HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/21/2008 19 Public Transportation Fares Schedule Revision; YMC Adding 7.90.020 •
BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT Q
Item No. V 1
For Meeting of: October 21, 2008
ITEM TITLE: Consideration of an Ordinance amending Chapter 7.90 of the Yakima
Municipal Code to "Transit"; revising the schedule of fares for the City's
public transportation system; and adding section 7.90.020 to the Yakima
Municipal Code
SUBMITTED BY: Chris Waarvick, Director of Public Works
Ken Mehin, Transit Manager
CONTACT PERSON/TELEPHONE: Ken Mehin/576-6415
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
Public hearings were conducted on September 16 and 23, 2008, receiving public
comments about proposals to increase transit fares. Participation results of a two-day
passenger survey (September 24 & 25, 2008) were also presented. The last fare
increase took place in 1995. The fare increase would offset a portion of increased
fuel and operational costs.
At the Study Session held on October 14, 2008, staff was directed to prepare
p pa re
legislation increasing walk -on fares for Adults ($0.75), Youth ($0.50), and Reduced
($0.35). Passes would remain at the current rate and Dial -A -Ride continues to be
double the walk -on price ($1.50).
The fare adjustments will be factored into the 2009 operating budget. The Transit
Fare increase would take effect January 1, 2009.
Resolution _ Ordinance X Other (Specify
Contact Person:
Funding Source:. Transit Fares
APPROVED FOR SUBMITTAL: ' � City Manager
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff respectfully requests City Council to pass the
Ordinance authorizing the Transit Fare adjustments as described in the attached
Ordinance.
BOARD /COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: The Council Transit/Transportation
Committee supports processing the fare adjustment through the full Council.
COUNCIL ACTION:
• ORDINANCE NO. 2008-
AN ORDINANCE relating to public transportation, amending the title of Chapter 7.90
of the Yakima Municipal Code to "Transit"; revising the schedule
of fares for the City of Yakima's public transportation system
known as Yakima Transit, said fares previously having been set
by Resolution; and adding section 7.90.020 to the Yakima
Municipal Code.
WHEREAS, .Chapter 7.90 of Yakima Municipal Code is currently titled "Transit Center
Hours" and should be amended to the more general title of "Transit" to represent other
relevant aspects of the public transit system; and
WHEREAS, the City of Yakima Transit Division is faced with increasing costs, including
significantly escalated costs of fuel; and
WHEREAS, the Transit Division is dedicated to maintaining the current level of service .
for the benefit of the community; and
WHEREAS, the Transit Division has not had an increase in fares since 1995, NOW,
THEREFORE,
40 BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF YAKIMA:
Section 1. Chapter 7.90 of the Yakima Municipal Code is hereby amended to
"Transit".
Section 2. Section 7.90.020 is hereby enacted as a new Section to Chapter 7.90
of the City of Yakima Municipal Code to read as follows:
"Chapter 7.90.020 Transit Fees
The Transit Division fare rates, effective January 1, 2009, are as follows:
A. Adult Fare. .
(1) Except as provided in sub - paragraph A(2) or paragraphs B and C of this
ordinance, a fare of seventy five cents ($.75), referred to as an "adult fare", shall be
collected from each transit passenger for each trip taken on a transit bus, "trip" being
defined for purposes of this Chapter as the duration of a single transport from the
point of a passenger entering the bus to the point of the passenger exiting the bus.
(2) An adult holding a current and valid monthly adult pass issued by the City of
Yakima Transit Division for a fee of Seventeen Dollars ($17.00) per month shall be
entitled to ride any Yakima City transit bus an unlimited number of times, and at any
time, by exhibiting such pass to the bus driver.
B. Youth Fare.
(1) Except as provided in sub - paragraph B(2) of this resolution, a fare of fifty
cents ($.50), referred to as a "youth fare ", shall be collected from each passenger
who is between the ages of six (6) and eighteen (18) years of age for each trip taken
on a transit bus. No fare shall be required for a passenger five (5) years of age or
III younger when attended by another passenger who pays their appropriate fare. A
youth fare shall be collected from each unattended passenger under six years of '
age.
(2) A passenger holding a current and valid youth bus pass issued by the City of
•
Yakima Transit Division, for a fee of Twelve Dollars ($12.00) per month shall be
entitled to ride any Yakima City transit bus an unlimited number of times, and at any
time, by exhibiting such pass to the bus driver.
C. Reduced Fare.
(1) "Reduced Fare" Defined. "Reduced Fare" shall mean a fare available to a
person who has in his/her possession a Reduced Fare ID card and meets the
following requirements:
(a) Is a person sixty -two (62) years of age or older; or
(b) Is a person with disabilities and Medicare cardholders.
(2) "Reduced Fare" Rates.
(a) A fare of thirty -five cents ($.35) shall be collected from each "Reduced
Fare" bus passenger.
(b) A passenger holding a current and valid "Reduced Fare Bus Pass" issued
by the City of Yakima Transit Division for the fee of Five Dollars ($5.00) per month
shall be entitled to ride any Yakima City transit bus an unlimited number of times by
exhibiting such pass to the bus driver. __
D. Dial -A -Ride Fare.
A fare of One Dollar and Fifty Cents ($1.50), referred to as the "Dial -A -Ride
Fare ", shall be collected from each passenger who has been pre - qualified by the City
as being eligible under the Americans with Disabilities Act for Dial -A -Ride transport.
The Dial -A -Ride Fare shall be required for each one -way trip made on the demand
responsive service provided by the City of Yakima and referred to as Dial -A -Ride, for
qualified individuals with disabilities and subject to the following conditions:
(a) The Dial -A -Ride fare will not be collected from an attendant accompanying
a Dial -A -Ride passenger who has been authorized and pre - approved by the City as
requiring a Personal Care Attendant.
(b) The Dial -A -Ride fare will be collected from each person six (6) years of age
or older who accompanies the disabled passenger, except as provided in subsection
(a) of this paragraph, and in accord with the established Dial -A -Ride Operating
Rules."
Section 3. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect 30 days after its
passage, approval and publication as provided by law and by the City Charter.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL, signed and approved this 21s day of
October, 2008.
ATTEST: David Edler, Mayor
City Clerk
Publication Date:
Effective Date:
110
• STUDY SESSION MEMORANDUM
October 14, 2008
TO: Honorable Mayor, Members of the City Council, and Dick Zais, City
Manager
FROM: Ken Mehin, Transit Manager
SUBJECT: Study Session on Alternatives of Adjusting the Current Fare Policy
Transit staff had proposed in the preparation of the 2008 Budget that transit fares be nominally
increased to reflect an awareness of the length of time it has been since the last fare adjustment
and to offset, albeit marginally, the increase in costs to operate the system. Since that time, fuel
prices have risen dramatically again and created the need for two alternatives for rate adjustment
consideration; one more comprehensive than the other in adjustments with higher revenue
-- generation._ User rates generate $352,000 or 4.45% of total 2008 revenues. The larger the
system, the more important user rates become.
Staff has followed federal guidance in the process of considering fare adjustment. Two Public
Hearings have been held and comments taken. A survey has been done and results will be
provided. This Study Session is for City Council to examine the rate increase proposals and
citizen comments prior to a vote on the preferred option. Formal action on the fare adjustment is
41)
scheduled for October 21, 2008. The fare adjustments will be factored into the 2009 operating
budget.
The following are the alternative proposals to the current fare policy:
Yakima Transit
Fare Increase Proposals
Adult Youth Reduced Adult Youth Reduced
Cash Cash Cash
fare fare fare Pass Pass Pass
CURRENT FARES $0.50 $035 $0.25. $17.00 $12.00 $5.00
PROPOSED FARES 1 $0.75 $0.50 $0.35 $17.00 $12.00 $5.00
PROPOSED FARES 2 $0.75 $0.50 $0.35 $20.00 $15.00 $8.00
Note: The Dial -A -Ride fare is currently twice the Regular Adult Cash Fare.
Staff recommends that Council conduct the Study Session and provide direction on which fare
adjustment proposal to bring back to Council for formal action.
List of attachments: '
❖ The passenger opinion survey sheet (the results will be presented at the meeting).
❖ Excerpt from September 16, 2008 City Council Minutes -- Public Hearing to consider a
fb Transit Fare Adjustment
Yakima Transit Bus Fare Increase Survey - 2008
Q1. Where is your primary destination on the bus?
1 Work 410
2 School
3 Shopping
4 Medical
5 Other
Q2. How often do you ride the bus?
4 4 or more times a week
3 1 to 3 times a week
2 1 to 3 times per month
1 Less than once a month
Q3. Do you have another option for transportation other than the bus?
1 Yes - If yes, what is it?
2 No
Q4. Transit has not increased the fare since 1995. The Yakima City Council
is reviewing an increase now. The Adult cash fare will go from 50¢ to 75¢.
Do you think that is a reasonable increase to help cover the cost of fuel?
1 Yes
2 No - If no, why is that?
Q5. Are you happy with the transit system the way it is?
1 Yes
2 No - If no, why it is?
Supplemental questions
Q6. How likely would you be to use extended hours on weekdays?
5 Definitely Should bus service be extended
4 Probably from 5a.m. to 10p.m. additional
3 Might or might not funding will be needed for
2 Probably not providing this service.
1 Definitely not
Q7. How likely would you be to use Sunday service?
5 Definitely Service hours to mirror Saturday
4 Probably service levels. To provide Sunday
3 Might or might not service additional funding will be
2 Probably not needed.
1 Definitely not
• Excerpt from the Minutes of the
YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL
BUSINESS MEETING
SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 — 5:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS — YAKIMA CITY HALL
6:00 P.M. — PUBLIC SESSION
1. RoII Call
Present:
Council: Mayor Dave Edler, presiding, Assistant Mayor Micah Cawley, Council
Members Rick Ensey, Norm Johnson, Bill Lover and Neil McClure
Staff: City Manager Zais, Acting City Attorney Harvey, and City Clerk Moore
7. Public Hearing to consider a Transit fare adjustment proposal
Ken Mehin, Transit Manager, proposed two alternatives for a fare increase: 1) cash
increase for walk -ons only, or 2) cash increase and an increase on monthly passes.
There is a second public hearing scheduled to be held on September 23 at 4 p.m. in
• Council Chambers.
It was pointed out that the fare increase would not cover the fuel cost increases, but is
an attempt to help offset them. Council Member McClure advised that the
recommendation from the Transit Committee was for Option 1. It was their intent to not
impact those that use Transit as a primary mode of transportation and obtain bus
passes.
• Mayor Edler opened the public hearing.
Mary McDaniels, 924 S. 16 Avenue, said she supports a transit increase as we need to
financially support the bus system.
Don Meighan, 312 N. 4 Street, asked questions about federal money in the
transportation budget.. He suggested that the federal government probably wouldn't give
more money, but they may be amenable to forgiving the federal gas tax for transit. He
also asked about the potential of having a phone line for call -ins from viewers of the
various televised committee meetings. He closed by saying he would be in favor of
increasing the senior rate to 50 cents as we all should be doing our share
Lynne Kittelson said she would also support the increase for seniors.
• Mayor Edler dosed the public hearing and announced the next hearing will be
held September 23, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.
•
• YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL
ADJOURNED MEETING / STUDY SESSION
OCTOBER 14, 2008 - 8:00 - 9:30 A.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS - YAKIMA CITY HALL
1. RoII Call
Present:
Council: Mayor Dave Edler, presiding, Assistant Mayor Micah Cawley, Council
Members Kathy Coffey, Rick Ensey, Norm Johnson, Bill Lover and
Neil McClure
Staff: City Manager Zais, Acting City Attorney Cutter, and City Clerk Moore
Mayor Edier introduced Paige Delp from East Valley High School who is participating
in the Job Share Program.
2. Alternatives of Adjusting the Current Transit Fare Policy
City Manager Zais clarified that this was a 2008 budget policy issue approved by
® Council. It recently went through the formal public hearing process. The proposed
increase is due to increasing costs, especially fuel. Transit is the single biggest
consumer of fuel in City of Yakima.
Ken Mehin, Transit Manager, spoke about the two public hearings and participation
in a two -day passenger survey. The public hearings were poorly attended; of the
six people attending, five supported the increase and one requested free bus
service. There were 125 responses to the survey with a clear indication that
people are supportive of the fare increase (82 %). Mr. Mehin reviewed the results
and pointed out that 75% said they were satisfied with the current bus service and
there were requests for additional services, e.g. expanded hours and Sunday
service.
Council Member Lover raised the subject of Dial -A -Ride expressing his concern
with handicap people using Yakima's Dial -A -Ride and having to change to a Union
Gap Dial -A -Ride service at the City limits to continue into Union Gap. He asked if
there were any arrangements that could be made to eliminate the need to change
vehicles. Karen Allen, Program Administrator, advised that it has been a long
standing City Council decision to use the city limits as the paratransit boundary.
While the City of Union Gap and Yakima have been under contract (as well as
Selah), the boundaries were expanded to those cities' limits.
There are a number of options that could be considered, e.g. Americans with
Disability Act allows a 1/4 mile boundary around all existing transit routes, or we
could extend it according to federal regulations, up to fifteen miles.
OCTOBER 14, 2008— STUDY SESSION
TRANSIT FARE POLICY
Discussion covered whether medical and personal trips could be handled
separately. That is not allowed. It was noted that Dial -A -Ride is not a service
based on ability to pay, but on physical assessment. Union Gap's decision to
sever the contractual relationship was discussed and it was noted that if we decide
to extend Dial -A -Ride service into Union Gap, we will also be extending Yakima's
citizens shopping in Union Gap and generating their sales tax revenues. It was
asked how many trips are related to medical versus shopping and Mrs. Allen
advised that, although they keep records of destinations, it is by address and not
by destination name making it difficult to make that distinction.
Council Member Coffey suggested that the Council is not prepared to discuss the
Dial -A -Ride issue yet as there are questions that need to be answered before
decisions can be made. Mayor Edler brought the discussion back to the subject of
the transit fare increase.
Council Member McClure, as chair of the Transit Committee, offered their
recommendations. He pointed out that the original request for a fare increase
began more than a year ago when fuel was still below $3 a gallon. Fares have not
increased since 1995, nor have the Dial -A -Ride fee. The committee recommends
Proposal 1 that would increase the cash fares and Dial -A -Ride as a result of it
• being twice the current regular adult cash fare. McCLURE MOVED AND
JOHNSON SECONDED TO HAVE LEGISLATION PREPARED THAT WOULD
INCREASE TRANSIT WALK -ON FEES TO THOSE PROVIDED IN OPTION 1;
ADULT- $0.75, YOUTH- $0.50, REDUCED- $0.35, AND KEEP THE PASSES AT
THE CURRENT RATE WHILE MAINTAINING THE RELATIONSHIP WITH DIAL -
A -RIDE AT DOUBLE THE WALK -ON PRICE. Discussion covered the suggestion
of increasing passes as well. Increasing the walk -on fare would cover about 25%
of the increased expenses while increasing across the board would generate about
40 %. But, there is a concern that could cause monthly pass use to go down. It
was noted that transit funding is 70% sales tax, 25% federal money, and 5% bus
fares. The motion carried by a 6 -1 roll call vote; Edler voting nay.
The discussion went back to the Dial -A -Ride issue. Council Member Ensey
suggested that the issue be discussed by the Transit Committee to determine what
it would cost to extend the service and what other options there were. Mr. Mehin
reminded Council that the Union Gap contract is over at the end of November.
Mayor Edler made a point that, with regard to Union Gap's decision to discontinue
the integrated service, one of the ways to bring political pressure is by allowing
citizens to experience the repercussions of the politician's decisions, He feels that
one of the mistakes we have made with regard to the initiative process is trying to
hide much of the impacts and causing things to crumble later. Council Member
Lover said he feels just the opposite, the unintended consequences should be
dealt with as best we can. Council Member Coffey asked what Union Gap is doing
with their Dial -A -Ride when their citizens need to come into Yakima. Mr. Mehin
advised that Union Gap chose to go with the fifteen mile radius and their service is
free.
•
OCTOBER 14, 2008 — STUDY SESSION
TRANSIT FARE POLICY
3. Audience comments
No one came forward to speak.
4. Adjournment
Mayor Edler adjourned the study session at 8:42 a.m.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY
COUNCIL MEMBER DATE
COUNCIL MEMBER DATE
ATTEST:
•
CITY CLERK DAVID EDLER, MAYOR
Minutes prepared by Deputy City Clerk Watkins. A CD and DVD of this meeting are available in the City
Clerk's Office
•