HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/05/2008 15 Transit Fare Increase Proposals - Set Public Hearing Date BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
III YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No. / 5
For Meeting of: August 5, 2008
ITEM TITLE: Set September 2, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. as the Date of Public Hearing on Transit
Fare Increase Proposals.
SUBMITTED BY: Chris Waarvick, Director of Public Works
Ken Mehin, Transit Manager
CONTACT PERSON/TELEPHONE: Ken Mehin /576 -6415
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
This action sets the date of a Public Hearing for September 2nd to consider transit fare
increases. Yakima Transit has prepared a draft fare increase to accommodate a portion of
the sharp increase in their fuel cost; which has increased dramatically since January of 2007.
Yakima Transit last raised bus fares in 1994 (14 years ago). While other agencies in the State
have implemented fare increases every 3 to 5 years, Yakima has kept its fares stable being
sensitive to the economic challenges of many of our customers. However, In the Tight of
dramatically increasing fuel costs it is timely to reassess this position.
The first altemative to be presented was developed last year and only increases "walk on"
0 fares. This generates $30,000 total revenue; Tess implementation costs that are $5,000 to
$8,000 (net $22,000 to 25,000) If fares are raised an additional 10- 25 cents per fare category,
fares would be increased to: Adult .75 Youth .50 Reduced .35. Monthly bus pass prices are to
remain the same as now. Dial -a -Ride prices will increase for both alternatives.
The second altemative is far more inclusive of fare classes. Should the fuel prices stay high
and /or go even higher, it is strongly suggested increasing the fare rate in all categories,
including bus passes and Dial -A -Ride. This increase would generate up to $70,000 in 2009.
Resolution Ordinance _ Other (Specify)
Contact Person: Ken Mehin, Transit Manager Phone: 509/576 -6415
Funding Source: Yakima Transit Fare Adiustments
APPROVED FOR SUBMITTAL: , 1 City Manager
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff respectfully requests Council to set August 26, 2008 as
the date of public hearing.
BOARD/COM M ISSION/COM M ITTEE RECOMMENDATION: The Council Transportation/
Transit Committee recommends holding the Public Hearing prior to Council Action.
COUNCIL ACTION:
III