HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/16/2011, PH 2 - PUBLIC HEARING ON SLO TRANSIT FARE MODIFICATIONS-DOWNTOWN ACCESS PASS A: council August 16,2011
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C [ T Y O F SAN LUIS O BCS P O //��
FROM: Jay D. Walter, Director of Public Works A
Prepared By: John Webster, Sr., Transit Tanager
SUBJECT: PUBLIC HEARING ON SLO TRANSIT FARE MODIFICATIONS-
DOWNTOWN ACCESS PASS
MTC RECOMMENDATION
Continue the Downtown Access Pass Program as it currently exists (100% subsidy) without
modification.
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution approving SLO Transit fare modifications for the Downtown Access Pass (DAP)
program, effective November 1, 2011 establishing a monthly rate of $18.50 and a Senior/Handicap
monthly rate of$6.50.
DISCUSSION
Background
The Downtown Access Pass program was implemented in 2001 as part of initial parking demand
reduction efforts to update the Access and Parking Management Plan and since inception has provided
just over 66,000 free rides into the downtown core. The program was initially created with a 25% fare
subsidy supported by the parking fund but was quickly increased to 50% due to low participation. The
initial annual budget for the program was set at $19,600 which did not include advertising. Even with
significant marketing efforts to kick off the program and the 50% subsidy, utilization rates continued to
be low with an annual monthly pass user rate of 13 individuals. In 2002, as part of the formal approval
of the Access and Parking Management Plan, Council increased the subsidy amount to 100% with a
goal of getting at least 100 individuals using the program.
On June 14, 2011, as part of the Parking Enterprise Fund review for FY 2011-12, the City Council
increased the annual budget for the Downtown Access Pass to $20,000 but reduced the Parking Fund
subsidy for the pass to 50%. The Downtown Access Pass program currently provides free SLO Transit
passes for any employee of the downtown core area. The program has been in place since 2001 and the
full subsidy was implemented by Council in 2002 to increase ridership and participation. The goal of the
program is to free-up downtown parking spaces otherwise occupied by employees making more parking
available to consumers visiting the downtown businesses, reduce employee intrusion into the
surrounding residential neighborhoods and reduce the need to construct new parking spaces.
For the past two years the Parking Fund has provided $10,500 annually for the Downtown Access Pass
program. The program has seen recent measured increases (Table 2),primarily due to rebranding efforts
that started in 2009-10 along with additional Regional Rideshare advertising, and the effect of higher
costs of gasoline.
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Downtown Access Pass Program Page 2
The reduced subsidy will not change the approved budget but will require a fare increase for DAP users
to cover the remaining fare costs. Council did not direct staff on how to implement the 50% subsidy.
Rather, direction was given to implement the fare change and to return if issues surfaced that needed
Council consideration. Pursuant to the Council approved "Public Hearing Procedures for Major Service
Policy on Fare Changes" (2004) a public hearing is required for any permanent change which increase
fares on the fixed route service. The DAP fare increase falls under this provision.
Current Program Statistics
With the recent rebranding success the DAP program participation has increased with approximately
159 individuals currently holding DAP passes.
The following provides a short list of statistics about the current Downtown Access Pass program;
■ 13,483 DAP riders in the 2010-11 fiscal year
■ 159 individual pass holders in the 2010-11 fiscal year
■ Pass is issued for a 90-day period; starting on the first day used on a bus trip
■ Average use: 1 ride per week
o Highest User:455 times during 90-day period
0 22 individuals used the pass 100 times or more during 90-day period
■ Employees from 76 different businesses participate in the program
Top businesses that have employees using the program are as follows:
Table 1
DAP Hioliest Employers Number
County of SLO 28
Ross 9
City of SLO 8
San Luis Superior Court 7
Thai Classic 6
Chi olte 5
Palazzo Giuseppe 5
Sinsheimer, Juhnke Lebens,& McIvor LLC 4
Table 2-DAP Ridershi
FY 1 01-02 1 02-0303-04 04-05 05-06 06-07 07-08 08-09 09-10 10-11 I TOTALS
RIDERS 1 599 1 3,010 1 5,836 1 5,529 1 5,747 1 5,892 5,747 8,833 111,495 1 13,483 1 66,171
Changes and Costs—Free to Half Subsidy Program
Staff recommends the creation of a new Downtown Access Pass bus fare at approximately half the
cost of a monthly bus pass fare.
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Downtown Access Pass Program Page 3
Table 3 Proposed DAP fares
Adult Fare 1 $ 37.00 1 $ 18.50
Senior/Disabled Fare 1 $ 12.50 1 $ 6.50
Currently users of the DAP program board the bus for free but the Parking Program is charged for the
individual ride ($1.25) for each boarding. This has proven over time to be the simplest and fairest
accounting for the program since many DAP users ride the system infrequently, and charging the
Parking Program for the full monthly pass would likely overcharge the program.
Staff considered a number of options to implement the %z subsidy program. These included
discontinuation of the program entirely or allowing this purchase of the general monthly pass at a
discount rate. The DAP has been built over time and staff believes the program should be maintained
as a formal demand reduction option for employees and employers in the downtown. The simplest
proposal is to charge half the monthly rate for the DAP pass. Staff recommends the fare increase to go
into effect as of November 1, 2011, in order to use this time to modify the program materials, revise
ticket vending systems and notify users and downtown businesses of pending program changes.
Pass Media and Marketing Costs
There are costs to implement the revised DAP program. In order to promote the current program, all
Downtown Access Passes and marketing materials contain the word "Free". These will need to be
replaced given the change in the program. An alternative would be to simply cover the word free with
ink or a sticker. Staff does not recommend this because stickers may jam the expensive GFI farebox
equipment and simply covering the word free with ink will look shoddy upon the system.
Replacement costs include the reprinting of pass tickets, flyers and brochures that currently promote
the program as "Free". Staff estimates approximately $3,200 for the replacement of the Downtown
Access Pass bus passes, and $2,100 for media and marketing materials for the Downtown businesses
and outlets in the 2011-12 fiscal year.
Participation Change and Farebox
It is difficult to calculate Ridership elasticity for "Free" programs, since there is a higher percentage
of user loss when any increase in cost is implemented. Staff anticipates a significant drop-off in
participation when the program is increased from free to a '/z fare/subsidy. This is based upon current
trends as well as historical participation rates. Many of the users of the program that use their passes
infrequently or less than once a week will likely discontinue use. Quite simply, an infrequent user
may not be willing to pay for the Downtown Access Pass when the cost does not reflect savings.
Staff estimates that the more frequent users may participate in the revised Downtown Access Pass
program. This user utilization may be as high as 15% (or 22) of the current users per month. Based
upon this, the estimated fare revenue projections for the 201.1-12 fiscal year would be $3,256 if the '/z
subsidy is launched on November 1 s` (22 riders X $18.50 (1/2 price monthly pass) = $407/month).
This amount would be matched by the Parking fund for a total revenue amount of $6512. It is
unknown how many DAP users are Senior/Disabled riders as this information is not currently
available and was not used for revenue calculations.
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Downtown Access Pass Program Page 4
As previously discussed, the cost to replace/reprint the current bus fare media and marketing materials is
estimated at $5,300 and the increase to the Downtown Access Pass program bus fares could potentially
generate $6512 in revenues. This means, that the increase in the fares for the Downtown Access Pass
will require just over 6 months of total program (fare+parking fund) revenue to recoup the initial costs
to implement the program. Estimated revenue projections are reflected in Table 4.
Table 4 Estimated DAP Revenue
MONTHLY I REVENUE PARKING TOTAL
RIDERS FARE REVENUE NOV-JUNE MATCH REVENUE
22 $ 18.50 $ 407.00 $3,256.00 $3,256.00 $6,512.00
CONCURRENCES
MTC Discussion
The Mass Transportation Committee (MTC) operates as the advisory body for the Council on all issues
pertaining to the transit system. Since the proposed fare modification had not been reviewed by the
MTC prior to Council decision, at the regular meeting on July 13, 2011 the MTC members discussed
the following issues and the minutes are included as Attachment 2.
• Council direction to reduce the Parking Enterprise fund subsidy by 50%
• History of DAP Program, usage and statistics
• Costs to change existing fare media and marketing supplies
• Anticipated reduction in revenue and ridership
• Possible lack of support for the DAP program from the Downtown Business Association
(DA)
• Some Downtown employees could not afford to pay 50% fee due to their part-time status
• Staff recommendation to change program to utilize 31 day Adult and Senior-Disabled passes
with a 50%discount rate
Some members also felt there was not enough information to support the 50% subsidy reduction at this
time and the MTC voted unanimously recommend to Council to continue the Downtown Access Pass as
it exists currently without modification.
SLO Downtown Association (DA) Recommendation
On July 14, 2011, City staff attended the SLO Downtown Association Parking and Access Committee
meeting. City staff explained the Downtown Access Pass program application process, ridership
tracking and program fraud protections. The DA voted to recommend to Council to maintain the
Downtown Access Program in its.current form, with 100% of the program funding subsidized by the
Parking Fund and a maximum $20,000 fiscal year reimbursement cap. The DA provided Council with a
memo as attached. (Attachment 3)
SLO Rideshare Recommendation
On August 3, 2011 a letter (Attachment 4) was sent to SLO Mayor and Council from Morgen Marshall,
Program Manager of SLO Rideshare stating that Rideshare strongly supports the existing DAP program
and recommends that "it be reinstated as free to employees in the downtown parking district." The
following provides a short list of benefits outlined in the SLO Rideshare letter.
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Downtown Access Pass Program _ Page 5
• Reduced parking demand and congestion downtown San Luis Obispo
• Reduction of employees parking in front of downtown businesses and"feeding the meter"
• Improved air quality
• Increased use of SLO Transit and sustainable transportation options
FISCAL IMPACT
The conversion of the DAP to '/2 subsidy will have a significant effect on the transit fare program. The
Transit Enterprise budget approved by Council on June 14, 2011 anticipated $20,000 in revenue in FY
2011-12 and 2012-13 for the Downtown Access Pass program. It is anticipated that the changes in the
Downtown Access Pass program from "Free" to half of the monthly bus fare will have a negative
impact on SLO Transit ridership and revenue. Total.new fare revenue for the year is projected at
$3,256. However this will be offset by the first year start tip costs ($5,300) along with the loss of the
historic DAP funding directly from parking which is estimated at $13,480 ($20,000 subsidy from
Parking Fund versus $6,512 projected revenue). It is unknown at this time whether this loss of revenue
will have a major effect on the overall system, however, because the SLO Transit farebox ratio is
currently right at 20%, should SLO Transit dip below this ratio, a portion of State Transportation
Development Act (TDA) funding can be withheld or eliminated until the required 20% farebox ratio is
met again. Under State regulations operators which fail to meet the farebox ratios in a given year would
have their TDA allocations reduced during a subsequent penalty year by the amount of the difference
between the required and the actual fare revenues. Even a marginal increase in farebox revenue will
assist in staying above this level and avoiding service impacts.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Retain Program as Currently Operated (MTC, DA, & Rideshare Recommendation). Council
funded the DAP at $20,000 which is projected to be sufficient funding for FY 2012 and assuming
ridership meets the 14,000 rides per year that was projected for the free fare as part of the Fund Review.
Therefore no additional funding would be necessary for this fiscal year if Council were to opt for the
MTC and DA recommendation.
Z Retain Program as currently operated but reimburse the Transit Fund at a different per ride cost.
Council could opt to continue the full subsidy of the DAP but direct that the Parking Fund reimburse the
Transit Fund at a different rate than 100%. One option would be to reimburse the Transit Fund at
approximately 50% of the transit fare (i.e. $.70 per ride). This would not exhaust the Parking Fund
revenues as soon but would not achieve the 50% fare subsidy. Transit Fund revenue under this option
would be approximately $9,800 (14,000 riders) at the $.70 per ride rate and there would be no cost to
change fare media or marketing material.
3. Deny fare modification for the Downtown Access Pass. The City Council could deny the fare
modification and provide direction to implement the '/2 subsidy in a different manner than proposed. If
Council directs modification to the proposed '/3 fare subsidy program, staff would need additional time
to review the recommendations and determine what costs and implementation timing would be
necessary.
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Downtown Access Pass Program Page 6
4. Discontinue the Downtown Access Pass program. The City Council could choose to discontinue the
DAP program and instead provide a "regular" monthly pass subsidy for Downtown employees at 50%.
This option is the lowest cost from an implementation standpoint however; the loss of a program
"brand" may reduce its effectiveness as a sales mechanism. Staff would recommend this option as a last
resort for the '/z subsidy alternatives since is would be difficult to discontinue the DAP program and then
"restart" if the new program is unsuccessful.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Fare Modification Resolution
2. MTC staff report (Agenda Item C-2)and July 13, 2011 Draft Minutes.
3. SLO Downtown Association Memo
4. Rideshare Letter
T:\Council Agenda Repons\Public Works CAR\201 RTRANSTIICAR-DOWNTOWN ACCESS PASS-08-16-2011\CAR-DRAFT DOWNTOWN ACCESS
PASS 08-16-2011 FINAL-(jw5).DOC
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ATTACHMENT 1
RESOLUTION NO. (2011 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 October 2010 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
October 5, 2010;and
WHEREAS, staff presented the Fare Policy Update to the Mass Transportation Committee
on July 13, 2011; and
WHEREAS,on August 16, 2011, the City Council held a public hearing to consider the
proposed modifications to the rate structure,
WHEREAS, the City Council determines that the new rate structure attached as Exhibit A
does not exceed the reasonable costs of providing service; and
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,
2011.
Upon motion of , seconded by
and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
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ATTACHMENT 1
The foregoing resolution was adopted this day of , 2011.
Mayor Jan Marx
ATTEST:
Elaina Cano
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
s l e Dietrick
City 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 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.
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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
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 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.
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 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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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. Adult Fare is $18.50 for unlimited rides for 31 days.
b. Senior/Disabled Fare is $6.50 for unlimited rides for 31 days.
c. Parking Fund reimburses 50% usage @ $18.50 per adult or$6.50 senior-disabled pass sold
d. Available to downtown employees, except Cal Poly students.
e. Must be validated monthly with recent payroll stub and photo ID.
f. Issued by City of San Luis Obispo.
g. 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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O ATTACHMENT 2
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
MASS TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
COUNCIL HEARING ROOM
995 PALM ST.
WEDNESDAY,JULY 139 2011
DRAFT MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Elizabeth Thyne called the meeting to order at 2:45 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Susan Rains, Stanley Yucikas, Elizabeth Thyne, Art Apruzzese, Louise
Justice, Jody Frey, Jean Long, Todd Katz and Kathy Smith.
(Jonathan Ellis Absent)
Staff'. John Webster
ANNOUNCEMENTS
There were no announcements.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
A. CONSENT ITEMS
A-1. Approval of May 11, 2011 Regular Meeting
Mr. Katz moved to approve the May 11, 2011 meeting minutes as submitted. Mr.
Yucikas seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.
B. DISCUSSION ITEMS
B-1. Transit Funding Challenges Survey
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C' � ATTACHMENT 2
James Worthley, SLOCOG, made a presentation outlining the background of funding
issues. Key highlights included:
■ SLOCOG organizational background
■ Regional Transportation Plan
8 Services offered
■ Programming
■ Accomplishments in highway, regional road, motorized, non-motorized, and
public transit areas
■ Significant decline in funding
■ Fuel tax, sales tax, and vehicle license plate fees
■ Consultant/survey efforts and phased project processes
Mr. Webster agreed to email MTC members the SLOCOG request for input survey.
He further noted that due to federal funding reductions of projected 30%, there would
need to be a cut in services, e.g. weekend schedules, unless new funding sources could be
identified.
B-2. SLO Marketing Plan Status
Mr. Webster reported that with the projected federal cut in funding, there was no extra
money to provide staffing to implement the marketing plan.
There was general discussion on approaching Cal Poly with the effort of finding unpaid
interns or student managers who could facilitate the plan as part of an academic project.
Ms. Long and Ms. Rains agreed to spearhead the effort to work with the College of
Business to implement a marketing plan internship or class project.
C. ACTION ITEMS
C-1. Review SLO Transit.Service Adjustments
Mr. Webster discussed the FY breakdown information on reviewing all routes to
determine which increments/segments/routes were underperforming.
He said targeted service adjustments and/or elimination would result in a cost savings of
approximately$22,500 if implemented on the next run cut for the Labor Day schedule
change. The service adjustment trip eliminations were listed as follows:
■ Route 1: 6:53 a.m. weekdays
■ Route 2: 5:45 p.m. weekdays; 5:45 p.m. Saturdays; 5:05 p.m. & 5:45 p.m. on
Sundays; 9:50 p.m. weekday evenings
■ Route 3: 10:18 p.m. weekday evenings
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C, D ATTACHMENT 2
■ Trolley: modify the run times to be Thursdays 5-9:30 p.m. and 5-9 p.m. on
Fridays and Saturdays
Mr. Webster also noted that staff had requested the PCC to subsidize the Trolley service
for two years and the final service and funding levels were not final at this point.
Mr. Apruzzese moved to accept staff recommended adjustments as outlined in the staff
report. Ms. Rains seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.
C-2. Downtown Access Pass (DAP) Funding
Mr. Webster discussed the Parking Enterprise Fund review/discussion that the Council
supported, which included modifications to subsidize only 50% of costs for DAP as
opposed to current 100% subsidy, noting that the rider would pay the difference.
Mr. Webster reported the DAP usage breakdown details and recommended that the MTC
move to discontinue the DAP program as it currently exists and convert the Downtown
Access Pass to a Downtown Access Program via the establishment of a 31 day unlimited
ride adult and senior/disabled pass using a 50% discount over the regular price. He
further recommended that the motion intent be forwarded to Council for review and
approval.
Kathy Smith, Council member, noted that the Downtown Business Association(DTA)
did not appear to support the current DAP.
Mr. Webster indicated that he would be attending the DTA meeting on July 14, 2011 and
was under the impression that their concern was regarding possible fraud in the current
pass program. He also stated that there were not any issues that staff was aware of
concerning fraudulent use of the existing DAP or application process.
There was MTC discussion, and Mr. Yucikas stated he did not feel there was enough
information available at this time to legitimately vote on the 50% subsidy reduction.
Ms. Long and Ms. Rains left the meeting due to prior commitments but a quorum still
existed.
Ms. Frey noted that not all downtown employees could afford to pay the 50% fee to use
the program/pass due to their part-time status.
Mr. Yucikas moved to recommend to Council to continue the Downtown Access Pass as
it exists currently without modification. Mr. Apruzzese seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.
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O ATTACHMENT 2
D. INFORMATION ITEMS
D-1. Transit Manager's Report
D-2. Operating-Performance Reports
Mr. Webster presented highlight discussion on the reports as presented, noting that the
fuel cost figures were a month off in reporting.
MEMBER COMMENTS
The MTC discussed the need for more enforcement of the no food/drinks on buses.
Mr. Webster agreed to explore additional options such as decals to have the rule enforced
and would bring back discussion at the next meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 4:55 p.m. to the regular meeting September 14, 2011 at 2:45
p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Woske, Recording Secretary
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ATTACHMENT
29 July 2011
To: Tim Bochum,Deputy Director Public Works
Froeborah Cash,Executive Director
San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo Downtown Association
Downtown
Association Re: Downtown Access Pass Proposed Fee
PO Box 1402 The SLO Downtown Association's Parking and Access Committee recently
San Luis Obispo reviewed and discussed the Council's decision to begin charging Downtown
California 93406 Access Pass(DAP)users a fee amounting to 50 per cent of cost, essentially
Phone 805-541-0286-78.1-26647 47
Fax 805-781- reducing the current 100 per cent subsidy by half. The Parking and.Access
www.downtownsLo.com Committee recommends that the City Council reconsider this decision at its
August 16, 2011 meeting in order to preserve the feasibility of the program.
When the DAP(formerly the Gold Pass)program was initiated in 2001,the point
was to encourage people who work in the Downtown area to ride the bus to work
rather than drive Downtown and park their(usually single-occupant) vehicles.
This would achieve several goals:
1. reduce parking demand,
2. reduce the incidence of employees `feeding the meters,'
3. reduce pollution, and
4. encourage alternative transportation.
Note: This program is completely paid for by the parking enterprise fund.
Over time,working with the City parking services department,the Downtown
Association has continually promoted the program particularly to employers,
encouraging them to pass the information along to their employees and even
incentivize the opportunity. Probably the biggest `selling point' of the program is
that it's free!
The Parking and Access Committee believes charging a fee will be a disincentive
for users and defeat the purpose of the program. The committee voted
unanimously to recommend to Council to continue the status quo of 100 per
cent funding of the program with a$20,000 cap(annual). Everyone strongly
agrees the program should remain free to users to achieve the established goals.
r
Your assistance in forwarding this recommendation to the Council is appreciated. t
k
Cc Katie Lichtig, City Manager
Tim Bochum, Public Works
Robert Horch, Parking Services Manager
John Webster,Transit Manager 7
Downtown Association Board of Directors
Downtown Association Parking and Access Committee
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Attachment 4
rideshareo
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son Us Obispo council of governments
August 3, 2011
Mayor]an Marx and City Council Members f
City of San Luis Obispo
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
RE: Downtown Access Pass (DAP) - Support to reinstate the program as free for
participants
Dear Mayor Marx and City Council Members,
San Luis Obispo Regional Rideshare expresses strong support for reinstating the
Downtown Access Pass (DAP) as a free service for all participants. We understand
that at the last City Council Meeting, council moved to reduce the current 100%
subsidy by half and charge users a fee amounting to 50% of the cost ($18.75 per
month). We believe this increase will reduce the effectiveness of the program. s
The purpose of the Downtown Access Pass (DAP) is to encourage employees in the
downtown parking district to use transit as their commute mode instead of driving.
The benefits of this program include:
• Reduced parking demand and congestion downtown San Luis Obispo
• Reduction of employees parking in front of downtown businesses and "feeding
the meter"
• Improved air quality
• Increased use of SLO Transit and sustainable transportation options
Rideshare works with employers and commuters in San Luis Obispo to promote and
encourage sustainable and active transportation options. In 2007, Rideshare was
awarded a Federal Grant to partner with SLO Transit and develop a marketing and
public engagement campaign for the pass, including its rebrand from the Gold Pass
to the Downtown Access Pass. In addition, Rideshare promotes the pass through our
Transportation Choices Program and public engagement efforts in downtown San
Luis Obispo.
As originally designed, the DAP is successful because it removes the barriers of using
transit, making it a viable alterative to the single occupancy vehicle (SOV).
Currently, several barriers prevent"choice commuters"from using transit. Such
choice commuters, like downtown employees, have the financial and mobile ability to i
drive and are key to reducing SOV trips, miles, and emissions in San Luis Obispo. To z.
encourage choice commuters to shift their commute mode and use sustainable
transportation, barriers must be removed, not added. This is why the DAP program r
was successful - it was a free quarterly pass that removed the barriers of pass •'
administration and commute costs. In addition, it helped justify the cost of increased
commute time by using transit instead of driving. By increasing the fare and the
amount of time needed to participate in the program (monthly distribution instead of
quarterly), I fear that the benefits of using transit maybe outweighed by the barriers.
it
1
1114 marsh street san luis Obispo,ca 93401 1 for transportation information call 511
www.rideshare.org
a
Attachment 4
Additionally, the DAP is a great example of low cost/high return Transportation
Demand Management and its elimination would be a step away from the direction of
SLOCOG's Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). The RTP supports the DAP through
TDM &TSM policies and strategies identified on page 3-4 TSM 1 which "Supports
actions to reduce single occupancy vehicle trips, promote alternative transportation
modes..." and on page 3-5 TDM 1g "...provide incentives and increased opportunities
for alternative transportation modes including...free or subsidized transit passes...".
The DAP also serves as a model program for large development projects and special
parking districts in San Luis Obispo and throughout the county.
If the recommendation stands and the pass is offered at half the cost, not only will it
hurt current usage, but it will hinder future growth. In order to accomplish the goal
of encouraging downtown employees not to drive downtown, the pass should stay as
originally designed - free.
Rideshare strongly supports the recommendation that the DAP be reinstated as free
to employees in the downtown parking district.
Sincerely,
Morg�hall
Program Manager
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PH2-19
From: Morgen Marshall[SMTP:MMARSHALLcS-RIDESHARE.ORGI
Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 11:12:54 AM
To: Council, SloCity
Subject: Downtown Access Pass(DAP) Support to reinstate the program as free for participants
Auto forwarded by a Rule
Dear Mayor Marx and City Council,
Please see the attached letter expressing Rideshare's strong support for reinstating
the Downtown Access Pass as a free service for all participants.
I look forward to seeing you when the topic is addressed on August 16" .
Thank you for your consideration,
morgen marshal)
program manager
slo regional rideshare
p: 805.781.4462 RED FILE
f: 805.781.5703
www.rideshare.oro MEETING AGENDA
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son Nis obispo council of govemmems RECEIVED
AUG _ 2011
August 3, 2011
Mayor]an Marx and City Council Members SLO CITY CLERK
City of San Luis Obispo
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
RE: Downtown Access Pass (DAP) - Support to reinstate the program as free for
participants
Dear Mayor Marx and City Council Members,
San Luis Obispo Regional Rideshare expresses strong support for reinstating the
Downtown Access Pass (DAP) as a free service for all participants. We understand
that at the last City Council Meeting, council moved to reduce the current 100%
subsidy by half and charge users a fee amounting to 50% of the cost ($18.75 per
month). We believe this increase will reduce the effectiveness of the program.
The purpose of the Downtown Access Pass (DAP) is to encourage employees in the
downtown parking district to use transit as their commute mode instead of driving. ;
The benefits of this program include:
• Reduced parking demand and congestion downtown San Luis Obispo
• Reduction of employees parking in front of downtown businesses and "feeding
the meter"
• Improved air quality
• Increased use of SLO Transit and sustainable transportation options
Rideshare works with employers and commuters in San Luis Obispo to promote and
encourage sustainable and active transportation options. In 2007, Rideshare was
awarded a Federal Grant to partner with SLO Transit and develop a marketing and
public engagement campaign for the pass, including its rebrand from the Gold Pass
to the Downtown Access Pass. In addition, Rideshare promotes the pass through our
Transportation Choices Program and public engagement efforts In downtown San
Luis Obispo.
As originally designed, the DAP is successful because it removes the barriers of using
transit, making it a viable alterative to the single occupancy vehicle (SOV).
Currently, several barriers prevent"choice commuters"from using transit. Such
choice commuters, like downtown employees, have the financial and mobile ability to
drive and are key to reducing SOV trips, miles, and emissions in San Luis Obispo. To s
encourage choice commuters to shift their commute mode and use sustainable
transportation, barriers must be removed, not added. This is why the DAP program
was successful - it was a free quarterly pass that removed the barriers of pass
administration and commute costs. In addition, it helped justify the cost of increased
commute time by using transit instead of driving. By increasing the fare and the
amount of time needed to participate in the program (monthly distribution instead of
quarterly), I fear that the benefits of using transit maybe outweighed by the barriers.
1114 marsh street san luis obispo,ca 93401 1 for transportation information call 511
www.rideshare.org
o
Additionally, the DAP is a great example of low cost/high return Transportation
Demand Management and its elimination would be a step away from the direction of
SLOCOG's Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). The RTP supports the DAP through
TDM &TSM policies and strategies identified on page 3-4 TSM 1 which "Supports
actions to reduce single occupancy vehicle trips, promote alternative transportation
modes..." and on page 3-5 TDM Ig "...provide incentives and increased opportunities
for alternative transportation modes including...free or subsidized transit passes...".
The DAP also serves as a model program for large development projects and special
parking districts in San Luis Obispo and throughout the county.
If the recommendation stands and the pass is offered at half the cost, not only will it
hurt current usage, but it will hinder future growth. In order to accomplish the goal
of encouraging downtown employees not to drive downtown, the pass should stay as
originally designed - free.
Rideshare strongly supports the recommendation that the DAP be reinstated as free
to employees in the downtown parking district.
Sincerely,
Mor�Marshall
Program Manager
From: Blues Chick[SMTP:1 BLUESCHICKcaGMAIL.COMI RECEIVED
Sent: Thursday, August 04, 20119:17:34 AM
To: Council, SloCity AUG _ 8 1011
Subject: Downtown access pass SLO CITY CLERK
Auto forwarded by a Rule
Dear City Council,
Please consider reinstating the free Downtown access bus pass. I am a SLO County
employee and have been taking the bus to work for over 4 years and using the access
pass. I love the extended hours on Route 2, but disappointed that summer has no late
hours. That's when I want to attend Farmer's market or wine taste downtown after work.
Thanks for your time,
Connie Booton
From: mlile@co.slo.ca.us[SMTP:MLILE@CO.SLO.CA.US1
Sent: Monday, August 08, 2011 10:00:23 AM
To: Council, SloCity
Subject: Please continue the Downtown Access Pass as a free program to
all downtown employees!
Auto forwarded by a Rule
Hello- I am a 18 year County employee and 14 year San Luis Obispo
resident.
I work at the County government center downtown and am in my first
three months of using the Downtown Access Pass. I had tried this a few
years ago but was intimidated by some of the bus riders. A fellow
coworker and neighbor recommended it a few months ago and I tried it
again. I LOVE IT! I have recommended it to others and I know we have at
least a few new riders just in my department. One coworker was paying
to ride the bus because he hadn't heard about the program. Now he has
his pass and rides on a regular basis. I think many more people would
take advantage of this program if they new about it and this would
increase your ridership and decrease the individual car trips to and
from downtown. This program saves on emissions and makes parking
available to downtown shoppers and other city visitors.
All of this will help make visiting San Luis Obispo and using the
public transportation system more appealing to those who live here,
visit here, and do business here.
I just changed my work and personal schedule to match the bus schedule
based on the FREE Downtown Access Pass program. Please consider keeping
this a free program for all those who currently use it and who can use
it in the future. Times continue to be tight for everyone and this
program is a win-win for people who work and do business downtown.
Sincerely, Melissa Lile
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Melissa Lile, PMP
IT Project Manager
General Services Agency - Information Technology County of San Luis
Obispo
U
RED FILE
From: Nancy [mailto:oldandtired4u(a)yahoo.coml MEETING AGENDA
Sent: Monday, August 15, 20119:50 AM DATE !� 1 ITEM # a?
To: Webster, John
Subject: DAP
Hello:
As a single mother with only one car in the household, for me, the
DAP is the best part about living and working in SLO ! Why are you
penalizing the hard -working citizens of SLO ? We are riding the bus
to make a positive contribution to this fine city!
Please keep the Downtown Access Pass FREE !
Thank you.
Nancy Poynter
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- To: Tim Bochum, Deputy Director Public Works °CITYMGR
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Tborah Cash, Executive Director RED FILE
San Luis Obispo ((�f San Luis Obispo Downtown Association
Downtown MEETING AGENDA
Association Re: Downtown Access Pass Proposed Fee DATE-61-6k ITEM #
PO Box 1402 The SLO Downtown Association's Parking and Access Committee recently
San Luis Obispo reviewed and discussed the Council's decision to begin charging Downtown
California 93406 Access Pass (DAP) users a fee amounting to 50 per cent of cost, essentially
Phone 805-541-0286 reducing the current 100 per cent subsidy by half The Parking and Access
Fax 805-781-2647
www.downtownsloxom Committee recommends that the City Council reconsider this decision at its
August 16, 2011 meeting in order to preserve the feasibility of the program.
When the DAP (formerly the Gold Pass) program was initiated in 2001, the point
was to encourage people who work in the Downtown area to ride the bus to work
rather than drive Downtown and park their(usually single-occupant) vehicles.
This would achieve several goals:
1. reduce parking demand,
2. reduce the incidence of employees `feeding the meters,'
.3. reduce pollution; and
4. encourage alternative transportation.
Note: This program is completely paid for by the parking enterprise fund.
Over time, working with the City parking services department, the Downtown
Association has continually promoted the program particularly to employers,
encouraging them to pass the information along to their employees and even
incentivize the opportunity. Probably the biggest `selling point' of the program is
that it's free!
The Parking and Access Committee believes charging a fee will be a disincentive
for users and defeat the purpose of the program. The committee voted
unanimously to recommend to Council to continue the status quo of 100 per
cent funding of the program with a $20,000 cap (annual). Everyone strongly
agrees the program should remain free to users to achieve the established goals.
Your assistance in forwarding this recommendation to the Council is appreciated.
Cc-. 'Katie Lichtig, City Manager
Tim Bochum, Public Works RECEIVE
Robert Horch, Parking Services Manager
John Webster, Transit Manager AUG 1 2011
Downtown Association Board of Directors
Downtown Association Parking and Access Committee SLO CITY CLERK