Patrick Kane of Fullington Bus opposes 11-A and cites ADA lift timing
Kane says higher fines burden an already regulated industry and stress drivers. He says ADA lift operations can take 10 to 15 minutes with the engine running and that HVAC and defrosters also require engine operation.
Good afternoon.
Thank you for your time today.
My name is Patrick Kane.
I'm the Senior Safety Director for Fullington Bus Company.
I just wanted to point out a few things.
We are in opposition of 11A.
As the operator of a commercial motor vehicle fleet servicing tourism as well as inner city commuters,
This code poses yet another burden on a high, already highly regulated industry.
From a driver standpoint, we have seen additional stresses.
Driving a large commercial vehicle in congested city environments can be a very stressful undertaking.
Drivers now report additional stress created by needing to watch the clock.
Drivers also expressed the feeling of needing to rush the passenger loading, unloading, and baggage handling processes.
We would also like to point out that the typical time needed to safely operate an ADA lift and secure a wheelchair is between 10 to 15 minutes.
The vehicle must be running for that process to take place.
Secondly, we've seen an increase in passenger complaints regarding cabin temperatures with the heat of summer.
And as you know, we are now working into the winter season.
In order for the operator to use the HVAC system, the engine must be running.
And this will also affect the heating system, including the windshield defrosters.
Lastly, there is additional operating costs with fuel, tolls, licensing, insurances, permits, maintenance costs continuing to rise.
They're always already very thin margins with our additional $6,000 in idling fines.
Yet the unknown costs in the 12 to 18 month citation processing times, these routes may simply become economically not viable.
Should the route become non-viable, this code will have exactly the opposite effect as intended.
A single motor coach has the potential to eliminate between 50 plus vehicles from the traffic generated into the city every day.
Your time expired.
Thank you for your time.
Thank you very much, Patrick.
Next witness is Ann Diebel.
You may begin.