City of Columbia, Missouri  
Meeting Minutes  
Public Transit Advisory Commission  
Conference Room  
1A/1B  
Tuesday, September 17, 2024  
5:30 PM  
City Hall  
701 E. Broadway  
I. CALL TO ORDER  
II. INTRODUCTIONS  
The meeting was called to order by Matt Wright at 5:30 PM.  
City Staff: Mike Sokoff, John Ogan, Gus Harmon, and Shannon Hemenway  
Present: Shawn Leight  
10 -  
Present:  
Absent:  
Matt Wright, Tammy Teel, Donald Jackson, Gabi Jacobs, Sarah Johnson, Joy  
Rushing, Katharine Meagher, Jack Russell, Christine Schneider and Joan Ferguson  
3 - Dawn Zeterberg, Adam Thorp and Randal Meyer  
III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA  
Matt made a motion to approve the agenda, after the group agreed to start with  
new business before old business, with Gabi seconding the motion. The vote to  
approve the agenda was unanimous at 5:31 PM.  
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES  
Tammy made a motion to approve the minutes, with a second from Sarah. The  
vote to approve the minutes was unanimous at 5:32 PM.  
August 20 Minutes  
Attachments: Aug. 20 Minutes  
V. City Council & Other Commission Updates: Vision Zero, Disability,  
Bike/Ped, CATSO  
Matt mentioned that PTAC appointed two new members.  
VI. OLD BUSINESS  
Bus Stop Evaluation Matrix Draft  
Matt reviewed the bus stop evaluation matrix draft. Sarah noted that when they receive  
the stop data, it will highlight many of the system's needs. She also suggested that the  
matrix could include more specific information regarding sidewalk proximity. Mike pointed  
out that they would need to coordinate with Public Works and Traffic on certain aspects.  
Gabi proposed improving the color-coding of roads and routes in the draft. Joan  
suggested that using an "X" instead of a "yes/no" format could make the document  
visually clearer. Gabi added the idea of implementing a numbered system.Matt then  
confirmed that they will adopt a numbered system, with "1" for yes and "0" for no.  
Mike informed the group that all buses have been updated with new hardware to track  
ridership. He also mentioned that in about a year, more data will be available and  
processed faster.  
Matt asked how the group wanted to proceed with completing the evaluation matrix. Joy  
volunteered to take the gold route,Don will take the black route, Sarah will oversee the  
green route, while Tammy will take the orange route. Kathy and Matt will take  
responsibility for the red route.  
VII. NEW BUSINESS  
1. CATSO Study feat. Shawn Leight  
See presentation. Katherine expressed that she would greatly benefit from a route  
connecting Columbia to Jefferson City. Tammy asked how such a route would integrate  
with the city bus system. Shawn explained how a similar system operates between St.  
Louis and St. Charles but admitted that they are uncertain how it would work locally. He  
mentioned that conducting a study is something they are considering.  
Matt added that MODOT has explored this idea, though he is unsure how far the effort  
has progressed, but emphasized that the interest is there. Gabi noted that it would be  
wise to consider regional transit planning now, so the system could be ready in 10-20  
years. She gave an example of the demand for regional transit, such as people taking  
Amtrak from Jefferson City. Katherine agreed, stating that Jefferson City should also have  
input in these discussions.  
Shawn inquired if anyone knew who was leading the MODOT study. Gabi clarified that  
MODOT's study is focused on an express bus service and is currently in phase 2, with  
Christy Evers serving as the main point of contact for the study. Matt expressed that he  
would like to see more integration between the various transportation plans.  
2. Transit across city processes  
Matt inquired about ways to keep transit more prominent in the city's considerations.  
Gabi responded, stating that as a commission, their role is to make recommendations  
and keep transit on the city's agenda. Tammy asked how they could achieve this as a  
commission. Sarah explained that they can't make recommendations until they fully  
understand the issues surrounding them.  
Tammy asked if there is a website or email where the public can ask transit-related  
questions. Matt mentioned that the public can email transit@como.gov. Mike added that  
he has raised the issue of being more involved in these processes so that he can ask the  
necessary transit questions, which would help with strategic planning and keeping pace  
with the city's growth.  
Matt asked Mike if he knew of specific ways the commission could assist. Mike  
emphasized that sending letters to the city council is important, and that variety in  
communication is key to avoid repetitive messaging. Matt also noted that the city  
recently changed its ordinance, now requiring annual reports from the commission.  
VIII. RIDERSHIP  
August Ridership  
Mike mentioned that they hope to have the ridership counter system and navigation  
operational by November 1.  
IX. GENERAL COMMENTS BY PUBLIC, MEMBERS AND STAFF  
Mike reported that they currently have 33 drivers, with 3 out on long-term leave, and  
conduct interviews regularly. Matt inquired if they had hired any drivers from Jefferson  
City, to which Mike responded that he was unsure. Jack asked how many drivers they  
would need, and Mike explained that they aim for 40 drivers.  
Tammy asked how drivers with CDL and E-class licenses are counted, and Mike  
confirmed that all drivers are included in the total. He also mentioned attending the  
Disabilities Commission meeting, where he shared that the new navigation system is  
nearing completion, with staff training underway, and they expect it to be operational by  
November 1. The system will run in parallel with TransLoc and ETA.  
Matt asked if there would be an educational push for the public regarding the new  
system. Mike explained that this has not begun yet but will happen when the system is  
ready to launch.  
Zoom Link  
Attachments: Hyperlink  
X. NEXT MEETING DATE - 10/15/2024  
XI. ADJOURNMENT  
Matt motions to adjourn at 6:50 PM.  
Members of the public may attend any open meeting. For requests for accommodations related to  
disability, please call 573-874-CITY (573-874-2489) or email CITY@CoMo.gov. In order to assist staff in  
making the appropriate arrangements for your accommodation, please make your request as far in  
advance of the posted meeting date as possible.  
USB DRIVES PROHIBITED: Due to cybersecurity concerns, flash drives and other media devices  
are no longer permitted for delivering files or presentation materials. A speaker who desires to  
display a presentation must upload the presentation, in advance, to the city network using an  
upload portal. To upload your files and learn more, visit CoMo.gov/upload. (Effective Jan. 1,  
2023)