HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - September 7, 2005 I-02 PHAGENDA ITEM I + a
CITY OF LODI
COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
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AGENDA TITLE: Public Hearing to Consider Adopting Resolutions Accepting Short Range Transit
Plan and Approving Service Enhancements and Reductions
MEETING DATE: September 7, 2006
PREPARED BY: Public Works Director
RECOMMENDED ACTION: That the City Council conduct a public hearing to consider adopting
resolutions accepting the Short Range Transit Plan and approving
service enhancements and reductions.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The final Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP), attached as Exhibit A,
includes analysis of the current services to identify unproductive and/or
underproductive routes, service peaks, unproductive runs and frequently
used/infrequently used bus stops. The SRTP also evaluates current
headways and whether or not they are sufficient. Major destinations have been examined and outlined not only
for Fixed Route (FR) but also for Dial -A -Ride (DAR). This data has been evaluated against trip times and
demands to determine if more efficient routing is needed.
A demographic analysis was performed to monitor usage by age group, as well as destinations. This data was
incorporated into a report noting recommendations for improvements and/or changes to the existing services
(DAR and FR). Additionally, capital needs have been addressed including recommended vehicles, bus stop
locations and bus stop amenities.
The SRTP is a requirement of the Federal Transit Administration. The public comment period was open
through August 31, 2005, and the only comment received regarding the SRTP presented to Council was an
inquiry into whether a Transit citizen committee would be established and how someone would apply to be on
that committee. Staff is not recommending formation of such a committee. Copies were available for review
online at www.lodi.gov/transit, at the Public Works counter, Transit Station counter and the Lodi Public Library.
In addition, copies were made available to partner agencies and the San Joaquin Council of Governments.
In conjunction with the SRTP, service enhancements and reductions have been proposed to improve the
efficiency of the Transit system and lower operations cost. Two comments were received in regards to the
proposed changes to the Transit system. One comment noted that they were in favor of the proposed changes.
The second comment requested that a lower fare be offered on Dial -A -Ride during the times Fixed Route does not
operate for those passengers who utilize the monthly pass. Staff concurs and such a reduction is included in the
recommendations. The proposed changes are summarized in Exhibit B. A summary of all Transit rates, with
proposed revisions, is shown in Exhibit C.
FISCAL IMPACT: The proposed enhancements and reductions should reduce the operations
cost for the Transit system, allowing for funding to meet the capital needs of
the system as outlined in the Short Range Transit Plan.
FUNDING AVAILABLE: Not applicable.
Richard C. Prima, Jr.
Public Works Director
Prepared by Tiffani M. Fink, Transportation Manager
Attachments
RCPITFlpmf
APPROVED:
J \TRANSITICPH_Short Range Transit P1an.doc
l
Blair Ki g, ity Manager
8126/2005
I-2
Recommended Enhancement #3
Authorize the City Manager to Approve Promotional Events and
Fares
Proposal:
That the City Council authorize the City Manager to approve promotional events to
encourage ridership of the City's transit system. Promotional events could include (but
not be limited to): Try Transit Week, Rider Appreciation Day, Annual Transit Open
House, as well as incentives to encourage Fixed Route ridership (free passes, time
periods with discounted rates, etc).
Reasoning:
As part of the outreach efforts for Transit systems to entice first-time passengers and
encourage existing Dial -A -Ride passengers to switch to the Fixed Route, promotional
campaigns and giveaways have proven effective in attracting potential riders on other
systems. An example promotion would be offering a pass for a free month to
Dial -A -Ride passengers willing to ride the Fixed Route instead. Staff intends to return to
Council for any promotion which, on an annualized basis, would exceed the
City Manager's expense authority.
Total Reduction and Potential Cost Savings:
If successful, these promotions could increase the passenger Farebox Recovery Ratio and
any shift to Fixed Route from Dial -A -Ride will help reduce the cost of providing service.
RESOLUTION NO. 2005-187
A RESOLUTION OF THE LODI CITY
COUNCIL ACCEPTING THE SHORT
RANGE TRANSIT PLAN
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Lodi City Council hereby
accepts the Short Range Transit Plan, as shown on Exhibit A attached hereto.
Dated: September 7, 2005
I hereby certify that Resolution No. 2005-187 was passed and adopted by the
City Council of the City of Lodi in a regular meeting held September 7, 2005, by the
following vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — Hansen, Hitchcock, Johnson, Mounce,
and Mayor Beckman
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
SUSAN J.BLACKSTON
City Clerk
2005-187