Dave Stumpo has joined channel Routes International
David Stumpo: Hi Everyone - looks like the room is getting some folks
Moderator: David Stumpo has arrived.

Moderator: On behalf of Routes International, our members and guests, I would like to welcome Dave Stumpo to our event

David Stumpo: Thank you, a pleasure to be here

Moderator: Thank you, Dave for making yourself available, it's a pleasure to have you

Moderator: Ok, we are having a chat event for the next hour

Dave Stumpo: I look forward to a worthwhile discussion on our future of Public Transit - especially in Canada

Moderator: Ok Dave, Art will ask the first question

David Stumpo: Hi Art, Art - what's on your mind

art> I would like to know what plans you have for the future to increase service

DaveStumpo: Increase service in the Lower mainland?

art> yes

David Stumpo: First, we must focus on providing current services well
Second, we are in the process (TransLink) of doing Area Service Plans - which looks at ridership trends. The Strategic Transportation Plan talks to this and I suggest that you log on to the TransLink website to see the layout.

art> But what do you foresee in the future, say in 5 to 10 years?

David Stumpo: Bus system expansion for sure....
Town centre to town centre movement
Improved technology


David Stumpo: Hi Rich, what is your question Rich?

Hi Dave: How will we in Coast Mountain Bus Company know in 2004 that we have achieved the goal of being World Class?

David Stumpo: Our customers define the world class service
Our focus for the customers in achieving that is.....
Improve Information
Increase commendations
Improve Vehicle Reliability
Improve our Appearance/Image
Listen to the Customers
More Employee involvement
Better training
More Training
Enhance an already good company and continuously improve what we do by
More efficient operation
Better ways of doing things
David Stumpo: Does that help Rich?

rich> Thanks Dave: In my book goals must not only have a deadline for achievement but also a definite way of knowing that they have been reached. aloha from rich.

DaveStumpo: See ya Rich - thanks

Transport5> Where is transportation headed as a whole in the 21st century?

David Stumpo: Transport5 - 21st Century
We need to improve the infrastructure. We need to get the word out - per se about the benefits of public transit. How transit relieves congestion for example. A 40 foot bus equals 50 Car Rentals. Transit needs a level playing field. A tax exemption for example - would be a very strong incentive to use public transit

David Stumpo: Hello mci

How many New Looks are left and when are the rest of the new looks expected to retire?

David Stumpo: I would have to dig into the files for the exact number of new looks

Moderator: The subject is Transportation in the 21st Century, please stick with the subject
Moderator: Tabby, go ahead

DaveStumpo: Hi Tabby

Tabby> Mr. Stumpo - As a taxpaying resident of Mission, will we have bus service from Mission to the Lower Mainland?

David Stumpo: Beyond the Train....

Tabby> I should clarify that - bus service

David Stumpo: Our area service plans will work toward this service in the Mission

Tabby> Yes beyond the train and during the day time

David Stumpo: We have certainly had request about Mission service. Are you participating in the Strategic Transportation Meetings?

David Stumpo: Hi dbrown

David Stumpo: Hi Curious

Curious> pass for now

dbrown> Can we expect better cooperation between the city work crews, i.e. digging up of main bus routes now that we are Translink?

David Stumpo: Cooperation is a must - and we have several committees known as TTAC, MRTAC etc that ensure this, road work is always going to go on -----

David Stumpo: Fact: Transit is the 2nd most popular means of transportation in Canada

dbrown> fact two: half of them are on my bus

David Stumpo: Excellent dbrown

David Stumpo: Hi Transpo5

ransport5> What are the main differences between public transit in Canada and the United States?

David Stumpo: Capital Funding for starters.Life cycle of a bus/trolleybus/light rail/train is much shorter in the US

Moderator: While more people are gathering and getting ready with their questions we received some questions prior to the event. Katherine from Port Coquitlam would like to know why we are not a world class system already?

David Stumpo: Katherine - We are an excellent system with impressive accomplishments.
Being World Class - is our next logical step and these things need to improve. Measuring On-Time Performance. Increasing vehicle reliability

Ryder> In North Vancouver, the last bus from Phibbs exchange leaves at 12:17 pm. Are there any plans to have continuing later night service to downtown?

David Stumpo: Seems like a local issue that the Area Service plans could change. Is there demand at Phibbs for later service? Ryder> Yes there is a need for service to east van and downtown from Phibbs after 12:17pm
David Stumpo: Ryder - Have you called our customer service line to suggest later service at Phibbs?
Ryder> Re service needed 210 downtown, sorry Dave time should read 12:17am

David Stumpo: Hi tdmac
tdmac> any thoughts to making the whole system including Skytrain 24 hrs?

David Stumpo: The maintenance of any train system has to occur at some time - since ridership is very low between 2a.m. - 4a.m. it doesn't make sense to do it. We have OWL service.

David Stumpo: Hi Shayne
Shayne> In regards to the Government breaking it's own guidelines on wage increases. What is your position on this and as far as upcoming negotiations are concerned?

David Stumpo: All part of negotiations
Yes

Moderator: Wolfgang from Germany asks: Privatization of mass transit in Europe has largely resulted in diminished service and safety compromises. What is the trend in this regard in North America?

David Stumpo: Wolfgang - Of those transit systems in North America that have setup private contracts - they have not experienced this.

David Stumpo: Hi Sano
sanoagain> I'm interested in fuel cell buses and when they'll operate commercially, as opposed to tests?

David Stumpo: Ballard is still in the test mode - it is up to them to produce a commercially available unit

David Stumpo: Gido - you are up. gido> Hi I'm just observing thanks

David Stumpo: Thanks - sano?

David Stumpo: Hello busboy no, just got here

OTCOP22> What city would you consider a world class transit system?

David Stumpo: OTCOP22 - Singapore
bcunningham> Do you have any safety initiatives/campaigns planned for the system?

David Stumpo: Yes - we were number 1 in north American last year - and hope to stay there. Accident prevention - training - excellent hiring plans

Moderator: Dieter Helmer from Aachen, Germany asks: Have you ever taken a train in Europe, and if so, how did you like the service and convenience?

David Stumpo: I have researched many transit systems in Europe - but have not been there. In Europe 84% of the citizens across 13 countries think transit should have priority over the auto.

David Stumpo: Hi dbrown

dbrown> Contracting out seems to be a big question around the depot. ie Train Bus. What guarantees do we as drivers have that we will still be around for your World Class System in 2004?

David Stumpo: I have stated many times - to stay focused on providing current services well - work on the future expansion and give customers excellent services and we have the formula to be World Class.

otcman> Can we expect a restructuring of the Richmond service to a north south east west service with connections to the fast bus?

David Stumpo: We have a 300-500 bus expansion to look forward into the future. Next year for example - 5% increase in service hours.

Shayne> I'm still waiting for an answer to my question.

Moderator: Shayne, please re-type your question keeping in mind the subject is Transportation in the 21st Century

David Stumpo: Shayne - Wage increases are something that comes to discussion with negotiating.

Shayne> What is your position on it?

Moderator: Shayne, you are off the topic

Tabby> Has Coast Mountain looked at the idea of having bus only lanes like they have in Ottawa (Transpo) would this increase traffic efficiency?

David Stumpo: Tabby - We would love to have bus only lanes all over the lower mainland. We have some and hope to produce more....

Transport5> Why is Singapore a model of World Class system?

David Stumpo: Transport5 - Singapore has emphasis on measurement - optimal use of roads, and growth. Singapore has made traffic and transportation improvements together.

David Stumpo: Hi tdmac.

tdmac> Not now just watching ...next time

David Stumpo: Hi Art
art> How does our service compare to San Francisco or LA?

David Stumpo: Art - We have much better performance here. LA is not a fair comparison because of the size system. San Francisco operates many modes in a 49 square mile city and has excellent ridership - 700,000 per day.
art> How many do we have?

David Stumpo: 400,000 per day 1888 sq kms 1200 vehicle system here - 1000 vehicle system there.

art> big difference

David Stumpo: The SF bay area has 17 transit systems

Moderator: Question from a member: On a scale from 1-10 how would you rate our transit system now, and how would you expect to rate it in 5 years?

David Stumpo: Rating our transit system now - 8. In 5 years - 10. Getting from 8 - 10 is a huge leap

Moderator: Dave, would you be ok for another 15 minutes or so?

David Stumpo: Yes Moderator: Thanks so much


sanoagain> What are the current weaknesses with the Vancouver system, in your opinion?

David Stumpo: Traffic congestion - urban sprawl - capital funding.

busboy> How will the results from the TransLink Strategic Plan meetings be compiled and who will decide what public comments will be implemented?

David Stumpo: Translink and staff have been doing an excellent job with the public meetings - all that information is being compiled and the board makes the final decisions.

OTCOP22> How many transit systems would you like to see in the next 5 years in the GVRD?

David Stumpo: OTCOP22 - We have one system with many subsidiary operations. Re-ask your question based on this.

art> Lets look at customers..What do you think they see as the most important issue.

David Stumpo: Art - Customers view these things as most important
1. Direct Routes
2. On time
3. Reliable
4. Safe
5. Hours of operation
6. Courtesy - information
7. clean
8. Connections
10. Duration of trips

art> Thanks Dave...

OTCOP22> As an Operator, in 5 years will there still be consolidated sign-ups?

DaveStumpo> OTCOP22 - This is important for me to answer -- Yes the sign-ups are in the plan to stay as is.

Moderator: As the President of CMBC, what is your biggest challenge, and what would you change if you could?

David Stumpo: The biggest challenge facing us today is the paradigm shift in the lower mainland. Couple this with the need to make transit more attractive and priced so that we move from 11% market share to 12%, 13%, 14%, 15% market share.

busman>Are there any new innovations for the future of transportation in Vancouver and surrounding area?

David Stumpo: We need to stay focused on providing our current services well and managing mobility so that everyone has a choice. To use transit as an alternative to the auto.

I would like to see less confusing bus schedules
David Stumpo: What is confusing about them?
David Stumpo: Maybe you should use this website - it really is great!

busman> if I am in one area it is hard to get all the connections to across town in my opinion
David Stumpo: Are you saying - you need a pocket full of schedules?
busman> For a first timer, yes that what I am saying

David Stumpo: Hi Tabby
Tabby> What is being done about violence against the bus drivers in the lower mainland - what safety measures can be implemented to protect them?

David Stumpo: Ok - Yes - Quite a few things to address - first you should know that we are rated well with safety on our system. We use training as an example. We are looking at testing video cameras on board.

David Stumpo: Tabby - What in your mind helps this situation?

Tabby> Better policing of the buses - and have better access to the control center in emergencies

David Stumpo: Tabby - thanks
David Stumpo: A few more questions....

Ryder> Downtown requires non polluting vehicles, as the trolley fleet is aging, is there a plan for new trolleys?

David Stumpo: Trolleybus replacement is expected to be at the TransLink board in March 18, - A technology briefing was given to the board some months back.

rich> Hi Dave: what is the status of the electronic fare boxes? and the ideas program.?

DaveStumpo> Rich - the Ideas Program is moving forward very well. The new fare boxes are still in the plan to begin this year. T.Comm does play a vital role.

busboy> Why doesn't TransLink consider a no fare system, one which does away with zones and the many related problems? Funding could be provided through an increase in tax but we would have a "free" sytem for the public to use.

David Stumpo: Busboy - Sounds like you should attend the strategic planning meetings and ask the question. This alternative means who pays then?
Free systems have been talked about in the industry a long time - for example in SF it means 100 million dollars from taxes - a huge number to fund.

NosmoKing> Most bus service is geared to feeding the SkyTrain. With the HOV lane on Hwy #1 has there been any discussion for an Express bus from Poco and/or Langley and eastern points direct to Van. on Hwy#1. Lots of riders don't want to be shuttled to the train.

David Stumpo: Nosmoking - I did answer this earlier. --- This requires more planner time and certainly could be considered.

Tabby> Thank you Dave for your input
David Stumpo: Bye Tabby
David Stumpo: Rich
NosmoKing> Sorry I joined late. Thanks

rich> Hi Dave: The life cycle of CEO's at The Bus Co. has historically been very short I hope yours will be very long, you too? Aloha from Rich.

David Stumpo: Rich - I appreciate the wish to longevity - and with improvements in our system - better customer service - and reaching World class - it should happen

Host> Well thanks to all of you for joining us and special thanks to our guest David Stumpo. This has been a very informative chat and I hope that Dave will consider joining us again. Thank you to the moderator as well.

art> Thanks for coming Dave..

Moderator: Thank you very much, Dave. I hope you had a good time
OTCOP22> Thanks Dave, Good luck
b> Thanks for the chat - Brian
NosmoKing> Thank-you all, even you BustMan.
Ryder> Thanks Dave please consider another chat forum soon!

David Stumpo: I really appreciate everyone's care for our Transit system - and together we can make it a World Class system in a World Class City. Thanks - Bye

Moderator: if anyone wants to stick around for a bull session, you are welcome to do so

DaveStumpo leaves