person recorded as Cash but ride Free.
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
99 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 202 99
Ridership by Stop Route 2
On
Off
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
On Off On Off On Off
Run 1 - 09:00 Run 2 - 11:30 Run 3 - 14:30
Ridership by Run Route 2
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Senior Adult Student 5+ Child <5* Vet * Supp P *
Fare Type Count Route 2
Cash
Single Ride Ticket
Day Pass
10 Ride Pass
Monthly Pass
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off
Run 1 - 10:15 Run 2 - 10:49 Run 3 - 12:45 Run 4 - 13:19 Run 5 - 15:45 Run 6 - 16:19
Ridership by Run Route 3
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
Senior Adult Stud 5+ Child <5* Vet* Supp P*
Fare Type Count Route 3
Cash
Single Ride Ticket
Day Pass
10 Ride Pass
Monthly Pass
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
99 302 303 304 305
Ridership by Stop Route 3
On
Off
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
99 114 403 404 405 406
Ridership By Stop Route 4
On
Off
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
Senior Adult Student Child Vet Supp P
Fare Type Count Route 4
Cash
Single Ride Ticket
Day Pass
10 Ride Pass
Monthly Pass
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
On Off On Off On Off On Off
Run 1 - 08:00 Run 2 - 10:11 Run 3 - 15:45 Run 4 - 17:56
Ridership By Run Route 4
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
Senior Adult Student Child Vet Supp P
Ridership by Fare Type (In Town)
Cash
Single Ride Ticket
Day Pass
10 Ride Pass
Monthly Pass
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
12345678910111213141516171819A19B20A20B21A21B22A22B23A23B242526272829Ridership By Stop (Boarding) for In Town
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off
6:00 7:00 8:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00
Ridership by Time for In Town