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Caltrain  Board of Directors Meeting     
Caltrain
PENINSULA CORRIDOR JOINT POWERS BOARD

Minutes


Thursday, November 6, 2003 at 10:00 a.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT: John McLemore (Chair), Michael Burns, Mary Janney, Arthur Lloyd, Michael Nevin, Sophie Maxwell (10:20 a.m.), Manuel Valerio, Ken Yeager

MEMBERS ABSENT: Audrey Rice-Oliver

STAFF PRESENT: Michael Scanlon, Joan Cassman, David Miller, Roger Contreras, Howard Goode, Chuck Harvey, Rita Haskin, George Cameron, Cheryl Cavitt, Liz Wiecha, Martha Martinez, Jennifer Buhr

Chair McLemore called the meeting to order at 10:10 a.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Chair McLemore commented that three people would be allowed to speak in regards to agenda item number 9, MOU with San Bruno, because they would not be able to stay for the entire meeting. He clarified that people speaking on non-agendized items would receive one minute to speak, while those addressing agendized items would be allowed two minutes.

Ed De Lanoy, San Carlos, suggested having College Park, Atherton, Broadway, Burlingame and Paul Avenue as stops for BART service. Mr. De Lanoy also commented that the schedule change is a great step forward for the service.

Doris Maez commented that on Tuesday, November 4 she took train #64 southbound and #85 northbound to attend the TA CAC meeting. Ms. Maez extended her compliments to the train staff because of the excellent service and assistance provided while boarding the train using her scooter for the first time. Further, Ms. Maez suggested that in the future when configuring cars, to take into consideration a possibility for additional space for wheelchairs.

Mary Fatooh, San Mateo, thanked Chuck Harvey for his timely response to questions regarding the fence along Pacific Blvd., and other concerns. Ms. Fatooh commented that she had further questions, as follows:

  1. Could the area on the Caltrain side of the safety fence between Hillsdale Blvd. and 39th Avenue be cleaned of weeds and trash on a more frequent basis? Perhaps every two to three months? If Ms. Fatooh found a group of volunteers to "Adopt" this area could the group clean it under supervision of Caltrain?
  2. If permission is granted from the City of San Mateo to plant along their side of the fence and it begins to grow on the fence and cover it, will Caltrain decide that it interferes with the fence and take it down?
Ms. Fatooh requested that her questions be answered by written response.

Francis Wong, Mountain View, commented that in the new schedule many of the connections from Mountain View to lightrail are very close. A problem has arisen in Mountain View on the southbound trains with the new MP36 locomotives because they are slightly longer than the F40's and when the cab is at the spot 5 position, the gates on the north end of the platform are not off the crossing circuit. Consequently, passengers making a close connection to the VTA lightrail, dutifully remain on the protected side of the gate even though there is no northbound movement conflicting, and on numerous occasions will miss the lightrail train.

Jeff Carter, Burlingame, expressed concern over the proposed new schedule and the number of skipped stops. For example, there would be ten stops that will be skipped on the weekends (five in San Mateo County, three in Santa Clara and two in San Francisco.) Mr. Carter commented that with VTA's funding level remaining the same over the next few years, it seems inappropriate to cut five stations in San Mateo, while only three are being cut in Santa Clara, because San Mateo can afford to run the service.

Rich Dondo, San Bruno, commented that he attended one of the council meetings for the San Bruno Grade Separation Project and reported that at the meeting it was said that many flyers were sent out. Mr. Dondo commented that residents that live on Mills Avenue, which is within 200 feet of the proposed construction relocation of the station, did not receive the flyer, and Mr. Dondo was told that the area was not a part of the corridor. Mr. Dondo commented that staff needs to inform the people that will be affected by construction changes. Most of the people on Mills, and the adjoining avenues, went through about two years of turmoil with the BART construction. Mr. Dondo commented that it was improper not to give the residents information on the project.

Christine Price, San Bruno, asked if agenda item #9, the MOU with San Bruno, will be moved ahead of the other agenda items. Chairman McLemore responded that it was discussed and unfortunately the item would not be taken out of order.

Ms. Price reported that she lives approximately one block away from the tracks and has never received any kind of notice regarding the grade separation. The first time that she had heard of the project was when she read about it in the Independent Newspaper. Those who live near the track will again have to endure months of pile driving. During the months of pile driving for BART, many residents had damage to their homes, such as cracked concrete, cracked stucco, etc. In addition, there were many sleepless nights and days because of constant pounding and shaking. It was very unnerving and affected the health of the residents. Ms. Price questioned why the residents of San Bruno are not allowed to vote on this project, as San Carlos residents were for their grade separation. This project will be very hard on those who live near the tracks because many of them are low-income families and cannot afford to pay for damages to their homes. The council in the City of San Bruno fought to have BART underground because they didn't want the BART train above ground, and now they want to move Caltrain above ground, which doesn't make sense to Ms. Price. Further, Ms. Price requested clarification as to whether the funding for the project addresses solely the grade separation or if it included the Caltrain station. Ms. Price doesn't see the justification for the station relocation and suggested that the project be postponed until all the questions have been answered.

Chairman McLemore clarified that the JPB has no control over elections of various cities.

Barbara LaRaia, commented that the reason for this grade separation is for safety, yet the station would be moved to the sharpest curve on the whole Caltrain system. Locomotive engineers have said that it is dangerous, there is almost no visibility, kids dangle their feet off the platform and the locomotive horns cannot be blown very loudly because of the new ordinance. Ms. LaRaia commented that this project cannot be compared to San Carlos and Belmont because there is no BART subway box in the way of streets to be depressed in these cities, there is no I-380 overpass where the train is one foot too tall and there wasn't a big percentage of residents living east of El Camino during construction. The Belmont and San Carlos projects were done right in that they had open public access. People in San Bruno want the station at Sylvan. Ms. LaRaia further commented that the people that address the Board that are in favor of the project are council appointed people. There is a legal issue pending on this project, which was distributed to the board members, and Ms. LaRaia advised the board members not to vote before reading the handout. Lastly, Ms. LaRaia expressed that she didn't feel the board should be voting today because she was told the protocol was that the Transportation Authority has to authorize the funding before the JPB can approve it. Ms. LaRaia also questioned whether the funding for the station would be out of the same grade separation money.

CONSENT CALENDAR

Chairman McLemore pulled the October 2 Minutes from the Consent Calendar to make the following corrections:

  1. The last bullet under the Executive Director report, change the line to read, "…the Highway 380 site would require a real estate purchase/lease at market value."
  2. The first paragraph under the Executive Director report, change the line to read, "the Council in San Bruno approved the project with a three-to-one vote."
  3. Christine Price's comment under Public Comment, change the line to read, "…completing the grade separation will cost $93 million, which she compares to the shortfall of fixing the Bay Bridge."
The Board unanimously approved, by roll call, the following items under the Consent Calendar:
  1. Adoption of the Revised Minutes of October 2, 2003
  2. Adoption of Statement of Revenue & Expenses, September 2003
  3. Authorize Executive Director or Designee to Execute Right-of-Way- Certifications
  4. Adopt Meeting Calendar for 2004
Barbara LaRaia, San Bruno, commented that in minutes, the Executive Director's report that eight fatalities at the San Bruno crossing since 1992 is incorrect. Ms. LaRaia dealt with the San Bruno police and has a letter from the California Public Utilities Commission that states that in the last 30 years there were six fatalities at the crossing. In addition, Ms. LaRaia reported that it was a three-to-one vote, not a four-to-one, in San Bruno for this grade separation.

CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT

Chair McLemore reported:

  • Last week the MTC held a workshop in San Mateo County, which included the Commissioners riding on Caltrain and BART.
  • The Nominating Committee for the vice-chair has agreed to commence without a vice-chair for the remainder of the year. The new Nominating Committee for next years chair and vice-chair has been formed with Director Lloyd as chairman, Director Burns and Director Yeager.
  • Resolution of Appreciation was presented to Manuel Valerio for his service on the JPB since 2000.

MTC LIAISON REPORT (SUE LEMPERT)

There was no report this month.

REPORT OF CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CAC)

There was no report this month.

REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Michael J. Scanlon reported:

  • Key Caltrain Performance Statistics:
    1. September ridership went from 692,476 to 691,370 riders, a .2 percent decrease.
    2. September average weekday ridership was down 2 percent, from 28,586 weekday riders to 28,001.
    3. September total revenue was off 4.4 percent from $1.79 million to $1.72 million.
    4. On-Time Performance was 92.3 percent versus 96.6 percent from last September.
    5. September shuttle ridership had an decrease of 4.6 percent with 4,018 riders down from 4,210.

  • Rider Rep Program has been initiated. The program consists of randomly selecting passengers on the system and distributing evaluation forms for critiquing their ride. The information will be presented, on a quarterly basis, to the JPB CAC. The feedback will be used as a tool to improve service.
  • Work on Diridon Station began on October 27. The project consists of rebuilding platforms and ramps to make the station ADA compatible.
  • Recognition for Caltrain conductor Charles (Chuck) Herndon for Amtrak's President's Service and Safety Award for Sustained Excellence.

    Director Maxwell congratulated Mr. Herndon for his well-deserved recognition. Director Maxwell commented that people have always thought of Mr. Herndon as someone to go to and as someone always with the people and the workers.

    Director Lloyd commented that Mr. Herndon always makes sure that the fares are collected when ever there is a special train for a Giants game. Director Lloyd also reported that one of Mr. Herndon's daughters is an engineer.

  • Recognition of Palo Alto Community Service Officer Gabe Mora for his action in saving the life of an elderly woman by pulling her off the tracks of an approaching train on October 8, 2003.

    Captain Brad Zook commented that there is a very active Community Service Officer Program in Palo Alto. The officers are asked to do a wide range of activities. Officer Mora went beyond his requirements that day and the Palo Alto Police Department is very proud of his actions.

  • Chuck Harvey gave an update on the equipment, construction and schedule development of the Baby Bullet project. There is still hope to complete the work in the spring of 2004 so that the Baby Bullet service can be initiated. Progress is monitored every weekend, particularly on the signal side. A technical group was formed which had members from the JPB partners and worked with staff and the consultant Systra to develop many of the assumptions that would have to put together in terms of service levels, running times, etc. Public outreach has begun with over 350 emails received and over 105 people attending public meetings. Additionally, there was a separate public group organized with members from the Caltrain CAC, the BayRail Alliance Group and others who are knowledgeable of the system. This group has been able to provide valuable input as well. The public comment period was extended to November 21. A notice for a public hearing to adopt the final schedule is estimated for early next year, before the implementation phase of Baby Bullet.

    Director Maxwell thanked the staff for providing representatives at her Town Hall meeting. Part of the problems that are being raised include public outreach and stations. Director Maxwell was glad to hear that the time for public comment has been extended.

  • Monthly Safety and Security report was distributed. There was one fatality on October 15.
  • The audit by the Federal Railroad Administration was just successfully completed.
  • A new coffee vendor opened on October 15 at the 4th and King Station.
  • A modified schedule will run the day after Thanksgiving.
  • The Caltrain commercial was shown. The commercial will be run on cable stations.

AUTHORIZE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) WITH CITY OF SAN BRUNO FOR GRADE SEPARATION PROJECT

Mr. Scanlon responded to Ms. LaRaia's comments by stating that the JPB's record shows that there have been eight fatalities in San Bruno and commented that even one fatality is too many. Staff has worked very closely with the council of elected officials and the appointed Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC). The staff recommendation was to proceed with the grade separation in the interest of the railroad and the City of San Bruno. An MOU has been reached, following a significant public outreach, which sets forth the terms of a resolution that has already been passed by the San Bruno governing body.

Director Yeager questioned whether there was any knowledge of actions taken by the City of San Bruno and if so, how long ago they voted on the issue and whether they held public hearings.

Howard Goode, Chief Development Officer, responded that staff has worked with the City over the past several years and there have been several occasions where workshops or public meetings were held that focused on the grade separation issue. The input provided was taken into consideration in the decision-making process.

Director Yeager questioned whether the Council took a vote in support of this action.

Mr. Goode clarified that the Council did support the Grade Separation Project.

Chairman McLemore clarified that only those who did not already address the item under Public Comment would be allowed to speak.

Vaughn Wolffe commented in regard to elevators and suggested designing the station without the use of elevators because they are expensive to maintain. Also, Mr. Wolffe recalled an experience with Mr. Herndon where between Santa Clara and San Mateo, Mr. Herndon collected every fare between every station even though the cars were completely full. Mr. Wolffe recalled another experience in which the train came to an immediate halt in the middle of nowhere and Mr. Herndon went out the door, pulled the shopping cart from underneath the train and reattached the air cable brakes within 30 seconds.

Councilmember Jim Ruane, San Bruno, reported that he is a Councilmember of the City of San Bruno and is also a member of the CAC. Councilmember Ruane commended the JPB staff for working together with the City on this grade separation project. The whole process was initiated out of safety concerns. A fatal accident occurred in March of 2000 and citizens came to the Council and asked for help regarding the dangerous intersection, which, at the time, was deemed the fifth worst safety situation on the Caltrain right-of-way in the state of California. In May 2001 the ad-hoc committee was formed and met with the JPB. A study was jointly conducted which identified five alternatives for grade separation. In July 2002 the ad-hoc committee and the JPB concluded that the City would support a grade separation with alternative five. In September of 2002 a Citizens Advisory Committee, comprised of 15 members plus two city councilmembers, was formed to hear public comment and to work with the JPB on the project. A total of ten noticed meetings were held in which public participation was encouraged.

Councilmember Ken Ibarra, San Bruno, commented that he too is on the ad-hoc committee. This project dates back to 2001. Because of the accident the City called upon the JPB to see what could be done to address the safety issue. Councilmember Ibarra commented that there is no other way to make the area a safer situation than to have a grade separation. The CAC labored along with Caltrain staff, professional engineers and professional City staff to come up with the right scenario for the intersection in the best interest of safety. Councilmember Ibarra stated that he couldn't be any prouder of the public process. Short of a public vote, the City was very open throughout all of the council meetings including a town meeting.

Barbara LaRaia reported on behalf of Richard Dunbar by stating that Mr. Dunbar represents 225 veterans from San Bruno, who are all against the grade separation. Ms. LaRaia commented that there were never any legal public hearings in San Bruno. There was only a public comment period from July 22 through August 12. When the residents complained, they were sent a flyer which was dated after the first meeting of the public comment period. Ms. LaRaia expressed that in her opinion, if the Board votes on the issue then it would hurt the process. Although Ms. LaRaia stated that the process has been harmed because there was no public hearing.

Jim Kelly, San Bruno, commented that we all want to save lives to the fullest extent yet this proposal reflects failure to seize opportunity to make a safer railroad. It is also a missed opportunity to achieve a high level of symbiosis between air and rail by moving the rail corridor and the airport into the 21st century. The San Bruno Station now borders airport land. That nexus is critically important. It provided the airport with opportunity, probably its last opportunity, for direct access to intercity and high-speed trains that will be using the Peninsula Rail Corridor. Major airports around the world are integrating rail with air to an extent unknown in the Bay Area. In that context, common sense says it's unwise to move the airport and the rail corridor farther a part. Common sense says any project involving where San Bruno's station will be necessitates a check for compatibility with the airport's needs. Mr. Kelly stated that when he raised that point with Chief Engineer Darrell Maxey, he told him his team had not discussed the issue with the airport and had no plans to do so. Mr. Kelly doesn't believe that the JPB should move on this project until its intermodal potential has been properly and fully explored because the stakes are too high for everyone, especially the traveling public.

Wayne Parker, San Bruno, stated that he is a member of the CAC and has a business on the north side of the railroad crossing on San Bruno and San Mateo avenues. Mr. Parker reemphasized the risk and the dangers involved with the three intersections and the angles in which they cross and the volume of traffic. He reconfirmed how important the safety of the employees, customers and citizens is at that intersection. Mr. Parker commented that he was amazed at the amount of time and energy that was put in by all parts and how the Committee came together to reach consensus.

Robert George, San Bruno, reported that he is a 26 year resident of the City San Bruno and while he doesn't live near the station site, he is a member of the CAC and is an architect. One of the reasons that he asked to be placed on the Committee was to ensure that there was an opportunity to create a handsome, welcomed, significant, symbolic and safe portal to the City. Mr. George stated that this project provided an opportunity to exercise something that the history of transportation has always done in the United States with respect to train stations like this, in that it forms a stimulant for upgrading and for renewal of its immediate environment. The intersection is innately dangerous. The grade separation is absolutely significant and important. Mr. George expressed that this project has his full support.

Doris Maez, San Bruno, commented that she too is on the CAC for this project and was very impressed with the quality of the process and the involvement from the community. In addition, Ms. Maez is the chair for the Transportation Authority CAC and as such, the Committee was able to review item #10a, which will authorize the monies for the project as well as others, on the TA agenda and there was unanimous decision in favor of supporting the staff recommendation. In addition to that, Ms. Maez is a part of the San Bruno Traffic Safety and Parking Commission so she often hears concern regarding safety. Ms. Maez stated that she got on the Committee for this project because she was concerned with access for those who are mobility impaired. Ms. Maez did express that there were many compromises with the project but safety was always the primary concern. Along those lines, the Scott Street crossing will be closed as a part of the Rapid Rail Project, which leaves no pedestrian access for a long space. That part of the project was moved to the Linden Avenue Project and Ms. Maez would like to make sure that that doesn't get forgotten.

Norma Elias, San Bruno, stated that she has been to many meetings and while she was not on the ad-hoc committee, she is strongly against this project. Ms. Elias commented that she never received a response regarding the report on the safety issues of the project from the chief engineer that she spoke to. Ms. Elias expressed that safety is a very important concern of hers. Ms. Elias commented that money would be well spent on getting people down to the corridor instead of spending money on the San Bruno project.

Director Nevin interjected that grade separation does involve safety, so not only are there efforts to upgrade the system but also to make it safer. In San Mateo County alone there are 40 grade separations that are needed. Of the 40, three of them would be done in this project. The bottom line is to make the railroad safer for everyone.

Ms. Elias commented that she has gone back and forth on the grade separations in Redwood City. Ms. Elias stated that someone could be standing at every grade separation in San Bruno without spending money.

Richard Mlynarik, San Francisco, stated that he hoped the board approved this MOU. Mr. Mlynarik reiterated that this is a regional project and involves a regional railroad. Far too often in history, Caltrain has been held hostage by extremely local concerns. Hundreds of millions of dollars will be spent to un-do what has been done at the grade separation in San Carlos because it was dominated by local design rather than what was good for Caltrain. The same is going to happen in San Mateo and Sunnyvale. Mr. Mlynarik emphasized that what needs to be looked at is what is best for Caltrain, which includes four tracking and grade separations. The history of this project doesn't just go back to 2001, it goes back a lot further. This crossing was supposed to be grade separated as part of the BART extension. Mr. Mlynarik concurred with Mr. Wolffe in that elevators end up being an issue of security and maintenance.

Marina Kaiser, San Bruno, commented that she has been a resident of San Bruno for 65 years and a 60-year train rider. Ms. Kaiser stated that it is absolutely necessary to have a grade separation for a four-track system for the future Baby Bullet and for High Speed Rail. Otherwise, the tracks will be impossibly close to First Avenue homes. Also, the mixed up way the tracks and the streets converge between San Bruno, San Mateo, Huntington, First, etc. makes it horrible dangerous and it is an imperative reason why there needs to be a grade separation.

Theresa Cook, San Bruno, stated that two years ago she came before the Board and asked to have San Bruno looked at. Ms. Cook became a member of the CAC and is very proud to have worked diligently not only with residents of San Bruno but also with the engineers and members of the board. Ms. Cook endorsed this project, which she commented is much needed.

Director Lloyd stated that as chairman of California Operation Lifesaver, he endorsed this project 100 percent. Any grade crossing separation is best for everyone concerned, including the safety of the automobile, truck drivers, train personnel, etc. Director Lloyd recalled the first time he experienced an at-grade accident and commented that it could have been avoided by a grade separation.

The motion to authorize the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with city of San Bruno for grade separation project passed unanimously, by roll call, and resolution 2003- 45 was adopted.

Chairman McLemore allowed Peter Warner to speak for general public comment because Mr. Warner arrived late.

Mr. Warner commented that he is a regular rider of all commuter services in California, including Caltrain. Mr. Warner suggested that on the new weekend schedule the last train should be retained at the current time that is scheduled for the holiday schedule. If there is a Sunday holiday or a hockey game at the San Jose Arena and train #99 leaves an hour and a half early, passengers will be stranded in San Jose. If there are advertisements that Caltrain will hold the last train for 15 minutes, now that the train will actually be held for an hour and a half because the train schedule would be an hour and a half earlier. Mr. Warner also suggested moving the 8:00 departure to 8:45 to more evenly space the last three trains on Sundays and holidays.

AUTHORIZE REJECTION OF LOW MONETARY BID FROM ICONCO, INC. AND AWARD OF LENZEN YARD DEMOLITION AND GRADING CONTRACT TO HSR, INC.

Cheryl Cavitt, Director of Contracts & Procurement, reported that the Staff Coordinating Council (SCC) recommends rejection of the bid submitted by Iconco, Inc. of Oakland as non-responsive to the bid requirements, award the subject contract to HSR General Engineering Contractors, Inc., and to authorize the Executive Director or his designee to execute a contract on behalf of the JPB with HSR in full conformity with all the terms and conditions of the contract documents.

This procurement would authorize the Lenzen Yard Demolition and Grading project which will accomplish the first phase of the JPB's long range Caltrain Central Equipment Maintenance and Operations Facility (CEMOF) project. The contract would require that the contractor furnish all the labor, materials, equipment, and superintendence necessary to perform the work described in the specifications including, demolition of three existing vacant building and site grading. This work is anticipated to begin in December 2003 and to be completed in the second quarter of 2004. Residents in the area will be advised in advance of the construction start date through JPB community outreach.

The Invitation for Bid (IFB) was distributed throughout the construction industry. The bids were opened publicly on Tuesday, September 9, 2003. Six bids were received. Based on the comparison of the grand total bid prices, at the bid opening, the apparent low bidder was Iconco, Inc. of Oakland. Accordingly, staff analyzed the bid for responsiveness to the IFB. Staff concluded that Iconco, Inc.'s bid was non-responsive due to its failure to list a subcontractor certified to perform the asbestos removal work required by the contract, or to possess the appropriate certification to perform the work itself. In addition, Iconco also failed to submit any of the required DBE forms. Iconco subsequently submitted a letter seeking relief from the bid due to mistakes. However, Iconco's request to be relieved from its bid became moot after staff concluded that Iconco's bid was non-responsive.

Staff then looked to the next apparent low bid, submitted by HSR, Inc and concluded that the firm complied with all the requirements set forth in the IFB. Therefore, the staff recommendation is to award the contract to HSR.

The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) office reviewed the bid documents submitted by HSR and determined that the firm complied with the standard DBE requirements. Although there was no specific goal established for this Federally assisted contract, the JPB has overall goals of 13 percent and 10 percent for FTA and FHWA, respectively, for FY2003. The proposed contractor, HSR, solicited eight subcontractors and accepted the sub-bids of two DBEs and one potential DBE. HSR has committed approximately $60,000 or 12.1 percent of its bid to DBEs. This rate of participation will enhance the JPB's overall DBE achievement of 9.6 percent as of August 2003, and will support the JPB's anticipated rate of 14.5 percent by Federal fiscal year-end 2004.

Ms. Cavitt advised that a protest has been timely filed by the third lowest bidder, Soil Enterprises, Inc, of Brentwood. Staff has considered the protest and has responded to the contractor. Staff recommends that the board reject the protest on the grounds set forth in the protest response, which was distributed to the board members. Ms. Cavitt extended an opportunity for a representative from HSR to address the board however, there was not a member from Soil Enterprises present.

The motion to reject the protest filed by Soil Enterprises, Inc passed unanimously.

Director Nevin questioned if the whole contract would have been considered, where would that have put Iconco in line with the other bidders.

Ms. Cavitt responded that Iconco's number was very high for the asbestos work, which is the work that was in question. However, HSR submitted a very low bid for the work because their approach was to hire a certified contractor to do just the part of the asbestos abatement that related to friable materials while performing the rest of the removal work themselves.

The motion to award the contract to HSR for the lenzen yard demolition and grading contract passed unanimously, by roll call, and Resolution 2003- 46 was adopted.

PRESENTATION ON PASSENGER SURVEY SUMMARY

Rita Haskin, Chief Communications Officer, reported the results of a survey that was conducted in May. The presentation included details on objectives, methodology, results of Caltrain usage, on/off stations, media, demographics and comments. In general, the survey showed that out of 5,740 surveys returned, one-third of the riders have been riding for four plus years, turn to Caltrain's website for information, read the San Francisco Chronicle and prefer KTVU for their news program. 59 percent are male, 53 percent are single and 72 percent have no children at home. Twenty percent of the respondents are from San Francisco, 68 percent have a college degree or higher, 75 percent are employed full time, 71 percent have household incomes of greater than $50,000 and nearly one-third spoke a language other than English at home. The general comments from the respondents included that they wanted express service and are looking forward to the return of the weekend service. The Baby Bullet cars drew both positive and negative feedback.

Director Maxwell questioned what the results showed regarding ethnicity.

Ms. Haskin commented that the ethnicity results showed 60 percent as White/Caucasian, 17 percent were Asian and 12 percent were Hispanic.

QUARTERLY CAPITAL PROGRAM STATUS AND ELECTRIFICATION REPORT

Liz Wiecha, Director of Capital Project Management, reported on the overall program performance. Over the past twelve months there has been significant investment in capital improvements on the Caltrain system which, exceeded $127 million. This represents an increase in utilization of available grant funds from less than 25 percent at the beginning of the FY 2003 to over 53 percent of awarded grants as of the end of September. During the remainder of this fiscal year, there is anticipation of an additional investment in terms of expenditures and commitments in the capital program which, would exceed $140 million. The $140 million dollars will be used primarily in the completion of the North CTX construction program, the CEMOF project and a number of other Caltrain system improvements.

REPORT OF LEGAL COUNSEL

None.

CORRESPONDENCE

Previously distributed.

Chair McLemore commented that the Holiday train will be on November 29-30.

Director Lloyd reported that San Mateo County will have its 150th birthday celebration in 2006. Director Lloyd suggested that Caltrain participate by operating the historical train, with the cooperation of the Golden Gate Historical Museum, during the celebration.

DATE/TIME OF NEXT MEETING:

Thursday, December 4, 2003, 10 a.m. at the SamTrans Administrative Building, 1250 San Carlos Avenue, San Carlos, CA 94070

ADJOURNED

Meeting adjourned at 12:10 p.m.

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