Transit Advisory Board — Thu, Sep 17, 2026 · 4.a Approval of 7.16.26 Meeting Minutes
Transit Advisory Board July 16, 2026 Page 1 of 2 Minutes Regular Meeting of the Transit Advisory Board July 16, 2026 at 5:00 PM Santa Fe Transit Training Room 2931 Rufina Street Procedures for Transit Advisory Board Meeting Join on Zoom: https://santafenm-gov.zoom.us/j/85146885332?pwd=vz8Ub1HNJ16u1eSj5utlCE0YBEmX8y.1 Meeting ID: 851 4688 5332 Passcode: 162429 1. Call to Order - Chair Aurore Bleck called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m. 2. Roll Call - Board Members Present: Aurore Bleck -Chair, Andreas Archuleta, Vise Chair, Colin Messer, Valerie Webster, Susan Sheldon, Owen Conley. Board Members Absent: Juan Cucalon, Marcos Maez. Excused: Dolores Shapiro. Staff and Guests Present: Andrew Baca, Transit Director, Carrie Tremblatt, Asa- Luke Twocrow, & Nathan Linquist. A quorum was established. 3. Approval of Agenda - at 5:03 p.m. Discussion: Asa-Luke Twocrow requested to be added to future Transit Advisory Board email distributions. A discussion occurred regarding representation on the Mayor's Committee on Disabilities, with comments expressing concern that current staff representation may not meet ADA criteria. Transit Director Andrew Baca provided an overview of the City's operating service hours and explained how those hours directly affect ADA complementary paratransit operations. Motion: V. Webster moved to approve the agenda. Second: Colin Messer. Vote: Motion passed unanimously. Approved: 5:08 p.m. 4. Approval of Minutes - a. Approval of 6.18.26 Minutes - at 5:09 p.m. Motion: Colin Messer. Second: Susan Sheldon. Vote: All members voted in favor. Approved: 5:10 p.m. 5. Public Comment - The Board discussed adding a dedicated "Board Comments" section to future agendas. Susan Sheldon asked staff about Fourth of July transit operations. Director Baca provided an overview of service operations, event performance, and the successful execution of holiday transportation services. 6. Discussion and Possible Action Items a. Mayor's Transit Summit The Board discussed ways the Transit Advisory Board can become more involved in supporting the Mayor's Transit Summit. Ideas discussed included: • Bringing the discussion back during the September meeting. • Utilizing Board subcommittees to develop recommendations. • Organizing breakout groups to collect focused feedback and policy recommendations. Director Baca also discussed Human Resources initiatives, including: • Implementation of an automatic tiered hiring system rather than employee self-enrollment. • Current efforts toward rapid hiring to address workforce shortages and improve operational staffing. During discussion, Asa-Luke Twocrow commented that bicycle lanes are viewed as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiative under current federal policy discussions. Carrie Tremblatt provided additional context regarding bicycle infrastructure funding opportunities, planning requirements, and implementation challenges. Transit Advisory Board July 16, 2026 Page 2 of 3 7. Bus Pass Bike Program Resolution 2013-60 at 6:36 p.m. a. The Board reviewed Resolution 2013-60 and discussed the current status of the Bus Pass Bike Program. Vice Chair Andreas Archuleta provided historical background on the original Resolution 2013-60 and the Board's intent when the program was established. Director Baca presented current statistical information regarding bicycle rack usage and discussed the long-term vision for expanding bicycle accessibility through transit. Staff noted that additional measurable financial information will be available once budget information is finalized. The Board requested follow-up from Director Chavez after the budget process has been completed. b. Bike Rack: Estimated Time Frame – Briefly Discussed but ordered as needed to replace existing 8. Microtransit Time: 6:41 p.m. Director Baca presented an overview of the proposed microtransit program, including: • Service zone mapping • Ridership projections • Statistical analysis • Operational service areas • Cost analysis • Future operational expansion opportunities Discussion also included: • Staffing requirements • Equipment needs • Human Resources support necessary for implementation • Proposed implementation timeline • Anticipated future operational demands as ridership increases 9. Subcommittee Reports A. Subcommittee Documentation The Board continued finalizing standardized subcommittee documentation and operating procedures. ________________________________________ B. A.C.E. (Action, Coordination & Education) Report Time: Approximately 6:00 p.m. Valerie Webster reported that the A.C.E. Subcommittee completed its Subcommittee Standard Operating Procedure template and developed its mission statement. The completed handwritten template was submitted for inclusion in the Board's records. The mission emphasizes creating a community where residents can safely and reliably reach destinations through active modes of ground transportation while encouraging community involvement. ________________________________________ C. Planning Subcommittee The Planning Subcommittee completed its subcommittee template and will provide paper copies to Board members. The subcommittee adopted the following mission and goals: • Promote transit reliability, equity, accessibility, safety, increased ridership, and improved quality of life. • Develop a long-term vision that supports Transit staff, informs City planning processes, and complies with local, state, and federal regulations. • Ensure transit initiatives remain fiscally responsible through thoughtful planning and continuous evaluation. Transit Advisory Board July 16, 2026 Page 3 of 3 The subcommittee also discussed priorities for the upcoming City General Plan process, including: • Balancing transit coverage with attracting choice riders. • Evaluating Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) concepts while protecting service for transit-dependent and low- income riders. • Identifying low-cost improvements within existing operating budgets, including potential street design and striping improvements along Cerrillos Road to improve transit speed and reliability. • Developing a long-term vision for future transit improvements if additional operating funding and bus operator staffing become available. The Board discussed bringing these recommendations forward for future Board consideration. 10. Next Meeting September 17, 2026 ________________________________________ 11. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:14 p.m. Persons with disabilities in need of additional accommodations, contact the City Clerk’s office at 505-955-6521, five (5) working days prior to meeting date.