Brownsville Metro Advisory Board Meeting, 9/18/14~Bus Driver Turnover, Non-Disabled Elderly Riders, Parking Garage Update

Brownsville Metro's bus drivers are the "lowest paid in the region," according to Brownsville Metro Assistant Director Andrew Munoz.

"Starting pay is $10.50 per hour," stated Munoz.  He claimed not to recall how much veteran drivers were paid, but remembered that those with more than 8 years tenure had benefited from C.O.L.A. increases.

Munoz stated that he felt in the past Brownsville Metro was merely an opportunity for drivers to get a license, training and resume' to go elsewhere for a better paying job in the industry.  He felt that giving new drivers "cross training" in both "fixed routes" and "paratransit" had curbed some of the attrition.

Brownsville Metro currently retains 41 drivers with one full-time driver needed. Although workers are allowed by state labor law to work 13 continuous hours, that does not apply to drivers.  Brownsville Metro drivers occasionally drive  "10 or 11 hour shifts."  "None of our drivers exceed 60 hours a week with a minimum of 8 hours between shifts," Munoz stated.

Brownsville Metro Advisory Board Chairmen Daniel Lenz weighed in:  "To retain good drivers, I believe we should be paying at least $15.00 per hour.  I wouldn't even view that as a raise, but it's more of a pay scale correction," Lenz stated.

When Munoz replied that rate of pay was a city matter, Lenz asked:  "Have you and Norma lobbied the city to make this adjustment?"

Board Member Teresa Saldivar

Board member Teresa Saldivar, fresh from an appeal case denying an elderly citizen access to paratransit services, wanted to know what accommodations could be made to elderly, non-disabled Brownsville residents.  Having a bus stop within a 3/4 mile diameter is a federal consideration.  Actually, a physician has to document an elderly person is not capable of walking to the bus stop.  Saldivar was concerned that non-disabled, but elderly residents, fall through the cracks. Brownsville Metro Director Norma Zamora suggested a citizen might contact AARP or United Way to see what programs they had.

Brownsville Metro Assistant Director Andrew Munoz gave an update on the downtown parking garage:

Onsight utilities have been installed up to the foundation.  Things are on track for completion by March 2015.  The facility will have 190 spaces, including 4 for the handicapped with van width.  8500 sq. ft. of retail space will provide 6 new retail outlets.