Vallejo Baylink Advisory Committee

VBAC Meeting Minutes for June 4, 2003

1. ATTENDEES & PRELIMINARIES:

• Michael Allen, representing the 6:00am ferry riders
• Robert Boyce, representing the 6:30am ferry riders
• Teri Booth, representing the 8:00am ferry riders
• Wayne Shepard, representing the 8:00am ferry riders
• Virginia Turner, representing the 6:00am ferry riders
• Chip Coundjeris, representing the 6:30am ferry riders
• Victoria Generao, representing the 6:00am ferry riders
• Patricia A. Floris, representing the 6:00am ferry riders (Ridership Chair)
• Don Biddinger, San Francisco Bay Concessions
• Mike Sarikakis, San Francisco Bay Concessions
• Kevin Donnelly, Blue & Gold Fleet - Baylink Administration
• Patrick Morgan, Blue & Gold Fleet - Baylink Operations Manager
• Marty Robbins, Baylink General Manager (Acting Committee Chair)
   
• Meeting called to order at 6:40pm
   
• Introductions
   
• Consensus agreement was reached to end meeting at 8:30pm

2. OLD BUSINESS:

Snack Bar

• The City is in receipt of written concerns regarding operational and management practices of the snack bars on the Baylink vessels, the City has forwarded these complaints and allegations to Blue & Gold Fleet (B&G) in writing and has requested a formal written response from San Francisco Bay Concessions (SFBC) no later than June 6, 2003. All communication is a matter of public record with due regard for personal privacy issues.
   
• The ridership reports that there is now a higher quality of pastries being served onboard.
   
• It was determined that SFBC is using two different menu price lists, one for weekends and one with lower prices for weekdays. The City sees problems with this and will be asking SFBC to end this practice and offer consistent menu pricing across the board.
   
• Cash registers are pre-programmed with menu prices. Some cash register displays are broken or not working. SFBC to fix all displays so that customers can verify prices being charged and rung up.
   
• Regarding the reported over-charging for snack bar items, members of the committee reported that certain snack bar employees are charging weekend prices during the week, even after being advised by passengers that the prices being charged are not weekday prices. The committee also reported that the weekday price listing is not always posted and visible during the weekday runs. SFBC committed to doing everything they can to eliminate this practice. All snack bar employees will be cautioned and informed that prices are firm and as posted. Over-charging customers is a disciplinary offense.
   
• There have been complaints regarding the lack of healthy snack foods for sale onboard, SFBC solicited comments on what people would like to see and promised to make efforts at improving the mix of food items in this area.
   
• Quality of brewed coffee is a concern, SFBC reports that they buy very high quality beans and that the brewing process is automated and should yield consistent results. SFBC then admitted that the grinding and brewing machines sometimes need adjustment and promised to keep on top of this issue so that they can offer a consistently higher quality beverage.

New Seating For M/V INTINTOLI

• Seat and table order is finalized, the vendor has started manufacture of the seats and tables. They expect to deliver them to us in 10-12 weeks (September). Installation will take approximately two weeks with new flooring being installed simultaneously.
  This remodeling work will remove about 3,000 pounds overall from the vessel and reduce the fire load onboard by approximately 2,600 pounds. For these reasons we expect quick approval from the United States Coast Guard (USCG) for this work.
  Seats, tables, carpet, and vinyl flooring are being renewed, there was not enough budget to replace the bulkheads or ceilings. This work will be budgeted in 2005/2006.

M/V VALLEJO Concerns

• VALLEJO is scheduled to be off-line the week of June 16th for routine drydocking and mandatory USCG inspections.
   
• While at drydock, the City will modify engine exhaust piping in an effort to reduce noise on the vessel. Sound readings will be taken before and after the work … sound level will be taken all over the vessel to evaluate results.
   
• Also while at drydock, the solid bulwark panels at the exterior seating area of the 2nd deck will be installed to help with wind shielding.
   
• Due to the low height of the VALLEJO seats, tray tables cannot be retrofit to this vessel, as the tray tables would be too low for use. Alternatively, the City will pursue new armrests with integral cup holders and add them wherever possible.
   
• Re-tightening of rattling ceiling panels is an ongoing maintenance task.
   
• Passenger feedback seems to indicate that the HVAC problems we had last summer on the 2nd deck of VALLEJO have been solved. There was a recent issue of the 2nd deck being too cold on some recent morning runs, it was surmised that the thermostat had been lowered the previous day during a hot afternoon and the thermostat was not reset. We will continue to monitor performance.
   
• It was reported that the portable boarding gates on VALLEJO have blown over on occasion and present a safety hazard. B&G will install a permanent restraint to positively hold these gates during loading and unloading.
   
• HVAC filters are being checked twice per month and replaced monthly at a minimum, but will be replaced more frequently if required.
   
• ADA concerns regarding wheelchair access were aired, specifically situations where people or trash bins inhibit mobility. The layout of the vessel meets ADA criteria, the issue with people or trash bins negatively impacting access is an operational issue, we will remind the crews to be vigilant in this regard.

Communications

• The Committee has asked us to announce bus departures from the Vallejo Terminal, specifically the weekend morning buses that run in the winter in place of summer ferries. This issue has been taken to Vallejo Transit (VT) and they will have their drivers make PA announcements for departure over the PA system installed on each bus. Additionally, the City will seek to install an automated announcing system in the terminal lobby to give 5 minute and 1 minute announcements regarding bus and ferry departures. The indoor variable message sign in the terminal lobby will also flash to indicate an impending departure.
   
• Specific concerns have been raised regarding early departure of the VT Route #3 bus and the Route #200 bus that leaves from the SF Ferry Building. The City has brought this to the attention of VT supervisors and they will be reminding all drivers that early departures are not allowed.
   
• VT conducts 24 route checks everyday, with field supervisors documenting schedule performance of random VT bus routes.
   
• The City has reviewed the signage codes and determined that a variable message sign at the passenger loading gate is acceptable, because it displays public information in support of City provided transportation service. The City Planning Department and the City Traffic Engineer have reviewed the sign details and approved the installation. The sign will be programmed to be predominantly static in display, indicating the next scheduled arrival or departure. In the event of a service disruption or special event, the display will change to give the pertinent information. The sign will be visible from the parking lot and crosswalk. We expect installation to occur this summer. Pending successful demonstration, the City will endeavor to install similar signs at the Ferry Building and at Pier 41.
   
• Regarding the Friday night service to PacBell Park and Giants games, there was much discussion regarding improved advertising of this service in view of the disappointing ridership numbers. Through the game of June 6th, the service has averaged 93 riders for 5 games. The City is looking for ways to boost ridership. The Committee offered a number of low cost advertising ideas and the City will pursue them (ads on buses, ads on tickets, Giants e-mail distribution, continue announcements, improving website presentation, et cetera).

Ferry Boarding Issues

• During the upcoming dredging project the Vallejo gangway and float will be modified with a second lockable gate farther down the gangway. This will allow queuing for some passengers under the cover of the canopy on the gangway.
   
• Hydraulic leak at the aft boarding ramp at the Ferry Building has not been fixed yet, it will be reported to the Port of San Francisco (POSF) again.
   
• Regarding the use of both doors and ramps during commute runs to load and unload passengers. In Vallejo, the deckhands will be reminded to use both doors for boarding passengers on the 8:00am departure as well as any other runs where there is a long queue of passengers waiting. In San Francisco, the forward boarding ramp is unsafe to use when the vessels are heavy passenger numbers (most mornings). The City will make one final attempt to have the POSF correct the deficiencies there. The City has developed a concept to modify the forward boarding door area on the vessels to make the forward ramp safe for use, however, we would prefer that the POSF correct their ramp.

Late Night Baylink Bus Service

• Lack of demand and budget restraints preclude any additional Baylink bus service after the 10:30pm departure.
   
• It was pointed out that passengers who miss the 10:30pm bus do not have time to catch BART to El Cerrito Del Norte and get the last VT Route #80 departure to Vallejo. VT acknowledged this fact and indicated that budget constraints and lack of historical demand preclude any additional service.
   
• The Committee pointed out that North Bay residents who go to San Francisco for evening events do not have a public transit option for their travel if their event ends at 10pm or later, with the 10:30pm bus being their final option.

3. NEW BUSINESS:

Daypasses

• Daypasses will not be sold on the ferries, only at the other ticket office locations. The City has informed B&G that daypass sales on the vessels are not allowed.
   
• Implementation of TransLink ticketing in 2004 will eliminate the need for daypass sales.

Signage & Queuing At The Ferry Building

• The City will be asking the POSF for permission to install better signage at the Ferry Building and on the float, and to come up with some definitive queuing strategy.

Dredging Project

• Dredging of the Vallejo Ferry Terminal basin will commence in early August and is expected to last 4 to 6 weeks.
   
• Ferry service will not be shut down.
   
• During the project passenger loading and unloading will occur at a temporary site just south of the present gate, just behind the dental office building. The City will be using the old passenger loading float that was removed in 1998.
   
• Ferry service will be slightly disrupted, loading and unloading times will be a bit longer at the temporary site. However, we will not change the schedule.
   
• The current float and gangway will be taken to drydock for preventative maintenance, painting, and minor repairs.

New Ferry Update

• Construction is well underway on the new ferry at Dakota Creek in Anacortes, Washington. Delivery to the City is contractually set for April 16, 2004. The shipyard is currently ahead of schedule and we anticipate no delays.
   
• A seating arrangement drawing was distributed to the Committee and will be posted at the usual outlets. Passenger feedback on the proposed seating arrangement has been requested by June 13th in order to support shipyard schedules.
   
• Operating money for the three boat schedule is dependent upon raising bridge tolls to $3.00.

Parking Lot Security

• This service is limited by budget. Parking lot security is provided Monday through Friday from 6:00am to 5:30pm.

4. FUTURE ISSUES & CLOSING:

• Passenger survey to be conducted by the Committee regarding three boat schedule.
• 2004 implementation of TransLink ticketing system: still on track.
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Security Regulations – due to be published July 1, 2003. Impact still unknown
• M/V VALLEJO will be taken to Nichols Brothers for three months next spring or summer for warranty work. City will coordinate with delivery of new ferry
• Next Meeting – Wednesday, September 3, 2003, 6:40pm
• Meeting adjourned at 8:37pm
   
• Minutes Approved and Submitted: Martin J. Robbins                                             Patricia A. Floris