PERMANENT CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO THE MTA
MINUTES OF DECEMBER 1, 2016
A meeting of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee (PCAC) to the MTA was convened at 12:00 noon on December 1, 2016, in the 16th Floor Conference at 2 Broadway, New York City.
The following members were present:
Andrew Albert
William K. Guild
Randy Glucksman
Marisol Halpern
Orrin Getz
Trudy Mason
Stuart Goldstein
Raymond Pagano
Ira Greenberg
Edith Prentiss
Christopher Greif
Wilhelm Ronda
The following members were absent:
Francena Amparo
Mike Godino
Gerard Bringmann
Sharon King Hoge
Sheila Carpenter
Maureen Michaels
Richard Cataggio
Scott Nicholls
Francis Corcoran
Bryan Peranzo
Owen Costello
Burton Strauss, Jr
Mark Epstein
Rhonda Herman
In addition, the following persons were present:
William Henderson -PCAC Executive Director
Ellyn Shannon -PCAC Associate Director
Angela Bellisio -PCAC Planner Manager
Bradley Brashears -PCAC Transportation Planner
Karyl Berger -PCAC Research Associate
Yvonne Morrow -Concerned citizen
Matt Shotkin -Concerned citizen
Approval of Agenda and Minutes
The agenda for the December 1, 2016 meeting was approved. The minutes of the September 8, 2016 meeting were approved as amended.
Chairs’ Reports
Randolph Glucksman presented the PCAC Chair’s report. Copies of the PCAC, LIRRCC, MNRCC and NYCTRC Chairs’ Reports were previously distributed to the members.
Larry Rubinstein asked for any comments or questions on the LIRRCC Chair’s report and there were none. Chris Greif noted that people are having problems connecting with the new ticketing Apps. William Henderson stated that he believes that the app can be activated without being connected. Andrew Albert wanted to know if there is a limit to the length of time the app ticket can be kept. Mr. Rubinstein noted that it is the same as a paper ticket. Trudy Mason stated that she used the LIRR on a Friday and the online schedule information did not match the information indicated on the app.
Mr. Glucksman asked for comments or questions on the MNRCC report. Wilhelm Ronda asked to recognize and thank Metro North for the Melrose and Tremont stations pilot program. Mr. Glucksman said that both stations are experiencing growth due to new housing construction.
Andrew Albert provided highlights of his report and asked for any comments or questions. Ms. Mason noted there was not a mention about the Second Avenue Subway opening and that she had heard reports that it may not open in 2016. Mr. Albert said they are waiting to hear for sure.
Old Business
Edith Prentiss stated that the number of short turned buses are getting worse and that some buses also change direction en-route, but noted BusTime does not recognize this type of change, leaving passengers behind. Mr. Albert said that this is a result of NYC traffic. Ms. Mason stated that they are waiting to hear back on a meeting with the Department of Buses. Mr. Henderson said he is working with NYC Transit staff to set up the meeting.
The PCAC members voted unanimously to approve PCAC’s 2017 Budget.
Introduction of Professor Allen Zerkin to discuss his research on public engagement strategies at the MTA and initiatives that the MTA can take to provide informative and interactive engagement with its stakeholders
Mr. Zerkin’s presentation is attached to these minutes.
New Business
There was no new business.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 2:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
William Henderson
Executive Director