Transit- Meeting Agenda (12/18/1997)

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Di~ector Towslee said to get from her home to Roths grocery store, Ms. -" Simpson rides the bus downtown; transfers-~and then goes back on Route " #19 (Glen Creek) so that she dces not have to walk across Waliace Road. '~ She then has to repeat that for the retum trip. She rides the bus from Roths to downtown, transfers, and then rides the bus home. Thus, she rides four buses to travei ten blocks. Director Kelley noted that the intersection on Wailace Road at Glen Creek has full signage, sidewalks, and traffic signals. She asked if the problem is with unsafe drivers, and whether it is a situation where there is a need to enlist the help of the Salem Police Department in patrolling that area. Mr. Andersen-Wyckoff said although the intersection is signed and signalized it does not necessarily make it easier for many senior citizens who live in that particular area. The District applied for a grant this year from the State of Oregon which was not awarded to look at how circulator systems could be provided within West Salem because so many senior citizens are attempting to access Roth's, the bank, and post office by bus, and do not want to walk across busy Wallace Road or have to ride the bus downtown to get there. Although the grant was not awarded, the District is still looking at how an access can be made using existing buses and drivers without having to increase the cost to taxpayers. Unfortunately, it cannot happen ovemight, but the District appreciates the problem that many seniors have in crossing busy streets. Director Kelley proposed sending a letter to the City of Salem fonnally asking them to look at signal'¢ation at the intersection of Wallace Road and Gle~ Creek to see if traffic can be slowed down. The rapidity with which the light changes can be changed as well as the length of the light during different parts of the day. However, her question is why people are crossing at 7"' and Wallace if they are trying to reach services at Glen Creek. ~ Ms. Simpson said she thought that most people who shop at Roth's get off at 7~' Street and Wallace and walk. She can no longer do that, and many others cannot either when carrying packages. Ms. Simpson said she came to the Board a year ago and asked about two Gose bus shelters on D Street near Montgomery Ward, and asked whether one could be moved to Wallace Road for the individuals at Agri Pac. This is an improvement in service which does not necessarily cost money, but it appears hundreds of thousands of dollars have been paid in a rather serious conflict-of-interest with the Courthouse Square project and she feels the taxpayers have been betrayed. Director Towslee said a bus shelter was secured, and the awner of the property declined to have it installed there. Mr. Whittington responded to Ms. Simpson's comments regarding the difficulty in getting to Roth's Grocery Store. He said it is very much a problem and is a valid point which she brings to the Board. The DistricYs Service Advisory Committee (SAC) addressed the issue. It is a large enough problem that all of the West Salem routes need to be examined together to try to develop a solution. Just changing that route is not felt to be the best altemative. Changing the West Salem routes in general needs to be examined because there are other problems that need to be addressed as well. That has been referced to a longer-range planning process to look at aIl of those routes. Hopefully, in the spring some solutions can be presented to the Board regarding problems in West Salem. Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting Salem Area Mass Transit District November 20, 1997 - Page 6