Access Services…Behind the Scenes



Access Services…Behind the Scenes

Volume 6, Issue 27: August 30, 2013

Executive Report

I personally wanted to thank the 44 Access employees who took the time to volunteer to help at the Fourth Annual Access Roadeo. Without the dedication and commitment of staff, Access would not be the world class operation that it is today. The Roadeo was a huge success primarily because of employee contributions. Each employee was given a bright red T-Shirt with one of three sayings on the back; “I AM CRAZY GOOD AT WHAT I DO”, “MY OTHER SHIRT IS A CAPE”, OR “TRY NOT TO BE DISTRACTED BY MY AWESOME.” If you see an Access employee wearing their shirt please thank them for a job very well done!.

Shelly Verrinder, Executive Director

Access Fleet Replacement

Access Fleet operations are now getting back on track with vehicle replacements with a major build cycle starting August 26th. We already received two CNG MV-1 vehicles and have on the line 11 Ford Aerotech’s and 66 Dodge Amerivans.

The AM General auto assembly plant in Mishawaka, Indiana is where they used to build Hummer H2s. Now, its workers are making something a little less controversial, a van called the MV-1, MV standing for “Mobility Vehicle,” and it’s designed specifically for passengers using mobility aids. The MV-1 is the first factory-built ADA certified vehicle to roll off one assembly line.

A product of Vehicle Production Group, the MV-1 has a large 56 x 36-inch side door, and a 600 pound-capacity deployable electric ramp that stows under the floor when not in use. It accommodates one mobility aid passenger and three traditionally-seated occupants. Floor tracks are used to secure mobility aids and scooters. The vehicle is based around a body-on-frame configuration, and is powered by a Ford 4.6L 2V EFI V8 engine with an electronic four-speed automatic transmission. For the energy and/or environmentally-conscious, a factory-installed Compressed Natural Gas fuel system is used. Vans with the CNG system have a driving range of approximately 290 miles. Our two units arrived at CTI on August 15th; MV-1 has stopped production for 2013 due to financial problems, but may come back as an AM General product for 2014. We hope so; this product allows agency fleets and other transportation decision makers using light duty chassis a way to reduce petroleum consumption through the use of alternative and renewable fuels.

The 2013 Dodge Amerivan vans by ElDorado National combine engineering and design to change a stock Dodge Caravan into a practical solution to today’s mobility challenges.

Rick Streiff

Manager, Fleet Design and Maintenance

Volunteer Driver Coalition Meeting

Eldorado National purchased the low floor minivan line from the Ricon Corporation Van Nuys California, and Access Services has purchased over 1,000 Amerivans since 2002, and the low floor minivan is the majority of the active Access fleet. The ElDorado Amerivan van is the only lowered-floor minivan with an all-stainless steel floor and aluminum 54” x 31” fold-out ramp. Q-Straint tie-downs provide security and the 56” sliding door height on both sides makes access both easier and safer. With its 12” lowered-floor, Amerivan mobility aid accessible vans offer 56” of headroom without the need for a raised roof. The vehicles start production the week of August 26, 2013 and should start deliveries by the end of September.

To round out our new fleet purchases we needed help replacing some of our larger capacity vehicles in the northern part of county. Access has on the assembly line now 2013 Ford Eldorado National Aerotech’s to help our Lancaster fleet. The Aerotech vehicles utilize a Ford front-engine cab chassis and Eldorado integrates a custom body to make a complete vehicle. The steel-reinforced composite body is highly resistant to impact, rust and corrosion. The fiberglass gelcoat exterior keeps its glossy finish for the life of the vehicle and absorbs temperature at a much lower rate than metal, making the bus easier to heat and cool. The fiberglass body panels allow minimal sound transmission which provides a quieter interior for improved passenger comfort. Our Aerotech’s should be here in mid-October.

Gilbert Garza

Grants Analyst

Staffing Update

With the budget process for FY13/14 firmly behind us, the Human Resources Department is busy filling the new positions included in the budget, along with a few positions that have been vacant pending the budget’s approval. We are anticipating being up to full strength very soon. Currently, Human Resources is assisting the Deputy Executive Director of Administration in filling the Procurements and Contracts Administrator position and a couple of clerical positions within the Finance Department; plus assisting the Deputy Executive Director for Planning and Governmental Affairs in adding a bilingual Mobility Management and Outreach Counselor. It’s a busy time in the HR Department, we’re looking for smart, capable people to work for Access – our customers deserve the very best!

Linda Ross

Strategic Planner

Metrolink Training

On August 21, 2013, the Los Angeles Sheriff Department (LASD) and Access were invited to participate in a training session for Metrolink staff. The training consisted of Access Rider ID Tap Card identification ranging from card color, expiration date, customer identification number, and other identifiers, as well as Access’ policy on PCA’s, and best practices when approaching and engaging an Access customer.

The Metrolink staff consisted of Security Services, Customer Engagement Representatives, and some Management staff. Due to the high number of staff involved, the training was split into two, with about 40 staff members in each session. The training sessions presented Metrolink staff with the opportunity to ask questions about how Access works, in particular with its Free Fare program, and get clarity on how to engage a customer when boarding and while on board Metrolink.

For Access and LASD, staff was allowed the opportunity to provide some educational information regarding the service, its customers, and show the faces of the working parties behind the scenes. The information was taken well by all Metrolink staff, and a potential meeting with Metrolink Conductors could come in the near future.

Jack Garate

Operations Administrator

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