Staff Report #5
September 26, 2018
To All Commissioners
Re: 2018 Commission Drop-in Sessions
Recommendation
The report be NOTED and FILED.
Background
In 2011, the Commission approved holding annual drop-in sessions structured to discuss previous year’s performance, short to medium term plans as well as an open session to receive comments and input on any number of issues respecting London’s public transit services. The primary objective in holding such meetings is that they serve as a tool in promoting transparency and accountability and support informed dialogue and information sharing with stakeholders. In addition, holding a public meeting on an annual basis meets a requirement of the AODA Regulation which calls for public consultation with members of the board in attendance on matters of accessibility and the Commission’s Accessibility Plan.
A post-assessment of the sessions held in 2012 lead to the Commission setting, on a going forward basis, one public meeting per year in a central location, having an afternoon session (2 – 4pm) and an evening session (6 – 8pm). Attendance at the sessions over the past few years has averaged 125 people.
The sessions are set-up to include information displays pertaining to a variety of topics (with printed hand-outs) with staff available to speak to each, however attendees are encouraged to hold informal conversations regarding any topic relating to public transit services with Commission and staff members in attendance.
This year’s Commission drop-in sessions will be held on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at the Central Library in the Stevenson & Hunt A room. The location is the same as last year’s which was thought to be an accessible and central location with good access to transit as well as ample parking.
Potential topics for information displays include:
- Draft 2019 Service Plans for Conventional service
- Smart Card System
- LTC’s Accessibility Plan
- Specialized Service Scheduling/Dispatching System Implementation
- Operator Barriers
As appropriate, resource material supporting each item will be available at the meeting. Administration will begin promoting the meeting via public service announcements, social media, LTC website and on-board communication in early November 2018.
It is important to note that in addition to the yearly drop-in sessions, London Transit has had a presence in the community by participating in events such as Fanshawe College/Western University orientation week, being in the downtown and major nodes during the first week of service changes, community information sessions at Cherryhill Mall, and a number of community events including Wheels Horns and Sirens at the Children’s Museum as well as Westminster Community Fun Day.
Recommended by:
Caroline Roy, Secretary
Concurred in by:
Kelly S. Paleczny, General Manager