[This transcript was generated automatically from audio using AI and hasn't been reviewed by a person -- it can contain mistakes, including plausible-sounding sentences that were never actually said. Treat it as a starting point, not a verbatim record.]

[0:00] Thank you everyone and welcome to today's November 10th board meeting.
[0:06] Let's begin with carrying Carlyne Role, Karen.
[0:10] Director, back to him.
[0:11] President.
[0:12] Director Bush.
[0:14] Director Craig.
[0:16] Director Estrada.
[0:19] Director Kayler.
[0:21] Director McMahon.
[0:23] Here.
[0:24] Director Orcino.
[0:25] Here.
[0:26] Director Palmer.
[0:28] Yes.
[0:29] Director Rodman.
[0:30] Here.
[0:31] Director Ruffin.
[0:32] President.
[0:33] Madam Chair Bound.
[0:34] President.
[0:35] Madam Chair, we have a quorum with nine.
[0:38] Thank you, Karen.
[0:39] Karen, our system board secretary.
[0:41] Please introduce the next speaker for the safety briefing.
[0:54] This morning's safety briefing will be given by John G.
[0:58] Floors III.
[1:00] Metropolitan Police Department.
[1:02] Multimedia.
[1:03] Analytic.
[1:04] Centers lead crime surveillance specialist.
[1:07] Mr. Floors is a U.S. Army Illinois National Guard veteran.
[1:12] John started his career at Metro and October of 2018.
[1:17] And the Metropolitan Police Department.
[1:19] Multimedia.
[1:21] Analytical Center.
[1:22] And is currently the afternoon shift.
[1:25] Lead crime surveillance specialist.
[1:28] Mack training instructor.
[1:31] And he has worked his entire five year career.
[1:34] Enjoy free.
[1:35] John is also a member of the honor guide.
[1:49] Good morning.
[1:51] Good morning.
[1:52] Thank you for attention as I present to our board safety briefing and building evacuation procedures.
[1:56] We are located at 547 West Jackson Boulevard.
[2:00] Located in the Metro Boardam on the 13th floor.
[2:03] East side of the building.
[2:05] And the event we are required to evacuate the building.
[2:08] Notification will be communicated by audible alarm.
[2:11] And or public address system.
[2:13] When evacuate the building.
[2:15] Please be mindful of potential dripping hazards.
[2:18] As you exit the board room.
[2:21] Please exit out the main doors.
[2:23] Please exit to the hallway.
[2:24] And utilize the stairs.
[2:25] Identified by the eliminated signage.
[2:27] East or west.
[2:28] Please utilize handrails.
[2:30] And watch your footing as you make your way down to the lobby.
[2:34] We will be exiting the building.
[2:35] And proceed to Union Station's great hall.
[2:37] We will gather.
[2:38] And wait further instructions.
[2:40] Union Station is located.
[2:42] Kitty corner from our office building.
[2:44] Please make note of the person sitting next to you.
[2:47] To assist in ensuring everyone is accounted for.
[2:50] If we should need assistance.
[2:52] Evacuate the building.
[2:53] Please don't a fire Metro staff member who will assist you.
[2:56] In the event of an active shooter incident.
[2:58] We will use the run.
[3:00] Hide.
[3:01] Fight strategy.
[3:02] Run.
[3:03] Make yourself aware of the alternate exits.
[3:05] Quickly and cautiously evacuate.
[3:07] In the direction away from the attacker.
[3:09] Don't hesitate.
[3:10] Don't stop until you are out of the building.
[3:12] Seconds matter.
[3:13] Leave belongings behind.
[3:15] If you cannot run.
[3:17] Hide.
[3:18] If there is no safe escape route.
[3:20] Find a good hiding place.
[3:22] Lock and barricade door.
[3:24] Silent cell phones.
[3:25] Prepare defense plan.
[3:27] You cannot hide or discovered.
[3:29] Fight.
[3:30] Use available objects as it provides weapons.
[3:33] Use teamwork and surprise.
[3:35] A coordinated ambush.
[3:36] Can incapacitate an attacker.
[3:38] Don't fight fear.
[3:40] You're fighting for your life.
[3:43] An event of a medical emergency.
[3:45] Immediately alert and make a Metro staff member.
[3:49] All the persons sitting next to you.
[3:51] Metro police or other pre-determined staff.
[3:53] Will down 911 in meet emergency responders.
[3:56] At the front desk to escort them out to our location.
[3:59] AEDs are located on each floor.
[4:02] Next to the elevator banks.
[4:03] A pre-determined staff member will retrieve a AD if necessary.
[4:07] Metro police and staff are trained and certified and will administer.
[4:12] AED using the AD until emergency responders arrive.
[4:15] Thank you for your time and attention.
[4:17] Thank you, John.
[4:20] Today, as we celebrate veterans day, we salute the service.
[4:26] We would love to take this time to express our gratitude and appreciation to our Metro family veterans
[4:33] who have served our country with honor, dignity, and courage.
[4:38] And I understand that while many of us may not have served, many of us have loved ones who have served.
[4:44] And we also salute and honor their services too.
[4:47] Thank you for your sacrifices and your service.
[4:50] And we thank the family of those veterans.
[4:54] Jim, please introduce the honor guard.
[4:59] Thank you very much, Manochir.
[5:01] Our honor guard today will be represented by Commander Gary Jarson, Captain Joe Bolvio,
[5:09] Officer Hamlet, Dioff and Lead Crime Surveillance Specialit.
[5:15] John Flores.
[5:16] If we could all please stand and rise for the presentation of the colors, hand the pledge of allegiance.
[5:38] Thank you very much.
[6:39] Detail, please.
[6:43] Detail, please.
[6:45] Art.
[6:47] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.
[6:54] One nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.
[7:02] Detail, please.
[7:32] Detail, right shoulder, arms.
[7:39] Detail, left, feet.
[7:43] Detail, forward, march.
[8:02] Detail, left, foot.
[8:29] Thank you, too.
[8:30] Our wonderful mentor, please officers for your color guard presentation.
[8:34] And again, to the families and veterans that are here today.
[8:39] And those listening and in, we thank you for your service.
[8:44] Jim, I understand that you would like to acknowledge some officers this morning for their handling of a delicate matter.
[8:50] Earlier this week, is that correct?
[8:52] That is correct, Manochir.
[8:54] And if I could, to set the stage this morning, I'd like to go a little video from officers body camp.
[9:04] What do you mean?
[9:12] Nobody looks at you like you're a good person.
[9:21] Thank you.
[9:27] Yeah, he's going to be okay.
[9:29] Thank you.
[9:50] Thank you.
[10:20] Thank you.
[10:30] Thank you.
[10:51] If I could have acting chief of Pat Gingler come up, introduce the officers, and also give you a little bit more of the background from what you didn't see.
[11:03] Thank you.
[11:04] So today we have officer Brendan Henley, officer David Harris.
[11:09] Yes, they do look like they could have played for the bears yesterday.
[11:12] Officer Giovanni Acevedo, officer Paige, the cynic, I apologize if I mispronounced your last name.
[11:19] Unfortunately, officer Cori Penazo could not be here.
[11:23] It's with a great pride, I stand here.
[11:25] I don't stand here if anything I did.
[11:27] This is what our team did.
[11:29] A couple of these officers were on their way home.
[11:32] Officer Acevedo looked up out of our yard and saw this man standing on a bridge.
[11:37] We're just three years ago, somebody tried the same thing, the same exact location.
[11:41] We had the same outcome.
[11:43] They developed a plan.
[11:45] They went up there and acting like we all should be proud of our officers.
[11:50] They went above and beyond.
[11:52] That only did they do what you saw there.
[11:55] They followed up, a couple of the officers talked to the family afterwards.
[11:58] They tried to reach back to this young man.
[12:01] They just haven't had a chance to yet.
[12:04] The human side of it, that's what our officers did there.
[12:07] We can send them to the police academy.
[12:09] We can do all this tactical training.
[12:11] You can see all the equipment that they wear.
[12:13] But what makes them unique is what's inside.
[12:15] And each one of them, when you hear their story, how this personally affected them,
[12:19] it's awesome.
[12:20] It's moving.
[12:21] That our officers, not just these officers, but all of them.
[12:25] The last time this happened, they were different officers.
[12:27] She goes to show that every day they put that badge on.
[12:30] They put that patches as metron there.
[12:32] And they go out there and they put themselves.
[12:34] They're personal.
[12:36] They're personality.
[12:37] Everything about them that is under that uniform.
[12:40] Under that badge, out there, to go out there and make a positive impact every day.
[12:44] And I think everybody in this room should be proud that they are our police officers.
[12:48] They're metron police officers.
[12:49] And it doesn't matter if this was not on a rail, right?
[12:53] This is on a bridge on a city street.
[12:55] They go out there and they perform their duties wherever they're at.
[12:58] Wherever they need to be in the six counties that we represent.
[13:00] So with that, I've been doing this for 27 years.
[13:04] We don't always get to see the good stuff when our officers do good things.
[13:08] We really need to recognize them.
[13:10] And with that, I personally thank you.
[13:12] Everyone of our officers that are here.
[13:14] A bunch of people took time out of their day to come up and support their fellow officers.
[13:17] And that's what we want to see the team.
[13:19] My metron is what we really have here.
[13:22] So again, the personal stories I heard from everybody.
[13:25] Very, very moving.
[13:26] It reminds me of why I got into this 28 years ago.
[13:28] So thank you.
[13:30] So with that, I present our officers.
[13:32] Thank you.
[13:53] No, no.
[13:56] Thank you, Chief.
[14:03] Jamalano, it's my understanding that staff have prepared a resolution that they would like the board to consider.
[14:17] John?
[14:18] Yes, ma'am.
[14:19] This would be a resolution met 23-13 honoring Metro police officers.
[14:25] Whereas Metro operates one of the most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving cook to page will, lake, cane, and mechanic counties in Northeastern Illinois.
[14:35] And whereas Metro provides service to and from downtown Chicago to 243 stations over 11 lines, nearly totally in 500 route miles and approximately 1200 miles of track.
[14:49] And whereas on the afternoon of November 4th, 2023, a 24-year-old man was standing on a railing of 127th Street Bridge in Blue Island.
[15:00] The man was threatening to jump from the bridge with spans which spans Metro's Blue Island Codech Yard, and whereas on the afternoon of November 4th, 2023, Metro Police Officer Giovanni Acevedito was driving through the Blue Island Codech Yard and observed the man standing on the railing of the 127th Street Bridge.
[15:20] And whereas Officer Acevedito notified Officer's Brandon Henley, David Harris, Page of his Nevic, and Cory Panazo to assist in rescuing the subject.
[15:31] And whereas, while Officer Acevedito Harris and his Nevic were talking to the subject to convince him not to jump Officer Henley was able to walk around the subject and grab him from behind and walk him back to safety.
[15:45] And held onto the subject until he could be transported to the area hospital for evaluation.
[15:50] And whereas the efforts and swift actions of these officers averted a life-threatening situation.
[15:56] And whereas the Metropolitan Police Officers are to be highly commended for their actions related to this incident.
[16:02] Now, therefore, be it resolved that's commuter rail board of the commuter rail division.
[16:07] On behalf of Metro, it's passengers commended in gratefully acknowledge the actions and performances of officers, Brendan Haley, David Harris, Giovanni Acevedito, Page of his Nevic, and Cory Panazo for their exemplary service in the execution of their duties as Metro Police Officers.
[16:25] And be it further resolved that this resolution be read into the minutes of the board proceedings and a true copy of the tender to them as an expression of our appreciation.
[16:34] Motor proof.
[16:37] Madam Chair, I'd ask to second the motion as well.
[16:41] Thank you.
[16:42] Do I have a motion for discussion at the time?
[16:46] No. Okay. I thought we were proving you guys were proving the resolution is right.
[16:51] So we now we've discussed.
[16:54] Okay. Does anyone have any comments that they like to make?
[16:57] I'll start to say thank you for doing your job.
[17:02] Thank you for going above and behind and doing your job and caring for someone the way you did.
[17:07] Thank you for making Metro look good.
[17:09] Thank you for believing in my Metro that that's what we are.
[17:15] We we we not only are we're in the service business but we're in the public safety business when it comes down to what you do.
[17:23] Hillary, I've seen the signs up everywhere but suicide prevention is so major for our industry.
[17:30] And you know, we we have so many different ways that people attempt to do this.
[17:35] But your vigilance and your your quick to response save the life there could be nothing better than that.
[17:41] So thank you for what you did and just got blessed. Thank you.
[17:46] Do I have to say no?
[17:48] Yes, I'd also like to echo the same thoughts and and thank you very much.
[17:51] There's a lot of times the police departments don't get the notoriety and don't get the public opinion of you know a positive thing.
[18:00] This is clearly an example of you know an exemplary staff that we have and what you've done and how you you don't echo the thoughts of everybody here at Metro and the safety for our customers and safety for the public.
[18:11] So thank you very much.
[18:13] Keep on doing a good job and stay out there man.
[18:16] Thank you director.
[18:19] I think the interim chief said it best you guys train for so much tactically trained firearms.
[18:28] But you know the situational awareness and what's in your heart are the things that go above and beyond and I just want to personally thank you for that.
[18:36] You read so many negative stories and we don't get to see this and I'm not just talking about the fact that you saved him from the bridge, but the compassion that you showed afterwards on the follow up.
[18:46] I just just above and beyond so on behalf of this boy I just thank all four of you very very much for that.
[18:53] Director McMahon.
[18:55] Thank you.
[18:56] I really struck me about that video is you know obviously you show up you're in a uniform you're all heavily armed rightfully so and that can be super intimidating.
[19:07] But what really struck me about that video is a compassion that each of you showed throughout the entire incident and after you secured him.
[19:15] And to me that that is a lasting impression that you can have on not just him but the community that other people that see that video and that is beyond what you did to save a life that day that really is what is remarkable to me.
[19:31] So that to me is how you demonstrate professionalism and humanism and that you care about individuals so thank you all for that.
[19:42] I'd like to add my thanks and just deep respect for what you did I know that you carried a lot with you even after the incident and your families probably carry that as well.
[19:54] And your colleagues and so thank you for for bearing those burdens and giving those gifts to all of us and making us safer.
[20:02] It's just really an honor to to be a part of the organization with folks like you.
[20:08] Thank you.
[20:10] Director Strider did you have you? Yes.
[20:13] Well it's hard to top what everybody else has said and we're not trying to do that but I just want to thank you for your humanity and what you've shown today and also.
[20:22] When we say we've gone above and beyond and thank you for the example that this shouldn't be above and beyond this should be what we expect from all of our police officers just that humanity to demonstrate it.
[20:34] Thank you so much.
[20:37] You have that video was moving. Thank you for sharing that with us.
[20:43] It gives me civilian a glimpse into what you all experience every day and I'll echo what my colleague said.
[20:51] Who was it that hug the who's that yeah that thank you.
[20:57] Thank you for doing that that that that that that movie that touched me. Thank you.
[21:04] At this time I'm I'm sorry. Director King.
[21:08] I was waiting to be still last when I think.
[21:12] Every day when you put your uniform on you don't know what the day is going to bring and I give you so much credit for just being out in the streets and doing the daily work that you do but when you come across a situation like this where there's a need to actually save someone that wants to take.
[21:33] That's a whole different situation and again that the video showed a lot of compassion and a lot of caring and thank you for doing that and.
[21:48] Hugging that gentleman and telling him that you know he's going to be okay and and stuff that just really says a lot for all of you so again.
[22:01] That's what you did very much.
[22:04] So this time I'm going to ask Karen to call the role for the approval of the resolution as president.
[22:14] I.
[22:16] Director Bush.
[22:18] Director Craig.
[22:20] Director Estrada.
[22:22] Director Taylor.
[22:24] Director McMahon.
[22:26] Director Rosino.
[22:28] Director.
[22:29] Director.
[22:30] Director.
[22:31] I.
[22:32] Director.
[22:33] I.
[22:34] Madam chair.
[22:35] I.
[22:36] Madam chair.
[22:37] The motion carries with nine eyes.
[22:39] Thank you.
[22:40] Jim.
[22:41] I will ask that you.
[22:43] Bring your resolutions and as the four individuals.
[22:47] To come in front.
[22:49] Please.
[22:52] So if you guys could line up in front.
[22:58] And I just like to say on behalf of the board of directors.
[23:00] I like to thank each and every one of you as well as your family members for your professionalism and humanity.
[23:07] And for making all of us a mentor proud to be part of your mentor family.
[23:11] Thank you so much.
[23:12] Thank you so much.
[23:13] Thank you.
[23:14] Thank you.
[23:15] If you guys will just stay up front.
[23:24] Any family members of any of the officers present today.
[23:28] If you could just stand up.
[23:30] So we can acknowledge you, please.
[23:33] Thank you for sharing.
[23:34] Thank you for sharing your loved one with us today.
[23:37] Thank you.
[23:40] I like to board members who if we could just come around and take a few pictures with the officers.
[23:47] Thank you.
[24:17] Thank you.
[24:47] Thank you.
[25:17] Thank you.
[25:38] Karen.
[25:39] How many public speakers do we have today?
[25:42] Hello, we have three public comment speakers today.
[25:47] We ask that all public speakers adhere to Metro's rules of conduct and decorum.
[25:52] I would also like to remind the speakers in the interest of time and fairness to all the speakers.
[25:58] We limit you to three minutes.
[26:01] Please be aware there will be a warning light to remind you that you have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks.
[26:07] May I call the public speaker up?
[26:10] Michael Croll.
[26:17] Michael.
[26:18] Michael.
[26:27] My name is Michael Cole, a resident of medicine and a regular writer of the newly introduced paste pulse.
[26:32] I use the pulse nearly every day to get between the outskirts of medicine and the medicine devastation to ride the human civic north line.
[26:39] I also plan to use it to get to the display and station to ride the human civic north line.
[26:43] It's increased serve as increase in faster services made a very reliable option for transferring to and from Metro lines, especially during early mornings and late nights.
[26:51] Yet I have no plans to use the bus to get to the morning growth station to transfer them walkie district north line despite the bus going right across those tracks.
[26:59] The transfer from the local bus, the paste route 250, already had a long walk of 15 minutes from the nearest bus stop at dumpster street in Paris Avenue to the station.
[27:08] Now that was been largely replaced by the dumpster pulse which gives a few stops, making the nearest stops of Austin Avenue where walkie can row now a 25 minute walk.
[27:17] The only other option is the transfer to the paste bus route 210 which does directly connect with the station at the walkie and road stop.
[27:25] But it only runs one hour headways and weekday service and only weekday service so I went even call that an option.
[27:33] Now while this is mostly a paste issue as they decide the location of the stops and the frequency of the buses is also just an issue with the location of the station itself being far away from the center area of the town.
[27:42] This is why it was a huge disappointment when I came across plans for the new morning growth station that be seen and pretty much the same in convenient location.
[27:50] I thought with the community development coordinator Zoe Heidorn calling the current station embarrassment.
[27:56] More would be done to change it than just a new deal building and some sidewalks in the area.
[28:01] The current location is not only inconvenient to get to for transwriters but also cyclists and pedestrians using the north branch trail system right along the rail line.
[28:09] Do they're not being a bridge at St. Paul waves you get across the Chicago River the trail trail users coming from the south must go all the way up to down street and then head back down towards the station along along the mostly side localists Lincoln Avenue.
[28:24] While there are plans to improve the walkie building area the detour itself is enough to deter potential riders.
[28:30] The current station is set for 60 years or so now.
[28:34] The change made to the station will last just as long if not longer which is why it needs to be done right.
[28:39] I hope that the choice not to move the station and the choice not to move the station the consideration of making parking accessible wasn't given more weight than making accessible everyone.
[28:47] It feels like such a waste of a bus line like the polls run so close to the station but be practically useless at transfer to.
[28:53] I would like to use the polls in the walkie district north line in tandem to visit friends living in northern suburbs off the lake shore like northbroke.
[29:00] But on soil transfers more ton bull and eye and many others in the same situation we'll just have to drive every time we want to make one of those trips.
[29:08] Thank you.
[29:10] Thank you.
[29:11] Karen our next public speaker.
[29:14] Our next public speaker is Mr. Michael Mets.
[29:26] Good morning members of the board. My name is Michael Mets and I would also like to bring up my support on the creation of the working bike group.
[29:38] And how nice it was for Metro to create this our first meeting that has already occurred was I would say to my personal extent very productive.
[29:48] It was nice to see that Metro is willing to take criticism and to take public comments as such on an immediate basis as ways to improve the system as a whole.
[29:57] Noting that with the physical fair media.
[30:00] Being improved in the upcoming future, that that will be in state as such. And then the other thing I'd
[30:06] would like to touch on is the fair proposal rework that we potentially go into effect on February 1st, I think.
[30:15] And I think that would be a very good thing to simplify the current fair, from I think it's what
[30:20] 11 zones, I think, down to four zones. That would definitely make it a way easier option and improve
[30:28] more accessibility to make it more easier for more writers to come into the system.
[30:32] That being said, I do think that with the recent rollout of the TBMs on the BNSF line, I do
[30:39] think, and I do think it will be interesting to see how sales will change and how ridership
[30:45] will change if anything with the new TBMs being rolled out on more lines of than just the BNSF line.
[30:52] And then other than that, I would have to say that, I think that more of the F 40 Ph-2s should
[31:00] be rebuilt to dash three spec. And I will cite that the recent mechanical failures that have been
[31:07] occurring on the Northwest line have been quite frustrating. And I have taken note of some overcrowding
[31:15] to the point where the best view is fully packed of probably about 10 people or so. The entire
[31:20] cars pack just plain up and it just needs to be fixed as such. And I just say, I know that as
[31:28] D70s are going to be coming online eventually, I just think that it'd be better just to rebuild
[31:33] what we have currently instead of putting out a procurement that is going to take potentially
[31:37] longer than what we would expect in the future. I reside the rest of my time and I'd like to
[31:41] thank you very much. Thank you. Karen, are you going to call the third and last speaker?
[31:50] Thank you. Our third speaker is Mr. Orlando Rojas.
[32:02] Everybody's name, Orlando. How did he just hear so? Is this like finding water off right here?
[32:09] Good morning, Madam Chair. Members of the board and all those in attendance. First of all, I'd like to
[32:22] start by thanking all of our veterans and their families for other courage, strength, and sacrifices.
[32:27] We are all forever in your debt. My name is Orlando Rojas. I'm an employee here at Metro.
[32:33] I've worked here for 21 years. I started as maintenance way employee in the track department. And for
[32:40] the last 19 years, I've conducted for Metro. Currently, I hold a position of legislative representative
[32:48] for my local as a member of the smart sheet metal air rail transportation. And I'm here in
[32:56] that capacity today. Together with fellow labor leaders, we represent a white swath of employees
[33:04] here at Metro. And as such, on there be half, we're here to thank Madam Chair in particular for
[33:12] your leadership. At the September board meeting, state legislative director Andy Hawk came here
[33:20] towards some facilities with you and some other board members to address some concerns. And as
[33:27] such, or to follow up with that, you were gracious enough to come out into the field. You wanted to see
[33:33] certain things for yourself. And we were more than willing to come out with you. And I can't tell you
[33:42] enough how much the men and women that you did get to speak to really appreciate everything.
[33:49] It's, it wasn't, it's not normal that they get the opportunity in that type of a setting,
[33:55] it's very intimate, organic, unscripted. You got to hear from them personally. And advice first,
[34:03] so they got to put a name or to a face of the name. And we're incredibly appreciative. And
[34:11] thankful that you took the time and that you showed the leadership to come out there. And it
[34:17] what it did for morale. I can't speak highly enough of the impact it had on our men and women
[34:24] out in the field. So I thank you for your leadership. It's Thomas, the members of your staff.
[34:28] And I would encourage any of the board members. As always, labor's willing to help
[34:35] for the betterment of not only employees, but Metro's a whole. So again, thank you for your leadership
[34:42] for your time. And again, extend an invitation to any board member who would want to come out.
[34:48] Your respective lines or districts or whatnot. We're always willing to collaborate with all of you.
[34:55] So again, but it was rare. So I think that it merits a thank you in person at a board meeting
[35:05] to be recognized for your leadership on that. So I thank you very much.
[35:10] Thank you. And thank you to everyone of you. I did go out on a tour. And on October the 18th,
[35:16] it was not the tour that we had talked about with Mr. Clifford scheduled for. There were some
[35:25] that I want you to go personally to see out of concern from some of the comments that were
[35:30] being made by some of the labor men and women. And I would echo Mr. Rojas' sentiments that if board
[35:39] members are available, they should take a facility tour. And then we need to regroup and discuss
[35:47] and ways of talking with staff and getting staff moving, jump specifically to address those concerns
[35:56] or comments that they have. I met with a lot of great men and women while we're out there. I did
[36:03] to see the facilities. And they work in all different types of weather and all different types of
[36:11] hours. We're talking people who call their families and say, hey, I might not be home for the next
[36:17] day or two when we have weather lurks. And that's a lot of commitment from our labor department.
[36:25] There's a lot of commitment from our management department when they have to put their family lives on
[36:30] whole to keep this organization running. And I cannot say or emphasize enough how important it is to
[36:37] me to say thank you to labor, thank you to management because I know for coming from a transportation
[36:45] background of 32 years, it's not easy. And we always put the job before we put our families.
[36:54] So I want to thank you once again for attending the tour with me. It was very eye-opening.
[37:02] And it just echoed the fact that it was fun. Just echoed the fact that if you have the time in your
[37:11] schedules that you talked to Mr. Clifford, I will tell you the schedule that Mr. Clifford put together
[37:16] for me was not the tour that I went on. I'd be burdened off from Mr. Clifford schedule. So labor was kind
[37:24] enough to say, we're going where? Why? Okay, that's what you want to do. And we'll just follow her.
[37:30] So they were nice enough to take along with me every step of the way. And I thank you.
[37:35] Thank you. And especially shout out to Mr. Clifford because we kind of, we did put them through the
[37:39] ringer. Yes. And he was a little bit of a marathon. So he was very, it was a good sport about it. So
[37:47] yes. Thank you. And again, thank all of you. And the invitation to extend it to each and every one of you.
[37:55] Anyway, I can help personally to help arrange something 708 7171026 or
[38:02] but no, thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you to all the landowners in the house.
[38:18] Moving on to the minutes. Are there any comments, lesions or corrections to
[38:23] the October Board meeting minutes at this time for many board members?
[38:28] Hearing none, Karen, can you please follow Rome? May I'm sorry. May I have a motion to approve the minutes?
[38:37] Second. Thank you. Karen, can you please follow Rome? Thank you, Joe.
[38:44] Director Beckton? Aye. Director Bush? Director Craig? Director Estrada? Aye. Director Kailer? Aye.
[38:55] Director McMahon? Director Rocino? Aye. Director Palmer? Yes. Director Rodman? Aye.
[39:03] Director Ruffin? Aye. Madam Chair Brown? Aye. Madam Chair, the motion carries with nine
[39:09] eyes. Thank you. John Anderson, I understand that there will be a close session today. Is that correct?
[39:16] Yes, it's correct, Madam Chair. We should recess to close session for matters relating to discussion
[39:23] of close session meetings and or meetings between internal or external auditors and governmental
[39:29] audit committees when the discussion involves internal control weaknesses, et cetera.
[39:36] And or discussion litigation when an action involving metro has been filed and is pending
[39:42] before a court or administrative tribunal or when the board finds that an action is probable or imminent
[39:50] in which case the basis for the findings shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the
[39:55] close meetings and or discussion on selection performance or discipline, a specific personnel or legal
[40:03] counsel and or discussion on the purchase or lease of property for metro's use, including meetings
[40:10] held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired and or the
[40:16] setting of a price for sale or lease of property by the public body pursuant two sections
[40:23] to see 21 29 11 15 and six of the open meetings act.
[40:33] May I have a motion to recess the close session? So Mo. Is there a second?
[40:39] Karen, can you please follow the roll? Director Beckdon, Director Bush, Director Craig,
[40:50] Director of Stata, Director Kailer, Director McMahon, Director of Sino, Director Palmer,
[41:00] Director Radman, Director Ruffin, Madam Chair Brown, Madam Chair the Motion carries with
[41:08] nine eyes. Thank you. We are now recessed to close session and we'll return.
[45:30] The meeting is now in the middle of the meeting.
[55:00] We are going to give Director Craig a couple of more minutes to see if I think
[55:21] he can get him logged on.
[55:22] He's having some technical difficulties.
[55:52] We are going to give Director Craig a couple of minutes to see if I can get him logged on.
[56:07] We are going to give Director Craig a couple of minutes to see if I can get him logged on.
[56:22] We are going to give Director Craig a couple of minutes to see if I can get him logged on.
[56:52] We are going to give Director Craig a couple of minutes to see if I can get him logged on.
[57:07] We are going to give Director Craig a couple of minutes to see if I can get him logged on.
[57:22] We are going to give Director Craig a couple minutes to see if I can get him logged on.
[57:44] We are going to give Director Craig a couple minutes to see if I can get him logged on.
[57:50] We are going to give Director Craig a couple of minutes to see if I can get him logged on.
[58:00] We are going to give Director Craig a couple minutes to see if I can get him logged on.
[58:15] We are going to give Director Craig a couple minutes to see if I can get him logged on.
[58:25] We are going to give Director Craig a couple minutes to see if I can get him logged on.
[58:40] We are going to give Director Craig a couple minutes to see if I can get him logged on.
[58:55] We are going to give Director Craig a couple minutes to see if I can get him logged on.
[59:05] We are going to give Director Craig a couple minutes to see if I can get him logged on.
[59:15] We are going to give Director Craig a couple minutes to see if I can get him logged on.
[59:23] We are going to give Director Craig a couple minutes to see if I can get him logged on.
[59:33] We are going to give Director Craig a couple minutes to see if I can get him logged on.
[59:43] We are going to give Director Craig a couple minutes to see if I can get him logged on.
[59:51] We are going to give Director Craig a couple minutes to see if I can get him logged on.
[1:00:00] Chair, the motion carries with eight eyes.
[1:00:03] Chair, can you please reaccent agenda two into the record?
[1:00:08] Consent agenda two, a capital procurement from October 11th, 2023 through November 9th, 2023.
[1:00:17] A1, contract for computers, hardware, and accessories. A2, contract for railroads, switch parts.
[1:00:25] A3, contract for backslakes, station, coup, facility building addition.
[1:00:32] There are no operating procurements for October 11th through November 9th, 2023.
[1:00:39] See, see dot rock island district relocation in a governmental agreement.
[1:00:45] D, ordinance approving capital program amendment November.
[1:00:50] E, resolution approving revised 2024 board schedule.
[1:00:56] Madam Chair, consent agenda two has been read into the record.
[1:01:01] Are there any items of city agenda two that any board member would like to discuss at this time?
[1:01:08] Seeing none.
[1:01:10] Unless there's any objections, I have a motion to approve percentage in the two.
[1:01:15] Second.
[1:01:17] Karen, can you please call the roll?
[1:01:23] Consent agenda two, director back then.
[1:01:26] Aye.
[1:01:27] Director Bush.
[1:01:29] Director Craig.
[1:01:30] Director Estrada.
[1:01:32] Aye.
[1:01:33] Director Kailer.
[1:01:34] Aye.
[1:01:35] Director McMahon.
[1:01:36] Aye.
[1:01:37] Director Rossino.
[1:01:39] Aye.
[1:01:40] Director Palmer.
[1:01:41] Aye.
[1:01:42] Director Rodman.
[1:01:44] Aye.
[1:01:45] Director Ruffin.
[1:01:46] Aye.
[1:01:47] Madam Chair Powell.
[1:01:48] Aye.
[1:01:49] Madam Chair, the motion carries with nine eyes.
[1:01:52] The following course will be received and found.
[1:01:55] That is available to answer any questions.
[1:01:57] And remember the board may have pertaining to these respective reports.
[1:02:01] Can you please receive three to receive and file reports into the record?
[1:02:06] Receive and file reports.
[1:02:08] Aye.
[1:02:09] State of Metro Operations.
[1:02:11] Be real estate.
[1:02:13] See Office of Diversity and Business Enterprise.
[1:02:17] D. Wightership Trends.
[1:02:19] E. Safety and Environmental Compliance.
[1:02:22] F. Marketing.
[1:02:24] G. Project Management oversight.
[1:02:27] H. Financial.
[1:02:29] Madam Chair, the Receive and file reports have been run into the record.
[1:02:34] Thank you, Karen.
[1:02:36] Next we have three presentations.
[1:02:38] The 2024 budget and 2025 through 2026 financial plan.
[1:02:43] The 2024 fair policy and the 2024 through 2028 capital program.
[1:02:50] If the direct I can answer the register please hold off on any questions to all presentations are presented.
[1:02:56] It would help.
[1:03:02] John Morris, Chief Financial Officer.
[1:03:04] We'll present the budget plan.
[1:03:12] Madam Chair Brown members of Board of Directors, Metro staff and guests.
[1:03:17] Good afternoon and I'd like to extend to my fellow veterans.
[1:03:21] Thank you for your service.
[1:03:23] Today I'm going to cover the 2024 budget and also the plan for 2025 through 2026.
[1:03:30] All right.
[1:03:34] This isn't changed from what we presented in a priori.
[1:03:39] Board meeting.
[1:03:41] We're going to have passenger fare.
[1:03:45] Excuse me.
[1:03:47] All right.
[1:03:48] We're going to have passenger fare revenue increases that are moderated due to the growth and ridership patterns that we've seen in 2024.
[1:03:59] So we're going to be growing to attain 49 million rides in 2026.
[1:04:05] Second, we've experienced operating expenses increases that are due to inflation, particularly 222223.
[1:04:16] So our operating expense budget is increased and it increases taper down to about 3% by 2026.
[1:04:27] Our sales tax marks continue to be strong and growing continue to pattern that we've seen and compared to last year's projections there up and they're factored into the budget.
[1:04:39] We have worked to extend our COVID relief funding through to the beginning of 2026.
[1:04:49] And finally our total funding need will be approximately 275 million dollars in 2026 in order to balance our budget and provide essential funding for capital projects.
[1:05:05] Take a look at the plan itself as we can see that one of the biggest things is on the top line ridership.
[1:05:15] We've changed the ridership trajectory from the prior year estimate based on our performance this year.
[1:05:23] And the passenger revenues reflect that change as well as the new fare policy.
[1:05:32] Another thing in highlight is the other income line.
[1:05:35] We've highlighted the contribution from the NICD capital project, but it has an offsetting expense item.
[1:05:43] So this will have no impact to metro.
[1:05:48] When we look at 2026 we will see an item for 60 million dollars for capital funding that is to restart our practice of funding our metro capital funding.
[1:06:06] And another highlight I'll point out is that we do have funding spill over into 2026 almost 24 million which will push us into first quarter of 2026, but it's not sufficient to cover to full year.
[1:06:22] We estimate that we'll have a 275 million dollar gap for that year and we expect that's a request for funding to the state.
[1:06:35] I will now be followed by Aaron Martin's with the fair policy.
[1:06:41] Before Aaron began, I noticed what's received from Director Rod Craig in accordance with the Illinois law.
[1:06:48] Director Craig will be deemed authorized to attend the meeting electronically unless there's a motion of checking to the electronic attendance is made.
[1:06:56] Is there a motion to object?
[1:06:59] Here you can see none. Director Craig, you are declared present for today's board meeting.
[1:07:06] Thank you.
[1:07:08] Good morning Madam Chair, members of the board. I will be presenting our 2024 fair policy proposal.
[1:07:17] Staff is asking the board to approve the 2024 fair plan as it was presented to the board in October.
[1:07:23] This slide shows the new simplified fair table as it is proposed.
[1:07:29] Focusing in on the three key points of the proposal we are proposing to replace the existing ten fair zones with four zones.
[1:07:38] Replace the ten ride ticket with the day pass five pack and to discontinue incremental fairs.
[1:07:44] I would like to acknowledge that of the 97 public comments we received through our various channels for public feedback on the budget.
[1:07:51] 67 of those were related to the fair proposal.
[1:07:54] The largest share of those comments, 18 comments were related to the proposal to replace the ten ride ticket with the day pass five pack.
[1:08:02] This change doesn't line with one of our primary goals for the proposed fair structure, which is to simplify fair collection.
[1:08:08] With this change in place all met her fair products purchase through vending machines and the venture app will be time limited rather than triple limited.
[1:08:16] Or in other words they will expire automatically after purchase at a vending machine or activation on the venture app rather than having to be punched by a conductor on the train.
[1:08:26] This means that the ticket will only need to be checked by the conductor five times over the life of the ticket rather than ten times over the life of the ticket with the ten ride as it is today.
[1:08:36] This will protect revenue collection against instances where trains are very crowded or there's a service and a rupture preventing conductor from being able to check every ticket.
[1:08:45] In response to public feedback that we received during the survey that was conducted over the summer, we did adjust the expiration of the proposed day pass five pack to 90 days matching the current ten ride as opposed to 30 days which was originally proposed.
[1:09:01] If approved this change will take effect on February 1st we are developing customer facing materials and preparing messaging for the transition.
[1:09:09] We will use all of our available communication channels to message the change and we have developed training materials for our conductors and customer facing personnel.
[1:09:18] So that when customers have questions they'll be in a good place to answer those questions.
[1:09:22] And finally we will be closely monitoring customer feedback as well as ticket sales after implementation if approved and we will keep the board informed of any issues that arise.
[1:09:32] And that concludes my presentation.
[1:09:41] Sorry, and Lynette Silverbele will now present the 2024 through 2028 capital program.
[1:09:50] Thank you, Erin. Good afternoon, forward madam chair. So as John said with the operating side there have been no changes proposed to the capital program that we presented last month and is part of the overall budget document that you received.
[1:10:08] We are anticipating getting just shy of two billion dollars on in funding sources that's from a variety of federal formula funds federal discretionary funds state pay go dollars and then some RTA bond ice and a section 53 10 grant.
[1:10:29] The program in budget document and at the last board meeting I went through the myriad of projects that are proposed for the 2024 program as well as a look ahead for the 2025 through 2028 program there have been no changes to this to what was proposed in October.
[1:10:46] You'll see we're allocating 33% of the overall funds to rolling stock another 25% to bridges track infrastructure 13% to stations and parking 12% facilities and equipment and then rounding it out 9% to signal electrical and communications and finally 7% to support activities.
[1:11:10] The 2024 budget was subject to in person public hearings on November 1st and 2nd of virtual public hearing was also held on November 1st in conjunction with the city of Chicago hearing comments were accepted via mail email and voicemail.
[1:11:25] We received a total of 82 comments via mail email and voicemail and 15 people presented comments in person either online or at one of the eight public hearings that were hosted throughout the region for total of 97 comments.
[1:11:40] The completed summary of all the comments received throughout the 2024 budget hearing and public comment period has been provided to the board for your review and consideration in addition the required equity analysis report for the 2024 fair structure changes the 2023 service changes were provided to the board for your review.
[1:12:00] At this time staff will entertain questions as well as we would ask the board to consider approving the ordinance for the 2024 operating and capital program and budget the 2025 through 2021 26 financial plan and the 2025 through 2021 a capital program as well as the updated fair policy.
[1:12:22] Are there any questions for John Erin or Lynette at this time for many more members.
[1:12:27] Dr. King.
[1:12:29] Which who Erin but Lynette.
[1:12:32] That's really a very good capital layout of everything that's going on it's easy to understand I appreciate that.
[1:12:45] Thank you and thanks to the full team who helped with that.
[1:12:51] So Erin maybe this is something that we should ask her I should ask the question about a long time ago but when we're changing these fairs and they in my opinion they're very very a fair fairs.
[1:13:07] But when we talk about the passengers that have to purchase on for the train are we still going to be imposing a fee to the conductor collects in addition to the ticket for rendering the ticket on the train.
[1:13:25] At the start no we will not be because of both the significant fair change and because of where we're in transition between our you know current ticket agents and the vending machines that were steadily rolling throughout the system.
[1:13:37] Recognizing that that's a big transition we will be suspending that search arch for the time being.
[1:13:44] When you say time being though do we have a time certain or I mean because this is a great thing for the passengers that you know can't get to the ticket machine or whatever the reason might be to be able to you know purchase the ticket on the train.
[1:14:01] If we I don't know if it's a good thing to publicize or not it's nice that we're not charging it.
[1:14:08] But if we tell everybody we're not charging it that they're going to not want to use the ticket machines if they're available so it's kind of a two-edged sword.
[1:14:17] But I mean I'm happy to hear that I guess is what I'm saying but it may come.
[1:14:22] So thank you for that clarification.
[1:14:26] Do you have something to add to that.
[1:14:29] And do you just want to make the clarification that that search charges on the charge to a customer it's certain locations where there's a ticket agent on duty is that.
[1:14:41] Yeah, currently that that search hard to believe the exact taxes that it's only charged to customers where there is a ticket agent or a ticket vending machine.
[1:14:49] And I think that that's why we've considered softening it because we're rolling out ticket machines on a much greater scale than we have in the past.
[1:14:56] Okay. Thank you.
[1:14:59] Are there any.
[1:15:00] May the questions of Aaron Lynette or John regarding the presentations. Hearing and seeing, I'm sorry.
[1:15:10] I'm just going to move to approve.
[1:15:12] Okay, hearing and seeing them have a motion to approve the ordinance, authorizing the approval and
[1:15:16] transmittal to the RTA, a metrics operating, capital program and budget financial plan and the capital program.
[1:15:24] So moved.
[1:15:25] Second. Second.
[1:15:27] Karen, can you call the roll?
[1:15:31] Director, backton.
[1:15:33] Aye.
[1:15:35] Director Bush.
[1:15:37] Director Craig.
[1:15:39] Aye.
[1:15:41] Director Estrada.
[1:15:42] Aye.
[1:15:43] Director Kayler.
[1:15:45] Aye.
[1:15:46] Director McMahon.
[1:15:47] Aye.
[1:15:48] Director Orcino.
[1:15:49] Aye.
[1:15:50] Director Palmer.
[1:15:51] Aye.
[1:15:52] Director Redmond.
[1:15:53] Aye.
[1:15:54] Madame Chair Brown.
[1:15:58] Aye.
[1:15:59] Madame Chair, the motion carries with ten eyes.
[1:16:03] Next, we have the CFO update presentation from John Morris, which will be followed by the system deputy executive director of operation,
[1:16:11] Kevin Raining with operations quarterly update.
[1:16:15] John.
[1:16:17] Madame Chair, quick question for Jim.
[1:16:19] Excuse me, just a moment, John.
[1:16:21] I'm sorry.
[1:16:22] Thank you.
[1:16:23] All right.
[1:16:24] Good afternoon again.
[1:16:25] I'm going to cover the 20 23 September.
[1:16:26] Financial highlights.
[1:16:28] First we'll start with operating revenue.
[1:16:30] For the month of September, we are $1 million.
[1:16:34] Under budget or unfavorable.
[1:16:37] And that's driven mostly by.
[1:16:41] Or driven by the passenger revenues.
[1:16:43] And there's two drivers behind that.
[1:16:58] One is we were down in ridership in September.
[1:17:03] And then the second reason is the average fair is lower.
[1:17:06] And the major driver of that is the.
[1:17:09] Metro portion of the fair transit south cooks of the subsidy.
[1:17:15] This shortfall of 2.7 million is partially offset by higher lease revenues and higher miscellaneous revenues.
[1:17:24] And the main driver on the miscellaneous revenues, which is 1.3 million, is higher interest income that we see on our cash that we have on hand.
[1:17:37] If we track to operating expenses, we are 5.3 million under budget and here it's favorable.
[1:17:45] And a driver here is the 3.6 million that we're lower in the operations.
[1:17:52] And that's mostly head count related.
[1:17:54] We've talked about the need to ramp up hiring the difficulties there.
[1:18:01] And then administration is 1.4 million.
[1:18:04] Again, that's mostly head count although partly offset by some pension charges, which is really adjustments of our pension reliability routine.
[1:18:17] We've also seen favorability in our diesel fuel and this is pretty much based on spot pricing.
[1:18:24] So right now for the year to date, we're nearly $64 million under budget on expenses.
[1:18:34] We look at sales taxes, sales taxes came in for the month of July at about almost 44 million, which is about 2 million dollars higher, 4.5%.
[1:18:46] And for the full year, we're about $16 million over budget.
[1:18:52] Note, however, we've always been favorable for this year, the amount that we're favorable has been declining.
[1:19:00] So we need to keep an eye on that.
[1:19:07] When we look at what this means is we're about on with the operating revenue and we are $64 million,
[1:19:16] which gives us about $80 million that we're lower than the budget.
[1:19:29] And what this means is we're using $80 million less of federal COVID relief funds.
[1:19:35] And this helps enable us to stretch it out into 2026.
[1:19:44] Changing gears a little bit, we'll talk about passenger ridership.
[1:19:48] For the month of October, we were only at $3.1 million, so we're down $200,000 versus the budget.
[1:19:56] And for the year, we're about 1.7 million rides below budget.
[1:20:03] But no, this is a substantial increase versus 2022.
[1:20:08] So what we're just seeing is the rate of recovery of ridership is not as favorable as we had projected last year.
[1:20:16] And that's been reflected in the budget.
[1:20:20] Are there any questions?
[1:20:23] Hearing no questions from anyone.
[1:20:36] Thank you, John.
[1:20:38] Good afternoon.
[1:20:39] Thank you.
[1:20:48] Good afternoon.
[1:20:49] Madam Chair, Brown and Board of Directors.
[1:20:52] Today, I'm here to present our quarterly operations performance report for August, September and October.
[1:21:04] Overall, our on-time performance came in at 94.9% for the three month period.
[1:21:11] We operated 49,198 trains ahead of toll of 2,519 delays.
[1:21:18] Line level on-time performance range from 88.3% to 97.8%.
[1:21:31] This slide here, a little busy, but it reflects major incidents that impacted our on-time performance during the three month period.
[1:21:40] On August 23rd, we had an A2 switch failure that impacted the U.P. West heritage and the Milwaukee North.
[1:21:48] 21 trains were delayed due to this one single incident.
[1:21:52] Both the primary and secondary backup air compressor failed as a result of overheating in the elevated temps.
[1:22:05] Also on August 24th, we had heat restrictions that impacted all lines.
[1:22:11] Local temps reached 100 degrees and resulted in 32 total delays.
[1:22:17] On that day, it was Chicago's first 100 degree weather day since July 6th of 2012.
[1:22:29] On August 28th, we experienced the development on Iraq Island, which impacted us on August 28th and August 29th.
[1:22:38] 52 trains were delayed due to this incident, including 40 annulments.
[1:22:47] On August, I'm sorry, on October 16th, we had a pedestrian incident at North Chicago, U.P. North line.
[1:22:55] 20 trains were delayed due to this incident, including eight annulments.
[1:23:03] During October 25th, through the 30th, we experienced will slip incidents caused by falling leaves and slippery rail conditions.
[1:23:12] Approximately 27 trains were delayed during this period.
[1:23:17] Milwaukee North, the Rock Island, U.P. North, and U.P. North West were all impacted.
[1:23:31] This next slide reflects the top three causes of delays for the role in quarter.
[1:23:36] They were police activity emergency responses, engineering failures, and maintenance away.
[1:23:43] These three buckets made up 46% of our overall delays for the three-month period.
[1:23:49] We will review each of these categories in detail over the next three slides.
[1:23:58] The largest delay caused category for the three-month period was police activity emergency responses.
[1:24:06] A few of the major incidents that occurred were on the VNSF, August 17, 2013.
[1:24:11] One had a fatal pedestrian strike at Westwant, which drove 36 delays, including 13 annulments.
[1:24:18] On the U.P. West, on August 30th, we had police activity in New South Main Street and Lumbard due to a search for a missing Chicago.
[1:24:26] This single incident created 21 delays, including eight annulments.
[1:24:31] On the U.P. North, on October 16th, train 320, fatally struck a pedestrian at North Chicago, which created 20 delays, including eight annulments.
[1:24:47] This next slide here reflects engineering failures, which were the second largest cause category for delays for August, September, and October.
[1:24:58] The highest number of engineering failures delays occurred on the Rock Island. On August 28th, we had multiple delays due to train 704, which derailed.
[1:25:10] This drove 52 delays, including 40 annulments.
[1:25:15] On the South West Service, we experienced the second highest impact on August 28th.
[1:25:20] Multiple delays due to an NS system-wide key server outage. This single incident created 13 delays.
[1:25:33] This slide reflects a maintenance away, which was the third highest delay cause category for August, September, and October.
[1:25:40] Major incidents included delays on the South West Service on September, and 19th.
[1:25:45] There were, which were due to a South Branch bridge that was stuck in the up position.
[1:25:51] This created 15 delays, including nine annulments.
[1:25:55] On the Rock Island, on October 25th, we had a temporary speed restriction caused by contractor construction site at Malipose 8.75,
[1:26:05] This created 13 delays. Also, on the Rock Island, on October 26th, we had a track warrant and speed restrictions at Persian Road at 84th Street, which created 10 delays.
[1:26:25] Looking in our quarterly on-time performance of our peer rail system, overall, Metro performed better than Long Island Railroad, New Jersey Transit, and South Eastern Pennsylvania Transit.
[1:26:38] And as typical Metro North Railroad outperformed all lines, Metro North will need the 95% goal all three months.
[1:26:46] This slide compares July, August, and September, because our peer railroads had not published a performance for October as of yet.
[1:26:59] At this time, I'd like to have our chief safety officer Hillary come up and speak on what we've observed in our civil-sital interventions.
[1:27:09] Tell me.
[1:27:18] Good afternoon, Madam Chair, Board of Directors. Today, I'm going to cover our interventions, pedestrian and vehicle incidents.
[1:27:25] The slide here identifies a five-year snapshot of our suicidal interventions.
[1:27:36] Metro, just real quick, what I want to do is just kind of give you an overview of the interventions.
[1:27:41] Metro provides suicidal awareness training to our employers, or I should say our employees, such as our conductors, engineers, ticket agents, customer service reps,
[1:27:51] signal maintainers, any employee that may come in contact with somebody along the railroad right away.
[1:27:58] The training provides our employees with the tools to identify someone who's in distress, or in crisis, exhibiting the signs of self-harm on or near our Metro tracks.
[1:28:09] When a person in distress is brought to safety, we consider that an intervention. We count that as an intervention.
[1:28:16] If I draw your attention to the red line on the chart here, you'll see beginning January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2020, on average, we've had 5.4 interventions a month.
[1:28:35] You'll notice a considerable increase.
[1:28:41] From February 1, I'm sorry, January 1, 2023 to date, which is actually that's October 31, 2023.
[1:28:58] The average number of interventions over the 10-month period increased to 9.7 interventions a month.
[1:29:05] That's an 80% increase from the previous four-year average of 5.4.
[1:29:15] This graph indicates all train and pedestrian and vehicle incidents, including the interventions that we previous spoke about.
[1:29:24] Looking at the bottom of the graph, years 20 through 2022, our year and totals.
[1:29:31] The first 10 months of 2023, we already have 152 incidents exceeding our 2022 total.
[1:29:40] You'll notice a lot of peaks and valleys on the chart indicating the highs and lows with regard to the number of incidents each month.
[1:29:49] If you draw your attention to the red line, you'll see during 2020 through 2022, the highest number of incidents peaked at the red line.
[1:30:00] For 2023, which is identified in the red box, you'll see a trending crease to levels we've never seen before. Currently to date, we have 97
[1:30:12] interventions alone. Last year for the entire year of 2022, we only had 61 interventions. To put
[1:30:21] the sense of numerical perspective for 2022, we averaged 12.4 incidents a month. The first 10 months
[1:30:31] of 2023, we averaged 15.2 incidents a month. If we continue this trend for the next two months,
[1:30:38] November, December, will end the year with 182.4 incidents. That's a 22% increase over 2022.
[1:30:48] So, you probably want to know what we're doing. So, we're continuing to work on reducing the
[1:30:56] number of incidents through several safety initiatives. We currently are revamping
[1:31:01] measures annual safety poster and essay contest to include social media such as Facebook and
[1:31:07] Instagram Reels and TikTok videos. This will allow metrics to expand its competition to students
[1:31:13] and varying talents across all demographics. The Facebook and Instagram Reels and TikTok videos
[1:31:20] will be used as PSA's educating people through social media expanding our outreach. We've increased
[1:31:26] the number of stations safety blitz is conducted by 96% where we personally engage our customers and talk
[1:31:33] with them about safe behaviors around gray crossings and the railroad right of way. In 2023, we conducted
[1:31:39] 55 station safety blitz's versus 28 and 2022. We've increased our community outreach in
[1:31:46] real safety education at community events, schools, drivers, education classes, and with bus drivers,
[1:31:53] by 141%. We continue to provide employees with QPR suicide awareness training, which I spoke
[1:32:02] about earlier. This program has been very successful on Metro's a leader in the industry with regard
[1:32:08] to mental health and suicide prevention, being the first regional railroad in the United States to
[1:32:15] provide its employees with this type of training. I'll be speaking and sharing our program initiatives
[1:32:20] at 2FRA conference is 1 in December of 2023 and another 1 in February of 2024. We installed new
[1:32:28] mental health awareness signs this year at all of Metro's 2402 stations with the suicide prevention
[1:32:35] lifeline number 98, as well as a text option by texting I got you to 741-741. The
[1:32:43] person in crisis will be connected to a licensed therapist. We are working with the Cook County Department
[1:32:49] of Mental Health and McLean, which is a Harvard medical school affiliate out of Boston,
[1:32:54] Massachusetts, on a print and billboard campaign designed to help change the attitudes and stigma
[1:33:01] associated with mental health. We also recently met with Chris Cross Foundation, which is a
[1:33:08] mental health or an organization serving mental health patients who can't afford to pay for it on their own
[1:33:17] and they're going to be working with us to host a mental health awareness blitzes at our railroad stations,
[1:33:26] similar to our station safety blitz program. The goal is to personally engage customers and share
[1:33:32] the resources provided by the Chris Cross Foundation as well as other mental health organizations within
[1:33:38] the region. Our first mental health awareness blitz will be at the instale's train station with the
[1:33:43] exact date pending and finally we held our by annual breaking the silence symposium on October 18th,
[1:33:50] which Mr. Durinsky will share with you in his board report. Thank you and I thought we have
[1:33:56] to take any questions at this time.
[1:34:06] Hillary, you and your staff are doing a fantastic job. There's just a lot of stuff going on with
[1:34:11] mental illness, but I'm going to tell you you can't fix stupid because this morning and the train
[1:34:16] that I wrote in on one station and the engineer couldn't see it, because this young adult
[1:34:22] went in front of the head car so close so that nobody could really see him to get over so you
[1:34:28] could hop on the car and we're downtown and the lights are down, gates are down, pedestrians are stopped
[1:34:36] and here comes this stupid guy in a bicycle and I mean it wasn't really that close but he should
[1:34:44] is stopped because God knows if he had fallen over that train wasn't going to stop so you can't
[1:34:50] help that stuff. So when I look at your you know trains versus pedestrians or vehicles you know they're
[1:34:56] getting dumber all the time. And just to respond to that so that's where our station safety blitz program
[1:35:03] comes in into play. We've increased at the 55 this year and you have to commend the metropolitan
[1:35:11] police department because they've been at everything on one of them. And we have actually in those
[1:35:16] instances we've much a police have actually ticketed the individuals who exhibit that kind of behavior.
[1:35:24] So did that make you seem. Hillary I also would like to tell you what a great job of
[1:35:33] your team is doing the question I do have is we kind of do things like shotgun approach where going to
[1:35:39] schools will go and onto the you know different places and we're doing all that stuff is there any
[1:35:44] way and I understand federal hip-a-laws is there any way that we could get the data on a national level
[1:35:50] and even more so on a local regional level. What's driving you know these incidents what kind of
[1:35:58] is it bullying is it this is it that so we could further surgically look at where we need to do
[1:36:05] the biggest impact is there any way to get that without tying names and it doesn't make any difference
[1:36:10] what the names are it's just what's causing this and how can we get to it. So we work with obviously
[1:36:18] Cook County Department of Public Health with their mental health program. The amount of data that
[1:36:25] we're able to get is basically demographics, age, you know, location of incidents that we have. But
[1:36:37] to get you know specific details what's driving a lot of these behaviors and the events
[1:36:43] they won't share with us. We've been working with the American Foundation as suicide
[1:36:48] and they're very reluctant to even provide us with the when somebody get a thousand
[1:36:56] ninety-eight number they won't provide us with like the general location if they were in Chicago or if they
[1:37:02] were in a suburb or that sort of thing. The only way that we can identify a location of somebody that
[1:37:09] has contacted one of our resources that we have on our new signage is through that crisis text line
[1:37:17] where that specific I got you tagline is tied to mattress specifically. Yeah it seems to me that
[1:37:24] you know this is going up exponentially we look at that you know through the years every year goes up it goes up
[1:37:28] it goes up I think that would be critical maybe we need to talk to some of our legislators or whatever and
[1:37:35] this is a real life problem and I'm asking for names and I'm not you know what is it is again
[1:37:41] is it bullying is it you know parents and child problems is it homelessness what what is it so we can
[1:37:48] identify the problem and then go after that root cause. So what I that's a good point that you brought up because
[1:37:56] I've been doing this for a long time I mean even and every every region is different for example
[1:38:06] Caltrain in California their their issues are homelessness and they have a lot of homeless people committing suicide.
[1:38:15] You know in Chicago it's very hard to identify because there there's so many protections but we are working with
[1:38:22] the FRA to kind of ease up on some of the reporting requirements and the secretive behind some of these
[1:38:31] these suicides they're releasing a lot more information on the FRA side so hopefully we'll be able to get some
[1:38:39] some information that way but we are working with like Cook County and then I know that
[1:38:45] director Craig had offered you know to work with one of his mental health
[1:38:52] organizations so I think if we work individually with the mental health organizations we can get some
[1:38:59] information that way but not a lot of data I think a lot of it is just it honestly it's so random
[1:39:09] a lot of it is bullying but demographic wise it's still your middle aged male
[1:39:17] you know upper middle class that that are you know committing these acts.
[1:39:22] Director Craig did I see your hand up? Yeah yes you did you have a comment comment just comment
[1:39:35] Hillary has provided excellent support to our community following the upgrade of the
[1:39:46] crossing so we have what was observed during that event was somebody running across the tracks down
[1:39:55] downwind and as a result of that the I don't know if it was a metro officer in front of the individual
[1:40:05] but Hillary observed that the wire blind that goes between the tracks needed to be extended and that
[1:40:14] occurred and you know that kind of attention and the continual attention within our own community around
[1:40:22] safety I think help when I'm in the school talking about let's be observing if you see a friend that's in
[1:40:30] harm's way please share it and I think incrementally we're doing many things that are important
[1:40:39] sharing it with the mayor's caucus is helpful and I support that additionally but Hillary's without
[1:40:46] standing in his support with all the upper authorities so thanks thank all of you. Thank you.
[1:40:54] Thank you. Do you want to work upon? Yeah for the tools you're given and allowed to use and I'm
[1:41:04] really also you you're in your team do great work along with obviously what we saw of our
[1:41:09] metro team earlier our conductors and everybody else this is a horrible situation that we're put in and
[1:41:16] and just my heart goes to every one of our people that are involved in saving our life but also those that
[1:41:26] unfortunately the other outcome. Hillary in your stats and things were those all saves or
[1:41:34] was that attempts or was that attempts and also those we lost so this this this slide is all
[1:41:44] incidents interventions fatalities all the above then the previous slide is just interventions
[1:41:53] and you'll see in 2023 they've spiked and an intervention as is a safe. Is a safe correct.
[1:42:07] Are there another question for Hillary we can move on Kevin was there any additional presentation?
[1:42:15] Yes Madam Chair we very excited to provide a description and an update on our
[1:42:22] MED 90 project El Pagate who is our Senior Director of Signal PTC Engineering and Sean Cranie Cronin our Senior
[1:42:30] Director of Mechanical Capital Projects will walk us through this. Good afternoon Madam Chair and
[1:42:37] Metro Board of Directors. My name is down on the codec I am the Senior Director of Signal and PTC Engineering
[1:42:42] and Metro and today I'm with Sean Cronin the Senior Director of Mechanical Capital Projects. Sean and I are excited
[1:42:53] we're excited to announce that the MED 90 technical working group was established to study any
[1:42:57] term how to increase trains feet under metric line. Bringing their trains feet equal to or greater than
[1:43:03] our other freight lines but the ultimate goal of traveling 90 miles an hour. Our current maximum
[1:43:08] authorized feet under metric electric line is 65 miles an hour. Our initial analysis suggests increase
[1:43:13] in trains feet to 79 miles an hour versus 90 miles an hour as a first step would be significantly quicker
[1:43:20] due to the infrastructure improvements required for 90 mile an hour service. Many metric disciplines
[1:43:25] have been involved in this project where team members are from the mechanical department. In the engineering
[1:43:30] department we have staff from seven disciplines working on this project where team members are from the
[1:43:34] electrical overhead catenary system, electrical substations, signal construction, signal engineering,
[1:43:40] PTC engineering, track, building and bridges and from the transportation side where team members are from
[1:43:47] PTC operations and regulations, rules, scheduling, dispatching, a rail traffic control
[1:43:53] model and our train engineers and conductors. Our team probably shows a short video clip of our first
[1:44:01] test train.
[1:44:16] At October 29th, 2023 a 79 mile an hour test section was established on the south end of the electric
[1:44:22] line between a mile pole 1788 and 2343 where a test train performed a variety of tests. Test trains were
[1:44:29] operated at speed to 70, 75 and 79 miles an hour. Many videos and test data were compiled in
[1:44:36] recorded and each discipline is currently reviewing this data.
[1:44:43] And now Sean is going to talk about a few of the customer benefits of this project.
[1:44:51] Thank you, Alan Madam Chair and board. Thank you. The metric team has begun the work but the one big
[1:44:56] question is what are the benefits of this? The main benefit.
[1:45:00] A bit of this project is that Metro will improve passenger mobility to the region through faster commuter times on the metro electric.
[1:45:08] Faster speeds offer metro electric trains and increased overall average speed from start to finish.
[1:45:15] With faster train trips, those more of an opportunity to add service. For example, if trains arrive at the terminal three minutes faster, turn around and head to the outline point and get there three minutes faster, these little three minutes segments compound throughout the day.
[1:45:29] This will allow us extra operational flexibility where we can add service without requiring additional resources.
[1:45:38] Faster train speeds also allow for more consistent service by reducing variability and increasing operational flexibility, thus allowing a more predictable service for our customers.
[1:45:51] Customers can expect Metro to recover quicker from in-row failures due to minor operating issues caused by weather infrastructure failures and construction projects.
[1:46:01] Higher trains speeds allow faster schedule recovery times in between station stops. This can lead to a direct improvement on time performance.
[1:46:10] In addition, we'll create better connections with our transit partners on the electric lines such as Amtrak at Homewood, South Shore at Kensington and Millennium.
[1:46:20] CTA throughout our network and pace at the highway transportation hub.
[1:46:25] Also, there are some intangible benefits related to customers feeling a more modern train due to higher acceleration and faster views of the outside world as they travel at higher speeds.
[1:46:37] At this point, I'm going to turn it back over to Al to discuss the next steps for our team.
[1:46:47] So, next steps in the areas of focus. So, faster trains require more durable engineering and mechanical assets.
[1:46:53] We'll continue to enhance resiliency of our Metro electric infrastructure and minorize it to more robust standards of operation.
[1:47:00] Thus, coupling immediate maintenance needs would afford a look and vision of durability, quality and safety.
[1:47:06] We'll continue to procure and install the required assets to support this initiative and operate test trains to validate our infrastructure can reliably support these faster trains while ensuring passenger safety.
[1:47:18] There are many challenges in front of us. Therefore, the project has been split into multiple segments.
[1:47:24] Each with unique challenges, currently we are concentrating our efforts between University Park and 673 Interlocking.
[1:47:31] Because we believe we can make these infrastructure improvements quicker than we could on an north end of the line.
[1:47:36] Each of these segments listed are not dependent on the other, and tracks be can be increased for each segment after infrastructure improvements have been completed in each segment.
[1:47:47] That includes our presentation today.
[1:47:51] Thank you. Are there any questions regarding the ME-90 project?
[1:47:56] I just have one.
[1:47:58] Director Sina.
[1:47:59] Yeah, the question I have. You know, we have an electric district, especially with the power load and everything else in power distribution.
[1:48:05] Where we used to have to keep the trains at a lower speed when you had a bunch of trains together, is that being taken into consideration for?
[1:48:14] Yes, it is.
[1:48:15] So actually five of the test trains that we ran at 79 miles an hour, we did run at a high rate.
[1:48:21] Typically today we run at a low rate.
[1:48:23] Right.
[1:48:24] So the proof of concept that we didn't with our test rate was very successful in meaning that we did not trip any circuit breakers at that time.
[1:48:33] So.
[1:48:34] Good. All right. Thank you.
[1:48:36] Director Ruffen.
[1:48:37] You running testing the evening and during the day.
[1:48:39] These test trains were done on a Sunday.
[1:48:42] I was on Sunday morning on October 29th. We completed testing the raw one.
[1:48:46] Yeah.
[1:48:50] Thank you.
[1:48:52] Okay.
[1:48:53] Yes.
[1:48:54] We'd like to.
[1:48:55] Ask Mohammed Alamara, who's our director of EEM to come up and please give a description and update on our enterprise asset management program.
[1:49:04] Thank you, Kevin.
[1:49:05] Good morning. Good afternoon.
[1:49:08] Madam chair and members of the board.
[1:49:10] My name is Mohammed Alamara director of enterprise asset management here at Metro.
[1:49:14] I'm excited today to present improving operations at Metro with enterprise asset management.
[1:49:22] So I'd like to start my presentation today to go back to 2016.
[1:49:26] And that's when the FTA published a final rule to define state of good repair, which is STR,
[1:49:32] and issued the minimal federal requirements for transit asset management.
[1:49:38] And this applies to all public transportation agencies who receive federal funds and who own, operate or manage public transportation capital assets.
[1:49:47] And one of the reasons for these requirements is due to a different maintenance and replacement backlog of transit assets across the country,
[1:49:54] estimated to be over $100 billion.
[1:49:57] The industry needed better asset management practices.
[1:50:02] In addition to the development of templates, transit agencies were required to have asset inventory.
[1:50:08] Condition assessment of inventory assets and a prioritized list of investments to improve the state of good repair of capital assets.
[1:50:17] Transit agencies will also require to set performance targets for their capital assets based on STR,
[1:50:22] and to report their targets to the national transit database.
[1:50:28] Metro is up to date with these requirements and is in full compliance.
[1:50:33] Now, Metro's transit asset management plan was initiated in 2016,
[1:50:39] and the first formal version was completed and issued in October of 2018.
[1:50:45] This slide lists the nine core elements required by the FTA that are included in Metro's TAM plan.
[1:50:51] The plan provides an organization-wide view of asset management work necessary for Metro to deliver transit services.
[1:50:59] Metro's TAM plan fully meets the FTA's requirement and establishes their relationship between Metro's strategic goals and the level of service provided and the required technical performance of Metro's assets.
[1:51:17] Next, I'd like to introduce Metro's enterprise asset management, EAM, which plays a key role in effective asset management and metrics ability to meet TAM requirements.
[1:51:28] Now, in this case, Enterprise refers to the management of assets across all departments, locations and facilities in the agency.
[1:51:37] Metro uses maximum and currently service max as well to maintain asset information and data on tens of thousands of assets.
[1:51:47] Now, connecting EAM back to TAM and distinguishing between the two, we can view TAM as the regulations, guiding the management of transit assets.
[1:51:58] EAM not only is limited to meeting regulatory requirements, but includes a more extensive range of capabilities.
[1:52:06] For example, while TAM requires an analytical process or tool for tests like capital asset investment prioritization and estimating capital reads, it doesn't necessarily specify software as a requirement.
[1:52:20] In contrast, EAM involves a centralized software system, meeting these requirements and going beyond it by integrating additional tools for a more efficient agency.
[1:52:35] Now, in terms of Metro's enterprise asset management strategy, Metro established a division within operations to implement EAM.
[1:52:44] The team is in the initial phase of the implementation, which builds upon previous transit asset management efforts as detailed in Metro's TAM plan.
[1:52:53] IBM maximum selective for Metro's operations EAM software system.
[1:52:58] Maximum was initially only using the mechanical department and primarily for work tracking, work order tracking.
[1:53:05] It will now be expanded across the agency and working with other departments and conjunction with them will eventually be integrated with our labor and ERP systems in order to capture all costs associated all costs and labor data associated with operational assets.
[1:53:23] For now, Metro's also currently utilizing service max and capital planning and project delivery.
[1:53:30] Now, the benefit of this is now time consuming and paper-based reporting, which can sometimes be out of date or inaccurate is being replaced with real-time data captured by employees who maintain or operate assets on a daily basis.
[1:53:45] This can happen through their direct interaction with our EAM maximal system on their desktops or mobile devices or through integrations of other systems such as sensors or real profile measurement systems etc.
[1:54:00] Once the EAM is completed, the system is completed throughout the agency Metro will have a comprehensive and central system for asset management.
[1:54:11] Now, next I'd like to provide some examples of some of the EAM projects the team has been currently working on and it covers different areas within Metro.
[1:54:21] For example, for operations, we now have defect and work order reports are now generated daily and automatically emailed to responsible parties for action.
[1:54:31] These reports are also discussed and updated during our daily nine o'clock conference call and it includes the switch and signal defects reports and TTC failure reports.
[1:54:41] And then, as you can see here, we have other projects going on with the different departments in mechanical engineering, transportation safety, as well as elevator management.
[1:54:54] Next I'd like to give some examples of some of the applications the team has been working on.
[1:54:59] For example, here we have one of the employees out in the field in the mechanical department conducting their daily inspections.
[1:55:11] And because you can see here when you pull up the application, you see all the all the all the trains in that location that require a daily inspection and when you select one of the trains.
[1:55:23] You'll see the consists associated with that trains that basically you can select one of the equipment on the train or the one of the cars or local motors to conduct your daily inspection.
[1:55:36] And these are the specific tax, for example, you have this is a car inspection where you have the interior exterior and then class one air break inspection.
[1:55:47] And then once all the work orders are completed for the daily inspections, you see a listing of all the trains and all the closed with daily inspection for the day.
[1:55:55] And you can note here is with these consists information, this is what fees are PTC system, so once they complete the daily, the consists for the train feeds the PTC system that's required to have up to date information on the equipment on that train.
[1:56:15] Another example is an application for elevator management and this is an application used by our inspectors in the field to conduct the internal elevator inspections.
[1:56:25] As you can see here, this is the listing of all the elevators in the metro system.
[1:56:31] And when you, for example, you select one of the elevators, you'll have additional details on the elevator, you can pull up a map on it, you have the address, you also have information on who's responsible for the maintenance, whether it's owned or by metro or a third party.
[1:56:47] And then when you can select one of these elevators, you can basically our field inspectors can complete their inspections and record it in on their mobile device.
[1:57:04] As you can see here, these are the different tasks associated with the specific inspection.
[1:57:09] Again, these are, this is what's called a a job plan, so you can have several inspections associated with whatever inspection this specified.
[1:57:23] In addition to the mobile application for elevators, we also developed a elevator management system in maximum and this is used by our train reporting customer communications department track.
[1:57:36] And this records all the elevator trouble calls.
[1:57:40] And from here, you can get real time alerts on the status of elevators.
[1:57:44] We also have daily reports that list any open work orders for elevator issues, completed work orders.
[1:57:52] In addition to that, we have daily reports on what's out of service elevators in the system, as well as details on service contracts.
[1:58:02] In addition to that, we have monthly reports to detail specific KPIs, as well as you can also get on demand statistics on the performance of the elevators throughout the system.
[1:58:19] Now, going back to the EAM implementation plan.
[1:58:24] Metro will have three EAM implementation phases and it will involve incrementally adding EAM functionality across all of Metro assets.
[1:58:34] Phase one will include your core asset management functionality as listed here, which is your asset registry easier condition inspections, your work requests were planning warranty and reporting.
[1:58:47] And phase two will include the advanced functionality, which is moving warehouse management into maximum, as well as planning and budgeting and advanced analytics.
[1:58:57] This work is being done in house by our EAM team.
[1:59:02] Not only with this approach result in significant cost savings for Metro, but we can also tailor the EAM system to align specifically with with Metro's needs workflows and unique processes while incorporating all of the EAM requirements.
[1:59:16] We will also have better control over the system's development, maintenance and evolution, and ensure in greater ownership and accountability.
[1:59:28] Now, in closing, I'd like to summarize and say, EAM will provide Metro with an enterprise level visibility across the organization.
[1:59:37] Once EAM is completed throughout the agency, Metro will have a comprehensive and central system for asset tracking, maintenance scheduling, performance monitoring and data analysis.
[1:59:48] And we'll improve, we'll improve the experience for our customers.
[1:59:53] And before I conclude, I'd like to take a moment to acknowledge and extend my thanks and appreciation to the dedicated work.
[2:00:00] I'm T. Moore here today, whose efforts and expertise that made the progress and success made so far with the A.M. possible.
[2:00:09] Thank you.
[2:00:17] And now I'll open up the floor for Q&A.
[2:00:21] Are there any questions at this time?
[2:00:25] Hearing and seeing on from our virtual board member.
[2:00:30] Thank you.
[2:00:31] Thank you.
[2:00:35] Our next.
[2:00:37] We have an executive director report from Mr. DeWinsky.
[2:00:41] Thank you very much, man.
[2:00:43] Chair, members of board, good afternoon.
[2:00:45] As you can see, we're really trying to modernize for those who haven't been here in a while.
[2:00:48] I think what Mohammed did say is we are doing everything in-house for saving money and we're getting away from paper.
[2:00:55] The digital worlds here, we're embracing it.
[2:00:58] I want to thank the board for passing the 2024 budget and then the look ahead for the capital program.
[2:01:06] I agree this was the best capital program we've ever put together.
[2:01:09] However, it also is only 40% of what we really want to be able to do over the next five years.
[2:01:13] So we continue to have to try to find ways to bring more money into Metro.
[2:01:17] They have an incredible team that put that all together.
[2:01:20] And I want to thank again the board for all the work they did on the fairs.
[2:01:23] As this is the most monumental forward facing thing that we're going to do at Metro in the last 40 years.
[2:01:29] Again, thank you very much.
[2:01:31] Madam Chair and members of board for recognizing veterans.
[2:01:34] They measured does have 260 veterans.
[2:01:37] Here, which is 10% of the workforce on average in private sector right now.
[2:01:43] The Bureau of Labor says that they're 7.5%.
[2:01:46] So we're doing very well in that area and we'd like to see that move forward.
[2:01:51] As Hillary talked about, October 18th, we did host our third suicide symposium.
[2:01:57] As attended by Director Rodman supported there.
[2:02:00] At least for part of the day, it was an incredible event.
[2:02:03] Again, just hearing about all the stories within side.
[2:02:07] The industry and this came with the police, the fire.
[2:02:10] Everybody that gets affected by this and always trying to get together and find out what is the next solution.
[2:02:15] One of the first things that came out of the first suicide symposium was this intervention training.
[2:02:20] And you can see the results how much more it's actually needed out there and how much more it's actually being active out there.
[2:02:26] Following last month's board meeting on October 11th, I went over to CMAP and amongst moving forward the part report.
[2:02:35] CMAP approved the budget which gave Metro 169.3 million dollars for its congestion mitigation and air quality grant program for our zero emissions train sets.
[2:02:48] More to come, that's in the blackout period, hope to bring that to you in the next couple of months.
[2:02:53] This is just a rendering.
[2:02:55] These are not looking like anything that we would be buying, but this absolutely is an exciting time.
[2:03:01] This is the largest ever CMAP grant given to an agency in this region.
[2:03:08] On November 2nd, we held our 2023 service awards.
[2:03:13] This is all the 15 year recipients that attended the service awards.
[2:03:18] We also give awards out for 25 and 35 years.
[2:03:24] In the industry right now, the Bureau of Labor actually states that the average 10 year of an employee in the business is 4.3 years.
[2:03:33] For males, 3.8 years for females, Metro, we are over 10 years.
[2:03:38] We're doing something right here.
[2:03:40] Interestingly enough, the Bureau of Labor also talks about the latest generation, the youngest generation coming in the workforce right now.
[2:03:46] Their average 10 year currently is 2.3 years.
[2:03:49] This is an area that we all focus in on a normal basis as we're doing recruitment and working on retention.
[2:03:56] We did have one 50 year award winner.
[2:03:59] She was not able to make it, but I would like to mention a Margaret Wilson, a coach cleaner out of Western Avenue 50 years of service.
[2:04:06] On November 6th, we're very proud to support here Paula Taylor for being recognized as one of real wages.
[2:04:18] 2023 women in rail, Paula started her Metro career.
[2:04:23] A decade ago, as a conductor, she advanced the locomotive engineer.
[2:04:26] She was then promoted to assistant supervisor, locomotive engines, where she now trains our future locomotive engineers.
[2:04:34] She also served as vice president on the BLAT, and she also was a VP and welfare chairman of the National Association of Railway Business Women.
[2:04:44] She follows Klee Shaw, who won this last year in 2022 in Jackie Walkins, who won this in 2021.
[2:04:52] Very proud of Paula and the other two women here at Metro.
[2:04:57] Like to report, a very exciting news for me, at least.
[2:05:00] We hit a new high again this week.
[2:05:02] So every time we have a board meeting, I get to report this week, we hit a new high.
[2:05:06] So on Tuesday, we did hit officially 194,500 trips provided based on our counting ability.
[2:05:13] Just last week, we, as Mike pointed out earlier when he was up there talking, we held our first ever community bike working group meeting.
[2:05:22] We had 50 participants.
[2:05:24] We presented our thoughts and concerns and listened to the general feedback and now we're working on a plan.
[2:05:30] The hope is to bring to the board a revised bike ordinance for your consideration in the next couple months so that we can then work on how we can be better bike friendly organization.
[2:05:43] Mike, also pointed out the SD 70 max.
[2:05:46] Last time we talked about that, they were moving toward non revenue testing.
[2:05:50] I'm pleased to report that they've been now actually in revenue service for a week.
[2:05:55] Slowly, all of the problems that we are working on with the vendor have been worked out and they are moving forward.
[2:06:01] Metros holiday train schedule is out.
[2:06:05] All the tickets are sold out.
[2:06:07] We're seeing what we can do, but actually this is the schedule that was posted on our website individually on the specific lines on the specific days.
[2:06:15] List of times that the train will be in route and also the stations that will actually be stopping at the decorated trains will also run in revenue service for probably a month or just a little bit over month.
[2:06:28] Our intent is to move it throughout the course of the throughout the network here on some of the lines that don't specifically get a holiday train where we can and give some holiday exposure to passengers over that next month's period.
[2:06:42] So I like to give you a quick update on two projects.
[2:06:45] Specifically the 79th Street station reconstruction and the Auburn Park station construction.
[2:06:54] Sometimes just speaking about it doesn't do enough.
[2:06:57] So here I'm going to give you a little bit of a hard roll.
[2:07:00] Thank you for watching.
[2:07:10] Thank you for watching.
[2:08:00] And I'll keep the board updated.
[2:08:12] Along with 79three we obviously work on we call it the three pack 87thstree and 100thstree.
[2:08:19] We did put out a public announcement that on November 20th we will be closing the 100thstree.
[2:08:24] We are clearly messaging it with the writing public.
[2:08:27] The idea again is this massive type construction where you literally are taking out the stairwell and putting it in an elevator shaft.
[2:08:34] Obviously we can't have people at that station.
[2:08:36] As 79thstree gets to a point where it can be safe for passengers to get back on the platform.
[2:08:41] We'll open it up as we finish it as this is a rolling project.
[2:08:44] Again very very excited of all the work that we're doing at the different stations.
[2:08:49] I like to take out one moment and just mention.
[2:08:53] Some of that I knew and some of that certainly others knew here as well at Metro not but more specifically CTA.
[2:09:00] The passing of Bill Mooney senior this past week.
[2:09:03] He had a long career with the Chicago Transit Authority and he supported transit industry for the past several decades.
[2:09:10] One of Bill's passions was really watching the success and growth of females in this industry.
[2:09:17] Something that he absolutely was passionate about.
[2:09:20] I did have the opportunity to talk with him in March.
[2:09:23] I just ran into him at a conference that I was at and he will be missed by the industry.
[2:09:28] Madam Chair that concludes my report.
[2:09:30] I look forward to any questions from you or any members of the board.
[2:09:33] Are there any questions for director?
[2:09:36] Sure.
[2:09:37] Jim thanks for the report.
[2:09:39] I don't know if there's anything you can talk about publicly.
[2:09:41] I know you and Janis travel to DC and visit it.
[2:09:45] Yes.
[2:09:46] Senator Duckworth and some others.
[2:09:47] Can you share just a few seconds on that trip and what those about.
[2:09:50] Janis and I did have an opportunity to meet with several of our elected officials not all of them in the delegation here.
[2:09:57] We gave them updates on the fiscal cliff.
[2:09:59] We gave them updates on the capital projects and one of the bigger things that we've been talking about is the building and the coalition to start addressing bridges in this country.
[2:10:09] So we did share a lot of that.
[2:10:11] So we did share a lot of positive conversations on talking about a hair express and in some instances and trying to figure out how do we get that here and make that meaningful change here in Chicago.
[2:10:20] But it was very productive.
[2:10:21] We did also meet with FTA and we did also meet with staff for commerce and to end the Senate.
[2:10:33] Just the place one of the key asks that are going out for the ticket machines.
[2:10:38] Is that our placement or is that we have a separate place for who's positioning those.
[2:10:43] So there is a whole team that went out in advance of this and worked with the communities and worked with the organizations we own about the physical location that the TVM needs to be.
[2:10:54] A lot of it has to do with the weight bearing capacity and also the electrical and then a video so if there's a specific area that.
[2:11:01] There's some concerns or questions on if you want to direct it my way then I'll have the team work because I know on the being a self most of those are obviously not owned by Metro.
[2:11:10] So it's a great rotation itself where it's placed is a very odd spot and 99% of the traffic is the other end of the station.
[2:11:21] So I think signages that's very you can't find it.
[2:11:25] Okay.
[2:11:29] Director Victor.
[2:11:31] I just wanted to thank Jim and team for putting on just a fantastic veterans day lunch and yesterday director Craig and I have the opportunity to attend that.
[2:11:41] The room was full and the enthusiasm was was great.
[2:11:45] It was just an honor to be able to participate in that event so let's say thank you.
[2:11:49] Thank you.
[2:11:52] I just want to piggyback on Jim's comment about the passing of film only that some of you may or may not have known he was a great leader transit leader who had traveled the world and when he retired.
[2:12:06] He continued to travel and be a transit ambassador from China all the way back to the United States so he was a great guy and he will surely be missed by all of us and the transit industry.
[2:12:22] Are there any other questions for Jim or anything that Jim reported on hearing none.
[2:12:28] Are there any new businesses anyone would like to discuss.
[2:12:33] Hearing and seeing no comments from our virtual board member may I have a motion to adjourn.
[2:12:41] Is there a second.
[2:12:43] Do I have a lead by prior roca.
[2:12:46] This means this adjourned everyone please have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
[2:12:51] Thank you.