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BACKGROUND: |
The August Service changes reviewed by the Board of Trustees at their June 23, 2021 meeting included additional service on FrontRunner on weekdays and Saturdays. The Board discussed the service changes across modes and during the discussion, staff informed the Board that a request for staffing to support the FrontRunner additions would be forthcoming at the next Board meeting. Staff at UTA’s Frontline Headquarters building returned to work on June 20, 2021. Similarly, visitor and vendor traffic to FLHQ continues to increase as the recovery continues. Security and coverage for the reception area needs to be addressed in light of the new environment. This request includes a full-time security guard at FLHQ that would also provide coverage and support for the front desk. An RFP issued to provide technical support for UTA ticket vending machines resulted in one bid that was significantly higher than budgeted. This request seeks to add three Revenue Equipment Maintenance Technicians to support fare collection across the system. |
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DISCUSSION: |
This technical budget adjustment includes three elements: 1. On June 23, 2021, the Board of Trustees reviewed the August 2021 Service Changes. Included in the changes are the addition of FrontRunner trips during the weekday AM and PM periods and Saturday PM. This additional FrontRunner service will require the addition of seven FTEs as follows: • 10 part-time Train Hosts - 5 FTEs • 2 FrontRunner Operators - 2 FTEs 2021 Cost - $121,000 and 7 FTEs (assumes early - mid August, 2021 hire dates). These estimates are an element of the $513,000 FrontRunner costs presented to the Board of Trustees on June 23, 2021. 2. Currently the front desk at Frontline Headquarters building (FLHQ) is staffed during business hours with two part-time employees. Entrance to the reception area is controlled and UTA does not currently have a security guard in the area. As UTA emerges from the pandemic, traffic from customers, vendors, and other visitors through the FLHQ reception area is increasing and controlled access necessary during the pandemic is not practical. UTA has reviewed best practices for front-desk reception. Utilizing a security guard is a common practice and one that would help alleviate challenges by improving escalation protocols and increasing the agency’s focus on building access and safety. This request would provide a full-time security guard at FLHQ that would also improve support front-desk coverage. 2021 Cost - $17,000 and 1 FTE (assumes September 1, 2021 hire date) 3. The 2021 adopted budget included $250,000 for contracted ticket vending machine (TVM) maintenance and repair. An RFP was issued with only one vendor responding. The proposal from the vendor was significantly more than budgeted and caused Finance to look for other alternatives. A new job classification, “Revenue Equipment Maintenance Technician” was created, combining fare box and TVM maintenance and repair. Two incumbent fare box technicians are currently being trained in TVM maintenance and repair. The requested FTEs would also support all fare collection systems. This approach gives management flexibility in work assignment and coverage and will create a team that will be able to support the new fare collection system currently in the planning stages. This request would add three Revenue Equipment Maintenance Technicians to support maintenance and repair of all fare collection equipment. 2021 Cost - $0 and 3 FTEs (assumes September 1, 2021 hire date) |