2006/06/14 Council Agenda Packet

13 RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION authorizing fare free service for Everett Transit patrons on Independence Day, July 4, 2006. WHEREAS, the City of Everett encourages and supports public involvement at community events and economic vitality; and WHEREAS, Independence Day, July 4, 2006, one of the City's largest annual community events, is supported by the City, local businesses and Naval Station Everett; and WHEREAS, the July 4, 2006 event anticipates several thousand residents and visitors traveling to the Everett downtown and north Everett waterfront areas for day long participation in family events and activities, among them: the YMCA Yankee Doodle Dash, the Flying Pig's 6th Annual Jaycees Pancake Feed Fundraiser, July 4 Downtown Parade, Naval Station Everett's Freedom Fest, First Baptist Fun in the Sun Street Fair and Thunder-on-the-Bay Fireworks Display; and WHEREAS, efficient pedestrian and vehicle travel flow will be affected due to higher than normal traffic congestion and limited parking in the downtown and waterfront areas; and WHEREAS, use of Everett Transit offers opportunity for event participants from throughout the City to travel to the downtown and waterfront areas in a more efficient manner, thereby, reducing the number of vehicles traveling and parking on the streets; and WHEREAS, it is widely accepted that special event incentives such as fare free bus service coupled with disincentives such as high traffic volumes and reduced parking availability offers a significant incentive for people to use public transit; WHEREAS, the provision of fare free service-on July 4, 2006 is consistent with City Council's adopted Everett Transit mission statement that in part, directs Everett Transit to provide, to "...maximize the value and benefit of existing transportation facilities and infrastructure and develop innovative programs to increase capacity and downtown travel flow in support of community events and emergencies." 65