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operational efficiencylifestyleachievementsANNUAL REPORT2008


Message From The Chairman & C.E.O.The previous Fiscal Year can only be described as a year of movement for GRTC TransitSystem. Kim Smithson once said, “the best actions are those that go above and beyondexpectations.” This year provided an opportunity to see many projects come tofruition, including being named the number one transit system in North America bythe American Public Transporation Association. GRTC was judged number one in itsclass for outstanding business acumen, operational efficiency and community serviceamong peers throughout the United States and North America.An example of this financial acumen, was the merging of two services: CVAN (welfareto-work)service and CARE (ADA paratransit) service. The combined service is nowcalled Specialized Transportation. Specialized Transportation serves both the City ofRichmond and Henrico County. The combination of the services is projected to providea significant saving in operational costs by reducing duplicated functions and takingadvantage of operational efficiencies that currently exist throughout the GRTC TransitSystem. The combined service’s fleet of 78 vehicles provides approximately 255, 000rides per year.It was during this year that we saw the construction begin on our new 12-acre, stateof-the-artCorporate Office/Bus Maintenance Facility located in the Southside ofRichmond. The goal of the new facility is to not only be cost-effective, functional,and aesthetically pleasing, but also environmentally sustainable. As you may know,this building will utilize the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)standards to achieve “silver certification.”We also introduced a new look to our current fleet. Our buses now have agrey metallic look to them with a green stripe on the side to help demonstrateGRTC’s commitment to the green initiative. These are fully-equipped buseswith better seating and lighting to help create a more comfortable commute.On behalf of Daniel Smith, Chairman, Board of Directors, GRTC Transit System,and myself, we invite you to review the Fiscal Year 2008 Annual Report. In it, you willfind information about some of the exciting things GRTC has on the horizon. Pleasenote, GRTC takes the words of commitment from our mission statement to the highestregard. Words such as vision, mission and core values. As a company and as a goodsteward to the community, we cannot accept anything less.Sincerely,John M. Lewis, CEO,GRTC Transit SystemDaniel Smith, Chairman,GRTC Board of Directors


who we are


Who We AreGRTC Transit System operates on the following beliefs:GRTC VisionGRTC Transit System seeks to become the leading provider of world class transportation servicesand mobility solutions.GRTC MissionGRTC Transit System’s mission is to provide clean, safe, and reliable transportation to improvemobility and access throughout Central Virginia.GRTC Core Values• Absolute Integrity, Competence, and Diligence in the performance of our duties.• Commitment to providing exceptional customer service.• Responsiveness to the needs of the communities we serve.• Promotion of the personal and professional growth of our employees.GRTC Environmental EfficiencyGRTC Transit System is making great strides in executing our green initiative. There are severalthings we implement as a way of doing business that are a part of our operational proceduresand also protect our environment.• Recycle the oil• Recycle cardboard for boxed parts• Recycle tires• Use environmentally-safe oil dry for spills• Utilize the U.S. Green Building Council’s (LEED) concept for new corporate facilityGRTC Transit System feels these changes help demonstrate our vision, mission and core valuesof providing the best service in a clean, safe, and reliable way to improve mobility and accessthroughout Central Virginia.


Who We AreGRTC Transit System Board of DirectorsWhile the operating officials guide and carry out the day to day operations for GRTC TransitSystem, the overall direction of GRTC is guided by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directorsmembers are appointed annually by the Council for the City of Richmond and the Board ofSupervisors for Chesterfield County, acting in their capacity as stockholders. The Directors areappointed each October. In Fiscal Year 2008, the Board of Directors, the offices they held, andthe jurisdictions they represented were as follows:Daniel K. Smith President/Chairman Chesterfield CountyJames M. Johnson Vice-President/Vice-Chairman City of RichmondMichael Rohde Secretary/Treasurer City of RichmondDavid W. Mathews Director Chesterfield CountyS. Joseph Ward Director Chesterfield CountyLinda G. Broady-Myers Director City of RichmondGRTC Transit System’s Board of DirectorsLeft To Right - Top Row: David W. Mathews, Michael Rohde, Daniel K. Smith, S. Joseph WardLeft to Right - Bottom Row: Linda G. Broady-Myers, James M. Johnson


what we do


What We DoGRTC Transit System officially transports each rider using computer-aided technology. We prideourselves in operating a top-notch service for our customer. GRTC’s Maintanence Departmentoperates a 24-hour service to insure that our buses are fully prepared for the conditions of theroad. GRTC Transit System consists of an active fleet of 264 buses and vans, and operates at theauthorization and funding of each individual locality, consisting of fixed route bus transit, overthe-roadcoach service and specialized transportation for those needing individualized care.GRTC Fixed Route Services172 transit vehicles, which include both buses and cutaway vans, provide fixed route services tothe Cities of Richmond and Petersburg, and the Counties of Henrico and Chesterfield. GRTC’sfixed route services are a combination of local and express bus service, with all local route busesbeing equipped with low-floor entry and wheelchair ramps. As an additional amenity, every GRTCbus is equipped with front-mounted bicycle racks so cyclists can easily load their bicycle ontotheir bus and catch a ride. GRTC also provides circulator service between Monroe Park and theMedical College of Virginia.GRTC Extended Express ServiceGRTC Transit System operates five over-the-road coach buses, which service the Express commuterroutes, including the Richmond-Fredericksburg Express. These buses offer riders increased amenitiessuch as Wi-Fi technology, luxurious seating, and overhead storage.VCU Campus ServiceFor over 10 years, GRTC Transit System has partnered with Virginia Commonwealth University,VCU Parking & Transportation Department, to help students have access to transportation aroundthe Richmond region.In order to meet the growing needs of the VCU community, we have six routes: the 84 CampusConnector, the 86 VCU Medical Center route, the 87 VCU Sanger Express/A Lot, the 88 VCUGateway Express-Colonial Deck, the 89 VCU Medical Center Evening route, and the 99 VCU SangerExpress/C Lot that serve this growing segment of our community. GRTC operates over 300,000miles annually on the VCU campus.


What We DoRideFinders - ridefinders.comRideFinders works to move more commuters with fewer vehicles around the Central Virginiaregion. Currently, there are 11,590 registered users in the RideFinders database with nearly 80teams of vanpool participants. RideFinders efforts help to increase the efficiency of our region’stransportation infrastructure, improve air quality, enhance quality of life, and sustain a healthyeconomy. RideFinders promotes a variety of alternative transporation solutions, including transitinformation, vanpool services, carpool match list, telework, the Emergency Ride Home program,biking and pedestrian services, and more.Specialized Transportation - CARE / C-VANIn September 2008, the GRTC Transit System launched our Specialized Transportation division.This new division is a result of merging our Paratransit and welfare-to-work programs that servicesboth the City of Richmond and Henrico County. Prior to the merger, GRTC operated C-VAN (ourwelfare-to-work) service and a contracted service provider operated CARE (ADA Paratransit)service. By combining the services, GRTC Transit System has projected a significant savings inoperational efficiencies. The combined fleet of 78 vehicles provides approximately 255, 000rides per year.Mobile Command CenterAppropriately titled the “Mobile Command Center,” this new vehicle was created to function asthe “home base” for GRTC Transit System in the event of an emergency.During emergencies, public transportation systems need to have the ability to maintain their dayto-dayoperations in order to meet the needs of the public they serve. With the introduction ofthis highly efficient “Mobile Command Center,” GRTC Transit System is able to both meet andexceed these needs and, in doing so, increases the confidence and security the community hasin their public transportation system.We offer a variety of Transportation options for The Richmond Region


financial summary


Financial SummarySummary Statement: Management believes the financial position of GRTC Transit Systemremains strong.FY 2008 REVENUESFY 2008 EXPENSESPURCHASEDSERVICE30%INTEREST3%MAINTENANCE& GARAGETAXES 14%& LICENSES4%TRANSPORTATION44%FARES50%PURCHASEDSERVICE10%VCU12%ADMIN& GENERAL20%CHARTERS& OTHER2%ADVERTISING3%INSURANCE& SAFETY6%SCHEDULES& MARKETING2%FY 2008 SUBSIDIESLOCAL39%STATE33%FEDERAL28%


Financial SummaryOperating RevenueCustomer Revenue - Fixed RouteCustomer Revenue - CARECity Contribution - Senior FareCharter RevenueSpecial Bus RevenueAdvertising RevenueOther Operating RevenueVCU Shuttle RevenueVCU Pass ProgramTaxi ProgramTotal Operating RevenueProjected Operating Budget: FY 2009 - FY 2013FY 2009 FY 2010 FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 20138,536,743536, 588200,00070,0000625,00012,0002,105,937145,00021,00012, 252, 2688,880,774552,686200,00073,5000656,25012,0002,211,234152,25021,00012,759,6939,147,197569,266200,00077,1750689,06312,0002,321,796159,86321,00013,197,3599,421,613586,344200,00081,0340723,51612,0002,437,885167,85621,00013,651,2479,704,261603,935200,00085,0850759,69112,0002,559,780176,24821,00014,122,001Operating ExpensesEquipment & MaintenanceTransportationSchedules & MarketingInsurance & SafetyGeneral & AdministrationPurchase of Service - ADA Paratransit7,204,30121,460,9641,158,8292,776,33811,207,9121,240,2877,564,51622,919,4031,205,1822,915,15511,656,2281,302,3017,791,45223,836,1791,253,3893,060,91312,122,4781,367,4168,025,19524,789,6261,303,5253,213,95812,607,3771,435,7878,265,95125,781,2111,355,6663,374,65613,111,6721,507,577Operating Expenses Before Taxes45,048,63147,562,78649,431,82651,375,46853,396,732Operating Taxes & Licenses1,716,0711,784,7141,856,1021,930,3462,007,560Total Operating Expenses46,764,70249,347,49951,287,92953,305,81555,404,293Net Operating Loss(34,512,434) (36,587,806) (38,090,570) (39,654,567) (41,282,292)Other IncomePurchase of Service - Henrico Co.Purchase of Service - Henrico Co. CAREPurchase of Service - PetersburgPurchase of Service - CVANRideFinders - Leased PersonnelInterest IncomeNon-Transportation IncomeTotal Other Income4,578,2351,469,485150,0001,046,673669,258500,00008,413,6514,833,7451,542,959156,0001,088,540696,028505,00008,822,2735,023,6941,620,107162,2401,132,082723,869510,05009,172,0425,221,2231,701,113168,7301,177,365752,824515,15109,536,4055,426,6421,786,168175,4791,224,459782,937520,30209,915,987Net Loss Before Operating Contributions(26,098,783) (27,765,533) (28,918,528) (30,118,162) (31,366,305)Operating Contributions:Federal CMAQ & Non-recurring FundsFederal Funds - Preventative MaintenanceState Operating FundsState Suburban Expansion FundsState Special Project FundsState Welfare to WorkCity of Richmond - Lunch Time ExpressCity of Richmond - CirculatorCity of Richmond (excluding seniors)1,932,6863,700,0008,682,097365,000419,50000011,000,0001,228,3323,848,0008,942,560375,000000013,371,6411,277,4654,001,9209,210,837385,00019,00000014,024,3061,328,5644,161,9979,671,379395,00019,00000014,542,2231,381,7064,328,47710,154,947019,00000015,482,174Total Operating Contributions26,098,78327,765,53328,918,52830,118,16231,366,305Over(under) Funding 0 0 0 0 0Miles - Fixed Route 5,214,230 5,214,230 5,214,230 5,214,230 5,214,230Passengers - Fixed Route 8,536,743 8,792,845 9,056,631 9,328,330 9,608,179


Financial SummaryGRTC Systemwide Ridership12,000,00010,000,0008,000,0006,000,0004,000,0002,000,000010,411,5679,801,31010,738,37810,306,201FY04 FY05 FY06 FY0710,280,212FY08On Time Performance Measure FY08100%87% 88% 84% 84% 86% 85% 81% 81% 81% 80% 81% 78%80%60%40%20%0July07Aug07Sep07Oct07Nov07Dec07Jan08Feb08Mar08Apr08May08June08100%Direct Fare Recovery Ratios FY0880%60%40%47% 49% 49% 50% 48% 47% 47% 46% 46% 47% 46% 47%20%0July07Aug07Sep07Oct07Nov07Dec07Jan08Feb08Mar08Apr08May08June08


what doesthe future hold?


What Does The Future Hold?Comprehensive Operational AnalysisGRTC Transit System completed its comprehensive operations analysis (COA) in March 2008.The final report does not merely call for more money as an alleged cure-all. It presents a uniquemix of both visionary and pragmatic operational improvements aimed at making the company’stransit services more effective and efficient.Three key improvements are recommended to define a new vision for public transit in theRichmond metropolitan area; a Bus Rapid Transit corridor along the system’s main thoroughfare,the incorporation of a transfer center concept in the downtown Richmond area, and theintroduction of new route and schedule communication tools.To date, GRTC has received funding from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportationto conduct detailed planning activities for the Bus Rapid Transit and Main Street Station TransferCenter during the 2009 fiscal year. These activities will further define each project to the pointwhere accurate cost estimates can be identified.Complementing these significant improvements are additional initiatives aimed at improving theefficiency of transit operations. Using performance measures identified in the COA, GRTC isassessing the viability of each of its fixed route transit lines with the goal of eliminating orreducing service along underperforming routes. GRTC is also conducting a detailed assessmentof stops made by bus operators, resulting in a streamlined ride for riders and cars alike. Resultingchanges include elimination and consolidation or relocation of underutilized bus stops.Bus Replacement ProgramGRTC has initiated its bus replacement program that will cover the replacement of our revenuegenerating vehicles over the next eight years. During that time, about 170 transit vehicles willbe replaced at an approximate cost of $60 million.Currently, 18 new Gillig city buses have been delivered to GRTC and put into service. These lowfloor vehicles seat 38 passengers, and due to their low floor construction, they can accommodatedisabled passengers without the use of a mechanical wheelchair lift. Additionally, the buses showoff the company’s new color scheme of metallic gray, purple, and green. GRTC plans to replaceanother 13 city buses by the end of 2009.In addition to replacing our traditional city buses, we will be diversifying our fleet to includemore neighborhood friendly mini buses. By the end of 2009, GRTC plans to purchase 10 of the28 passenger vehicles. They will be used along routes with smaller capacity requirements.TechnologyOver the past year, GRTC Transit System has moved towards implementing innovative technology.The Automatic Vehicle Locater (AVL) will use global positioning data to monitor each vehicle’sprogress along the route and against the schedule. It will also alert GRTC System Dispatcherswhen a deviation is detected, or a vehicle is off schedule. This technology will assist dispatcherswith determining service restoration alternatives.


Financial What Does Summary The Future Hold?The CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) provides the tools needed to better manage mobile radiocommunications with the vehicles and allow GRTC to be 100% compliant with the AmericanDisabilities Act (ADA) with respect to automated stop announcements. In total, GRTC hasimplemented new applications: the Automatic Passenger Counters (APC), Automatic VehicleMonitoring (AVM) systems, stop announcements, and Automatic Vehicle Locator (AVL).GRTC Transit System will continue to weave technology into all future projects , thereby, keepingthe ease and convenience of passengers always at the forefront.The next innovative step into the future will be GRTC’s BusTime project. The BusTime systemcommunicates realtime status of arrival times of buses to passengers via handheld wireless devices(such as cellular phones and PDA’s), the Internet, and electronic signs at bus stops. This importanttechnology will arrive in 2009.Transfer CenterMain Street Station is a prime location for GRTC’s new Transfer Center. Located in downtownRichmond, this facility will be transformed into a transportation hub for our buses and serve asa central location for riders to get to their destinations.Most GRTC riders are destined for downtown locations and most government and social serviceprograms are also located downtown. The purpose of the transfer center is to further enhanceGRTC’s services by creating a centrally-located, user-friendly and accessible facility for ourpassengers, reduce private vehicle traffic on the streets of downtown, contribute to the economicgrowth to downtown and help sustain the environmental benefit to the community byreducing the amount of carbon emissions released into the air we breathe.Dispatch Utilizing CAD/AVL&Main Street Station Proposed Location For Transfer Center


What Does The Future Hold?Capital ProgramGRTC Transit System’s new state-of-the-art $36 million Corporate Office/Bus Maintenance Facilityis scheduled for completion Fall of 2009. Located on Richmond’s Southside, it will be approximately412,000 square feet in area and will contain two separate buildings connected by a second floorbridge, and will incorporate transportation and administration, bus maintenance,service and inspection lanes, bus storage, and various support activities.In late August, 2007, GRTC Transit System broke ground on this new facility. This historic eventmarked the start of GRTC Transit System’s move from its current 6.8 acres site, located in the FanDistrict of Richmond, where it has been for over 100 years.The new facility will utilize the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design (LEED) concept. This concept will provide an environmentally healthy andsafe operation for the surrounding neighborhood while working to reduce and control operationalcosts.New GRTC Corporate Office/Bus Maintenance Facility For 2009

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