June & July Board Update

The MTS Board typically meets one time per month as the decision-making body for our agency. Here’s a quick update of what happened in June and July (dark in August).

June

Security HQ

Security’s headquarters in the C Building (attached to LRV Maintenance Building in the Trolley Yard) is getting an overhaul. The existing drywall partitions, ceiling tiles, flooring, baseboards, doors and frames, modular panels and breakroom countertop will all be demolished, removed and replaced. A fresh look, including new partitions, will be installed to expand the number of work stations and accommodate more employees.

Security Officer Pay Raise

The Board approved pay raises for Transit Systems Security armed officers to help attract and retain qualified officers. TSS officers are contracted officers and approximately 65 carry a sidearm. These officers will get a pay raise from $13 per hour to $14.50 per hour.

State of Good Repair

The Trolley Yard’s Wi-Fi system has reached the end of its useful life.  The Board approved a capital improvement project to upgrade the wireless network to improve reliability, increase the speed and bandwidth, and upload security video faster and with more consistency.

July

South Bay Rapid Public Hearing

The Board held the mandatory public hearing for South Bay Rapid – which started limited service on Sept. 4. No members of the public commented on the project. Cost to operate South Bay Rapid for FY 2019 is estimated at $2.9 million.

Grantville Transit Center Redevelopment 

The Board authorized staff to enter into negotiations with Affirmed/Greystar to redevelop the Grantville Park-and-Ride into a mixed-use development.  It is proposed to have a mix of affordable housing and student housing units.

TMD on Board for Ballot Measure

The Board approved the staff recommendation to hire TMD, Inc. to provide preliminary planning services for a potential MTS ballot measure. TMD, which consulted on our Transit Optimization Plan, will examine what the MTS system needs the most – such as identifing service gaps, attracting new riders, expanding frequency, adding new types of service and more.