BY DAVID HAMPTON
Chair
Los Alamos County Transportation Board

Our last Transportation Board meeting, February 1, was a busy one. First, we elected David Hampton as Chair, Michael Altherr as Vice-Chair.

Next we received a presentation on ADA Paratransit from Atomic City Transportation (ACT). The NMDOT Comprehensive Review recommended that we clarify our no-show suspension policy, defining the time period over which the 15% no-show rate is defined. T-Board voted to approve the Staff recommendation of 30 days. Penalty is a 2 consecutive day suspension. Given the high reliability of ACT-Assist users, there are no anticipated impacts. The presentation can be found here.

After that, we received another presentation from ACT on the electric bus procurement. Proterra declared bankruptcy, so staff is working with 3 other vendors. The procurement process will be 4-8 months, followed by a two-year wait time for production start. So, looks like we can’t see a bus for about 3 years. Costs have also increased $500k to $1M more for each bus. Staff is working with NMDOT on possible funding options for the overage. The presentation can be found here.

Next up was our 2024 work plan. It was a long but fruitful discussion. Among other things, it added a Comprehensive Transportation Plan to address the anticipated increase in County population and regional transportation issues, and investigate alternative transportation solutions. This work plan will go to Council in final form on Feb. 20.

The last business item was Multi-Use Trail Maintenance and Budgeting. Staff is currently reviewing and exploring funding options, which may include specific items in this year’s budgeting process.

Finally, we said farewell to Chair Matthew Heavner, Vice-Chair Michael Dolejsi, and former chair and long time member David North. If you are interested in serving on the Transportation Board, we need 3 new members. Apply here. You can also get more information by emailing us at tb@lacnm.us.