# Municipal Transit Planning Meeting Notes

**Date:** July 16, 2026  
**Time:** 10:00–11:15 a.m.  
**Location:** City Hall, Transportation Committee Room / Hybrid  
**Facilitator:** Maya Chen, Municipal Transit Planner  
**Recorder:** Liam Foster, Planning Coordinator

## Attendees

- Maya Chen — Municipal Transit Planner
- Daniel Ruiz — Transit Operations Manager
- Priya Shah — Transportation Engineer
- Councillor Helen Ward — Transportation Committee
- Marc Beaulieu — Accessibility Advisory Committee
- Sofia Alvarez — Community Engagement Lead
- Noah Thompson — Budget Analyst
- Erin Walsh — Regional Transit Authority Liaison
- Liam Foster — Planning Coordinator

## Agenda

1. Review spring ridership and on-time performance
2. Discuss proposed Route 14 service changes
3. Confirm accessibility improvements for priority stops
4. Review public consultation feedback
5. Identify budget impacts and next steps

## Discussion Notes

- Spring weekday ridership was 8% higher than the same period last year, with the strongest growth on Routes 7, 14, and 22.
- Route 14 continues to experience crowding between 7:30 and 9:00 a.m. and delays near Central Avenue during afternoon construction.
- Operations proposed increasing Route 14 peak frequency from every 15 minutes to every 10 minutes. This would require one additional bus during each peak period.
- Public feedback generally supported more frequent service. Several residents raised concerns about removing the Maple Street stop due to the longer walking distance for seniors.
- The Accessibility Advisory Committee recommended retaining the Maple Street stop until the nearby Pine Avenue stop receives a shelter, seating, lighting, and a compliant boarding pad.
- The Transportation Engineer advised that a temporary transit-priority signal at Central Avenue could reduce delays during construction.
- The Budget Analyst estimated the six-month service pilot at $185,000, including operator hours and vehicle operating costs. Stop upgrades would require an additional estimated $72,000.
- The Regional Transit Authority confirmed that regional schedule data can be updated in time for a September launch if final service details are approved by August 8.

## Decisions

- Proceed with a six-month pilot increasing Route 14 peak frequency to every 10 minutes.
- Target September 8, 2026, for implementation, subject to final budget approval.
- Retain the Maple Street stop during the pilot.
- Prioritize accessibility upgrades at Pine Avenue before reconsidering consolidation of the Maple Street stop.
- Install a temporary transit-priority signal at Central Avenue, pending a safety review.
- Conduct passenger counts and on-time performance reviews at the pilot's three- and six-month marks.
- Present the pilot funding request to the Transportation Committee in August.

## Action Items

| Action | Owner | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Prepare the Route 14 pilot service plan and revised timetable | Daniel Ruiz | July 24, 2026 |
| Complete the Central Avenue signal safety review | Priya Shah | July 29, 2026 |
| Confirm detailed costs and funding sources for the pilot | Noah Thompson | July 31, 2026 |
| Develop the Pine Avenue accessibility upgrade scope | Priya Shah and Marc Beaulieu | August 5, 2026 |
| Draft the Transportation Committee report | Maya Chen | August 6, 2026 |
| Update regional trip-planning and schedule data | Erin Walsh | August 21, 2026 |
| Prepare rider notices, website updates, and stop signage | Sofia Alvarez | August 24, 2026 |
| Establish pilot performance measures and reporting templates | Liam Foster | August 28, 2026 |

## Next Meeting

**Date:** August 4, 2026  
**Purpose:** Review final costs, safety findings, and the draft Transportation Committee report.