Author Photo of the 27 March 2015 Island Transit Board Meeting
I decided to take the long way to work Friday the 27th via Whidbey Island to catch the Island Transit meeting and of course, OLF Coupeville action. After making a few comments in support of the Tri-County Connectors with a fare, I took in what information I could from the Island Transit board meeting. Very disappointed two boardmembers got themselves excused absences while the Board addressed failing radios after one public commentator talked about his health scare on Island Transit, a plan to make public a mission statement of recovery, making surplus various vehicles to pay for replacing a few, and implement a Request For Proposals/RFP to get advertising on the outside of the buses modeled after Whatcom Transit Authority/WTA and possibly bus shelters.
It seems regarding the bus radios Island Transit is dragging their feet, blaming the FCC and seeking “management time” as the new Board chair would put it. One would think Island Transit with no reserves would be doing just about anything to reduce their potential liability… like maybe having cellular capable tablets as backup.
When the Island Transit letter is public, expect a copy here. I understand the letter will focus on a recovery strategy for Island Transit.
Thanks to Glenn in Portland for noting Island Transit’s new schedules. Seems to be the third or fourth new schedules since 1 July.
Also please note at 13 April at 9:30 AM is finally expected a decision on the Tri-County Connectors. One Island Transit boardmember wants the decision made before the legislature adjourns hoping sufficient pressure can be created for a state legislative rescue package – an act that I’m sure STB commentators will unleash upon. However various official observers of the situation also want & need an answer sooner rather than later.
You can watch the videos of 75-85% of the 27 March Island Transit meeting here. Enjoy and thanks Gayle!
1st comment for tracking
Thank “You” Joe, You’re so totally awesome!!!!
Quite welcome!