HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/21/1990, C-11 - TROLLEY DEMONSTRATION PROJECT/LEASE EXTENSION �Iml ��lllll� iI
city p MEETING DATE:
P°"u►�n�i► o san iuis OBISPO 8/21/90
1COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT NUMEIER;/�_IL e
FROM: Ken Hampian, Assistant City Administrative Officer
Prepared by: Harry Watson, Transit Man #1
SUBJECT: Trolley Demonstration Project/"Lease Extension
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
1. Approve the extension of the downtown trolley demonstration
program for a period of two months, from the current
expiration date of October 22, 1990 to December 22, 1990.
2. Receive status and performance information concerning various
aspects of the Demonstration Program.
DISCUSSION:
Background
The development and initiation of a pilot downtown trolley
demonstration has proven to be a very successful part of the 1989-
91 Council Work Program. The demonstration program is currently
operating on a trial basis through the peak tourist season.
The effective dates of the City's trolley lease are June 22, 1990
through October 228 1990. Contractually, any extension of this
lease must be exercised by the CAO by September 1, 1990. With
October 22, 1990 being the current expiration date, if Council
elects to extend for a two month period, the extension would take
the demonstration through the non-tourist fall period and include
the Christmas shopping season. The new expiration date will be i
December 22, 1990. In terms of trolley operation, any extension
to our existing demonstration program can be accomplished under the
authority of the amendment to our service provider contract,
Laidlaw Transportation, Inc.
Extension of Trolley Contract
Given the success of the demonstration so far through the summer
months, staff feels there is merit in continuing the demonstration
through the fall season to ascertain the level of public support
during the non-tourist season and up to Christmas. This would also
allow staff to determine how the trolley will interact with the
Marsh Street Parking Structure. Information supporting the success
of the program thus far, and other performance information, is
outlined below.
Program Status/Performance Report
Performance Evaluation Report: As an attachment to this report
please find a Performance and Ridership Report which includes
ridership numbers, operating costs per passenger, operating cost
per vehicle service hour, passengers per vehicle service hour and
city of san lui s osi spo
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Page Two
finally passengers per vehicle service mile. Ridership in excess
of 18,000 for a single month has exceeded our most optimistic
preliminary expectations for the program.
Survey Results: Although the onboard survey has not been completed
at the time of this reportfs preparation, some preliminary trends
are interesting. For example, even though the survey is being
conducted at the height of the tourist season, a clear majority of
our riders are local residents. Also, for those indicating a
willingness to pay a fare, $.25 is the most commonly chosen amount.
The full results of the current survey will be presented in a
November Performance Report, as discussed later. Also in the
November report will be the results of a smaller parking related
.survey that staff plans to conduct in October.
Hours: The program start-up hours of 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday
through Friday, Thursday evening hours until 9:30 p.m. , Saturday
hours from 10:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and Sunday hours from 12:00
to 5:00 p.m. have proven to be the right hours for the routes that
we are currently serving. The first two loops in the morning and
the last two loops in the evening Monday through Saturday are at
approximately 30% of capacity while a large percentage of the rest
of the day is at or exceeding capacity.
Route: The route as initially installed also seems to meet with
a high level of acceptance by both residents of our community and
tourists visiting our town. That route is bordered by Osos to the
north, Nipomo to the south, Palm to the west and Marsh to the east
with Higuera receiving double serve per loop.
During the a.m. a headway is consistently being maintained while
the p.m. and evening service is averaging a 15-minute headway which
is the outside parameter of acceptability. Headways on Higuera
Street are approximately 6 - 8 minutes.
Fare: As spelled out in the Council Work Program there has been
no fare charged on the Old SLO Trolley to date. This policy has
been received with a very high level of enthusiasm as one might
imagine by those who use the trolley. At the time of writing this
Council Agenda Report, staff is involved in an on-board survey
which includes a question dealing with any future fares that might
be charged for the trolley use. Survey results will be provided
at a later time, though preliinary results show that among those
willing to pay a fare, $.25 is the preferred amount.
Marketing: By the August 21 Council meeting, the marketing effort
for the Trolley Demonstration Program will be complete. . The
marketing effort has included print media in the County Telegram
Tribune, in the Mustang Daily, in the New Times newspaper, in
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COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Council Agenda Report
Page Three
television ads that were run on RSBY TV, on table top
advertisements that were placed in each motel room up and down
Monterey Street, as well as in the lobbies of each of the motels.
There were also numerous interviews given to radio stations and
television stations as part of their news format.
Future of the Trolley Program
The main purpose of the November Performance Report will be a
comprehensive program evaluation, a discussion about the long-term
future of the trolley program, and a request for Council direction.
It may be necessary for Council to make a decision at that time,
to increase the possibility that a long-term program can be in
place by next summer (the development of specifications, bidding,
etc. will require several months) . The trolley program will be
reviewed by the Mass Transportation Committee prior to the November
meeting.
As pointed out in all former Council Agenda Reports, if Council
approves a permanent trolley service, there will be a break in
service between the demonstration that is in operation now and
the initiation of any permanent trolley program. This would be
caused by the acquisition time needed to acquire trolleys that
would fill the long-term needs of the City, that meet our
specifications and that are handicapped accessible.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Through the budget process Council originally set aside $90,000 of
General. Fund monies for the trolley demonstration. -The start-up
and operating expenses have been held to a minimum through the
first month and one-half of operation. To date the expenditures
have been $39,263.00. The current balance in the program account
is $50,737.00. Expenditures yet to be incurred in the original
four month program are approximately $22,000.00 leaving an
approximate balance at the end of the original demonstration of
$28,737. A two month extension may cost up to $21,500.00
(depending on how many trolleys we end up leasing) , so there are
sufficient funds in the original appropriation to cover a two month
extension. Staff may attempt to negotiate the return of one
trolley during the final two months of the demonstration.
CONCLUSION:
The Trolley Demonstration Project to date has been a success due
in large part to the support that staff has received from the- City
Council, Mass Transportation Committee and various departments
within the City. Many residents of San Luis Obispo and the
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city of san lues oBispo
COUNCIL AGENOA REPORT
Council Agenda Report
Page Four
adjoining County along with the tourists that have been visiting
our City, have expressed the opinion that the trolley is a very
visible asset to our community. Both verbally and in writing,
several persons have expressed their thanks to the City Council.
ATTACffiCWS:
1. Performance Evaluation Report
HW\demonrpt
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TROLLEY PIDEPSHIP - JULY
TOTAL = 18, 967
5000 -
4000
u 3000
a
CE
2000
1000
0
7/2-8 7/9-15 7/16-22 7/23-29 7/30 d 31
WEEKS
Operating Costs for the Trolley Demonstration are based on our contract per mile rate of
$1.85. The trolley ran 1792 seivice miles in July. Our lease. cost is $6000.00 per month.
Gross Cost: $1.85 x 1792 miles = $3,31520 + $6,000.00 Lease = $9,31520
Cost per passenger: 18,967 + $9,31520 = $.49
Cost per hour. $9,31520 + 224 hours = $41.59
Passengers per hour: 18,967 + 224 hours = 85
Passengers per mile: 18,967 + 1792 = 11
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iL e'-P-� rC ITEIN� #
Li RECEIVED
DOWNTOWN SAN LUIS OBISPO
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION
SAN Mllc!rOltP0.CA
August 21, 1990
Mayor Ron Dunin and City Council Members
City of San Luis Obispo 1 7 7'
P.O. Box 8100
San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8100
Dear Mayor Dunin and council Members:
There is a new era beginning in San Luis Obispo. It is
heralded by the clanging of the trolley bell downtown and
O the spectacular response from the public and downtown
business people.
This phenomenon of interest, which has attracted widespread
support from just about every segment of the community, is
unheard of in recent history and shows just what can be done
with a little imagination and effort.
The Business Improvement Association would like to insure
the success of this program by urging the Council to do two
things. First, extend the current program through
January 22, 1991 for both vehicles operating both of them on
Thursdays and Saturdays; plus, if possible, amend the
current route to cover some of the existing downtown not
currently included as long as headway timing is not
sacrificed. Second, if ridership and interest are
maintained to October 1, 1990, the City purchase at least
two Molley Trolley vehicles. If ordered at that time, the
first trolley should arrive 100 days later or just prior to
the expiration date of the current lease extension.
It is important that if this program is viable there should
not be an interruption of the current service and every
effort should be made to expedite this program for its
intrinsic value to the downtown and the community as a
whole.
P.O. Box 1402, Son Luis Obispo, CA 93406 (805) 541 -0286
we look forward to the perpetuation of the Olde SLO Trolley
clanging bell announcing our progressive new era.
Sincerely,
i
Tom Donat
President