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Mr. Lynch said he did not see reference to the charge to analyze trip destinations <br />and wider commuter patterns to see what additional ridership could be picked up with <br />better service. <br /> <br /> Mr. Spielberg said that until service is reliable enough expanding into new areas <br />is not possible. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch said he would like to see a coordinated traffic light system be <br />coordinated with the bus system. <br /> <br /> Mr. Spielberg said that should be part of the program. He said a bus priority <br />system or bus only lane on the south side of West Main Street especially during peak <br />hours could be considered. <br /> <br /> Mr. Schilling asked about the current ridership and what is realistic to increase it <br />to if service is improved, and Mr. Spielberg said the current ridership averages 1.2 people <br />boarding per mile. <br /> <br /> Mr. Watterson said this is dependent on policy choices made by Council, and he <br />does not feel he can predict how much ridership will increase if reliability is improved. <br /> <br />Mr. Caravati asked what is the statewide or national standard. <br /> <br /> Mr. Spielberg said this is hard to compare because of UTS, but it is between 1.5 <br />and 2 passengers boarding per mile, or 12 to 18 passengers per hour. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch said that he thinks it would be helpful to show UTS routes <br />superimposed on CTS routes. <br /> <br /> Mr. Watterson said that CTS could stop those routes where there is overlap with <br />UTS and move to other routes. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch asked what it would take to immediately do the major changes <br />recommended. <br /> <br /> Mr. Watterson said the intent is to take the largest ridership routes and to focus on <br />them so they are on time this summer. He said we need to show we can make the routes <br />more effective. He said the intent in taking a year is to create time for a deliberate <br />discussion to make sure riders understand and support changes. <br /> <br /> Mr. Schilling asked if the feasibility of running a bus route to Charlottesville High <br />School was looked at, and if not, said he would like it to be looked at. <br /> <br /> Mr. Watterson said the focus is looking at what we are doing today and how to do <br />it better. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Dr. Brown about the traffic lights on West Main <br />Street, Mr. Watterson said that with synchronization all traffic will be helped, and he <br />feels this will help more than just bus priority. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Dr. Brown, Mr. Spielberg said that most of those <br />who ride the buses now have very little choice. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown asked what else can be done to boost ridership besides improving <br />reliability. <br /> <br /> Mr. Spielberg said that people choose to ride a bus if it is faster, cheaper or more <br />convenient than driving. He said this is impacted by having special bus lanes, the price to <br />ride, and the cost of parking. <br /> <br />Dr. Brown asked if fares are a deterrent, and Mr. Spielberg said not a great deal. <br /> <br /> <br />