HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/19/1990, C-2 - TROLLEY DEMONSTRATION PROJECT III�I�IIIIIIII��"IIIIilllil city of San Luis ogispo MEETING DATE:
6/19/90
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT REM NUMBER: +�
FROM: Ren Hampian, Assistant City Administrative Officer
Prepared by: Harry Watson, Transit Manager
SUBJECT: Trolley Demonstration .Project
CAO RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Approve the proposed Old SLO Trolley Demonstration program,
including recommendations provided in the staff report
relative to:
a. Hours of operation
b. Routes
C. Fare to be charged
d. Logo/Marketing
e. Flexibility allowed to staff
2. Approve and authorize the Mayor to execute an amendment to the
existing contract with Laidlaw to provide the trolley service.
DISCUSSION:
Backaround
The development of a Pilot Downtown Trolley service is a part of
the 1989-91 Council Work Program. The pilot program is to operate
on a trial basis during the peak tourist season. Among other
things, the Work Program item indicates that there should be no
fare charged, and signage and stops are to be provided.
On October 17, 1989, staff presented a status report to the City
Council concerning the development of a "Monterey Street Trolley"
pilot program. During that meeting, Council directed staff to
prepare a request for proposals for trolley/shuttle services. The
RFP was approved by Council on January 16 and, as directed by
Council, reviewed by the BIA and Chamber of Commerce prior to
distribution. The RFP met with very limited response with only one
local vendor responding.
At the April 4, 1990 City Council meeting, .Council rejected the one
RFP response and directed staff to pursue the development of a
motor-driven trolley program to be tested on a pilot basis in a
more limited downtown area. Council directed staff to develop the
program as rapidly as possible so as to be able to test the
demonstration project during the summer months.
Staff went on a nation-wide search for available motor-driven
trolleys that could be leased short-term to fulfill our pilot
timetable and was successful in locating two units in San Diego.
Consistent with Council. direction provided on April 4, the CAO
1
� I�IIp��� IIII� City of san Luis oBispo
WNGW COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Council Agenda Report
Page Two
signed a lease with Old Town Trolley Tours, Inc. (per authority
granted him in City Municipal Code 3.24.060) One vehicle will
serve as the primary shuttle, with the second serving as a back-
up.
Program Issues
In order to initiate the pilot program on July 2, 1990, staff is
requesting approval of the key recommendations outlined below.
Hours - Using a target start up date of July 2, the recommended
hours of operation are 9 AM to 5:30 PM Monday through Friday.
Thursday evening hours would. be extended to 9:30 PM. Saturday
hours will be 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Sunday hours will be 12:00 to
5:00 PM.
From discussions with various groups (see Citizen Participation)
the 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, Saturday 10:00 a.m.
to 5:30 p.m. , and 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday were the consensus
hours that would produce the most efficient level of ridership.
An alternative would be to extend hours to attempt to serve morning
commuters. However, it was felt that most workers have parking
near their work site so they would not use the service.
Additionally, if the service were started at 7:30 a.m. , virtually
no one would be using it between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. Most of the
shoppers and commuters have .left the downtown core by 5:30 p.m. ,
which is why that hour was chosen to stop service. The Thursday
evening service until 9:30 is designed to cover the Farmerls
Market. Noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday will capture the peak tourist
traffic and the shoppers for those stores that are open.
Route - The recommended route as shown on the attached Exhibit A
is bound by Palm Street, Pismo Street, Santa Rosa Street and Broad
Street. The Thursday night route as shown on Exhibit B is from the
end of Monterey Street to Chorro returning on Marsh Street.
Paramount in the success of a shuttle service is maintaining short
headways - 10 minutes or less so no one will have to wait, or ride
a long period. The recommended route will. not only serve the
downtown core and both parking garages, but makes the parking west
of Palm, East of Pismo, north of Santa Barbara and south of Broad
more desirable to those frequenting the downtown area.
An alternate route, as shown on the attached Exhibit D, is bound
by Palm Street, Marsh Street, Santa Rosa Street, and Broad Street.
This route would provide twice per loop service to Higuera Street.
At this time it is felt that serving parking east of Marsh
outweighs the doubling of service to Higuera Street.
'di�lifl�p° 9I��N city of San tins OBISpo
0090 COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
- Council Agenda Report
Page Three
Fare - As spelled out in the Council Work Program, there will be
no fare charged. This policy may have a minimum effect on the
ridership and farebox return of our fixed route bus service by
those who choose the free trolley.
If, after the conclusion of the pilot program, it is felt that a
fare would have no negative impact, or in fact could have a
positive impact (a free ride has no value) , a minimal fare may be
.introduced. This action would be closely monitored as to its
effect. Consideration of a fare would be included in the
development of the permanent program. Pilot program riders will
be surveyed as to their opinion regarding a fare.
Logo/Marketing - The logo as represented on the attached Exhibit
C will serve as our on-route signage. Every appropriate location
along the route will be signed. The trolley may be boarded
wherever it is safe to pull out of traffic and stop. The marketing
effort will include flyers for motel guests, radio and newspaper
advertising and appearances at civic groups to promote the service.
Staff is working with the BIA and others to assist in this
promotional effort.
A media inauguration is being planned on our first day of service
and the entire Council is invited to participate. The. Council will
be updated as these plans firm up.
Flexibility - Due to the nature of a Demonstration Project such as
this, staff requests authorization to make changes in both the
hours of operation and the routes served in response to the actual
demands put on the trolley by those who use it. This kind of
discretion is requested for the following reasons: (1) the pilot
program . is experimental in nature and thus there are many
"unknowns" involved; (2) given the short duration of the program,
a lengthy approval process for fairly minor changes would not be
responsive to our "customers"; and (3) in order to adequately
evaluate the viability and shape of a permanent program,
alternatives "tested" during the pilot period will provide valuable
information.
Performance Evaluation and Reports
Using industry-accepted standards and performance standards
established by the Public Utilities Commission in Section 99246,
the Old SLO Trolley performance will be monitored on its:
a) operating cost per passenger
001
city of san [ups osespo
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Council Agenda Report
Page Four
b) operating cost per vehicle service hour
c) passengers per vehicle service hour
d) passengers per vehicle service mile.
On board surveys will also be conducted to determine how we can
better serve the riders, where they live, and their attitude about
the service, including whether or not they would pay a fare, and
if so, how much. Included will be origin and destination
information.
No industry standards exist with which to compare a shuttle or
jitney service. The closest comparison would be a social service
transportation program such as the locally operated Runabout System
run by the County.
During the demonstration period bimonthly performance operation
reports will be produced and sent to the Council and the Mass
Transportation Committee. Any changes in routes or hours will be
noted along with any pertinent customer comments.
Amendment to Laidlaw Contract
Our current Transit vendor is Laidlaw Transit Inc. There are two
years remaining on their current contract which can be amended to
include the operation of additional services such as a trolley
shuttle. The amendment would allow for their operation of our
Trolley Demonstration at the prevailing rate per mile of service
paid for our bus service which is currently $1.78 per mile.
Laidlaw has been kept informed of the program's progress and was
alerted May 21, 1990 to start their driver recruitment and training
program so as to be ready to start service on July 2, 1990.
Laidlaw employees are union and as such bid on the route that they
want with seniority being the determining factor on driver
assignment. This factor could come into play should we decide to
. change hours of operation.
Citizen Participation/Concurrences
The Demonstration Project will be taken to the Mass Transportation
Committee at their June 13, 1990 meeting and the BIA Executive
Committee on June 12. The results of their recommendations will
be made available to Council prior to the June 19 meeting. The
Demonstration Project was also presented to the Downtown Parking
Committee, the BIA Parking Committee, the Parking Management
Committee, and representatives of the Chamber of Commerce. The
���� �mIIIIIIIppn���H�U MY, Of sal Lacs OBISPO
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Council Agenda Report
Page Five
program has been reviewed by the Public Works, Police and .Fire
Departments. This report incorporates the major suggestions of
these organizations.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Through the budget process, Council has set aside $90,000.00 of
General Fund monies for the Trolley Demonstration. Costs are
estimated as follows:
Trolley Lease. The lease payments and security deposits on the
two trolleys will require $30,000.00 for four months. Our lease.
has provisions for a three month extension should the City desire
same. If the extension were exercised, the lease payments and
deposits would total $48,000 for the full seven months.
Operation__ Costs. The contract cost with Laidlaw will run
approximately $6,000 per month at the current per -mile rate we- pay
for their service of $1.78. For the four month demonstration, the
total is $24,000. For seven months, the cost would be $42,000.
Staff is currently embarking on negotiations for the new per mile
rate as stipulated by our .contract. All estimates are using our
current rate.
Miscellaneous. The cost of the route signs is $2300.00, the logo
cost is $260.00, onboard signs $480.00 and sign hardware $200.00.
Marketing, advertising and printing costs are estimated to be
$3,500.00. Survey and distribution costs are estimated to be
$1,000.00. These costs total $10,563.00.
Four Month Demonstration Total. Lease cost of $30,000, operation
cost of $24,000 and miscellaneous costs of $10,563.00 total
$64,563.00. (These costs are estimates. )
Extension of Demonstration to Seven Months. To extend the
demonstration beyond the original scope of work to capture the
Christmas shopping season would cost $6000.00 per month in lease
costs, $6000.00 per month in operations cost and approximately
$1000.00 per month in marketing and overhead. If the full three
month extension were exercised, the cost would be an additional
$39,000.00 for a total seven month demonstration cost of
$103,563.00.
Based on the above, it is estimated that existing funds will be
adequate to support the program for up to six months. If the City
chooses to operate , the pilot program for a full seven months,
however, additional funds will be required. Staff will provide a
report to Council near the conclusion of the initial four month
� -
�► ��IIUIf�Jp� � city of san suis oBispo •
WRAMN COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Council Agenda Report -
Page Six
period so that a decision can be made relative to the desirability
and length of any extension of the program. Actual cost
information will also be known at that time.
CONCLUSION:
As mentioned previously, this program is experimental in nature and
there are many unknowns. Success is not guaranteed. However,
Council is to be commended for its willingness to initiate a new
and creative form of public transportation in the downtown area.
Community groups which have reviewed the pilot program have thus
far been positive. Staff will develop as much data as possible
during the pilot period so that the City"s Mass Transportation
Committee, and ultimately the Council, can thoroughly evaluate the
program at its conclusion.
If the demonstration results in a cost benefit ratio that is
favorable, and Council directs, staff will pursue the development
of a long-term program as a part of the Short Range Transit Plan
in FY 1990-91. This is consistent with the Council direction given
at the April 4, 199a meeting.
Please note that there will be a break in service between the end
of our demonstration and the inception of an ongoing trolley
service. This would be caused by the building of trolleys that
would meet our specification and that are handicapped-accessible.
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibits A and B show recommended routes for the Trolley;
Demonstration "A" is daily and "B° is for Thursday night.
Exhibit C - Alternate Daily Route
Exhibit D shows the logo that has been developed for the Old SLO
Trolley.
Exhibit E - Amended Vendor Contract
i
HW\trol-rpt
EXHIBIT A
M
SANTA ROSH h j
u N
� ... ST.
mc
F
+ N
0505 � e
SL m
COURT O
. MORRO y y
ST
Rost
a,
W
J s W V
CHORRO az
4ecer ST. an y
[ST
�1p ST.
U t �
a n
W J
CL
i W ST.
_ C y
W ¢ 2 V T
F 44
O 4 y v a v
z C 6 p W
J
0�0 N1POIAO ST.
S ' F
6 N
0 4
r a &CSCR
CaRMEX ST.
S
ARCHER ST. `F
S
�o
JwALKER ST. �?
y
1S !
fes`
i
1 kLi . 6 t 9
Proposed Thursday Evening Rol?/�D
Ile
{-.}.4 4..4.}.. +44-4-" &--1-f- t-44-1 +-i-14-4--2 1 1 1 t I j+4 �
1�cF'PE
y Y
w H To RD S i'
7 = y N W 2 = t7 IA Z
Q W J Q � � Q Q N 7
3 a d _ n a m
„
SANTA ROSA ST.
�
YfYt2�.`Z.•a. Yy�� .
b��.x•Yatie` ,n,-�n�. ��"��.✓+`RrYjt ,v � OJVS ST.
MORRO ST.
Wows.y C �y:• .p.
CHORRO ST.
Ale
GARDEN ST.
u -
4 = .
:a
J'tCBROAD ST.
NIPOMO ST.
EXHIBIT C
1ni1 N
SANTA ROSA
N
t _. .... ST.
F:
O N
OSOSLi m
ST.
EIEMcm
0
MORRO
S
ID
� W
¢ u
J z W
CNORRO c ROSE
a��[r ST. d H
i sR H MST a
ST. _
is L a s
W
IL
i BROAD
t W ST.
W h
¢ S U 7
~_ N V 0 = r
C
4 C W
J
O40 NlPOMO ST.
66 .
1 a
d c BEACR
Em
CARMEL ST.
ARCHER ST. 'rte 1
D <
V� S�
4O .,
- waLKER ST.
le L=
f q
EXHIBIT D
J
•
rlA:i..{n.::xti{Y.;.�;:r: 'l, ;C,'•..Y: !i.'1 r,'
gg,1'.y'{••}{14•lr:',r��{�{i:�"{'i'""':�l yvlll•.; px}l .`1y4 {• i'•ti..y,:'� r .
fl�Il:':?:r'{'fx'���;��'��V'•{�:'t{h�L'�:ti{f�lpf���f�F.;l�Y..��•�M1 i�{{,•i of f/.%:,ti�;}r �1
---------------
rl.•%iA$00:.• iY• .>i.•»:�.r+Fw•:it4w::• IX-0G:fi: C4%A} :fiS� rh•.rt
rrw.v{n}„ 00000000
FIRST AMENDMENT
TO
CONTRACT
FOR
VEHICLE OPERATIONS
ON
SAN LUIS OBISPO MUNICIPAL TRANSIT
That certain contract dated July 1, 1982 between the City of San
Luis Obispo and Cal Coast Charter, Inc. , also known as Laidlaw
Transit Inc. is hereby amended as follows:
1. Section 1 Service is amended to add an additional
paragraph to read: "Company shall also operate a Trolley Shuttle
Service on the routes and schedules shown on .Exhibit B starting
July 1, 1990. The term of the Trolley Shuttle shall have a minimum
trial period of four (4) monthsandcould continue for the balance
ofthe contract period, at the discretion of the City.„
2. Section 2 Compensation is amended to add an additional
paragraph at the end of the Section to read: "City will compensate
Company for the Trolley Shuttle service at the same rate that is
in effect for the standard transit coach service at the time that
such service is .rendered. "
r '
3. Section 5 Coaches is amended to add an additional
paragraph at the end of the Section to read: "City shall supply ` .
any trolleys used in City Trolley Shuttle Service."
4. Section 6 Coach Mechanical Maintenance is amended to add
an 'additional paragraph to read: "The terms of Section 6 shall
also apply to City supplied Trolleys. ".
5. Section 8 General Operating Policy is amended to add an
additional paragraph to read: "The terms of Section 8 shall also
Apply to City supplied Trolleys except to reference Exhibit A. "
6. The Contract is further amended to add a new paragraph
numbered Section 22 to read: "22. Inclusive Provisions o
Sections 9 through 21. All provisions contained in Sections 9
through 21 of this Contract shall apply to the operation by Company
of the City's Trolley Shuttle Service. "
7. All other terms and conditions of the Contract dated July
11 1982 between the City of San Luis Obispo and Cal Coast Charter,
Inc. , shall remain in full force and effect.
COMPAN
BY:
TITLE: iO�vr, 4'°��rYi9,vJ
DATE: �9 0
ATTEST:
CITY
BY: BY:
TITLE: TITLE:
DATE:
DATE:
APPROVE FORM AND LEGAL EFFECT:
BY. �
TITLE.?C*
DATE:
• >MEETING AGENDA
�4 02
-jATE LLL-fO ITEM #
�i�►► 11111111 I I II I����������@1111 .I I ��
of san tuisoBispoc,
990 Palm Street/Post Office Box 8100 • San Luis Obispo, CA 93403.8100
MEMORANDUM
To: City Council
From Ken Hampian, Assistant City Administrative Officer*/
Subject: Final trolley route recommendation per June 13 , 1990 Mass
Transportation Committee meeting -
Agenda Item C-2
The Mass Transportation Committee (MTC) met on June 13, 1990.
Among the discussion items covered at the meeting was the trolley
demonstration.
The routing for the trolley that is recommended by the MTC is
essentially that which is in your agenda package marked "Exhibit
C" . They recommended that the Exhibit C route be adjusted to go
as far north as Osos Street rather than Santa Rosa and as far south
® as Nipomo rather than Broad. Staff concurs and thus the initial
route recommended for Council approval on June 19 has been amended
as shown on the attached map (with this amendment, the item can be
retained on the consent Agenda for Council approval) . The
recommended Thursday night route which features Monterey Street and
Marsh Street met with the MTC's approval, as did the hours of
operation as contained in the agenda package.
The MTC emphasized the need to allow flexibility in both the
routing and the hours of operation to conform with the demands put
on the system by the riders.
An amendment to the Laidlaw contract allowing for their operation
of the trolley service was recommended as was the signage and the
marketing efforts in support of the demonstration.
With the review of the MTC now completed, the trolley pilot program
has been reviewed by all the interested parties noted in the agenda
report. All parties recommend proceeding with the pilot program.
KH;mc
Attachment: Map Demes adiion by Lead Person
,pp�� Respond by:.
b2/mtc REEIVED�o �Ir�A0 al
'i✓ ey Am
i
JUN 1 4 1990 Clerk-orig.
CITY CLERK ;Jj-7e-ANS17-
SAN LUIS OBISPO,CA
FICC
N
Ll
L, RosaLJL
F
O N
S
OSOS v
-' SL m
COURT
0
I MdRRO T. N H
� CHw
� u
J W
ORRO o nose
ALLEY 5T a h
� EE
S L AR H ST.
. aao .
N H
w
' a
r I BROAD
( w
ST. h
� a
w Q S U
O
Rip-
u = _
CL
�\Qo�O NIPOMO ST. J
S ' H
6 �
6 0
0
?rl d
Z
o EEACit
m
CAFOA EL ST. /
S
ARQIER 1 A ST. t 1
S <
wnIKER ST.
b
ls. G`r
t