electronic document

Transcription

electronic document

S E P T E M B E R
2 0 0 7
DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION
M O N T H L Y
R E P O R T
TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT-SEPTEMBER 2007 MONTHLY REPORT
PAGE - 2 -
— TABLE OF CONTENTS —
Executive Summary Memorandum... 4
Personnel ..,..6
Training ..6
Customer Service Report .................................................................................................... 6
Detailed Reports ..... 6
AIRPORT
Revenue 6
Noise Monitoring/Noise Abatement Program 6
Airport Special Events ..... 6
TRANSIT PROGRAMS
General Transit Service Inquiries .. 7
Schaumburg Trolley . 7
Dial-A-Ride Transportation (DART) . 9
Lunchtime Shoppers Shuttle . 11
Pace Route 602 – Metra Station Feeder Route...13
Pace Route 554 – Schaumburg-Elgin Regional Route .... 13
Septemberfest Special Event Service . 14
Senior & Disabled Taxi Subsidy Program 15
RTA – Reduced Fare Program ..15
STAR Line .16
Pace Services 16
DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference ..17
Schaumburg Township Transit Program .... 17
Hanover Township Transportation Keeps Individuals with
Disabilities Employed (TIDE) Meeting .17
SHARE Student Volunteer Program – Transit Projects .18
BICYCLE PROGRAMS
Information Requests ..18
General Program Activities ....18
Bicycle Event Planning 19
League of American Bicyclists – Bicycle Friendly Community .19
Bicycle Safety Patrol 19
PAGE - 3 -
Safe Routes to School/Internal Walk to School Day ..19
Northwest Municipal Conference Regional Bikeways Committee ...19
Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force 19
SHARE Student Volunteer Program Bicycle Program Projects .20
PROJECTS/PROGRAMS
Special Event Applications .20
Sign Inventory ..20
I-90 Master Plan ..20
TRAFFIC SIGNALS
Traffic Signal Monitoring 21
Schaumburg Road and Wise Road Interconnects .21
Proposed Traffic Signal and Roadway Improvements on Wise Road 21
Proposed Traffic Signal and Roadway Improvements on Wright Boulevard .21
FIRELANES
Inspections and Fire Lanes Under Review ..21
SPEED TRAILER .22
TRAFFIC STUDIES
Sign Request for Eastbound Central Road Right Turn at Roselle Road ..22
Hickory Lane and Cedarcrest Drive ..22
Petersham Lane and Saugus Lane ......22
Attachment 1 – Speed Trailer Location Map-September 2007
Attachment 2 – IWALK/Safe Routes to School Brochure September 2007
Attachment 3 – Schaumburg’s Woodfield Trolley – September 2007 Summary Table
Attachment 4 – DART Monthly Report – September 2007
Attachment 5 – Shopper Shuttle Monthly Report – September 2007
Attachment 6 – Route 554 – Schaumburg-Elgin Regional Route – August 2007 Summary Table
Attachment 7 – Pace 100% Funded Routes – Cumulative Ridership Table for 100% Pace Funded
Routes September 2007
Attachment 8 – Route 208 – Schaumburg-Evanston Regional Route – Route Map and Schedule
Attachment 9 – SHARE Student Volunteer Program – Matrix of Activities for Fall Semester
Attachment 10 – Airport Management Inc. Activity Report – September 2007
Attachment 11 – Airport Operation Monitoring Report – September 2007 Airport Report
Attachment 8 – CSR Reports – September 2007
PAGE - 4 -
PAGE - 5 -
MEMORANDUM
Date:
October 25, 2007
To:
Village Manager
From:
Director of Transportation
Subject:
Monthly Report for September, 2007
For:
Transportation Committee
The following is a summary of activities that occurred during the month of September, 2007 in the
Department of Transportation.
Septemberfest Transportation
Staff faced several challenges providing bus service for the annual Septemberfest. Early planning efforts
identified potential problems with parking at the Schaumburg High School. On the first day of the service
(Saturday), staff observed the high school contractor working in the area impeding access. Staff worked
with the foreman on the site to avoid conflicts. Staff rode all the routes and observed service and
cleanliness of busses. Sunday’s close out was the most challenging due to the accident on Plum Grove
Road that affected two of the routes. Additional busses needed to be added to accommodate the change in
routing around this area. Police presence at the staging area helped to alleviate a scuffle that took place on
Sunday evening as well. The shuttle bus service provided approximately 36,000 rides for the fest and the
DART service provided 89 rides for senior/disabled residents. The Bike Patrol participated in the parade
and helped to man the Bikeways Advisory Committee and Schaumburg Bicycle Club.
Dart
5,473 passengers rode DART in September. This service is currently providing approximately 228 rides
per day. Staff prepared a request for the extension of the existing contract through April 30, 2008. The
extension will keep the current contract in place for both DART and the Shuttle. The RFP/Bid for this
contract includes measures that will tighten the language, increase the Village’s oversight of both services,
and address reporting standards and contract enforcement. Some of these issues hadn’t been effectively
adjusted since the early 1990’s.
Airport
Northwest Flyers and Pilot Pete’s co-sponsored Aviation Days held
September 8 and 9, 2007. Approximately 1,400 people attended the event
over the weekend, and numerous aircraft were put on static display for
visitors to tour. In addition to aircraft rides and displays, there was a food
tent, entertainment, and an arts and crafts fair. Profits from the event are
being donated to the Woodfield Area Children’s Organization, which
provides services to underprivileged children.
Total revenue collected in September was $32,288.61 which includes hangar rental, tie-downs, terminal
building space, and $2,425.48 from fuel flowage fees. There were 21,034 gallons of Jet A fuels sold during
this month and 7,501 gallons of 100 Low Lead with 145 aircraft based at the airport. The airport recorded
approximately 213 guests flying into the facility for various reasons including 51 for lunch, 33 for dinner
and 24 for business. Thirty-two of these guest purchased fuel, 10 rented cars and 19 stayed at least one
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night. Guest flew in from thirteen states outside of Illinois including Vermont, South Dakota and
California and one guest from Canada.
Trolley
Trends in growth of ridership continued into September when 5,966 rides were provided; an increase of
29.5% from September, 2006 when 4,606 rides were taken. This is the strongest September showing since
2002, when 6,360 rides were provided, and provides an excellent launch into the fall and holiday season.
This also marks the first full year of operation, and ridership statistics under Laidlaw’s management of the
service. Over the last contract year, 64,358 rides have been provided; a turnaround and increase in
ridership of 4.8% over the previous 12 months when 61,403 rides were provided (the lowest 12-month
ridership period since the trolley’s inception).
Pace monitors rode the trolley on Friday (21st), Saturday (22nd), and Sunday (23rd). This was spot
inspection and not pre-arranged and Laidlaw was not pre-notified. Observations were very positive with
the spotters recording clean vehicles, drivers adhering to schedules, and drivers calling out all stops
properly.
Pace Service
Staff closely monitored the situation in Springfield to see if any progress had been made on the transit
operating budget impasse regarding SB 572 and any alternative funding measures. Throughout September,
no significant progress was made. In addition to the transit services funded by Schaumburg in part with
Pace and other associated parties (DART, Schaumburg’s Woodfield Trolley, Lunchtime Shoppers Shuttle,
Route 554 – Schaumburg-Elgin regional service, and Route 602 – Schaumburg Metra Feeder service), Pace
funds 100% of the operating costs on six additional services, 208, 600, 606, 696, 699, and 757 that travel
through Schaumburg.
If funding fails, four of those services will be affected. Weekend service would be eliminated on Routes
208 (Evanston-Schaumburg Golf Road Route) and 606 (CTA Rosemont Station Local Service), and Routes
696 (Schaumburg-Arlington Heights) and 699 (Schaumburg-Elk Grove-Palatine) will be completely
eliminated.
Miscellaneous
The Director of Transportation attended the O’Hare Noise Compatibility Commission (ONCC) meeting in
Rosemont on September 7 and the ONCC Technical Committee Meeting in Mt. Prospect on September 18.
The Senior Transportation Planner attended the DuPage Mayor and Managers Conference Transit Plan
Implementation Team meeting in Oak Brook on September 25.
PAGE - 7 -
PERSONNEL
Staff positions filled:
Director of Transportation
Senior Transportation Planner
Transportation Engineer
Traffic Analyst
Transportation Analyst
Department Secretary
Airport Flight Monitor (part time)
TRAINING
•
Norma Zuk, Bill Blanchard, Dan Angelos, June Johnson and Robert Rubenstein attended the The
Myth of Balance: Having It All offered on September 20th by Judith Wright from 9:00 AM – 11:00
AM.
CUSTOMER SERVICE REPORT
During the month of September there were six CSR’s handled by Transportation Department staff.
DETAILED REPORTS
AIRPORT
Revenue
During the month of September there were 145 aircraft based at the airport with 93 individuals currently
listed on the hangar waiting list (no waiting list for tie-downs). Total revenue collected in September was
$32,288.61 which includes $21,308.13 for hangar rental, $3,728 for tie-downs, $4,827.48 for terminal
building space, and $2,425.48 from fuel flowage fees. There were 21,034 gallons ($1,787.89 in fuel
flowage fees) of Jet A fuels sold during this month and 7,501 gallons ($637.59 in fuel flowage fees) of 100
Low Lead aviation gasoline.
Noise Monitoring/Noise Abatement Program
All eastbound departures are being watched and graded for compliance to the procedure. During
August, there were 267 easterly flights recorded over a period of five days. There were noise
complaints during the month attributed to Aviation Days that were made to the FBO, however
there were no complaints called into the Village. There are no specifics available regarding the
complaints. The flight school was 100% compliant, based aircraft were 98.1% compliant, and
transient aircraft were 88.6% compliant to the procedures. The monthly Noise Report is attached.
Airport Special Events
Northwest Flyers and Pilot Pete’s co-sponsored Aviation Days held September 8 and 9, 2007.
Approximately 1,400 people attended the event over the weekend, and numerous aircraft were put on static
display for visitors to tour. In addition to aircraft rides and displays, there was a food tent, entertainment,
and an arts and crafts fair. Profits from the event are being donated to the Woodfield Area Children’s
Organization, which provides services to underprivileged children.
PAGE - 8 -
TRANSIT PROGRAMS
General Transit Service Inquiries
Staff worked with 10 people this month on a variety of transit access questions including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Recommendations for Metra service from the Schaumburg station including questions about
parking and general access to the station.
A Hanover Park resident seeking transit options to access her place of employment in Schaumburg.
Working with two priests who are trying to find a way to get to Harper Junior College in Palatine
from their Schaumburg church.
General transit access questions for three residents.
Transit access question for a City of Chicago resident trying to find public transportation from their
home at Wilson/Clarendon to Woodfield.
Worked with a resident trying to find public transit access from her grandson’s Schaumburg home
to therapy sessions at Golf and Arlington Heights Road in Arlington Heights.
Recommending and finding the internet link for a resident’s daughter to use public transportation to
get between her school (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) and her home in Schaumburg.
An employee relocation firm from Minnesota was asking about transportation options in and out of
Schaumburg.
Schaumburg Trolley
Ridership
Trends in growth of ridership continued into September when 5,966 rides were provided; an increase of
29.5% from September, 2006 when 4,606 rides were taken. This is the strongest September showing since
2002, when 6,360 rides were provided, and provides an excellent launch into the fall and holiday season.
This also marks the first full year of operation, and ridership statistics under Laidlaw’s management of the
service. Over the last contract year, 64,358 rides have been provided; a turnaround and increase in
ridership of 4.8% over the previous 12 months when 61,403 rides were provided (the lowest 12-month
ridership period since the trolley’s inception).
The transition from August to September has traditionally represented a transition between two very
different ridership periods. During the summer months, ridership generally has come close to holiday
season totals and the rider demographic trends younger with an emphasis on weekday service. With the
transition to fall, the demographic switches significantly back towards female adult riders with a heavier
concentration on weekend as opposed to weekday service. There has also usually been a significant drop in
ridership between the two months, ranging from as much as 38.9% between the two months in 2003, to this
year’s much less significant 8.7% drop. Staff is encouraged by the transition figure for this year, which
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may demonstrate that the trolley is becoming less vulnerable to seasonal ridership flux, and used with
greater year-round frequency.
IKEA is the featured stop location of the month for September. Over the last 12 months IKEA has drawn a
total of 7,711 boardings; or 12 percent of 64,358 total rides provided. Proportionately and numerically,
IKEA’s biggest month of the last 12 was November, 2006 when 1,370 riders (17.3% of total rides) boarded
at that stop location. The lowest was February, 2007 when 208 (8% of total rides) were boarded at IKEA.
IKEA ranks as the fourth highest single-stop boarding location within the trolley’s service area. When
“center” locations are combined, such as both stops at Woodfield or the three stops at Streets of Woodfield,
IKEA again ranks fourth.
General Operations
Pace monitors rode the trolley on Friday (21st), Saturday (22nd), and Sunday (23rd). This was spot
inspection and not pre-arranged and Laidlaw was not pre-notified. Observations were very positive with
the spotters recording clean vehicles, drivers adhering to schedules, and drivers calling out all stops
properly.
Holiday schedules are in the development stages. The Village will once again be extending service hours
to meet Woodfield Mall operating hours. This information will be printed in brochures, hopefully Cracker
Barrel, and on the cable access channel.
New Intelligent Bus Systems (IBS) should be installed on the trolleys by April 1, 2008. The IBS
equipment will allow for real time tracking of all operational actions on every trolley while they are in
service. Laidlaw and Village of Schaumburg staff will receive training from Pace to understand how to use
the IBS system and obtain data approximately two weeks prior to installation of systems. Exterior test
signage would be placed (with permission) at the Convention Center. Operationally, this signage lets
people know how many minutes until the next vehicle, etc.
Lastly, a special operational watch has been placed on the trolley by request of Village of Schaumburg staff
for Saturday, September 29th. Laidlaw has scheduled a vehicle supervisor to be on-site at the Convention
Center on the 29th to address any issues or complications that may arise by temporarily moving the stop at
the Convention Center site (and the layover location to IKEA) in order to accommodate access concerns
voiced by a group from Harper Junior College holding an event at the center that evening.
Promotion
•
Brochure Distribution.
A total of 1,450 brochures were distributed in September. Staff delivered 500 brochures to Laidlaw
for distribution aboard the trolleys. In addition, another 750 brochures were delivered to the
Convention and Visitors Bureau, 150 brochures were delivered to Roosevelt University, and 50
brochures sent to the Eaglewood Resort in Itasca who will feature the brochures and the trolley
service to their guests. Staff also worked with the Convention and Visitors Bureau to get 500
hundred of their regional attractions publication on board, promoting Schaumburg area attraction, in
the trolley.
•
PAGE - 10 -
Future Marketing Possibilities
Staff met with QT signs to look at sign options available where our current stop locations are
concerned. The Village would like to upgrade from the current chloroplast insert and metal frame
signs currently used. Staff also worked with Comcast for our television commercials over the
holiday season, the Schaumburg Review and Oaklees Guides for their Discover Schaumburg
sections in upcoming publications, and spoke with WGN regarding the potential of spring break
advertising.
Dial-A-Ride Transportation (DART)
Ridership
5,473 passengers rode DART in September. This was a 9.6% decrease from August’s ridership of 6,057
and a 9.9% decrease from September 2006’s ridership of 6,071. There were two fewer service days in
September than August. This service is currently providing approximately 228 rides per day.
Comparing the last two 12-month ridership periods, there is currently a decline of 8.7%. The total annual
operating costs increased 0.7% from September 2006, from $962,241.92 to $969,398.36. After applying
fares and the Pace subsidy, the past 12-month Village operating subsidy totals $756,187.81.
General Operations
RFP/Bid Update
The RFP/Bid received final comments and review and is now awaiting a release date. Staff sought another
extension of the existing contract that officially ended July 1st. The new extension will keep the current
contract in place for both DART and the Shuttle through April 30, 2008. The new contract, when it goes
into effect, will tighten the language, increase the Village’s oversight of both services, and address
reporting standards and contract enforcement. Some of these issues hadn’t been effectively adjusted since
the early 1990’s.
The new contracts are proposed to extend for up to five years and will likely exceed $7 million dollars in
cost to the Village.
Some of the improvements that will be seen with the new DART and Shuttle contracts include:
•
Review of the bidders will now require:
§ Company history, experience, identification of key personnel involved in the projects.
§ Addressing safety history, maintenance, performance with similar projects, and training
programs for staff.
§ Defining their unique start-up plan which will be very telling of their overall general
qualifications to operate either service.
PAGE - 11 -
•
Performance Standards are more clearly defined and enhanced. They will include:
§ Start-up Requirements.
§ Standards addressing staffing, customer service training and requirements, uniforms, and
staff supervision.
§ Maintenance standards that will improve safety and enhance the appearance and
inner/outer cleanliness of the vehicles.
§ More clearly defined evaluation criteria that match expectations with service and
operational realities.
§ Better organized and more extensive service-related reports on sometimes a daily and
also monthly basis that will give staff the ability to analyze performance and ridership
statistics against operational information.
•
Additional Procedure Reporting Information standards that will now include:
§ More timely accident reporting information heretofore never required.
§ Reporting for missed, delayed, and detoured service.
§ Comprehensive defined listing of service/contract infractions and associated penalties
which more clearly communicate expectations to service providers and ramifications for
not meeting those expectations.
•
Service Standard Parameters which now feature:
§ Built in service hours to cover service outside normal operating events at regular hourly
rates as opposed to premium costs. This will give the Village flexibility and save money
in the event that service is needed for events such as the Veterans Memorial Dedication,
etc.
§ Anticipated vehicle allocation during service periods throughout the day which respond
to actual operational data and history and should take the guesswork out of scheduling
staff for the service provider. This should also make transitions more seamless for our
riders as operation is tailored to established ridership patterns.
Operational Meeting with Laidlaw Transit Services, Inc.
Transportation staff met with DART Project Manager, John Meneghini to discuss issues with ridership. It
was noted that ridership, down 10.8% from August, 2006 to August, 2007, and down nearly 10% again
between September 2007 and 2007 is falling to levels never before seen. Transportation staff developed a
strategic plan a few months ago to address these issues, but based on ridership decline, more staff time will
be needed to increase oversight on this service. Although there has been a decline in ridership, staff has
received a very low level of complaints regarding the service. Staff has identified a better tracking system
as part of the next contract and will continue to work now to address these issues.
An operational strategy has been developed with Mr. Meneghini. John will dedicate himself to providing
more oversight to DART. In addition, weekly summary reporting on operational aspects of DART will be
provided to help us determine if there is an operational problem which is driving ridership down. We will
continue to update through weekly operational reports and bi-monthly operational/issues meetings.
Complaints/Customer Issues
PAGE - 12 -
Staff worked with two riders during the month of September who had issues with some aspect of the
DART service. One, a regular rider from Wood Dale who uses DART to get between her job in
Schaumburg and the Metra station, has now been offered the ability to advance reserve her rides one week
prior to the rides. This system has worked out beautifully and since her initial complaints on September 5th,
staff has not heard from the rider.
Secondly, another complaint was received from a rider who lives in Hoffman Estates but walks into
Schaumburg to use DART to get to her job at the Schaumburg Marriott complained about long wait times
outside of quoted pick-up times. Staff also put the rider on an advance reserve basis and has not been made
aware of any issues since the initial September 7th phone complaint. The rider was also sent a 10-ride ticket
in appreciation of her continued usage of the DART service.
Promotion
Staff worked with three separate parties during the month of September specifically discussing DART
service. The most complicated was a call utilizing the “Relay” system which involves a hearing impaired
person, a phone mediator, and responses. Two of the discussions regarding DART service centered on
access to surrounding communities; in one case Hanover Park, in the other, Arlington Heights.
Lunchtime Shoppers Shuttle
Ridership
September 2007 ridership for the Lunchtime Shoppers Shuttle was 3,059 riders. Based on the number of
days of service during September over August, riders per hour actually increased between the two months
(from 8.8 to 8.9) even with the 16% decrease in riders and 17% decrease in service availability. Translated
into average proportionate capacity availability, the 15-seat shuttles are now running over 50% capacities
on every bus, every route, and every run. This figure of course can vary widely by the route.
Between September 2006 and 2007 there was a 29.8% increase in ridership growing from 2,356 in
September, 2006 to 3,059 in September, 2007. During September, the Woodfield Road route had 2,687
riders; the Golf Road route had 344 riders, and the Martingale Road route had 28 riders. The Woodfield
Road route continues to comprise a vast majority of the ridership for the service.
However, it should also be noted that increasing vacancy rates at locations served by the Golf and
Martingale Road routes impact ridership figures. Along the Golf Road route, one of the two buildings at
Windy Point is completely vacant which explains in part the 50%+ declines in ridership being experienced
on the Golf Road route between 2006 and the latter half of 2007. One of the buildings along the Martingale
Road route is also totally unoccupied (231 N. Martingale Road). Staff works to address these situations as
they arise but at this point with only one bus serving some of these segments and loyal riders in some of the
other buildings, staff has taken a wait and see approach with the hope that some of this vacant office space
will be leased out. Where necessary, such as 231 N. Martingale, the route has been reconfigured to not
include the building as a stop any longer. If and when some of the vacant space is leased, routing will be
revisited.
Even with these challenges, overall 12-month cumulative ridership figures have still increased from 40,560
to 41,071; an increase of 0.5%. Average proportionate capacity has increased to 60% daily, and the
Woodfield Road Route is being watched closely to see if ridership would warrant the addition of a third bus
to the route. Again though, such an increase in which buses (at least initially on the Woodfield Road route)
PAGE - 13 -
would be running at about 50% capacity until ridership growth catches up with capacity, would most likely
come at the cost of a bus on one of the other routes, which would completely eliminate a segment of service
to buildings where the Shuttle still generates ridership.
Operational Issues
•
Operating Costs
Operating costs including fuel totaled $18,085.21 for the month of September; a decrease in
comparison to 2006 when the total September cost was $18,374.78. Most of the reason for the
decreased cost was because of fuel, and some of that decrease was because there was one less service
day in 2006 compared to 2007. The Village’s share of the expense for the shuttle was 45.9% in
September, a decrease from the 47.9% share of the cost in September, 2006. Part of the reason for this
decline was cheaper fuel, and increased funding participation from Woodfield, Streets of Woodfield,
and Pace Suburban Bus. Another factor in proportionate cost reductions have to do with the increased
ridership – farebox increased 29.3% between September 2006 and September, 2007.
Based on responses to surveys provided by Shuttle riders, staff estimates that in September, the Shuttle
generated a little over $40,000 in total revenue for the businesses at the centers served. This amount
increased dramatically from September, 2006 when staff estimates that Shuttle riders generated
approximately $30,800 in revenue. These numbers are determined by survey responses including dollar
amounts respondents said they spend per trip and the average number of trips per year they take. Staff
estimates that for the first nine months of 2007, Shuttle riders have spent a total of $402,000 at
businesses served by the Shuttle.
•
Operational Issues/Strategies
Staff continued monitoring driver’s operating logs which indicated that in many instances, drivers were
still not meeting schedules. The biggest problem encountered was drivers’ leaving stops early on
Martingale and Golf Road routes, and one driver not generally adhering to schedule on Woodfield
route. Staff dealt with this by increasing field observation and ride-along with drivers which appear to
be bringing service closer to schedules. Most of the observational work is being done by Laidlaw’s
Project Manager, John Meneghini. Without an intern, finding the time to dedicate to this type of field
observation is significantly restricted.
Promotion/Marketing
Staff is working to generate publicity for the service. One of the key components to this effort has been the
development of schedules and the close contact staff is working to maintain with building management
from stops along all three routes. Woodfield Road has the greatest ridership and is the most complicated to
achieve accurate schedules and promotional energies have been focused there. However, this will be
expanded to include stops along the Golf and Martingale Road Routes by October 15th.
Staff worked to update the brochures that will be used for the service, got them posted on our website, sent
out to our contacts at each location, and worked with the public relations firm handling the newsletter for
Schaumburg Corporate Center to get a mention in the newsletter.
RFP/Bid
Please refer to the DART monthly discussion for an update on the status of the RFP/Bid for this service.
PAGE - 14 -
Complaints
There were no complaints during the month of September.
Pace Route 602 – Metra Station Feeder Route
Ridership
Obtaining ridership information from Pace continues to be a challenging exercise. Staff has not received
August or September ridership but will report the statistics when they are received.
Operational Issues
The future of 602 continues to be in a state of flux. SB 572 has not been passed to this point, and even
though an advance on next year’s funding came from Springfield, that will not affect the elimination of
Route 602 at this point – it will just delay it. Staff has been in contact with Pace and will present a funding
option that would allow the service to continue to run at least through the end of the current operating
agreement with Pace, which ends June 4, 2008. The most likely scenario would have the Village paying
100% of the operating cost for the route which provides about 4,000 rides annually.
Promotion/Marketing
No special efforts were inaugurated this month.
Complaints
There were no complaints received by Village of Schaumburg staff.
Pace Route 554 – Schaumburg-Elgin Regional Route
Ridership
Village of Schaumburg also depends on Pace to receive ridership information for Route 554. Pace did
provide the Village with ridership for August, but not September. September ridership will be reported out
when received. August ridership shows a healthy service that continues to grow. In August 2007, 2,944
rides were provided. This grew from the 2,835 rides provided in August, and 2,713 rides provided in
September, 2006 (see attached ridership table).
For the last 12 months, ridership for the first time has topped 30,000 (in any consecutive 12-month period)
at 30,303 compared to 27,622 for the previous 12 months. The growth rate between the two 12-month
periods stands now at 9.9%.
Operational Issues
Route 554, essentially an extension of Pace’s Route 208; a hugely successful route operating along Golf
Road from Schaumburg east, is safe from any of the impending service cuts. Staff is hoping that an
alignment, complete with bi-directional service, will continue to build Route 554 into a stronger performer
that will not require the funding assistance provided by Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Elgin, and
Streamwood.
PAGE - 15 -
At this point, staff has not had discussion with Pace to determine what funding assistance will be required
to keep the service operating throughout 2008, but over the last five years, annual increases have ranged
from 5-8% on an investment that now totals approximately $18,500 from the Village.
Promotion/Marketing
No special efforts were inaugurated this month.
Complaints
There were no complaints received by Village of Schaumburg staff.
Septemberfest Special Event Service
Septemberfest special event bus service was provided over the Labor Day weekend (Saturday, September
1st-Monday, September 3rd). Transportation Department staff was on-site and worked approximately (a
combined) 30 hours throughout the weekend to maintain control over the operation. Ridership figures have
not yet been made available from First Transit, Inc.
Staff activities included below details general activities taking place over the three days of the event.
Specific issues/items outside of the general activities of all three days will be specially noted by date.
Transportation Staff Septemberfest Activities:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Saturday, September 1st. Setting up barricades in the primary transit staging area for the event;
District 54 Parking lot.
Saturday, September 1st. Meeting with the contractor working at Schaumburg High School on the
Saturday morning of the first day of ridership to ensure that work by construction crews would
cease by the time service started. Checking to ensure the integrity of the bus loading zones and
barricade placement.
Meeting with Laidlaw staging area managers, route managers, and remote parking facility
managers to discuss service provision, trends, any special issues, problems, and for general updates
and service progress reports.
Meeting with Laidlaw Transit (a separate division of Laidlaw that provides service for seniors and
the disabled) to ensure that these services are functioning properly. Checking with them
throughout each of the services days and at the end of service to make sure that all senior and
disabled riders are accounted for at the end of the day, and no rider is stranded. This service is
steadily growing, providing 41 rides in 2005, 65 in 2006, and increasing just under 40% to 89
passengers this year.
Riding each of the six routes to observe performance of Laidlaw bus drivers.
Route and staging area signage inspections. Any missing signage reports are then provided to
Public Works who replaces missing or damaged signage.
In this year of extensive construction at both Schaumburg and Conant High School parking lots,
which serve as our primary remote parking facilities and generate approximately 60% of all
ridership among the six routes, checking capacity numerous times over the three days to assess
conditions and communicate alternatives with remote site supervisors if necessary.
Observing close-out operational activities at the end of the evening. Typically this is the most
complex part of the service day. When the fireworks end, upwards of 5,000 people converge at the
site to get their rides home. It is a goal to completely clear the site within one hour of the end of
PAGE - 16 -
the fireworks. Clearing the site is complicated by a number of factors including weather,
attendance, behavior of riders, attitudes, length of wait for a ride, and the amount of alcohol
consumption by participants.
Additionally, site constraints include competing traffic getting out of the staging area (this also
serves as parking for vendors, Police, and staff working at the festival), traffic flow and direction at
the exit to Schaumburg Road from the staging area, only one entrance and exit along a narrow
driveway to access the staging area, and accidents which may occur within the Village impacting
route performance.
This year there was an accident on Plum Grove Road which affected traffic patterns and direct
access for routes 2 and 3 (Weathersfield Way and Jane Addams Remote Parking Facility), and
indirectly affecting routes 4 and 6 (Conant Remote Parking Facility and Schaumburg’s far east side
route – Meacham/Schaumburg). It’s a complex situation made better this year by the extensive
police presence in the staging area.
Both Laidlaw Transit and School Bus continued their excellence in provision of service for this event. No
complaints have been received by Village staff; however, a small number of compliments have been
received – a rarity in the public transit world.
Senior and Disabled Taxi Subsidy Program
Staff registered five senior residents and one disabled resident for the program in September. During
September, combined rides using Schaumburg’s taxi subsidies totaled 130 rides. 63 of the rides (48%)
were for the basic service, and 67 of the rides (52%) for the medical service locations. The average
passenger paid $4.24 out of pocket for medical related taxi rides, with the average fare totaling $9.24 The
average basic service passenger paid $1.76 out of pocket for a total taxi fare averaging $4.46.
Staff also filled out a survey inquiry forwarded by the Northwest Municipal Conference on behalf of Elk
Grove Village.
RTA - Reduced Fare Program
The RTA’s Reduced Fare Program registered eleven new participants in August. Seven of the registrants
were from Schaumburg, two from Streamwood, one from Hoffman Estates, and one from Elk Grove
Village.
Staff answered three inquiries about the program in September. One of the residents spoke only Korean.
Employee Annie Lundeen provided translation and Transportation staff were able to work with the resident
answering all applicable questions.
PAGE - 17 -
STAR Line
The Village received an update on the status of the STAR Line project prepared by the Metra project
manager and distributed through the Northwest Municipal Conference. The completion of the Alternative
Analysis is scheduled for the end of 2007 along with a series of public meetings. Staff was advised that a
Technical Advisory Committee meeting will be scheduled during the last quarter of 2007. No date has
been set.
Pace Services
Staff closely monitored the situation in Springfield to see if any progress had been made on the transit
operating budget impasse regarding SB 572 and any alternative funding measures. Throughout September,
no significant progress was made.
In addition to the transit services funded by Schaumburg in part with Pace and other associated parties
(DART, Schaumburg’s Woodfield Trolley, Lunchtime Shoppers Shuttle, Route 554 – Schaumburg-Elgin
regional service, and Route 602 – Schaumburg Metra Feeder service), Pace funds 100% of the operating
costs on six additional services, 208, 600, 606, 696, 699, and 757 that travel through Schaumburg.
If funding fails, four of those services will be affected. Weekend service would be eliminated on Routes
208 (Evanston-Schaumburg Golf Road Route) and 606 (CTA Rosemont Station Local Service), and Routes
696 (Schaumburg-Arlington Heights) and 699 (Schaumburg-Elk Grove-Palatine) will be completely
eliminated.
Staff monitors ridership for each of these routes as they affect the “total” transit picture within the Village
and impact Schaumburg by bringing company employees to our companies and shoppers to our retail
firms. September ridership figures are not yet available but staff has just received August’s ridership
figures for the six routes.
During the month of August, the six 100% Pace funded services carried 131,810 riders; down less than one
percent from the 132,252 rides provided in August, 2006. Over the last 12 months (September, 2006August, 2007) these six services provided 1,459,075, also down less than one percent from the year earlier
when 1,463,373 rides were provided. A link to the Cumulative 100% Pace Funded Ridership table is
attached at the back of the report.
•
Featured Route of the Month – Route 208 – Schaumburg-Evanston Golf Road Route
Route 208 is an east/west arterial route serving Golf Road from Davis Street CTA Purple Line/Metra
Station in downtown Evanston to the Northwest Transportation Center in Schaumburg. Major
destinations along the route are: Evanston Township High School, the Des Plaines and Cumberland
Metra Stations, Woodfield, Westfield Shoppingtown’s Old Orchard in Skokie, and Golf Mill in Niles.
Service to Skokie Courthouse is provided Monday - Friday only and to Oakton Community College
Monday - Saturday only. Under this routing configuration, service began in March, 2005. A link to the
schedule and route map is attached at the back of this report.
This route serves the communities of Evanston, Skokie, Morton Grove, Golf, Glenview, Des Plaines,
Arlington Heights, Rolling Meadows, and Schaumburg. Along the way, route 208 connects with 25
other Pace routes, six Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus routes, two Metra Rail lines; the Union
PAGE - 18 -
Pacific North line (Kenosha, WI to Chicago), and Union Pacific Northwest line (Harvard/McHenry to
Chicago), and CTA’s Purple Line trains between Wilmette and Chicago.
Of the six routes Pace funds that travel through Schaumburg, 208 provides the largest share of rides;
50.8% of all ridership on those routes. Overall ridership has grown on 208 by 4.4% between the last
two years – 712,868 to 741,691.
The operating funding shortfall could result in the elimination of weekend service on Route 208. The
Pace proposed cuts in operations would eliminate service that over the last 12 months provided 85,716
Saturday rides and 50,157 Sunday rides between Schaumburg and Evanston. These cuts could have a
significant economic impact on Schaumburg because of the restricted access to Woodfield and other
Schaumburg area businesses and establishments.
DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference
A meeting was held September 25th. Many topics were covered including:
Introduction of the new Transportation Project Manager for the Conference, Kama Dobbs.
A review of the recommended Circulator Service Plan for the communities of Addison, Downers
Grove, Lombard, and Wheaton from LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc.
• An update provided by John O’Neal from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning on
CMAP’s Transit Supportive Pedestrian Infrastructure Study. Mr. O’Neal provided information on
their efforts to identify high-density residential clusters in selected areas within DuPage County and
to evaluate the nearby pedestrian infrastructure. It is focusing on communities where the goal is to
maximize pedestrian access to future Circulators in these communities identifying gaps in
pedestrian infrastructure that may act as harriers to the use of public transit.
• The status of Service Board Crisis Scenarios. Pace fare increases scheduled to take effect
September 5th were temporarily postponed. Temporary funding via the Governor’s bail-out has
allowed Pace to postpone fare increases and most service cuts until November 4th 2007. This move
allows the service boards to borrow against their 2008 budgets to help operations. However, routes
already eliminated, as well as those scheduled for elimination on or before September 21st, cannot
be re-instated at this time.
• Updates on the College of DuPage (COD) Connector where marketing efforts of the COD
Connector were discussed. Ridership on the route, also called the 714 has risen from 139 in
January 2007 to approximately 240 in September 2007. Future ridership goals are to reach 350 by
October and 500 in 2008.
•
•
Schaumburg Township Transit Program
No meetings held during September. Referrals were provided to two area residents; one from Schaumburg,
the other from Hoffman Estates.
Hanover Township Transportation Keeps Individuals with Disabilities Employed (TIDE) Meeting
Staff worked with a resident from Town Place West to secure registration with Hanover Township and
transportation from their senior services division.
PAGE - 19 -
SHARE Student Volunteer Program – Transit Projects
Transportation staff hired four volunteer students who will be working with the Village on various duties
throughout their fall semester of school. The four students, Misty Lancaster-Schaumburg High School, and
Anip Patel, Kyle Knaack, and Darren Hong (all three from Conant High School) will work on a variety of
projects that will include both transit and bicycle program tasks. Please refer to the attachment for an
overview and brief description of activities at the back of this report.
During September, Ms. Lancaster and Mr. Knaack participated in a ride-along on the trolley providing the
Village with both qualitative and quantitative information pertaining to operation of the vehicles.
BICYCLE PROGRAMS
The Bikeways Advisory Committee did not meet in September; however the Transportation Department
continues to focus on activities affecting bicycling throughout the year.
Information Requests:
• Staff worked with Community Development on an issue regarding a private bicycle path in the
Towne West neighborhood on Schaumburg’s west side and appropriate materials recommended for
its reconstruction. The primary question was about gravel/crushed stone surfaces. Staff’s opinion
is that paved surfaces are better and consulted with a wide array of peers from surrounding
communities to bicycling advocacy groups to submit a complete cumulative answer – paved.
• Two bicycle maps were sent out during September. One to a Schaumburg resident, the other to an
employee of a Schaumburg business.
General Program Activities:
General program activities included:
•
A focus on developing bicycle path linkages with the Village of Hoffman Estates. Schaumburg
shares the largest portion of its border with Hoffman Estates, but to this point, they’ve been
reluctant to officially embrace bicycling. This could be changing, in part because of the
appointment of Gary Pilafas, a Hoffman Estates elected Trustee, to Schaumburg’s Bicycle Advisory
Committee.
In response to Mr. Pilafas’ appointment and enthusiastic approach, Village of Schaumburg staff has
approached Hoffman Estates staff with the idea of a bicycle summit between the two communities
in October.
•
Adopt-A-Bike Path clean ups were performed by two of the participating groups in the program –
the Korean Seniors Club and Rippinger Financial Group. Preparations were being made for
Schaumburg Bicycle Club’s October clean up.
PAGE - 20 -
Bicycle Event Planning
• Village of Schaumburg has been in contact with Elk Grove Village regarding the Tour of Elk Grove
event and possibly expanding it to include Schaumburg. As part of this consideration, staff has also
mentioned the broader concept to the Park District. The event is in August.
• Crop Walk – Though this event focuses on walking, much of the walking takes place on Village
bike paths. Transportation staff looked at the entire proposed path of the walk and contacted
appropriate departments internally (Public Works) and externally (Schaumburg Park District) with
maintenance comments.
League of American Bicyclists/League of Illinois Bicyclists
No meetings or information from either League during September.
Bicycle Safety Patrol
No program activity in September.
Safe Routes to School/ International Walk to School Day (iwalk)
One of the Transportation Department’s goals in 2007 is to pilot a Safe Routes to School program.
Transportation staff attended training in January and has been in contact with School District 54 to identify
a pilot school for this program. With the infrastructure in place, staff has chosen to focusing its attention on
the healthy benefits of walking or riding your bike to school. Dirksen school has agreed to participate with
Schaumburg on this program.
In past months staff has met with and exchanged emails with school Principal Pete Hannigan and discussed
our goals and schedule. Currently staff is finalizing in house the brochure and map before sending it to
School District 54 for approval. With everything in place, staff is coordinating the logistics of National
Walk To School Day October 3, 2007. It is anticipated that at the start of the school day on the 3rd, Village
staff will hand out stickers and a brochure to those students who walked.
In preparation of the event, staff has developed the brochure, a flyer that was distributed to all students to
give to their parents/guardians at Dirksen, a banner, and made contact with Bikeways Advisory Committee
members to let them know about the event. At this point, one of the Committee members (Freda Brown)
has agreed to be present on the morning of the event to assist Transportation Department staff (Bill
Blanchard, Norma Zuk, and Richard M. Bascomb), and Police Department staff (Mark Eschel and John
Zwirowski) in handing out brochures and meeting the public.
Transportation staff also discussed the possibility of helping St. Peters school develop a Safe Routes to
School program. Staff investigated several possible routes with the representative who is the grandmother
of a St. Peters student and Village of Schaumburg employee (Janet Williams).
Northwest Municipal Conference Regional Bikeways Committee
No meetings were held in September.
Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force
No meetings were held in September.
PAGE - 21 -
SHARE Student Volunteer Program – Bicycle Program Projects
Please refer to the “SHARE – Transit Projects” for introduction to the volunteer staff from Schaumburg
and Conant High Schools who will be volunteering their time for Village of Schaumburg’s Transportation
Department. Also, the attachment at the back of the Report offers an overview and brief description of
activities.
During September, both Darren Hong and Anip Patel provided staff assistance by attaching update stickers
to over 500 bicycle maps. Mr. Hong also helped the Traffic Analyst assemble and fold brochures for the
iwalk to school (part of the Village’s Safe Routes to School Program) event taking place October 3rd.
PROJECT/PROGRAMS
Special Event Applications
Twenty-seven special event permit applications were reviewed during the month of September, 2007. Ten
of the events are at the Convention Center, including Associate Picnic, Chicagoland Fall Home Show, Log
Home Expo, Amateur Athletic Union National Convention, Sewer Equipment Company Sales Meeting,
DPI Chefs Table, International Distillers Grains Conference, Chicago Pat Roche Feis, International Truck
& Engine Corporation, and Relive Leadership Conference. The remaining seventeen events to be held
elsewhere in the village include two Cub Scout Fundraisers, CRC Haunted House, Aviation Celebration,
Motorola Household Electronics Recycling, Manulife Appreciation Day, Pepsi America's Employee BBQ,
Fire Department Open House, CROP Walk, Santa's Flight to Schaumburg, Craft Fair, HSBC Employee
Appreciation, Nike Classic Cup Soccer Tournament, Patrick Dealership Temporary Tent, Wolf Camera
Sidewalk Tent Sale, Pepsi America's Truck Rodeo, and Wickes Tent.
Sign Inventory
Public Works is developing a Sign Inventory Program that will allow staff to better manage and maintain
village street signs. As part of Engineering’s pavement evaluation, Infrastructure Management Services is
video taping all right-of-way assets. This program will allow for the future maintenance and inventory of
regulatory signs within the village right-of-way. Additional training will be needed when staff begins
entering the sign data into the program. This item was approved and the project is moving forward. VOS is
waiting to get data files from IMS and begin working the program. A meeting with Public Works was held
on July 16th. Staff began defining the data each department will require from the program and how it will
be utilized. A second meeting will be scheduled this fall.
I-90 Master Plan
Schaumburg received a grant to develop a master plan along the I-90 corridor between Arlington Heights
Road and Route 59. The purpose of the study is to have a plan that all agencies and communities involved
could support including interchanges at key locations. Staff met with the consultant and reviewed new
interchange layouts for Roselle and Meacham Roads. A Task Force meeting was held at the Prairie Center
in April with representatives from several agencies including IDOT, ISTHA, Cook County and adjacent
communities. An updated report was presented that incorporated comments from our last meeting and
Schaumburg’s preferred alternative. The project is currently being coordinated with the Tollway’s Master
Plan for this area.
PAGE - 22 -
TRAFFIC SIGNALS
Traffic Signal Monitoring
The program began in May with two new interns. Staff began the process of how to monitor a signalized
intersection by using reading material and office training. Typically we start with a simple
low volume intersection and move up to a larger and busier intersection once they
understand the phase sequence. These summer interns time each phase of every cycle to
ensure the proper operation and coordination. Staff visually evaluates the condition of
each signalized intersection to ensure street identification signs are posted, pedestrian push
buttons operate and the poles and mast arms are in good condition. Through the end of August staff has
monitored all signalized intersections within the village. This program will begin again May 2008.
Schaumburg Road and Wise Road Interconnects
Staff is scheduled to make our next interconnect report November 20, 2007. The committee requested staff
present the test drive results quarterly from this point forward. Staff continues to perform approximately 16
interconnect test drives a month.
Proposed Traffic Signal and Roadway Improvements on Wise Road
The Village received a $2.5 million STP grant for roadway improvements on Wise Road between Plum
Grove and Roselle Roads. The project will include reconstruction of the roadway, bicycle path, drainage
improvements and landscape enhancements. Intersection improvements at Wise and Plum Grove Roads
and at Wise and Roselle Roads are also planned with additional turn-lane channelization and new traffic
signals. The preliminary design report which was completed by Civiltech Engineering was approved by
IDOT. Civiltech recently prepared the final design plans and has submitted them to IDOT for approval.
Proposed Traffic Signal and Roadway Improvements on Wright Boulevard
The Village received a $2.5 million STP grant for roadway improvements on Wright Boulevard between
Irving Park and Wise Roads. The project will include pavement rehabilitation, bicycle path, traffic signal,
lighting, and utility improvements, and landscape enhancements. The Village awarded a $130,000 contract
to Clark Dietz Engineers in October 2006 to conduct a preliminary design study and prepare a project
development report for the project.
FIRELANES
Inspections and Fire Lanes under Review
Staff is working with the Fire Prevention Bureau on fire lane inspections. Staff is currently reviewing the
following properties for fire lane designation: 14 E Schaumburg Rd House, 860 Remington, 1031
Remington, Convention Center and Georgetown PUD.
PAGE - 23 -
SPEED TRAILER
The speed trailer was placed at the following locations during the month of September.
•
123 East Weathersfield Way
•
904 Duxbury Lane
•
900 South Springinsguth Road
•
1000 South Braintree Drive
TRAFFIC STUDIES
Item: Sign Request for Eastbound Central Road Right Turn at Roselle Road
Status: Staff received a copy of a letter to Mr. Norris from a Hoffman Estates resident requesting a sign for
eastbound motorists on Central turning right onto Roselle. The sign would advise that they have an
additional southbound lane which forms at the intersection into which they can turn unimpeded. Staff
forwarded the request to the Cook County Highway Department and advised the requestor.
Item: Hickory Lane and Cedarcrest Drive
Status: Staff was asked by the Village manager to review this intersection to determine if the stop sign is
needed. Staff plans to collect volumes and complete pedestrian crossing counts again in the fall of 2007.
Item: Petersham Lane and Saugus Lane
Status: During National Night Out a local resident made a request to Trustee Dunham for a stop sign at the
subject intersection. Staff reviewed the area and decided to install a yield sign to maintain consistence with
other similar intersections within the subdivision.
Speed Trailer Location Map – September 2007 (click below)
S:\Transportation\Bill\
Maps\07 Speed Trailer Maps\Sept Speed Trailer Map.pdf
iwalk/ Safe Routes to School Brochure September 2007 (click below)
S:\Transportation\Bill\
Safe Routes To School\Safe Routes.pdf
Schaumburg’s Woodfield Trolley – September 2007 Summary Table (click below)
S:\Transportation\
Richard\Trolley\Ridership\2007-11-06 - Trans Com - September Monthly Report - Ridership by Stop.pdf
PAGE - 24 -
DART Monthly Report – September 2007 Summary Table (click below)
S:\Transportation\
Norma Z\General PDFs\DART Sept 2007 Monthly Report.pdf
Shopper Shuttle Monthly Report – September 2007 Summary Table (click below)
S:\Transportation\
Norma Z\General PDFs\WSS Sept 2007 Monthly Report.pdf
Route 554 – Schaumburg-Elgin Regional Route - August 2007 Summary Table (click below)
S:\Transportation\
Richard\554\Ridership Information\2007\2007-11-06 - Trans Com - October Monthly Report.pdf
Route 602 – Schaumburg Metra Station Feeder - September 2007 Summary Table (click below)
No updated ridership information available.
Pace 100% Funded Routes – Cumulative Ridership Table for 100% Pace Funded Routes September 2007 (click below)
S:\Transportation\
Richard\Pace - Operating and Ridership Information\Route Ridership\2007-11-06 Transportation Committee - Pace 100% Funded Ridership Table.pdf
Route 208 – Schaumburg-Evanston Regional Route – Route Map and Schedule
S:\Transportation\ S:\Transportation\
Richard\Brochures\2007-10-17
Richard\Brochures\2007-10-17
208 Route Map.pdf 208 Schedule.pdf
SHARE Student Volunteer Program – Matrix of Activities for Fall Semester
S:\Transportation\
Richard\LCAP Students\Duties\2007 - Fall Semester - Matrix of Duties.pdf
Airport Management Inc. Activity Report – September 2007
S:\Transportation\
Norma Z\Airport\Airport PDFs\AMI September 2007 Activity Report.TIF
Airport Operation Monitoring Report – September 2007 Airport Report (click below)
S:\Transportation\
AIRPORT\Noise\2007 Reports\September 2007 Airport Monitoring Report.doc
CSR Reports – September 2007
S:\Transportation\
S:\Transportation\
Trans Dept\Department Division\2007
Trans Dept\Department
Monthly Reports\CSR
Division\2007
Performance
Monthly
for Reports\CSR
Sept 2007.pdfSatisfaction for Sept 2007.pdf
Performance
Satisfaction
PAGE - 25 -

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