HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/05/2010, PH3 - PUBLIC HEARING ON SLO TRANSIT FARE MODIFICATIONS MASS TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION Co hn a tOct Mauo
October 5,2010
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
FROM: Jay D Walter, Director of Public Works
Prepared By: John Webster, Transit Manager
SUBJECT: PUBLIC HEARING ON SLO TRANSIT FARE MODIFICATIONS
MASS TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution approving the following fare modifications effective November 1, 2010
(Attachment 2).
1. Keep the transit base fare of $1.25 as is, and implement a base Transfer fare of $.75 per
transfer and$.40 Senior/Disabled
2. Raise the 31-day Senior/Disabled pass by $2.50 (from $12.50 to $15.00)
3. Increase the base Trolley Fare by $.25 (from $.25 to $.50)
4. Establish a new $.25 Trolley half fare for Senior/Disabled passengers to meet ADA
requirements as identified in the Triennial audit
5. Implement new fare structure effective November 1, 2010.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution establishing a new $.50 base trolley fare and $.25 trolley 'l2 fare for
Senior/Disabled passengers to meet ADA requirements as identified in the Triennial audit
(Attachment 1), and defer consideration of the remaining MTC recommended fare increases until
the 2011-13 Financial Plan process.
DISCUSSION
Background
On June 1, 2010, as part of the Transit Fund review, staff forecasted a structural funding deficiency
due to reductions in State Transportation grant funds over the last two years and additional
reductions anticipated in the upcoming year. As part of the Transit Fund review, the Council
approved measures that included reducing operating expenditures (for fuel and marketing expenses)
and directed staff and the MTC to reconsider the recommended fare modifications to address the
structural deficit.
On July 20, 2010, the Council considered the initial MTC recommendations for fare adjustments
and after discussion, returned the issue for further consideration to staff and the MTC. On August 5,
2010, the MTC held a Special Meeting/Open house and considered the additional direction from
Council on the fare issues. Ultimately, the MTC determined that some fare modifications should
move forward at this time. The MTC recommendations were to:
to
Transit Fare Modifications Page 2
1. Keep the transit base fare of $1.25 as is, and implement a base Transfer fare of $.75 per
transfer or $.40 Senior/Disabled
2. Raise the 31-day Senior/Disabled pass by $2.50 (from $12,50 to $15.00)
3. Increase the base Trolley Fare by $.25 (from $.25 to $.50)
4. Establish a new $15 Trolley %i fare for Senior/Disabled passengers to meet ADA
requirements as identified in the Triennial audit
5. Implement new fare structure effective November 1, 2010.
Transit Funding
Staff has continued to work on the funding issues by adjusting operating revenues and expenses to
accommodate the continuing change in grant funding. The changes in the funding amounts since
the Fund Review in June reflect the difficulties of predicting Transit funding in the ever changing
economic environment. This rapidly changing environment makes it particularly important to
provide timely and accurate information for the Council to review. As we begin the 2011-13
Financial Plan, Public Works and Finance staff will be continually reviewing and updating the
information available, so as to provide the most current funding picture for the Council.
Higher year-end farebox revenues (higher fare and regional pass sales) and higher State Transit
Assistance (STA) grant funding helped to end 2009-10 in a slightly better financial position than
previously forecasted in the year end Fund Review. We ended with approximately $32,000 more in
farebox revenue for the year than anticipated mid-year and our reimbursement from SLO RTA for
the regional pass came in approximately$8,600 higher than expected.
The 2010-11 STA grant funding allocation, which was approved by the San Luis Obispo Council of
Governments (SLOCOG), is a higher amount than previously forecasted for this fiscal year. With
this increase, staff projects the farebox recovery ratio will be very close to the required 20%
minimum, continuing to make the City eligible to receive State funding. Table 1 shows the
volatility of the STA amounts based upon decisions at the State level and regional programming.
For most of last fiscal year there was no STA assistance and then due to State changes we have
higher than expected funding amounts.
Table 1 —State Transit Assistance Funding Changes (last six months)
December 2009 June 1,2010 Fund July 20,2010 Current
Review Status
STA FY 2009-10 0 $ 116,711 $ 116,711 $ 116,711 actual
STA FY 2010-11 0 $ 100,000 $203,005 $216,000
The City's Promotional Coordinating Committee (PCC) has approved providing a one-time
$18,000 contribution to help fund trolley services during 2010-11. This additional funding will
allow for the continuation of trolley services on Fridays and Saturdays during the peak tourist
periods of the year.
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Transit Fare Modifications Page 3
Even with these positive and encouraging changes in the SLO Transit funding picture, there are still
several uncertainties for the future of the City's transit operation, such as the renegotiation of the
Cal Poly Subsidy Agreement (set to expire June 30, 2011), discussions about continuing and
providing funding for evening service, Regional Transit assistance funding commitments, and the
State budget impasse, which can affect final grant apportionments. However, decisions about fare
modification need to be made with currently available information.
Where to from here?
After careful review of the Transit Fund, staff is recommending to deferral of most of the MTC
recommended fare increases for 2010-11. Staff recommends increasing the base Trolley Fare by
$.25 (from $.25 to $.50) and establishing a,new $.25 Trolley half-fare for Senior/Disabled
passengers to meet Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA) requirements. The recommendations for
Trolley fare modifications are being made for two reasons:
1) The PCC has recommended as part of the funding contribution for trolley services that the
trolley fare be increased from the $.25 base-fare amount in order to receive a higher cost recovery
from riders using the service. The PCC felt that because the trolley service is geared towards
tourists, that a higher fare would likely be acceptable and help make the service more sustainable.
2) As part of the recently completed Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Triennial Audit,
there was a mandatory finding that SLO Transit must create a Senior/Disabled half-fare for the
trolley to meet ADA requirements and to be consistent with the existing fare structure.
Increasing the base trolley fare to $.50 and establishing a trolley half-fare of $.25 for
Senior/Disabled riders is expected to result in a nominal increase in trolley farebox revenue of
$1,000 for the 2010-11 FY.
Defer other fare modifications
Staff has had time to analyze the financial data for the other proposed fare increases. Based on that
analysis, staff has determined that the other fare modification recommendations are not expected to
create significant additional revenue for the transit system. Table 2 represents the best estimate of
potential revenue increases from these fare modifications if implemented November 1, 2010.
Attachment 4 shows the breakdown in how these amounts were forecast for the remainder of this
year.
Table 2—Potential Revenue Increases*
2010-11 Revenue Projections
8 months
Senior/Disabled Pass Increase to $15.00 $1,200
Transfer Fee of$.75 base; $.40 $7,600
senior/disabled
Projected Revenue Increase: $8 800
*November 1,2010—June 30,2011
Transit Fare Modifications Page 4
Although this amount would help offset any structural deficiency in the Transit Fund, this
additional revenue is less than 1.5% of the total farebox revenue for the year. Since the amount of
additional revenue is so low, it seems the return on the investment for making these fare
modifications at this time is low in relation to the impact it may have on Transit riders.
Based on this information, staff recommends deferring these fare modifications until other fiscal
uncertainties are resolved, such as the Cal Poly Subsidy Agreement and State funding levels. If
necessary, staff would bring back to the Council consideration of future transit fare modifications as
part of the 2011-13 Financial Planning process.
FISCAL IMPACT
There are no fiscal impacts to the General Fund from the trolley fare modifications as
recommended in this report. Modifications to the trolley fare are anticipated to result in additional
revenues in the Transit Fund of approximately $1,000 during the fiscal year. Adjustments to the
Transit Fund budget will take place during the Mid-Year Budget review where programming of
new revenues (such as the PCC trolley funding), final funding changes from fare modifications, and
increases in STA for the fiscal year will be made.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Implement the MTC Fare Modification Recommendations. The City Council could
choose to implement the full MTC recommended fare modifications at this time. This
alternative would result in an increase in approximately $8,800 in farebox revenue during
2010-11.
2. Deny fare modification. The City Council could choose to deny the trolley fare
modifications at this time, thereby deferring any increases in the current fare structure. Staff
does not recommend this alternative. Based on the recent Federal review, the trolley service
is required to have a half-fare category for Senior/Disabled riders to remain consistent with
the fare structure for the remainder of the fixed-route system.
3. Revise proposed fare modifications. The City Council could choose to reject the proposed
fare modification and direct Staff to revise fare increases. Staff does not recommend this
alternative as the proposed fare modifications are reasonable and consistent with other
regional transit providers.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution to adopt fare modifications
2. Resolution to adopt MTC fare modifications
3. MTC draft minutes August 5, 2010 meeting and public comment
4. Fare Modification Revenue Projections Worksheet FY 2011
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TRANSIT FARE INCREASE PUBLIC HEARING 10-05-2010-simplified report with year end data v5.doc
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ATTACHMENT 1
RESOLUTION NO. (2010 Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
APPROVING THE FARE STRUCTURE FOR SAN LUIS OBISPO TRANSIT
WHEREAS, cash and prepaid fares on SLO Transit changed in June 2009 in accordance
with the Council adopted Short Range Transit Plan; and
WHEREAS, the current fare structure for SLO Transit was approved by City Council on
May 5, 2009; and
WHEREAS, staff presented the Fare Policy Update to the Mass Transportation Committee
on August 5, 2010; and
WHEREAS, after holding a special meeting/open house on August 5, 2010, the Mass
Transportation Committee recommended approval of the new rate structure attached hereto as
Exhibit A. which increases the Trolley regular cash fare and establishes a Trolley
Senior/Disabled half fare; and
WHEREAS, on September 7, 2010 & October 5, 2010, the City Council held public
hearings to consider the proposed modifications to the rate structure,
WHEREAS, the City Council finds based on data presented as part of the City's transit
fund review that the new rate structure attached as Exhibit A does not exceed the reasonable
costs of providing service;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo
that:
SECTION 1: The City Council hereby adopts the rate structure as set forth in Exhibit A for
San Luis Obispo Transit.
SECTION 2: The rate structure set forth in Exhibit A shall be effective November 1,
2010.
Upon motion of , seconded by
and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
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The foregoing resolution was adopted this day of 2010.
Mayor David F. Romero
ATTEST:
Elaina Cano
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
s me Dietrick
ity Attorney
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ATTACHMENT 1
EXHIBIT A
1. REGULAR CASH FARE
a. Fare is $1.25 per boarding
b. Available to any passenger.
2. SENIOR/DISABLED CASH FARE (HALF-FARE POLICY)
a. Fare is $0.60 per boarding during all hours of operation.
b. Available to passengers who are 65 years of age or older, requires valid photo identification at
the time of boarding.
c. Available to persons with disabilities with valid identification including Medicare Cardholders.
d. Age to phase in over 3 year period.
3. TROLLEY REGULAR CASH FARE
a. Fare is $0.50 per boarding
b. Available to any passenger.
c. SLO Transit Passes, transfers, and Cal Poly Student ID not accepted.
d. 31-day Regional and Day pass accepted
4. TROLLEY SENIOR/DISABLED CASH FARE (HALF-FARE POLICY)
a. Fare is $0.25 per boarding during all hours of operation.
b. Available to passengers who are 65 years of age or older, requires valid photo identification at
the time of boarding.
c. Available to persons with disabilities with valid identification including Medicare Cardholders.
d. SLO Transit Passes, transfers, and Cal Poly Student ID not accepted.
e. 31-day Regional and Day pass accepted
5. REGULAR 31 DAY PASS
a. Fare is $37.00 for unlimited rides.
b. Valid for 31 Days or for the month purchased.
c. Issued by City of San Luis Obispo.
d. Valid only on SLO Transit.
e. Valid on any SLO Transit bus route, but not accepted on the Downtown Trolley.
f. Regular 31-Day Passes can be purchased any time and are valid for 31 days from the first day
of use.
6. 31-DAY STUDENT PASS
a. Fare is $25.00 for unlimited rides for 31 days.
b. Valid for 31 days from validation date or from first day of use.
c. Valid only on SLO Transit.
d. Valid on any SLO Transit bus route, but not accepted on the Downtown Trolley.
e. Issued by City of San Luis Obispo.
f. Available to students from Kindergarten to 12t" Grade with valid identification.
g. Valid identification includes driver's license proving to be age 18 or younger or valid school
photo/non-photo identification.
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ATTACHMENT 1
7. SENIOR/DISABLED 31 DAY PASS
a. Fare is $12.50 for unlimited rides.
b. Valid for 31 days.
c. Issued by City of San Luis Obispo.
d. Valid only on SLO Transit.
e. Valid on any SLO Transit bus route, but not accepted on the Downtown Trolley.
f. Available to passengers who are 65* years of age or more, requires valid photo identification at
the time of purchase.
g. Available to persons with disabilities with valid identification.
h. Senior/Disabled 31 Day Passes can be purchased any time and are valid for 31 days from the
first day of use.
i. Age to phase in over 3 year period as follows:
62+ June 1, 2009-June 30, 2010
6')+ 1, 2010-June 30, 2011
64+ July 1, 2011-June 30, 2012
65+ July 1, 2012 and beyond
8. PROMOTIONAL SCRIP
a. Book of 25 tickets is $31.25.
b. One ticket is good for one ride.
c. Valid only on SLO Transit.
d. Valid on any SLO Transit bus route, but not accepted on the Downtown Trolley.
e. Issued by City of San Luis Obispo.
f. Available to any passenger.
9. 1-DAY PASS
a. Fare is $3.00 for unlimited rides for 1 day.
b. Valid for 1 day from validation date or from first day of use.
c. Issued by City of San Luis Obispo and on SLO Transit bus with exact fare.
d. Valid only on SLO Transit.
e. Valid on any SLO Transit bus route, but not accepted on the Downtown Trolley.
f. Available to any passenger.
10. 3-DAY PASS
a. Fare is $6.00 for unlimited rides for day.
b. Valid for 3 days from validation date or from first day of use.
c. Issued by City of San Luis Obispo and on SLO Transit bus with exact fare.
d. Valid only on SLO Transit.
e. Valid on any SLO Transit bus route but not accepted on the Downtown Trolley.
f. Available to any passenger.
11. 5-DAY PASS
a. Fare is $10.00 for unlimited rides during 5 days.
b. Valid for 5 days from validation date or from first day of use.
c. Issued by City of San Luis Obispo and on SLO Transit bus with exact fare.
d. Valid only on SLO Transit.
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ATTACHMENT 1
e. Valid on any SLO Transit bus route, but not accepted on the Downtown Trolley.
f. Available to any passenger.
12. 7-DAY PASS
a. Fare is $14.00 for unlimited rides during 7 days.
b. Valid for 7 days from validation date or from first day of use.
c. Issued by City of San Luis Obispo and on SLO Transit bus with exact fare.
d. Valid only on SLO Transit.
e. Valid on any SLO Transit bus route, but not accepted on the Downtown Trolley.
f. Available to any passenger.
13. REGULAR ADULT 16-RIDE PASS
a. Fare is $20.00 for Sixteen (16) individual rides.
b. Issued by City of San Luis Obispo
c. Valid only on SLO Transit.
d. Valid on any SLO Transit bus route, but not accepted on the Downtown Trolley.
e. Regular adult 16 individual ride passes can be purchased any time and are valid for 24 months
from the date of issue.
14. SENIOR-DISABLED 15-RIDE PASS
a. Fare is $9.00 for Fifteen (15) individual rides.
b. Issued by City of San Luis Obispo.
c. Valid only on SLO Transit.
d. Valid on any SLO Transit bus route, but not accepted on the Downtown Trolley.
e. Available to passengers who are 65* years of age or more, requires valid photo identification at
the time of purchase.
f. Available to persons with disabilities with valid identification.
g. Senior/Disabled 15 individual ride passes can be purchased any time and are valid for 24
months from the date of issue.
h. Age to phase in over 3 year period as follows:
62+June 1, 2009-June 30, 2010
63+July 1, 2010-June 30, 2011
64+ July 1, 2011-June 30, 2012.
65+July 1, 2012 and beyond
15. SLO TRANSIT TRANSFERS
a. Transfer issued free
b. Valid for one ride only on SLO transit Routes
c. Valid for sixty (60) minutes from time of issue.
d. Cannot be used for a round trip
16. RTA REGIONAL DAY PASS
a. Fee is $5.00 effective August 1, 2010
b. Issued by RTA and SLO Transit drivers with exact fare and at other outlets.
c. Accepted from any RTA bus rider.
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ATTACHMENT 1
d. Valid on any all SLORTA, SLO Transit, SCAT, Paso Express and North Country Shuttle bus
routes, including the Downtown Trolley.
17. RTA 31-DAY MONTHLY REGION ALL PASS
a. Valid for the month purchased.
b. Issued by San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority.
c. Valid only on San Luis Obispo Transit, San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority, and
SCAT bus routes, including the Downtown Trolley.
18. CAL POLY PHOTO ID
a.. Fare is prepaid by Cal Poly State University.
b. Eligible to Cal Poly students, staff, faulty with valid Cal Poly photo identification.
c. Valid per the terms of the current Cal Poly Fare Subsidy Agreement.
d. Issued by Cal Poly.
e. Valid only on SLO Transit bus routes, except on Downtown Trolley.
19. DOWNTOWN ACCESS PASS (DAP)
a. Fare is $0.00 (FREE). Parking Fund reimburses usage..
b. Available to downtown employees, except Cal Poly students.
c. Must be validated monthly with recent payroll stub and photo ID.
d. Issued by City of San Luis Obispo.
e. Valid on any SLO Transit bus route, except on the Downtown Trolley.
20. VIP SLORTA (GOLD) PASS
a. Fare is $0.00 (FREE)-lifetime.
b. Issued by San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority (SLORTA).
c. Valid on San Luis Obispo Transit, San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority, SCAT, Paso
Express, and North County Shuttle bus routes, except on Downtown Trolley.
d. Available to persons 80 years or older with valid identification.
21. SUMMER YOUTH PASS
a. Valid from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.
b. Unlimited rides during effective period.
c. Valid on participating transit operators and services.
d. Issued by San Luis Obispo Transit Authority.
22. TRANSIT PROGRAM
a. No fare for City Transit Program personnel conducting City business.
b. City Transit Program personnel are required to pay appropriate fare for non-city related trips (i.e.
commute trips, personal trips).
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ATTACHMENT 2
RESOLUTION NO. (2010 Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
APPROVING THE FARE STRUCTURE FOR SAN LUIS OBISPO TRANSIT
WHEREAS, cash and prepaid fares on SLO Transit changed in June 2009 in accordance
with the Council adopted Short Range Transit Plan;and
WHEREAS, the current fare structure for SLO Transit was approved by City Council on
May 5, 2009; and
WHEREAS, staff presented the Fare Policy Update to the Mass Transportation Committee
on August 5, 2010; and
WHEREAS, after holding a special meeting/open house on August 5, 2010, the Mass
Transportation Committee recommended approval of the new rate structure attached hereto as
Exhibit A, which increases the Senior/Disabled 31-Day pass rate and the Trolley regular cash
fare, and establishes a Trolley Senior/Disabled half fare and a transfer fee; and
WHEREAS, on September 7, 2010 & October 5, 2010, the City Council held public
hearings to consider the proposed modifications to the rate structure,
WHEREAS, the City Council hereby finds based on data presented as part of the transit
fund review that the new rate structure attached as Exhibit A does not exceed the reasonable
costs of providing service;
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo
that:
SECTION 1: The City Council hereby adopts the rate structure as set forth in Exhibit A for
San Luis Obispo Transit.
SECTION 2: The rate structure set forth in Exhibit A shall be effective November 1,
2010.
Upon motion of seconded by
and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
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C ATTACHMENT 2
The foregoing resolution was adopted this day of -., 2010.
Mayor David F. Romero
ATTEST:
Elaina Cano
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
*Stine Dietrick
City Attorney
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ATTACHMENT 2
EXHIBIT A
1. REGULAR CASH FARE
a. Fare is $1.25 per boarding
b. Available to any passenger.
2. SENIORIDISABLED CASH FARE (HALF-FARE POLICY)
a. Fare is $0.60 per boarding during all hours of operation.
b. Available to passengers who are 65 years of age or older, requires valid photo identification at
the time of boarding.
c. Available to persons with disabilities with valid identification including Medicare Cardholders.
d. Age to phase in over 3 year period.
. 3. TROLLEY REGULAR CASH FARE
a. Fare is $0.50 per boarding
b. Available to any passenger.
c. SLO Transit Passes, transfers, and Cal Poly Student ID not accepted.
d. 31-day Regional and Day pass accepted
4. TROLLEY SENIORIDISABLED CASH FARE (HALF-FARE POLICY)
a. Fare is $0.25 per boarding during all hours of operation.
b. Available to passengers who are 65 years of age or older, requires valid photo identification at
the time of boarding.
c. Available to persons with disabilities with valid identification including Medicare Cardholders.
d. SLO Transit Passes, transfers, and Cal Poly Student ID not accepted.
e. 31-day Regional and Day pass accepted
5. REGULAR 31 DAY PASS
a. Fare is $37.00 for unlimited rides.
b. Valid for 31 Days or for the month purchased.
c. Issued by City of San Luis Obispo.
d. Valid only on SLO Transit.
e. Valid on any SLO Transit bus route, but not accepted on the Downtown Trolley.
f. Regular 31-Day Passes can be purchased any time and are valid for 31 days from the first day
of use.
6. 31-DAY STUDENT PASS
a. Fare is $25.00 for unlimited rides for 31 days.
b. Valid for 31 days from validation date or from first day of use.
c. Valid only on SLO Transit.
d. Valid on any SLO Transit bus route, but not accepted on the Downtown Trolley.
e. Issued by City of San Luis Obispo.
f. Available to students from Kindergarten to 12t' Grade with valid identification.
g. Valid identification includes driver's license proving to be age 18 or younger or valid school
photo/non-photo identification.
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ATTACHMENT 2
7. SENIOR/DISABLED 31 DAY PASS
a. Fare is $15.00 for unlimited rides.
b. Valid for 31 days.
c. Issued by City of San Luis Obispo.
d. Valid only on SLO Transit.
e. Valid on any SLO Transit bus route, but not accepted on the Downtown Trolley.
f. Available to passengers who are 65* years of age or more, requires valid photo identification at
the time of purchase.
g. Available to persons with disabilities with valid identification.
h. Senior/Disabled 31 Day Passes can be purchased any time and are valid for 31 days from the
first day of use.
i. Age to phase in over 3 year period as follows:
62+June 1, 2009-June 30, 2010
63+July 1, 2010-June 30, 2011
64+July 1, 2011-June 30, 2012
65+ July 1, 2012 and beyond
8. PROMOTIONAL SCRIP
a. Book of 25 tickets is $31.25.
b. One ticket is good for one ride.
c. Valid only on SLO Transit.
d. Valid on any SLO Transit bus route, but not accepted on the Downtown Trolley.
e. Issued by City of San Luis Obispo.
f. Available to any passenger.
9. 1-DAY PASS
a. Fare is $3.00 for unlimited rides for 1 day.
b. Valid for 1 day from validation date or from first day of use.
c. Issued by City of San Luis Obispo and on SLO Transit bus with exact fare.
d. Valid only on SLO Transit.
e. Valid on any SLO Transit bus route, but not accepted on the Downtown Trolley.
f. Available to any passenger.
10. 3-DAY PASS
a. Fare is $6.00 for unlimited rides for 1 day.
b. Valid for 3 days from validation date or from first day of use.
c. Issued by City of San Luis Obispo and on SLO Transit bus with exact fare.
d. Valid only on SLO Transit.
e. Valid on any SLO Transit bus route but not accepted on the Downtown Trolley.
f. Available to any passenger.
11. 5-DAY PASS
a. Fare is $10.00 for unlimited rides during 5 days.
b. Valid for 5 days from validation date or from first day of use.
c. Issued by City of San Luis Obispo and on SLO Transit bus with exact fare.
d. Valid only on SLO Transit.
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ATTACHMENT 2
e. Valid on any SLO Transit bus route, but not accepted on the Downtown Trolley.
f. Available to any passenger.
12. 7-DAY PASS
a. Fare is $14.00 for unlimited rides during 7 days.
b. Valid for 7 days,from validation date or from first day of use.
c. Issued by City of San Luis Obispo and on SLO Transit bus with exact fare.
d. Valid only on SLO Transit.
e. Valid on any SLO Transit bus route, but not accepted on the Downtown Trolley.
f. Available to any passenger.
13. REGULAR ADULT 16-RIDE PASS
a. Fare is $20.00 for Sixteen (16) individual rides.
b. Issued by City of San Luis Obispo
c. Valid only on SLO Transit.
d. Valid on any SLO Transit bus route, but not accepted on the Downtown Trolley.
e. Regular adult 16 individual ride passes can be purchased any time and are valid for 24 months
from the date of issue.
f.
14. SENIOR-DISABLED 15-RIDE PASS
a. Fare is $9.00 for Fifteen (15) individual rides.
b. Issued by City of San Luis Obispo.
c. Valid only on SLO Transit.
d. Valid on any SLO Transit bus route, but not accepted on the Downtown Trolley.
e. Available to passengers who are 65* years of age or more, requires valid photo identification at
the time of purchase.
f. Available to persons with disabilities with valid identification.
g. Senior/Disabled 15 individual ride passes can be purchased any time and are valid for 24
months from the date of issue.
h. Age to phase in over 3 year period as follows:
62+June 1, 2009-June 30, 2010
63+ July 1, 2010-June 30, 2011
64+July 1, 2011-June 30, 2012
65+ July 1, 2012 and beyond
15. SLO TRANSIT TRANSFERS
a. Transfer fee is $.75 for all Adult cash fare riders
b. Transfer Fee is $0.40 for all Senior/Disable/Medicare card cash fare riders
c. Senior/Disabled Transfers available to passengers who are 65 years of age or older, requires
valid photo identification at the time of boarding.
d. Senior/Disabled Transfers available to persons with disabilities with valid identification
including Medicare Cardholders.
e. Senior/Disabled Age to phase in over 3 year period.(Current age 63 as of 7/1/2010)
f Valid for one ride only on SLO transit Routes
g. Valid for sixty (60) minutes from time of issue.
h. Cannot be used for a round trip
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ATTACHMENT 2
16. RTA REGIONAL DAY PASS
a. Fee is $5.00 effective August 1, 2010
b. Issued by RTA and SLO Transit drivers with exact fare and at other outlets.
c. Accepted from any RTA bus rider.
d. Valid on any all SLORTA, SLO Transit, SCAT, Paso Express and North Country Shuttle bus
routes, including the Downtown Trolley.
17. RTA 31-DAY MONTHLY REGION ALL PASS
a. Valid for the month purchased.
b. Issued by San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority.
c. Valid only on San Luis Obispo Transit, San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority, and
SCAT bus routes, including the Downtown Trolley.
18. CAL POLY PHOTO ID
a. Fare is prepaid by Cal Poly State University.
b. Eligible to Cal Poly students, staff, faulty with valid Cal Poly photo identification.
c. Valid per the terms of the current Cal Poly Fare Subsidy Agreement.
d. Issued by Cal Poly.
e. Valid only on SLO Transit bus routes, except on Downtown Trolley.
19. DOWNTOWN ACCESS PASS (DAP)
a. Fare is $0.00 (FREE). Parking Fund reimburses usage.
b. Available to downtown employees, except Cal Poly students.
c. Must be validated monthly with recent payroll stub and photo ID.
d. Issued by City of San Luis Obispo.
e. Valid on any SLO Transit bus route, except on the Downtown Trolley.
20. VIP SLORTA (GOLD) PASS
a. Fare is $0.00 (FREE)-lifetime.
b. Issued by San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority (SLORTA).
c. Valid on San Luis Obispo Transit, San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority, SCAT, Paso
Express, and North County Shuttle bus routes, except on Downtown Trolley.
d. Available to persons 80 years or older with valid identification.
21. SUMMER YOUTH PASS
a. Valid from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.
b. Unlimited rides during effective period.
c. Valid on participating transit operators and services.
d. Issued by San Luis Obispo Transit Authority.
22. TRANSIT PROGRAM
a. No fare for City Transit Program personnel conducting City business.
b. City Transit Program personnel are required to pay appropriate fare for non-city related trips (i.e.
commute trips,personal trips).
R
PH3 -i6
- 1 ATTACHMENT 3
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
MASS TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
SPECIAL MEETING
COUNCIL HEARING ROOM
995 PALM ST.
THURSDAY,AUGUST 5,2010
DRAFT MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Elizabeth Thyne called the meeting to order at 2:50 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Susan Rains, Denise Martinez, Elizabeth Thyne, Stanley Yucikas, Art
Apruzzese, Louise Justice, Margaret Crockett and Tracey Amundson
(Council member Ashbaugh arrived late)
Absent: Jonathan Ellis
Staff: John Webster, Tim Bochum
ANNOUNCEMENTS
There were no announcements.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
A. CONSENT ITEMS
There were no consent items.
B. DISCUSSION ITEMS
There were no discussion items.
ATTACHMENT 3
C. ACTION ITEMS
C-1. Open House/Special Meeting on proposed fare modifications
Mr. Bochum clarified that the Council requested the MTC have additional discussion on
whether modifying the general cash fare would result in significant ridership decrease.
Council also requested the MTC discuss increasing the senior/disabled 31-day pass from
$12.50 to $15.00.
The Council and staff objective was to offset the $60K- $80K structural operating
deficit, as operations were now being funded by reserve funds.
Mr. Webster recapped the Council Public Hearing on July 20, 2010 as follows:
1. Defered this item and directed staff to send it back to the MTC for consideration of
the trade-offs associated with cash fare increases,passes and transfers. Council will
not make a definitive decision about fare increases until further analysis is
complete. This matter should be brought back to the Council as expeditiously as
possible.
2. Deferred evening service fare modifications and directed staff to conduct
additional discussions and public outreach with Cal Poly.
Mr. Webster and Mr. Bochum via a PowerPoint presentation discussed the structural
deficit generated by the reduction in state funding and lower fare revenue due to lower
ridership and the increase in discount fare pass purchases. They noted that the evening
service cost with Cal Poly riders could not be addressed until summer 2011, when the
new agreement will be drafted.
The Council has asked for additional MTC review and discussion on these issues. The
following represent the issues that should be resolved:
1. Based upon the final year end statistics, farebox revenue and the decision to defer
Evening Service Charge changes, does it make sense to move forward with the
general fare cash increase at this time?
2. Should the Senior/Disabled Monthly pass be increased to $15.00 (consistent with
the 2009 MTC recommendation) in order to better reflect cost sharing of service
use and per trip revenue?
3. What should the transfer fare be if free transfers are to be eliminated? A
recommendation may be to initially set the transfer fee at $.75 and observe the
effects on ridership.
■ Staff suggested the transfer fee $.75 if free transfers are eliminated?
ATTACHMENT
During a recent (July) Federal Triennial review of SLO Transit it was determined that the
Trolley service needed to establish a half-fare category for Senior/disabled. The finding
requires that the City implement this half fare as soon as possible.
■ Staff proposed Trolley fare change recommendations of increasing general adult
$.25 cost to$.50 and establishing a$.25 senior/disabled fare.
There was extensive MTC discussion on fare and ridership projections. There was also
discussion on using the new farebox by GFI and possibilities of a"swipe card" fixed ride
options for the occasional rider instead of unlimited ride individual 1-, 3-, and 5-day
passes.
Mr. Bochum noted that the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) and
Promotional Coordinating Committee(PCC) are investigating partial funding to allow
Friday/Saturday Trolley service from April through October. The hoteliers supported
staff recommendations for adult and senior/disabled charges.
Mr. Webster summarized staff recommendations as follows:
1. Defer the cash fare increase to $1.50 and review @ December to determine if
farebox revenues are below expectations
2. Increase the price of the senior/disabled 3l-day monthly pass from$12.50 to
$15.00 pursuant to the 2009 MTC recommendations
3. Increase Trolley base cash fare from $.25 to $.50 and establish a senior/disabled
half fare at$.25
4. Implement a transfer fee of$.75 between SLO Transit routes
5. Make all of the above recommendations effective November 1, 2010
Ms. Martinez was concerned that transients/displaced persons who were not yet
established on Social Security services and subject to low general assistance limits won't
be able to afford a transfer fee.
Pamela Grow, resident, felt the senior/disabled pass increase was acceptable and favored
retaining the evening service.
Raymond Castro, resident, stated that while he could afford paying $15 for a monthly
pass, he did not believe that many disabled riders would be able to afford the increase.
Ms. Justice noted that those on Social Security had not received a cost of living increase
and that there was none slated for next year.
Mr. Bochum estimated that approximately 48K more cash fare adult riders at the current
$1.25 would be needed to be instituted to offset the $60K deficit as a reply to MTC
Member Yucikas.
Mr. Yucikas and Mr. Apruzzese felt that a pro-active marketing effort to get more people
� ATTACHMENT 3
out of their cars and on to transit was the most effective way to offset the deficit without
modifying fares or cutting services and noted this issue has been requested to be placed
on the September 07, 2010 MTC regular meeting Agenda.
Mr. Apruzzese further stated that collaboration and consolidation of duties/services
among regional agencies might be effective and worth further evaluation.
Ms. Rains stated she favored raising the adult cash fare to $1.50 and did not favor an
increase in senior/disabled cash base fare rate.
Mr. Yucikas noted that if the rate changed to $1.50, make the transfer fee $.50 to make a
fare an even $2.00, with no coin change needed.
Ms. Thyne felt that raising general cash fare would increase the number of monthly
passes sold, since it would be a more cost-effective situation.
Ms. Amundson was concerned that the increase of monthly pass sales would defeat the
intention of trying to get more revenue through cash fare increases.
Ms. Martinez suggested a minor increase in the senior/disabled pass, from$12..50 to
$13.75.
Ms. Crockett did not favor raising the senior/disabled pass.
Ms. Justice stated she generally favored the staff recommendations, except she felt the
transfer rate should be $.50 and that the senior/disabled pass could be raised to $12.75,
but not $15.00.
Marc Keenan, First Transit Resident Manager; felt there were too many pass options and
that a multi-ride smart card would provide flexibility and might be more attractive to
occasional riders.
After lengthy discussion Elizabeth Thyne called for consideration of the staff
recommendations and that they are considered separately. The seven members were
eligible to vote are noted below.
Elizabeth Thyne (Senior), Stanley Yucikas (Business), Art Apruzzese (Technical),
Denise Martinez (Disabled), Susan Rains (Cal Poly), Tracey Amundson (Student) and
Margaret Crockett (At Large)
Mr. Apruzzese moved to keep the adult cash are at $1.25. Ms. Amundson seconded the
motion.
The motion passed,6-1 with Ms. Rains voting against.
ATTACHMENT 3
Mr..Apruzzese moved to increase the senior/disabled monthly pass to$15.00. Mr.
Yucikas seconded the motion.
The motion passed 5-2, with Ms. Martinez and Ms. Crockett voting against.
Mr. Apruzzese moved to increase the Trolley general cash fare from$.25 to $.50 and
establish a$.25 senior/disabled rate. Ms. Crockett seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously 7-0.
Mr. Apruzzese moved to establish a transfer fee of$.75. Ms. Crockett seconded the
motion.
The motion passed 6-1,with Ms. Martinez voting against.
Mr. Apruzzese moved to have all fare modifications in place by November 1, 2010. Ms.
Crockett seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously 7-0.
D. INFORMATION ITEMS
There was no information items presented.
The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m. to the regular meeting September 8, 2010 at 2:45
p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Woske, Recording Secretary
3 -2-I
ATTACHMENT 4
September 2010 Fare Modifications Revenue Projections
Senior/Disabled Pass
Assumptions:
1711 Total S/D Passes sold last year(143/month avg)
New Pass Rate Starts November 1st
Reduction in Pass Sales of 10% due to increase through remainder of year(129 passes/month)
Projected Year End Revenue Change:
Existing: Amount
12 Months x 143 passes/month X$12.50 $ 21,450
Proposed:
4 Months x 143 passes/month X$12.50 $ 7,150
8 Months x 29 passes/month X$15.00 $ 15,480
$ 22,630
Total New Revenue Pass Sales.Only: $ 1,180
Transfer Passes
Assumptions:
21,000 Total transfers (1750 month avg)
NewTransfer Rates Starts November 1 st
General Adult/Senior/Disabled Split of 78/22 percent based upon cash ridership percentages
Reduction in transfers of 20% due to increase through remainder of year(1400 passes/month)
Projected Year End Revenue Change:
Existing: Amount
12 Months x 1750 passes/month X$0 $
Proposed:
4 Months x 1750 passes/month X$0 $ -
8 Months x 1400 passes/month x( .22) x$.40 (Senior/Disabled) $ 6,552
8 Months x 1400 passes/month x ( .78) x$:75 (General Adult) $ 986
$ 7,538
Total New Revenue Pass Sales Only: $ 7,538
4MMA
council mcmoizanOum
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October 4, 2010 ZCOUNCIL � CDD DIR
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TO: City Council ZAGAID" SIRE CHIEF
P/ATTORNEY 2-PW DIR
LERK/ORIG nCLICE CHF
FROM: Katie Lichtig, City Manager r7 DEPT HEADS 2-REC Din
Prepared by: Jay Walter, Public Works DirectS, Q'UTIL DIP
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SUBJECT: Double Deck Bus Operational update Wcw-r7rn6,-5 AVau tlt4-
SLO Ct4°l AA06 L ZZ/li1 G/L
The City's new Double Deck Bus (DD) has been in operation for about a month, and staff would like to
share some good news with the City Council on ridership numbers. First,some background information.
The City began investigating the idea of purchasing the DD to replace two old,worn out, polluting buses.
We also had a problem because we were leaving students behind, morning and afternoon on our busiest
routes. They could not rely on our system to get them to class on time and ridership suffered as a result.
With Federal grant funding available for capital purchases, staff researched all the angles and proposed
buying the DD, rather than two regular buses. Operating this bus requires one driver, not two. The DD
produces far less emissions than two buses. In our view, the DD was a good, prudent buy, both
economically and environmentally for the city. Plus, ridership is way, way up as the following statistics
confirm: RECEIVED
• Route 4A(DD) up 22.4%all riders (+1,986)
• Route 4A(DD) up 23.8%Cal Poly riders(1,476) OCT 0 "s 2010
• Route 5A(DD)up 31%all riders(+2,003) SLO CITY CLERK
• Route 5A(DD) up 38%Cal Poly riders(+1,736)
In addition, looking at the short span of service from September 20-October I" (Cal Poly in session) on
trips where the DD was used:
• Riders carried exceeded the 36 seating capacity of a 40' bus on 82%of trips(115 of 140)
• 30%of the trips exceeded 70 passengers per trip(42 of 140)
• 4 trips exceeded 90 passengers per trip and one trip had 107 riders
Overall System Ridership(month): RED FILE
• Total fixed ridership up 9.7%(+6,723) MEETING AGENDA
• Cal Poly riders up 16.9%(+6,235) DATE:a ITEM # 1Eft3
• General Public riders(No CP or Trolley)up 1.5%(+488)
• Trolley riders up 41.4%(+645)
Staff continues to monitor the occupancy of the DD in its use on Routes 4 & 5 and will make adjustments
to increase ridership based upon demand of the riders at peak times of the day.
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ITA914eAC-M E5 FIRE CHIEF
From: John D. Grady, CFP [mailto:jgradyslo@earthlink.net] r;A7TORNEY LVPW DIR
Sent: Tuesday, October 05, 2010 10:01 AM Cj CLERIVORIG 1.7—POLICE CHF
To: Council ALL RED FILE 10D T HEADs LIREC DIR
Subject: Bus Fare.Increase r� L�UTIL DIR
MEETING AGENDA - T� '`- SHR DIR
NE-tJ TIS
Dear City Council Members, WEAL— ITEM # ' Lpu,eae«
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I hope at tonight's council meeting you will each take some time at the outset to
acknowledge the many public comments you heard at the last meeting in opposition to
the historic home ordinance you are considering: It appeared as if the scores of
comments you received fell on deaf ears at your last meeting. It would also be nice to
hear you each articulate your own stance and how you came to your current position on
this issue. I remain opposed to this measure in any form.
I also just saw that one of tonight's agenda items is the proposed bus fare increase
which you visited a couple of months ago. I watched that prior meeting and
appreciated Andrew Carter's objections to the proposed fare increase and was happy to
see other council members agree to have staff review this further before taking action.
I think Andrew's point is quite valid that when you increased single ridership fares last
time around the net result was fewer riders and lower revenues.
I urge you to NOT make this same mistake again tonight by raising single ridership fares
as well as increasing transfer fares to a full fare price. This I believe would be
catastrophic to many bus riders, particularly in these difficult economic times, and that
you would again see a fall in ridership. I believe another proposal being studied was to
perhaps increase the cost of a monthly pass somewhat. This seems more palatable and
perhaps even this increase might be avoided or at least lessened for seniors and
students who again would be the hardest.hit by a fare increase of any kind.
The discussion came up somehow on the Dave Congalton show last night that people
who work downtown are eligible for free bus passes. This appears to be a well kept
secret, even though I know the program has been around for years. I believe I only
learned of it when my son attended SLO High and worked downtown and thus qualified
for a free bus pass which he used exclusively to get to and from work as he had no car. I
suggest you or your staff also visit this issue and take steps to get the word out to all
downtown employees about this program. I believe all downtown businesses as well as
the City should be promoting this free program extensively. It obviously helps our
environment and frees up much needed downtown parking spaces.
I must briefly comment on a couple other issues. While I have reserved judgment on
the new double deck bus, you have failed miserably to justify this expense to the city,
however small it may have been. The general mood I hear over and over again is that it
is a waste of taxpayer money, be it city or federal tax dollars. Much the same sentiment
exists with regards to the new fire engine. If you truly believe in these two purchases I
RECEIVE®
OCT 0 5 2010
SLO CITY CLERK
think you and the city need to do a better job of justifying and selling these ideas to the
taxpayers.
Lastly, why did we need to hire an interim fire chief? Money is tight now and you will
soon be facing tough budget decisions. Why could not the second in command at the
fire department have taken over the duties of the chief during this time? He (or she)
should certainly be well qualified with many years of experience in order to be in their
current position.
And whomever is chosen as the new chief, I hope you hire someone who is not already
retired and receiving a government pension and that you don't grant them a salary
increase over the former chiefs salary as you did to attract our current City Manager.
As always, thank you for time and consideration of my suggestions.
Regards,
John Grady
San Luis Obispo