2006/05/17 Council Agenda Packet

Op' C11 Y COUNCIL f\CIENDA CTM COVER S I EH I J PROJECT TITLE: Public Hearing Regarding the Consent COUNCIL BILL# Fare Change Proposal for Action Originating Department Transportation Everett Transit's Services Services First Reading Contact Person Paul Kaftanski Second Reading Phone Number 257-8822 Third Reading FOR AGENDA OF May 17, 2006 X Public Hearing Initialed by: Department Head CAA Council President Location Preceding Action Attachments Department(s)Approval Council Chambers Budget Committee Fare Change Proposal 12/20/05 None Transportation Committee 02/02/06 Amount Budgeted Expenditure Required Account Number(s): Budget Remaining Additional Required DETAILED SUMMARY STATEMENT: The last change to Everett Transit's base fare was in 1995. The Budget Committee discussed a possible fare change at its December 20,2005 meeting regarding fare reconciliation with Sound Transit's Regional Fund. In light of the anticipated reduction in fare revenues from the Regional Fund and other fare policy issues,Everett Transit staff was asked to develop a fare proposal recommendation for public consideration. The proposal has six key elements: 1) Base fare of 50 cents for all customers on fixed route service; 2)Para-transit fare of$1.00 per trip; 3)Elimination of paper transfers (i.e.not issued or accepted);4) Continue to accept Puget Pass as fare media; 5)Seniors and persons with disabilities will RIDE FREE at all times on fixed route services; and 6) increase in the qualifying age to 65 for eligibility for RIDE FREE on fixed route and use of paratransit service(if not qualified under the Americans with Disabilities Act). The public information process began on April 28,2006 with the first of eleven publicized public meetings/open houses. Informational brochures were mailed to para-transit customers,distributed to schools,group homes and have been available on buses and locations where passes and tickets are sold. In addition to direct feedback at meetings/open houses, Everett Transit has received comments through the brochures,email and voicemail. Staff will give a presentation regarding the fare proposal prior to the start of the public hearing. Council is not expected to take action at the conclusion of the Public Hearing. Everett Transit staff will compile all comments and make a final recommendation to Council (through the Council's Transportation and Budget Committees)for consideration and possible action at it's next evening meeting, June 21,2006. 7 2 RECOMMENDATION: Hold a Public Hearing regarding the Fare Change Proposal for Everett Transit's Services.