says Dave Simoneau, First Transit project manager for this operation. “Southwest Transit determined First Transit could probably do a better job establishing and maintaining a first rate team of highly qualified drivers.” Simich says while both parties benefit from the longevity of this partnership, part of the process is for him and his staff to weigh the pros and cons of the contract every two years. “First Transit is an organization for hire,” he says. “That means our costs for its services are always a consideration. We have to always ask if we can do it as well for less money by bringing it in-house or going with another contractor.” Simich says because First Transit has delivered quality service for a favorable fee for so many years, Southwest Transit tends toward keeping the relationship intact. Simoneau, who has served alongside Southwest Transit for 17 years and just as easily sees himself as a Southwest Transit employee, says this partnership runs smoothly because of
BUSRide
the simplified operational goal. “With only the driver component to operate and manage, we can give all our attention to transporting customers safely and on time, and delivering great service,” he says. “I think both entities agree this has grown beyond the typical contractor-vendor relationship into a true operational partnership, especially over the last 12 years.” Together, the two entities have met budget challenges through creative solutions that have led to greater efficiency. One example is the system First Transit devised to allow the buses to remain downtown between the morning and evening runs, which Simich says saves the fuel of 20 coaches a day coming and going Once the passengers are delivered in the morning, the coaches move to a secured parking lot where a shuttle transports the drivers back to the yard and return on the shuttle later in the day for their afternoon runs. “Another tremendous advantage for us is to not be the ones to sit and
negotiate with the unions,” says Simich. “While we may give up some say in who we hire, who we promote, and which drivers work on particular routes, in issues where the rubber hits the road, the advantages for our outsourcing to First Transit far outweigh any disadvantages.” Beyond bus stops and park-and-ride facilities, Southwest Transit enjoys the opportunity to develop further its properties as bona fide transit-oriented communities that place condominiums and retail space as close as possible to the bus service. The first such development in Eden Prairie features 230 condominiums and 130,000- square feet of retail space. “Because Southwest Transit owns the property, we have been able to develop this infrastructure,” says Simich. “These assets outside our normal transit activities generate a generous cash flow for us, and have enabled us to hold our own and grow over the last few years.” BR
February 2012
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