HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/21/2009, PH1 - PUBLIC HEARING ON SLO TRANSIT FARE MODIFICATIONS counat "'°A
Apri121,2009
ac En as Report N
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
FROM: Jay D. Walter, Public Works Directv"
Prepared By: John Webster, Transiianager
SUBJECT: PUBLIC HEARING ON SLO TRANSIT FARE MODIFICATIONS
RECOMMENDATION
As recommended by the Mass Transportation Committee on February 18, 2009.
1. Adopt a Resolution approving the fare modifications for San Luis Obispo Transit as
recommended by staff and the Mass Transportation Committee.
2. Set June 1, 2009 as the date for the new fares to be implemented.
REPORT IN BRIEF
In anticipation of potential future budget shortfalls in transit funding, staff proactively
recommended to the Mass Transportation Committee (MTC) that it tentatively set a date to receive
comments and establish a public hearing for a fare increase. On February 18, 2009, the MTC
reviewed and approved a recommendation that Council adopt an increase to transit fares. The
proposed fare modifications are consistent with fares charged by other regional transit providers and
are necessary in helping to bridge future budget shortfalls.
There are three significant reasons for considering fare increases at this time; volatile fuel costs,
funding reductions and mandated farebox recovery ratios. These factors severely limit the City's
ability to maintain a higher level of service to its ridership and play heavily in staff's
recommendation to consider fare increases at this time.
DISCUSSION
Existing Policy
The City's current Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP) was adopted on August 23, 2003. As part of
that plan a policy was adopted to guide the City's hearings for public comment on SLO Transit
fare modifications (Attachment 2). Per established policy, a legal notice was published 30 days
prior to the hearing on March 18,2009.
MTC's Public Hearing on fare modification proposals
City staff is anticipating shortfalls in transit funding beginning in fiscal year 2008-09 and
continuing for the next few years. In anticipation of these shortfalls, staff proactively
recommended to the Mass Transportation Committee (MTC) that it tentatively set a date to
receive comments. A hearing date was approved by Council on February 9,.2009 and the MTC
j
CAR-Public Hearing on SLO Transit Fare Modifications Page 2
held a special meeting/Public Hearing on February 18, 2009 at 4:30 pm in the Council Chambers
at 990 Palm Street to discuss this issue. Consistent with City policy a thirty (30) day public
notification of that hearing was issued in order to hold the scheduled public hearing and allow the
public to attend.
Fare Increase—why consider one now?
Fare increases are never welcome. They can be controversial and if they are increased too high,
can sometimes lead to ridership decline. Recommendations for increased fares must be done in a
responsible manner and should be highly transparent and justifiable to the public. Under normal
conditions, fare increases are usually considered when increased service levels are being
provided or there are serious fiscal issues that necessitate the increased cost to patrons. These two
factors play heavily in the recommendation to consider increases at this time.
The City's transit service is an enterprise fund. As such, the transit service is required to fund
itself entirely from grants from local, state, and federal sources, as well as revenues from
passenger fares and subscription service. As a policy, the City's transit service does not receive
assistance from the general fund. The challenge is to determine the best possible service levels to
best meet the needs of the community within the limited funding anticipated to be received in
future years.
Currently, the regular cash fare for SLO Transit is $1.00, and the senior/disabled cash fare is
$0.50. SLO Transit's most recent fare increase was approved in August2005 and implemented in
January 2006. While the length of time between fare increases is not set by City policy (such as
in the Parking Fund), significant influential issues such as changes in key funding and lost
revenues are important considerations as we discuss fares at this time.
There are three significant reasons for considering fare increases at this time. First, while fuel
costs have receded recently the cost of fuel for the first six months of the year and future costs
continues to place pressure on the transit budget. Second, State transit operating funding
reductions have caused a significant budget shortfall for the current year. This reduction severely
limits the City's ability to maintain a higher level of service to its ridership. Finally, as operating
costs have increased, the City's ability to meet the State mandated 20% farebox recovery ratio
has become a challenge, leaving the City vulnerable to fines or loss of funding.
Fuel Costs
Diesel fuel costs have risen dramatically in recent years peaking in July 2008 at $4.40 per gallon
not including tax. In the last two years, the City has been able to accommodate fuel price
increases within existing budget by using reserve and other line item savings. Even with recent
fuel price reductions the SLO Transit budget will be severely impacted by increased fuel costs in
the near future as prices have been slowly increasing over the last few months. Industry experts
forecast that fuel cost increases will again rise in the spring and summer of this year as have been
seen in recent sharp increases in per gallon price. The following examples demonstrate the
volatility of fuel costs over the last three fiscal years for SLO Transit.
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CAR-Public Hearing on SLO Transit Fare Modifications Page 3
Table 1 —July to July Comparison
Diesel Com a-risions
GAL AMT COST/GAL Cost/Variance
Jul-06 8,644.70 $ 19,570.40 $ 2.26
Jul-07 9,330.00 $ 26,443.31 $ 2.83 25.19%
Jul-08 9,053.30 $ 39,855.24 $ 4.40 55.33%
FY06-FY08 27,028.00 $ 85,868.95 $ 3.18 40.34%
COMPARE $2.26 To$4.40 94.46%
Table 2 —July to July Comparison
FY COST GALLONS PER GAL
2004-05 $ 237,709 124,291 $ 1.91
2005-06 $ 274,652 103,740 $ 2.65
2006-07 $ 326,400 128,360 $ 2.54
2007-08 $ 392,652 118,857 $ 3.30 72.70%
While the SLO Transit fuel budget was increased for FY 2008-09, current fares were set based
upon fuel costs dating back to 2002. Since fuel consumption is a significant percentage of the .
cost to run the service. As fuel prices remain elevated or continue to increase, it is essential to
have a fare that can capture a higher percent of the operating costs. This will help in meeting
State mandated farebox ratio calculations.
State Funding Reductions
In the current 2008-09 fiscal year, transit funding reductions amounted to $177,000 in Local
Transportation Fund (LTF) and $51,574 in State Transportation Assistance (STA), combining for
a total funding shortfall of$228,774. As part of the State budget compromise, STA funding was
frozen at 50% of the $105,000 expected this year and eliminated starting in FY 2009-10. These
reductions are doubly difficult because they were enacted more than halfway through the fiscal
year making it harder to cover the shortfall. Due to the condition of the economy it is not likely
that there will additional State transit LTF funding available in the near future. Even if fare
adjustments are implemented before June 30, 2009, the City will not have sufficient time to
recover all funding that was lost during this fiscal year.
One bright spot has been the infusion of Federal Stimulus American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act (ARRA) transit capital funding into transit funding programs. Unfortunately, this transit
capital funding can not be used to cover operational costs except for preventive maintenance.
Although the City has been successful in procuring new buses, we now are faced with the
challenge of affording the additional operational costs to operate them.
Decline in Farebox Ratio
Due to the increases in operational costs, the reduction in capitalization of operating expenses,
and significant increases in fuel cost, SLO Transit's farebox ratio continues to decline and is now
at borderline requirement levels as mandated by the State.
CAR-Public Hearing on ILO Transit Fare Modifications Page 4
Our FY 2007-08 audit shows that SLO Transit finished last year right at the 20% farebox
recovery level. Should SLO Transit dip below this ratio, a portion of State transit funding can be
withheld or eliminated until the required 20% farebox ratio is met again. This would be
devastating as a time when State funding has been already reduced. Even a marginal increase in
farebox revenue will assist in staying above this level and avoiding service impacts.
Regional Fare Consistency
Regional consistency with fares and fare media has been an issue in the past for San Luis Obispo
County. A recent countywide fare study has established new fare objectives to assist passengers
using transit services. The RTA recently increased their base fare to $1.25 to assist in RTA's
budget issues. SLO Transit should consider consistency with this fare adjustment now or in the
future to be consistent with the other regional provider of county transit services.
SRTP Implementation Possibilities
As mentioned earlier, the service changes recommended in the current draft Short Range Transit
Plan (SRTP) represent an overall increase in service that reflects the community goals and needs.
However, these come at an increased cost. Those costs, coupled with the desire to better market
the system and the additional staff time required to administer the transit system mean additional
resources will be needed to address these needs. These increased costs are considered operating
costs and are also considered when calculating the 20% farebox requirement. Single fares have
not met the criteria already and we know fares will need to increase in order to do any increase
in service.
There are two ways to address this — restructure service levels (and associated funding) or
increase farebox revenue to match transit funding. Staff believes that the recommended service
levels reflect the community's requests and that implementing these services at this time is
appropriate if can be afforded. This leaves increased fares as a viable way to address the farebox
recovery ratio issue and support any chance at future service increases.
FISCAL IMPACT
What would a Fare Increase look like?
Staff has determined that based upon existing fares and anticipated costs, an adjustment to the
base fare (and related pass costs) should be a minimum of$.25. Although this is a 25% increase
in base fare, the increase in fare revenue may be higher depending on pass sales. This proposed
fare is based upon coinage handling and exact change requirements and is consistent with other
providers in the county.
A potential range of revenue estimates of this fare scenario can be calculated based on FY 2007-
08 data and by using a 0% to modest 3% increase in cash riders or pass sales to develop a range.
Using this information, a $.25 increase in base fare could raise an additional $53,000 to 60,000,
or 27% to 31%, annually. If ridership or sales were to decline by 3% it would still represent an
increase of approximately $46,000 or 23% over FY 2007-08 revenue. This is largely due to
CAR-Public Hearing on SLO Transit Fare Modifications Page 5
higher percentages of cash paying riders and the discounted pass rates currently used by SLO
Transit
In most categories combined ridership and pass sale slippage would have to exceed 15 to 20%
before the fare projections would not result in any increase in total revenue. The current and
proposed fare schedules and estimated revenue projections are illustrated in Tables 3 &4.
Table 3 - Fare Increase Scenario
Type Current Proposed
Regular Cash $ 1.00 $ 1.25
Senior/Disabled Cash $ 0.50 $ 0.60
31 Day regular Pass $ 30.00 $ 37.00
31 Day Student Pass $ 20.00 $ 25.00
31 Day Senior/Disabled Pas $ 10.00 $ 15.00
7* Day Pass $ 10.00 $ 14.00
5* Day Pass $ 7.00 $ 10.00
3* Day Pass $ 5.00 $ 6.00
1* Day Pass $ 3.00 $ 3.00
*Sold on bus/Exact change
Table 4 - Potential change in fare revenue
RIDERSISOLD FY 08 0% 1% 2% 3%
Regular Cash 141,761 $ 141,761.00 $177,201.25 $178,973.26 $180,745.28 $182,517.29
Senior/Disabled Cash 24,171 $ 12,357.50 $14,829.00 $14,977.29 $15,125.58 $15,273.87
31Day Regular Pass 293 $ 8,790.00 $10,841.00 $10,949.41 $11,057.82 $11,166.23
31 Day Student Pass 329 $ 6,580.00 $8,225.00 $8,307.25 $8,389.50 $8,471.75
31 Day Senior/Disabled Pass 2,251 $ 22510.00 $33,765.00 $34;102.65 $34,440.30 $34,777.95
7*Day Pass 81 $ 810.00 $1,134.00 $1,145.34 $1,156.68 $1,168.02
5*Day Pass 32 1 $ 224.00 $272.001 $274.72 $277.44 $280.16
3*Day Pass 97 $ 485.00 $582.00 $587.82 $593.64 $599.46
1*Day Pass 308 $ 924.00 $924.00 $933.24 $942.48 $951.72
$ 194,441.50 $247,773.25 $250,250.98 $252,728.72 $255,206.45
VARIANCE $53,331.75 $55,809.48 $58,287.22 $60,764.95
PERCENTAGE 27.4% 28.7% 30.0% 31.3%
It is important to note that revenue assumptions are not always exact and that anticipated
farebox revenue may outperform or underperform assumptions made for this analysis.
In addition to be consistent with all other operators in the county, staff is recommending that the
age for senior cash/pass discounts be raised to 65+ years. This would be phased in over a three
year period starting on June 1, 2009 and would allow for those currently age 62 to continue to
receive the discount. During the last year a group of regional transit operators including City staff
were part of a region wide fare study steering committee conducted by Majic Consulting Croup
CAR-Public Hearing on SLO Transit Fare Modifications Page 6
that evaluated the current faze and policies and made recommendations for updating regional
transfer policies and improving fare practices. This study has resulted in increased revenue
sharing and fare agreements between SLORTA, SLO Transit, and other operators.
One of the study recommendations related to uniform discount policies as they impact seniors
and it was suggested that since the other regional operators currently use 65+ years as the
eligibility age for senior discounts, that SLO transit should raise our age threshold to be
consistent with the other operators. Staff is proposing a phased-in approach to this issue and we
do not anticipate that this will result in undo hardship for our senior riders and that it will
ultimately benefit the regional system as a whole.
The proposed increase in the senior/disable rate increases is larger than other categories because
SLO Transit has held these fares superficially low in the past and based upon forecast revenue
needs, it does not appear that the City can maintain that subsidy in the future.
As part of the fare study recommendations we have already approved the use of the free VIP pass
for seniors age 80+years issued by SLORTA to be accepted when using the SLO Transit system.
Therefore some riders of our system will realize no fare increase at all.
Can we postpone the fare increase?
Waiting until after the start of FY 2009-10 to implement the fare increase is a possible option but
will not help our meeting the 20% farebox recovery ratio requirement for FY 2008-09. It will
also result in having less than a full year if cuts are needed to be made to stay within revised
funding projections. The overall transit budget might fall into a deficit by the end of FY 2009-10
as further reductions in the LTF are possible along with any impact of SLORTA budget increases
using the off the top Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) funding arrangement. Having a deficit in the
budget is significant because it means the transit fund will have less end-of-year carryover to
absorb unforeseen costs that may arise. Implementing the fare increase now will help meet City
and State transit funding requirements and hopefully allows some ability to maintain current
service levels and lay the foundation in order to possibly implement service recommendations for
mid and long-term scenarios.
Performance Standards for Service.
Even with a fare increase implemented, it is likely that SLO Transit will have difficulty obtaining
a balanced budget for FY 2009-10. Staff is continuing to evaluate the transit budget, but remain
unsure of the likelihood of additional State takeaways or exact funding levels. Service
competition for scarce transit funding is likely to occur at the regional and local levels. Staff will
be preparing guidelines for review of service to assist the community in resolving needs for
service demand.
Performance standards, like a 20% farebox or 30 minute headways are common ways of
measuring system performance. Although the overall system must maintain a 20% farebox ratio,
some specific routes and trips are not nearly that high. It is important that any service
implementation not impact other service levels throughout the day because of minimum farebox
CAR-Public Hearing on SLO Transit Fare Modifications Page 7
recovery requirement or be a drain on the essential services that we must perform for the
community. Therefore the measure of effectiveness already created in the SRTP to effectively
monitor service performance needs to continue to be tracked and monitored to resolve
competition for limited transit funding.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Deny fare modification. The City Council could choose to deny.the fare modifications
at this time, thereby eliminating any increase to the current fare structure. Staff does not
recommend this alternative. SLO Transit increase in operating costs, volatile fuel prices,
farebox recovery ratios and limited funding have placed a strain on the Transit Enterprise
fund operating budget. Denying a fare increase at this time would place additional
burden on resources and service levels would have to be eliminated in order to maintain a
balanced budget. Furthermore, additional revenue is needed to offset known (STA) and
anticipated (LTF) State funding reductions in order to pay for transit service operational
costs and avoid service reductions.
2. 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 consistent with
regional transit providers of county transit services.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Minutes of the MTC Special Meeting/public hearing of February 18, 2009
2. Excerpt on Public Notification from the Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP)
3. Resolution to adopt fare modifications
G:\Staff-Reports-Agendas-Minutes\_CAR\2009\Transit\PUBLIC HEARING ON SLO TRANSIT FARE MODIFICATIONS 04-21-09\CAR-
TRANSIT FARE INCREASE PUBLIC HEARING 04-07-2009v1.doc
Attachment#1 -
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
MASS TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
COUNCIL HEARING ROOM
995 PALM ST.
SPECIAL MEETING-PUBLIC HEARING
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2009
APPROVED MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Susan Rains called the meeting to order at 4:35 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Susan Rains, D. Gregg Doyle, Denise Martinez, Margaret Crockett,
Robert Wolf, Elizabeth Thyne, and Stanley Yucikas
Absent: Tracey Amundson, Kathy Howard
Staff: John Webster, Tim Bochum, Dee Lawson
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Council liaison Jan Marx introduced herself.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
A. CONSENT ITEMS
There were no consent items.
B. DISCUSSION ITEMS
There were no discussion items.
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Attachment#I
C. ACTION ITEMS
C-1. Public Hearing on Proposed Fare Modifications
Mr. Webster and Mr. Bochum discussed current budget issues, including funding
reductions, rising fuel costs, performance standards and farebox and service ratios. Staff
outlined the proposed fare increases.
Michelle Mason, Laurel Lane resident, would prefer fares increases rather than service
cuts. She suggested gaining revenue through parking garage and meter increases and
commercial advertising on buses.
Louise Justice, 3000 Augusta, discussed the senior/disabled fare increases and suggested
phased increases.
Staff discussed existing budget line items to possibly be re-allocated to offset fare
increases.
Staff noted that evening service would need to be re-examined, as the pilot program was
funded through a grant and farebox funds were not covering the costs.
Mr. Yucikas suggested Cal Poly students pay an evening service surcharge; Mr. Webster
noted that 60%of evening service riders were Cal Poly students and this could be looked
at as the original STA funding will be expended by the end of this Fiscal Year..
Mr. Wolf favored proposed fare increases in general and agreed with increasing the
senior age limit from 62 years of age to 65 years of age. He noted that the original
senior/disabled fare was set particularly low.
Ms. Martinez stated she supported fare increases and favored a gradual, phased approach
if possible.
Mr. Yucikas supported the need for fare increases and felt the fares should be matched to
RTA to better facilitate transfers between county transit systems, which would expanded
service network.
Mr. Doyle felt more drastic "big picture: actions were required and suggested an Ad Hoc
committee re-examine bus advertising. He favored all the rates as proposed, agreed with
Cal Poly students paying an evening service surcharge, and felt the 5-day pass should be
priced at$10.00. He did not feel increases should be phased in and all increases should
be implemented by May 1, 2009.
Mr. Doyle moved to approve the staff recommendations as proposed, amending the
report to reflect a$10 price for a 5-day pass and that these increases should be
implemented by May 1, 2009 if possible.
2
Attachment#I
Mr. Yucikas seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.
Members requested staff provide additional ridership, fare and pass data for March
meeting.
Tim Bochum advised there may be a need for another special meeting in April depending
on direction from Council at the public hearing. Staff would look to a toolbox approach
in order to meet basic services if necessary.
The meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m. to the next regular meeting on Monday, March 11,
2009 at 2:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Woske,Recording Secretary
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ATTACHMENT 2
City of San Luis Obispo Final Report
APPENDIX F
Draft San Luis Obispo Transit
PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURES FOR MAJOR SERVICE
OR FARE CHANGES
L BACKGROUND
San Luis Obispo Transit (SLO Transit) is required by the Federal Transit Act, as amended
through 1992, to establish a policy, which defines a process to solicit and consider public
comment prior to raising fares or implementing a major reduction of transit services.
H. SAN LUIS OBISPO TRANSIT POLICY
6. It shall be SLO Transit's policy that public comments be solicited prior to:
(i) Any permanent change, which increases fares on SLO Transit's fixed-
route service.
(ii) A twenty-five percent (25%) or more reduction of the number of daily
transit revenue vehicle miles of a route (the total number of miles
operated by all vehicles in revenue service for a particular day of the
week on an individual route).
(iii) A twenty-five percent (25%) or more reduction of the number of transit
route miles of a route(the total mileage covered during one round trip by
a vehicle in revenue service on a particular route).
(iv) Proposed introduction of a new route.
7. It shall be SLO Transit's policy that the following would be exempt from public
comment and public hearing:
(v) A minor change in fare or service. Examples would be temporarily
reduced or promotional fares, minor route modifications or temporary
route modifications due to street construction(s) or minor schedule
changes.
(vi) Experimental or emergency service or fare changes expected to exist
fewer than one hundred and eighty (180) days and standard seasonal
variations in service. If these changes ultimately continue to remain in
effect for more than one hundred and eighty(180)days, they will be the
subject of public comment and public hearing.
Short Range Transit Plan Page 126
.................
ATTACHMENT 2
City ofSon Luis Obispo Final Report
8. PUBLIC NOTIFICATION
When required, the public comment process will begin by informing the City
Council of the need for a public hearing and/or the publishing of a legal notice
thirty(30) calendar days in advance of the public hearing or open house date in
the local newspapers of general circulation. This notice will set a specific place,
date,and time for one or more public hearings or open houses Written comments
will also be accepted on the proposed changes twenty(20)calendar days beyond
initial publishing of the legal notice.
Legal notices will inform the public of the proposed actions, which initiated the public
comment process.Press releases will also be prepared and sent to the local media.Patrons of
routes proposed for adjustment will be notified of the public comment process by displaying
pamphlets or posters on bus shelters on the route(s)affected
9. SCHEDULING PUBLIC HEARING(S)
The public hearing(s) and/or open.houses will be scheduled and conducted by City Transit
Manager at time,date,and place designated.The facility utilized for public hearings and open
house will be accessible to persons with disabilities. Special arrangements will be made for
sight or hearing impaired persons if requested.
10. PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCT PUBLIC CQMIIMNT PROCESS
(vii) Public Hearing. Forms will be available to attendees to register their
presence and desire to speak.Public hearings will begin with a reading of
the public notice, purpose, and proposed action, which necessitated the
public hearing. After an explanation of the proposed action is completed,
the public will be invited to offer their comment. Each comment will be
limited to three (3) minutes. After all registered persons have
commented,a final opportunity will be offered for any additional public
comment.This offering will precede the close of the public hearing.
(viii) Open house.Open house is a less formal public comment process where
staff and the consultant can explain the changes to attendees on a small
group or one-to-one basis. Attendees would be requested to complete a
survey or public comment form and sign-in. Generally, the summary of
the proposed changes would be displayed around the room and/or
presented. Staf�as appropriate,may introduce the changes in a summary
fashion. Staff would then interact with attendees to stimulate feedback.
Short Range Transit Plan Page 127
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ATTACHMENT2
City ofSar Luis Obispo Final Report
11. DOCUMENTATION OF PUBLIC HEARING
Official records of SLO Transit public heariag on fare or service adjustments will
be generated by:
(ix) Affidavits of newspaper publications of public notices.
(x) Press releases conveying information on upcoming public hearings.
(xi) Tape recordings, minutes, public comment fors, or certified verbatim
transcripts of proceedings.
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12. ADDRESSING PUBLIC COMMENTS RECEIVED
All relevant comments received verbally or in writing at a public hearing, or as otherwise
conveyed to SLO Transit prior to the established deadline, will be summarized in a written
report,which will include the original public comments. The report will be made available to
the Mass Transportation Committee for input and/or comment for an advisory
recommendation to the City Council.
13. ADMINISTRATORS
The City Council will be notified of all public comment solicitations in advance
of all scheduled public hearings on fare and service adjustments. A subsequent
report on public comment received will be provided to the.City Council along
with staff recommendation for final disposition of the issues. Upon review by the
f:
City Council will be directed accordingly to proceed with or amend the
recommended service and/or fare adjustments.
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Short Range Transit Plan Page 128
ATTACHMENT 2
City of San Luis Obispo Final Report
APPENDIX G
San Luis Obispo Transit Fare Policy
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Bus Fares
Regular $0.75
Senior(62+) $0.35
Disabled $0.35
Children Free
(Under 5 with fare-paying adult, maximum 2 children)
Bus Transfers
From SLO Transit Free
From CCAT Full Fare
From Downtown Trolley Full Fare
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Bus Passes
Regular Monthly Pass $24.00
Senior Monthly Pass $7.50
Disabled Pass $7.50
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Universal Pass $30.00
Regional Transit Pass
Regular $50.00
Senior,Disabled, j
Students K-12 $35.00 i
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Proposed Trolley Fare
All $0.25
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Trolley Transfers
From SLO Transit $0.25
From CCAT $0.25 }
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Short Range Transit Plan Page 129 a
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ATTACHMENT2
City of San Luis Obispo Final Report
Fare Policies:
Drivers do not make change.Exact fare is required.
Valid identification is required to qualify for senior and disabled discounted fare.
Passengers must show proper identification when boarding to qualify for discount fares.
Passengers are required to ask for transfers when boarding.Transfers are valid for one
hour and in the same direction to complete the trip. It is recommended that transfers
occur at the Downtown Transfer Center located at Osos and Palm(City Hall).
Passes are available at City Hall SLO Transit is not responsible for lost or stolen passes.
Valid identification is required to qualify for the senior and disabled monthly passes.
Passengers must show their valid pass and have valid identification when boarding the
bus.
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Short Range Transit Plan Page 130
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ATTACHMENT 3
RESOLUTION NO. (2009 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 January 2004 in
accordance to the Council adopted Short Range Transit Plan; and
WHEREAS, the current fare structure for SLO Transit was approved by City Council on
August 15, 2005; and
WHEREAS, staff presented the Fare Policy Update to the Mass Transportation Committee
on February 18, 2009; and
WHEREAS, the Mass Transportation Committee recommended approval of the new fare
policy including an increase to a) Regular Cash b) Senior/Disabled c) 1-Day Pass, d) 3-Day Pass;
e) 5-Day Pass; f) 7-Day Pass, and g) 31-Day Student Passes; and
WHEREAS, the City Council determines that an approved fare policy and rate structure
will be effective as of June 1, 2009; and
WHEREAS, the City Council determines that an approved fare policy and rate structure is
in the best interests of the City, SLO Transit riders and the general public; and
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo
that it adopts the fare structure for San Luis Obispo Transit as set forth in Exhibit A.
Upon motion of seconded by
and on the following roll call vote:.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing resolution was adopted this day of 12009.
Mayor David F. Romero
ATTEST:
Audrey Hooper
City Clerk
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ATTACHMENT 3
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Jonathan P. Lowell
City Attorney
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Exhibit A
1. REGULAR CASH FARE ATTAC R,141 EU!T
a. Fare is $1.25 per boarding.
b. Available to any passenger.
2. SENIOR/DISABLED CASH FARE
a. Fare is $0.60 per boarding.
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.
d. Age to phase in over 3 year period.
3. TROLLEY CASH FARE
a. Fare is $0.25 per boarding.
b. Available to any passenger.
c. Passes, transfers, and Cal Poly Student pass not accepted.
4. 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.
5. 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 12`h 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.
6. 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.
R
MI-11 —�
Exhibit A
i. Age to phase in over 3 year period. ATTACHMENT 33
7: PROMOTIONAL SCRIP
a. Book of 20 tickets is $20.00.
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..
8. 1-DAY PASS
a. Fare is $3.00 for unlimited rides for l 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.
9. 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 and the Downtown Trolley.
£ Available to any passenger.
10. 5-DAY VISITOR 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.
e. Valid on any SLO Transit bus route, but not accepted on the Downtown Trolley.
f. Available to any passenger.
11. 7-DAY VISITOR 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:
£ Available to any passenger.
12. SLO TRANSIT TRANSFER_ S
a. Fee is $0.00 (FREE).
b. SLO Transit passenger must request a transfer when boarding the bus.
c. Issued by SLO Transit driver.
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Exhibit A -
ATTACH!E!!T
d. Available to any SLO Transit passenger.
e. Valid on any SLO Transit bus route, except on the Downtown Trolley.
13. RTA REGIONAL DAY PASS
a. Fee is $4.50
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, except on the Downtown Trolley.
14. UNIVERSAL PASSES
a. Must use the appropriate number of coupons to equal appropriate cash fare (i.e.
regular or Senior/Disabled) on SLO Transit.
b. Accepted on any bus, dial-a-ride, and paratransit systems in San Luis Obispo
County.
c. Accepted on Downtown Trolley.
d. Issued by San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority.
e. Available to any passenger and general public.
f. Due for elimination on July 1, 2009
15. RTA MONTHLY REGIONAL PASSES
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, except on the Downtown Trolley.
16. 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.
17. GOLD PASS (now called DOWNTOWN ACCESS PASS)
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.
18. 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,
and SCAT bus routes, except on Downtown Trolley.
d. Available to persons 80 years or older with valid identification.
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Exhibit A /9
ATTUT 4 np r a
19. HOME DEPOT (and others as approved) Flash Pass
a. Fare is $0.00. The Air Pollution Control District reimburses usage.
b. Available to employees at the San Luis Obispo Home Depot.
c. Issued by City of San Luis Obispo.
d. Valid only on SLO Transit bus routes, except on the Downtown Trolley.
20. 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.
21. 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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Page 1 of 1
j
Council, SloCity
From: Kerry,Kent or Patrick Taylor[kkpt3@sbcglobal.net] Sent: Mon 4/20/2009 8:23 PM
To: Council, SloCity
Cc: Kerry Taylor
Subject: Proposed Transit Increase
Attachments:
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
I have read the staff report and have some comments. First, it seems odd that gas prices have dropped
substantially this fiscal year and yet the staff is using volatile fuel prices as a main reason for the proposed fare
increases.
Second, it seems that seniors are being singled out for higher increases than other groups. Not only is the
definition of "senior" being changed from 62 to 65, but the cost of a 31 day senior pass is proposed to increase
by 50%, the highest rate of increase of any that are proposed. I have never seen the busses crowded with
seniors;however I've often seen them crowded with young riders. I don't think it is anyone's interests to have
more seniors driving, but a large fare increase and reduced gas prices will probably cause this to happen.
Lastly, it is quite unfortunate that the City doesn't review and revise rates more frequently than every four
years. The Council is now being asked to consider major increases in the midst of a major economic
recession.
Nevertheless I realize you have a transit business to run. I suggest that you reduce the 31 day senior pass to a
25% increase, the same percentage as the regular fare increase.
Thank you for considering my views.
Kent M. Taylor
1295 Descanso St.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
594-1559
kkp_t_3 Q sbcglobal.net
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