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6 <br /> <br /> Ms. Edwards said it is important to have a balance between encouraging new <br />ridership and keeping those who are devoted to the system. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Dr. Brown, Mr. Watterson said that global <br />positioning will be available at two dozen bus stops. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown asked if there is a reason the efficient routes could not be combined so <br />that there would only be two that have problems that could be helped occasionally with <br />an additional bus. <br /> <br /> Mr. Waterson said it would be more efficient to combine them when Brookwood <br />Drive opens. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown said that former Councilor Lynch used to advocate for radical change <br />for the transit system and for a trunk and feeder line. He asked if there is a different <br />organizational structure that could be considered. <br /> <br /> Mr. Watterson said that there are lots of way to organize a system, but the reality <br />here is that there are long-standing routes and devotion to that routing. He said he is <br />trying to make minimal changes. He said the trunk line is employed in certain route <br />combinations. He said more changes are dependent on resources. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown asked if there are neighborhoods other than Greenbrier that do not <br />have easy access to a bus, and Mr. Watterson said he has not heard from neighborhoods <br />other than Greenbrier. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown asked if City residents can ride UTS and Mr. Watterson said yes. <br /> <br /> Mr. Taliaferro asked if thought had been given to using an opticon system to <br />control traffic signals. <br /> <br /> Mr. Watterson said there has been an observable difference with signal <br />synchronization, especially on West Main Street. He said he is not sure it can be legally <br />done on a State highway system. <br /> <br /> Mr. Huja asked if there is a way to make the transit schedule simpler. He <br />encouraged Mr. Watterson to look at radical approaches to restructure. <br /> <br /> Mr. Norris said he agrees with the desirability of looking at a radical overhaul, <br />and said that the Regional Transit Authority proposal may be an opportunity to do that. <br />He said he supports the direction staff is heading with the proposed changes. He said <br />partnership with Albemarle County and U. Va. will provide an opportunity for more <br />resources. He said we need an additional hub on the west side of town. He said he <br />would like to think Brookwood can be open by August, and asked that staff help facilitate <br />this. He said he endorses Mr. Freckman’s comments about a route to CHS and providing <br />year round passes to students. He said he would also like to explore offering an annual <br />bus pass this year. He asked if a short loop would be possible to the Meadows <br />neighborhood since they have no service. <br /> <br /> Mr. Watterson said that there would be significantly increased capital and <br />operating costs to transform the system. He said that providing a bus to CHS could help <br />with after school activities. <br /> <br /> Mr. Huja challenged staff to look at having medium size buses. <br /> <br /> Mr. Watterson said that is planned. <br /> <br /> Councilors were in agreement that staff should make a proposal for service to <br />Greenbrier and CHS. <br /> <br />REPORT <br />: ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN MUNICIPAL AND SCHOOL BUILDINGS <br /> <br />