Let's Go Spring 2019

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Strategic Plan of Action Strategic Plan: Growth and Keeping Pace with New Technologies An update from General Manager, Martin Sennett.

In 2018 CityBus bucked industry trends and did something very unusual for transit systems. In a time where ridership is declining nationally, we provided more service, carried more riders, and spent less than the prior year. Ridership rose by 3.4%, service miles rose 1.6%, non-tax revenue increased by $192,000, and we spent $872,000 less than we did in 2017.

As good as 2018 was, we plan to do more. The CityBus Board of Directors has developed a strategic plan to help guide us to success through the next five years.

Doing the Research

To help develop the plan of action, we met with various groups including our riders, local leaders, and not-for-profit agencies and collected over 1,600 survey responses. The goal of this year-long project was to identify current and future needs of the community and CityBus. After conducting the research, we determined the top four areas of focus included addressing unmet needs, improving current route effectiveness, implementing technological improvements, and determining future facility needs. All of the initiatives and timelines are outlined in our strategic 2

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plan of action that can be found on our website.

Addressing Unmet Needs

Current unmet transportation needs include a route to deliver workers to the growing 350 South Industrial Corridor, evening service in several areas, and expansions of service to Faith East Church Community Center and Wabash Avenue.

Improving Current Route Effectiveness

The re-working of the traffic network around the Purdue campus has spurred a great deal of re-development in West Lafayette. The 4B Purdue West and the 1B Salisbury will see minor changes in order to improve on-time performance and reduce the need to transfer.

On the Lafayette side of the river, some of the proposed changes are already in effect. The 2A Union and 2B Schuyler routes now run two hours later in the evening. Additionally, the 9 Park East route was realigned to serve Sagamore Parkway between South Street and McCarty Lane, and an Industrial Express route provides service to Concord Road and Veterans Memorial Parkway.

Wabash Avenue residents and the leaders of the Faith East Christian Church have requested service. Being able to

add service to these areas brings certain challenges. This is why we will be hiring a consulting firm to help us create a long-term plan for adding service.

Implementing Technological Improvements Technology changes rapidly, and CityBus is committed to utilizing new and improved tools to keep our riders informed and make their travel as convenient as possible.

Some of the electronic possibilities include a mobile ticketing app, intersection signal prioritization, autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, and an ADA web portal for customers using CityBus paratransit services.

Determining Future Facility Needs

As we add more routes and increase frequencies, acquiring more buses is essential. Space to house and maintain our fleet is at capacity. However, we must

look at options so that we can more easily accommodate the growth.

We've already identified possible solutions that include new Administrative Offices and additional vehicle storage at the current Canal Road site or purchasing a new, more inclusive facility.

In addition to the needs listed above, we're also committed to expanding the civic role of the downtown CityBus Center.

How to Pay for It All

Adding three quarters of a million dollars of additional service over the next three to four years is no easy task for a small transit agency like CityBus. To accomplish this, we will use Small Transit Intensive Cities Section 5307 FTA Formula Funds, discretionary grant programs, and eliminate diesel buses to fund the changes.

For a more detailed look at our strategic plan of action, please go to our web site at www.gocitybus.com.

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Connell Develops Culture of Safety

(continued from page 2)

Ask anyone at CityBus what the magic word is and they will say “safety.”

Operations Manager John Connell is from the Gary area, and while in college did an internship at CityBus. Later he worked at Evansville Transit System, but came back to CityBus in 2002 because there were, “Exciting things happening here,” he says.

One of the most exciting things he alluded to happened in 1999. At that time, CityBus had 16 routes. However, when Purdue University added campus routes, CityBus' service almost doubled in size.

“I called John because I knew things needed to be shaken up and I thought he could handle the challenges of change,” says General Manager Martin Sennett. In response, Connell developed the Culture of Safety that now permeates CityBus operations.

"Our level of expectation is high and keeps getting higher, and we hammer that home.

But our goal is to put drivers in a position to succeed,” Connell says. “I tell new hires that my goal is to hire them, help them have a successful career, and then buy them a retirement cake.”

Safety Culture for Fun

The CityBus Culture of Safety includes basic and advanced training, plus some fun events like the annual Bus Roadeo, and the Safety Banquet.

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professionalism by competing against the best drivers locally and from larger areas. Locally, the high scorer goes on to an international event (in Louisville this year).

“The Roadeo helps a bridge between Union drivers (Local #1741 of the Amalgamated Transit Union, one of the oldest in the industry) and management,” says Core Trainer Derek Streeter. “It's a competition but also has a strong social component with a cookout where families are encouraged to attend.”

The annual Safety Banquet recognizes efforts of all employees and drivers are recognized for years of safe driving.

For fun, CityBus gives raffle tickets to employees based on years of safe driving. They can win valuable prizes including cash in the "Show Me the Money" game.

Developing a Culture of Safety

Over the last decade, CityBus has developed a company-wide “Culture of Safety” which starts with an intense driver training program and continues with an annual advanced training week.

The Bus Roadeo is precision driving on a very challenging course, which promotes

Connell developed the Culture of Safety as a way to increase driver longevity and give drivers all the tools they need to be successful. “We had people washing out

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(continued on page 6)

Bryan Walck participating in the CityBus 2018 Roadeo.

of training and retention problems, so we looked at the process and what we could do to get people adequately prepared,” Connell says. “This approach provides new hires with a sense of belonging and being part of the team, and this is a big part of retaining employees. Our motto is: Put trainees in a position to succeed, and make it company-wide.”

by the responsibility and amount of knowledge and raw skills needed. “If you ask a new driver what percentage of people you know can do this job, most at the beginning will say just about anyone,” Streeter notes. “But at the end of training that percentage goes way down because they understand the scope of what it takes. Trainees say: ‘I had no idea there was so much involved in driving a bus.’”

Core Trainers Add New Dimension

When it’s time to drive practice routes, core trainers ride along. At the end of the day, trainers talk to each other and create review sheets to target any deficiencies, such as speed, turning, or following distance.

“We wanted to perfect a driver’s ability to meet challenges,” adds Connell. "Operators have to drive safely, interact with customers in a professional manner, and deal with technology like the electronic fare box and the mobile data unit."

A major innovation was drawing in veteran bus drivers to serve as “Core Trainers.”

This first step was to interview veteran employees who had been through the training program and ask them what was good—and what we could be doing better.

Core trainers participate in classroom sessions and ride shotgun with new drivers on practice routes. “With the help of these core trainers we have been able to make the program better and the success rate with new hires has gone up each year,” says Connell. The trainers help give new drivers confidence and support, says Derek Streeter, a 12-year veteran CityBus driver and one of the first core trainers.

Intensive Training

New drivers go through an initial six-week training program which includes classroom work covering federal regulations and CityBus procedures and policies, defensive driving strategies, and behind-the-wheel training in a controlled environment.

The biggest reason for training failure is that new drivers become overwhelmed 6

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There are 26 routes in the CityBus system, and each one has things that shift with time of day, road obstructions, and more. Since the routes are assigned by seniority, the new drivers often end up with the most challenging routes and schedules.

“When they are starting out alone, they are often driving the hardest route at the hardest time of day,” Streeter says.“The training runs allow them to drive the route and simulate the stresses before they encounter them in real time.”

CDL Training Success

In addition to the 200 hours of basic training, drivers receive 80 hours of CDL training, which is a major benefit, as a driver must have this license before picking up passengers.

Rick Synesael has been the CDL trainer for 10 years and has a 98% success rate in getting new CityBus hires ready for the licensing test. “Rick’s work is a tremendous value to CityBus. He's strict but encouraging at the same time—and the drivers appreciate that,” says Connell.

Street Supervisors

Street supervisors are another important part of the Culture of Safety, serving as a liaison between drivers and passengers.

Ricky Hill and Jim Kirby both started as drivers and were promoted to these supervisory roles. They are out and about on the streets in a staff vehicle every day and can be called on if there is an incident on a bus. "Instead of trying to 'catch' drivers doing something wrong, street supervisors help to assist and facilitate needs, taking the burden off the driver,” Connell says. “Drivers recognize them as allies who can handle other things so they can pay attention to driving.”

Amanda Cooper, Driver of the Year 2018

Beyond Training

The Culture of Safety extends beyond training to other considerations such as streamlining routes to make sure drivers have breaks. “There is a safety element in maintenance too, both personnel-wise and machine-wise, Connell says. “It’s important to keep both our drivers and equipment in tip-top shape.”

In addition to road safety, drivers are alert to other issues such as suspicious packages, bomb threats, or active shooters.

General Manager, Martin Sennett presents Safe Driving Award to Thomas Burnett

Team Effort

Developing a Culture of Safety has been a team effort. With 100 drivers, consistency can be a challenge, but the core group is all on the same page and all buy into the concept. “We want everyone to be successful and it helps if you treat others right with respect and dignity.”

Five more core trainers are currently being trained. “We are light years away from where we were a decade ago, thanks to cooperative efforts and all being on the same team,” Connell says. These are all exciting advancements for CityBus.

CityBus employees at the 2018 Safety Banquet

Volunteers help landscape at the CityBus Center Transfer Terminal.

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Driver Feature Donn Brown

Brown currently drives the #3 Lafayette Square and #7 South Street routes. “I enjoy city driving with all the stop-and-go and interaction with passengers. It keeps me on my toes and is never boring,” he says.

Patience Is Key

Brown says that you need to have a certain amount of patience with other drivers on the road and with passengers, plus you’re working against a time clock.

“I remind myself that this is what I get paid for. Trying to have empathy for others goes a long way,” he says.

To Brown, the CityBus Culture of Safety is important to remember. “You have to be hyper-alert all of the time. After an 8-hour shift, you’ve avoided maybe 5 to 10 wrecks because of other drivers, accidents, or bicycles. When you have a 30,000 pound bus and you bump something, the bus always wins, so we take driving and safety very seriously,” adds Brown.

A Team Effort

"I am very grateful for this job,” Brown says. The management has treated 8

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Brown well. "They have been more than fair. I appreciate working for good people.

They hold you to high standards but they also have a lot of grace for mistakes,” he says.

Brown also appreciates having good mechanics taking care of the buses. “The buses take a real beating with potholes, manhole covers, and passengers. They are out there 16-18 hours a day and get a lot of wear and tear. The useful lifespan of a bus is usually 500,000 miles, but ours go further because of the great maintenance,” he says.

And he appreciates advances in bus technology. “When I started the buses were all diesel, and then we got hybrid technology. What I like most is the steering column with the combination of computer and mechanical control (made

by TRW in Lafayette). It is much smaller and easier to control, less strain on the body.”

Brown also gives a shout-out to others on his team—the dispatchers and other drivers. “You’re always going to have personalities that clash, but mostly everyone helps each other with questions or problems,” he says.

Always an Artist

Brown is a graduate of the Ringling School of Art in Sarasota Florida, where he studied sculpting and painting. He spent 18 years as a traveling artist and in restaurant and factory work, but came to CityBus because he needed a stable job

Photo: Stormfront Productions

Donn Brown is a long-time CityBus driver and also an artist. “I like doing things that are hands-on, so driving a bus has been a great job for me,” he says. “I like being part of a team but also being independent and out on my own. No one is looking over my shoulder, but I’m still accountable."

to support his wife and four sons.

He hasn’t given up art, though. Currently he makes things out of wood and is building a retirement business around creating handmade, custom wooden spoons.“ I like making functional art that people can use,” he says.

Brown makes 40 different designs including scoops for coffee beans, serving pieces, ladles, and one-of-akind spreaders. He uses mostly local hardwoods such as cherry, walnut, and maple, but will also use imported or exotic woods.

To make the spoons, he uses a variety of power tools and hand-held tools. The biggest obstacle for him is how fast he

Donn Brown, CityBus Driver

can complete a project because most of his designs are asymmetrical and are difficult to cut. “I am checking out computer-aided cutting,” he says.

Currently Brown sells his spoons at local Farmers Markets and on Facebook, but has plans for faster production and attending larger events.

Although he works out of a two car garage now, he has retirement plans to buy land and build a barn to work out of.

He also wold like to start creating larger sculptures that incorporate metal and fiberglass.

We are thankful for Donn's service to our community.

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f f a t S & y t l u Fac

E E R F E RID ID e u d r u With P

Download the MyCityBus app to access schedules, realtime bus location information and receive transit news and routespecific alerts.

Rider Feature Zach Stewart

Stewart takes advantage of the fact that CityBus is free and easily accessible to all Purdue students, faculty, and staff.

Zach Stewart is a busy Purdue student and frequently takes the Tower Acres bus to and from class and work. “Having three buses on the route at eight minute intervals is very convenient,” he says.

Stewart also occasionally takes the Black Loop, if he’s on campus in the evening.

“I'm always encouraging my peers to hop on the bus and plan their trip instead of walking (especially in the cold),” he says.

In the evenings and on the weekends he often finds himself using the Black Loop instead of walking or calling a ride-share.

"We have a free bus that circles the whole campus—so why pay for an Uber?”

Stewart started caddying at the South Bend Country Club in 2015 and was awarded the Chick Evans Scholarship for Caddies in 2017. The Evans Scholarship is a full tuition and housing scholarship for deserving golf caddies with strong academic records whose families demonstrate a financial need.

Stewart is a sophomore studying Political Science and is hoping to work either in the public sector with policy making, lobbying, or in political communication.

He currently works as a Building Manager

at Krach Leadership Center and with the Center for C-SPAN Scholarship & Engagement.

He is also a senator in the Student Senate (Purdue Student Government) representing the College of Liberal Arts.

As a student senator, he serves as the PSG representative on the University Senate's Parking & Traffic Committee (along with Bryce Gibson of CityBus).

“In places where parking is limited and sometimes almost non-existent, like Purdue, a service like CityBus is invaluable. I appreciate the service that CityBus provides for Purdue students, faculty, and staff.”

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Across the Board As a division of local government, CityBus is led by a Board of Directors appointed by the Mayors and City Councils of Lafayette and West Lafayette. These seven Directors share a few thoughts on CityBus' progress and the impact on the Greater Lafayette community.

Dr. Jon Fricker Jon is a Professor of Civil Engineering at Purdue University. He was appointed to the board in 1990 by the West Lafayette City Council.

“I have always enjoyed the collegiality of the Board members, who come from a variety of backgrounds. I try to keep in mind three stakeholder groups while serving as a board member; CityBus employees, riders, and local taxpayers.

Milestones that come to mind to me are complying with the 1991 unfunded Americans with Disabilities Act mandates ahead of schedule, the inception of the Unlimited Access program that allows Purdue students, staff, and faculty to ride free, and the introduction of compressed natural gas buses into the fleet. These—and other similar accomplishments—were possible because of the innovative capabilities of CityBus leadership and staff. It has been a pleasure to serve with my fellow Board members.”

Mike Gibson, Chairperson Mike was appointed by the Lafayette City Council in 2015 and is the co-owner of Mulhapts.

“The opportunity to serve on the Board has been an eye-opening experience for me. I had no idea of what it took to move people around a community and the importance of it. After a few meetings and the opportunity to attend an international trade industry conference, my eyes were opened to the people, technologies, and equipment that it takes to get the job done. I am proud to say CityBus and its staff are doing an awesome job of staying abreast of what is needed to be relevant and efficient in the communities we serve.”

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Julie Ginn Julie, in 2012, was appointed to the CityBus Board by the Lafayette Mayor. She is the owner of Distinctive Rental Properties.

"As a property manager, serving many demographics, I know how important transit service is to both my tenants and the Greater Lafayette community. This is why I first agreed to serve on the Board of Directors.

I grew up in a small community in southern Indiana that did not have a public transit system, so I have learned so much about the industry. I am very proud to have been a part of the construction of the CityBus Center and the compressed natural gas fueling station. Both provide a great deal of benefit for the community while enhancing the viability of our local transit system.”

Joe Krause Joe is currently a volunteer passenger assistant at the Amtrak Depot. He retired as a teacher from the West Lafayette Community School Corporation and was appointed in 2000 by the West Lafayette City Council.

“CityBus provides basic mobility for those without independent means of transportation and much reduced traffic congestion for those who ride bicycles or drive. I have been gratified to see that staff and employees continually emphasize safety and environmental awareness. The movement from diesel to hybrid and now to compressed natural gas took place while I have been on the board. I also believe the wind turbines add an iconic touch that shows CityBus is a responsible user of sustainable resources.”

Ben Murray, Secretary/Treasurer Ben, in 2015, was appointed by the Lafayette City Council. He is currently the assistant principal at Tecumseh Jr. High School.

“I am excited about the opportunities for CityBus to continually evaluate how we can improve, such as converting to CNG fueled transit and cutting fuel expenses. Another area of improvement that I'm proud of is analyzing the routes to make them more efficient based on the demands of our riders.”

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Bill Ooms Bill is the president of BSS Consulting and was appointed by the West Lafayette Mayor in 2012.

“Everyone should ride the bus once to see how well run, clean, and professional our local bus service is.

CityBus is a big part of the successful community we live in, it is a big factor in attracting new businesses, providing reliable transportation for a large part of our community, and is using more and more clean energy like CNG powered buses and Wind for electric. I am proud to be a part of CityBus.”

Joel Wright Joel joined the board in 1988 when he was appointed by the Mayor of Lafayette. He is retired from Duke Energy where he was an assistant engineer.

“The CityBus board members are like family.

I appreciate the cities of West Lafayette and Lafayette’s support of transit.

In the 28 years that I’ve been on the board we’ve made great advances. However, I am most proud of the launching of Purdue University’s and Ivy Tech Community's fare-free bus service in 1999 and 2004, respectively, constructing three wind turbines in 2011, adding hybrid-electric buses in 2006, compressed natural gas buses in 2015, and opening a new transfer station in 2013.”

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T B T #

Contractors work on CityBus' wind turbines. The turbines were commissioned in 2011 through a grant from the Federal Transit Administration called Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER) program.

Ernest Jenkinson shovels snow from beneath a Greater Lafayette Public Transportation Corp. bus at the corners of Sixth and Ferry streets, as Union Street bus driver Jean Howell watches in the background. This was the second time Howell was stuck at this intersection in one day. Photo taken Feb. 28, 1984, Lafayette Journal & Courier.

Justin Metz, travel trainee, learns the routes from Hallie Robinson, outreach coordinator.

Travel Training What is Travel Training?

Travel Training is a free program that teaches people how to ride to and from their destinations on CityBus. This type of training is not intended to replace occupational therapy needed by certain riders, but it will help those who need a little extra assistance navigating the routes.

Who can use the service?

Anyone interested in learning how to ride CityBus can request help! Simply contact us to schedule your free training.

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How is help requested?

To schedule your training, please contact Hallie Robinson, our Outreach Coordinator/Travel Trainer. Training hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and are subject to schedule availability.

Hallie can help you learn how to plan trips, use tools to make your trip easier, and how to best get to and from your destination. If needed, she is happy to ride with you to your destination and back to help you get acquainted with riding CityBus. To set up your free training session, please contact Hallie at (765) 420-2989 or email her at Hallie@gocitybus.com.

Youth Passes Kids ride all year for only

$2.00 Youth in grades K-4 ride free, while students in grades 5-12, 18 and younger, must pay regular fare or purchase a Youth Bus Pass for $2. The pass is good from the date of purchase through Sept. 15, 2019, and includes unlimited rides.

Purchase a Youth Pass in person at CityBus Center, 316 N. Third St. in downtown Lafayette or CityBus Admin Office, 1250 Canal Rd. CityBus Center is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 8:45 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Cash payments are not accepted at the CityBus Center customer service window. CityBus Admin Office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m to 5 p.m.

The student and a parent/guardian must both be present to purchase the pass. Proof of age and enrollment in school is also required. Children ages 5 and under ride free, but must be accompanied by an adult.

Wishing for more?

Include us in your advertising plans.

Find out about the different options we offer and more examples at gocitybus.com/ advertise, contact Marketing at marketing@gocitybus.com, or call (765) 423-2666.

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Where's the Bus? CityBus' real-time information tools can help!

We offer three tools that will help in understanding routes and identifying where your bus is located. These three tools include:

MyCityBus

MyCityBus is our mobile app! Using this, riders can access schedules, find real-time GPS-based bus location information, track the bus on a map, and receive transit news and route-specific alerts.

Download the free MyCityBus app from your app store or view it online at bus.gocitybus.com.

MyRide

The MyRide tool provides bus arrival times when you enter the bus stop quick code (starts with "BUS...." on the bus

stop sign). Visit gocitybus.com/wheresthe-bus to learn more.

Text RT4

Yes, you can get arrival times via text in two easy steps:

• Find the bus stop ID (BUS###) on the bus stop sign.

• Text “RT4” followed by the bus

stop ID and route to 41411 (carrier charges may apply).

Texting this information will also provide you with the next three bus departure times. To refresh this list, simply reply with "R" to the text you received from RT4.

Example: If you are at stop BUS389 on route 1B, you would text RT4 BUS389 1B to 41411.

Need Assistance?

We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

Simply contact us for assistance.

ridehelp@gocitybus.com 765-742-7433 (Select option 1) www.gocitybus.com CityBus | gocitybus.com

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Let's Go! is published biannually by CityBus. Š2019 by CityBus. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or duplicated without the prior written permission of CityBus. Let's Go! Newsletter, CityBus, 1250 Canal Road, P.O. Box 588, Lafayette, Indiana 47902-0588. Phone: 765-423-2666. Erica Metzinger, editor/designer/photographer; Lynn Holland, writer; Hallie Robinson, photographer (noted photos).

765-742-7433 | www.gocitybus.com Download the MyCityBus app from your app store today!