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C-TRAN Monitoring September Service Change

The goal of any service change is to benefit the greatest number of current and future customers while minimizing those negatively impacted. This most recent service change saw some trips eliminated; however, this was not considered a service reduction but rather a reallocation of service to better meet demand and improve reliability.

Since September 15, C-TRAN has been able to identify specific instances where immediate adjustments have been necessary to improve a route’s intended performance; however, the service planning process requires careful and continued monitoring of the system overall in order to gauge how passenger behavior has shifted in relation to the service change, and how that behavior may affect the performance of each route in question. This understanding allows C-TRAN to deploy the correct and necessary adjustments for each specific situation.

In recognition that it takes time for operators and customers alike to fully adjust to a service change, it’s too early to determine what, if any, adjustments are necessary. While normally these adjustments would take place at the next scheduled service change in January, we’re prepared to make adjustments sooner, if needed, based on ongoing analysis. Because of this, C-TRAN encourages our riders to please share their suggestions with us by calling the Passenger Service Office or visiting our Website.

We appreciate your patience.

New Photo ID Cards for “Reduced” Fares

As of September 1, C-TRAN now issues new photo ID cards for passengers who qualify for the “Reduced” fare category. C-TRAN no longer issues temporary “Reduced” ID cards.

• Passengers who are newly applying, or who have a soon-to-be expired C-TRAN Reduced ID card, may bring their DSHS award letter to any C-TRAN Passenger Service Office to get their new photo ID.
• Old paper ID cards must be returned to C-TRAN at the time the new photo ID card is issued. New photo ID cards are valid for one year, and expire 12 months from the date the card is issued.
• Lost or stolen ID cards are not the responsibility of C-TRAN and cost $10.00 to replace.
• Damaged cards cost $7.00 to replace, and the old and damaged ID card must be returned before a new one can be issued.

As always, the Reduced ID card allows qualifying passengers to purchase and use the “Reduced” C-Zone monthly pass only. It can’t be used for discounted cash fares or tickets.

Open Houses for New C-VAN Recommendations

In 2009, C-TRAN formed an ADA Task Force, comprised of members from various local social service agencies who produced a series of recommendations designed to optimize dwindling resources and improve C-TRAN’s paratransit service overall. Those recommendations were approved by the C-TRAN Board of Directors and implemented as policy in early 2010.

Since then, current members of the Task Force have reviewed the policy once again, and have made additional recommendations to change and/or add the following:

• C-VAN’s No Show Policy
• C-VAN’s Door to Door Policy
• C-VAN’s service boundaries
• C-VAN’s conditional eligibility coordination with fixed route
• C-TRAN’s Travel Training program
• C-TRAN’s coordination with other social service agencies and transportation programs

Join Us! We want to hear from you. C-TRAN is hosting three (3) open houses for the public to learn more about the current list of recommendations/modifications and provide their feedback:

Can’t attend? No Problem! If you’re unable to attend any of the open houses, you can request more information by calling (360) 695-0123, then provide your feedback electronically through C-TRAN’s Website.

Do you have a group that’s interested in learning more? A representative from C-TRAN may be available for an on-site presentation related to the Task Force’s recommendations. Presentation times are available between October 22 and October 29. Availability is limited and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please call (360) 695-0123 for more information.

CCAC Monthly Meeting

Join the C-TRAN Citizens Advisory Committee at their regular monthly meetings, typically held on the last Thursday of every month. Meetings start at 5:30 pm and are held at C-TRAN’s Administration Building located at 2425 NE 65th Avenue in Vancouver. A portion of each meeting is set aside for public comment. Please check C-TRAN’s Website for meeting updates, agendas and minutes.

NEW Trip Planner and Website Coming Soon!

Coming to your computer and smartphone in late 2013! C-TRAN’s new Website and Google based trip planner will provide you with detailed maps and trip planning assistance on the go. Look for both of them this fall.

Be in the Know Don’t miss a thing! Start receiving important news updates like this through email or text alert. Visit us at www.c-tran.com and get your news to GO!