Planning

8) A bus operator is asking for construction updates for better routes.

Palm Tran will communicate route information through Avail messaging as was agreed upon in the labor management meeting. All detours shorter than 4 days are addressed by the operations department. All long term detours received by Palm Tran’s planning section are created and communicated via the Avail Messaging system.

9) A bus operator is concerned for the safety of drivers on Route 33 at Okeechobee and Military Trail. The operator states there are no lights and operators who work late shifts are scared to open doors.

Palm Tran will address lights at bus stops with the Bus Shelter and Stop Improvement Plan. The Plan will place solar lighting at bus stops as soon as winter 2024.

10) A bus operator is asking for better ways to be able to use the restroom and eat.

The ATU and SEIU forums are used to address and identify the types of issues described. Please report a specific route and time for Palm Tran’s Planning Section to investigate further. A relief location survey was sent out to all operators and the paddle boards were updated to display restroom locations.

11) A bus operator is concerned that some passengers are passed up at night because of poor lighting at bus stops.

The bus shelter improvement and infrastructure project will address this challenge. Construction for this project is targeted for the winter of 2024.

12) Are the old bus benches going to be removed?

Yes, the Palm Tran bus shelter improvement and infrastructure project will replace existing infrastructure.

13) Can bus bag covers for stops that have been eliminated be changed from black to red or yellow so that they can be more visible at night?

Palm Tran has purchased yellow bags to cover eliminated stops and are now being used.

14) Why are bus operators not involved with planning the bus routes? Not all operators are ATU or SEIU union members. The operator is concerned that the computer time is not realistic because of delays and that route reports are overlooked.

All bus operators were contacted via text message to provide an opportunity to participate in the planning feedback forums. Operators can also fill out comment cards and submit them to Palm Tran’s Planning section. Additionally, all garages have a route chart on easel where operators hand write their feedback.

15) A bus operator states that bus arrival and departure times are not in sync with each other during the line-up at Intermodal for Routes 40, 43, and 62. Can the Planning section review these schedules?

Services changes were implemented on January 15, 2023, to shift trips and improve bus pulse.

16) A bus operator states that some yellow reflectors are missing and trees are covering the bus stop signs.

Bus operators should report any issues with bus stops to the Planning section with detailed information. All reports are investigated and addressed.

17) A bus operator states that the bus stop on Route 63 in Hypoluxo that is right by the railroad track is unsafe.

A safety review that was conducted on Route 63 at bus stop #173 determined that this stop is not a safety concern. The bus stop is on the public sidewalk and the track and stop are divided by a chain link fence that runs parallel to the tracks. If an operator has a safety concern for a bus stop, please make a detailed report to submit to the Planning section.

18) A bus operator states that a bus stop on Electronics Way and 25th Street is not safe. Can the stop be moved?

Facilities and Planning will develop a Request for Project Assignment (RFPA) for Palm Beach County Facilities to move the ADA landing pads. The safety team has reviewed the proposed stops and agrees with the relocation.

19) A bus operator states that the bus stop at Tri-Rail to the outlet Mall is unsafe. Please provide a stop location or number for further investigation. Operators should add their comment on a bus stop comment form and report it. Operators can also submit their feedback digitally by scanning the QR codes in the operator rooms.

20) A bus operator states that the bus stops on Route 33 at Blue Heron and Silver Beach are not ADA accessible.

The ADA transition plan will address this issue. Phase 1 is expected to begin in winter 2024.

21) A bus operator had the following suggestions. 1.) Palm Tran should place a reflective sticker on the bus stop signs that has a QR code with real-time bus information. 2.) Palm Tran should add a button for the customer to push at bus shelters that will activate a light so that the bus operator will be alerted that someone is at the stop. Once the bus passes, GPS technology can turn the light off after the customer has been picked up. 3.) Palm Tran should add a call box to each bus stop that riders can dial customer service directly.

Yes, Palm Tran’s planning section will consider all comments and suggestions regarding bus stop improvements in the its future improvement plans. The new design will be implemented during the bus stop shelter upgrade and infrastructure project. Palm Tran will not be adding call boxes at the bus stops as they are not cost feasible.

22) Can Palm Tran place quick to commend QR codes put in new bus shelters?

Palm Tran will include this suggestion during the new bus stop improvement plan.