01/12/1990 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e the board has authority to assess a tax against the self-employed, it has as yet not chosen to do so. City Manager Mike Gleason stressed the importance of viewing LTD as part of the transportation system. Unique concepts have been generated in Transplan, one of which is working toward a 10-percent modal split. This is a goal which will take a great deal of commitment to achieve. Mr. Gleason introduced Don Arkell, director of Lane Regional Air Pollution Authority (LRAPA) and Steff Viggiano, LTD Planning Director. Mr. Viggiano provided an overview to the "Partners in Transitll program. He said that LTD operates a radial route system--a system in which bus routes emanate from a central station and return to the station after completing a trip. To complement this type of routing structure, the district operates a pulse timed-meet system at the downtown station. This means that buses are scheduled to arrive at the station at the same time, park for five minutes while riders transfer between buses, and then leave at the same time. This type of system is used to reduce the amount of time required for a trip that requires a transfer between buses. e Mr. Viggiano said that the radial system is the most commonly used routing structure for transit systems in the United States. Its main advantage is that it provides direct service to the downtown area and provides convenient transfers between buses. Its main disadvantage is that many riders must travel through downtown, which may be out of the direction they wish to travel, to complete their trip. Mr. Viggiano noted that the district has evaluated other routing concepts, but has determined that the radial system best fits with the level of bus service that is offered and with the geographic and developmental characteristics of the Eugene/Springfield metropolitan area. Mr. Viggiano pointed out that the district does not operate a "purell radial routing system. Several routes provide direct service to major trip generators without traveling through downtown Eugene. An example is a route that connects the Gateway and downtown Springfield areas with Lane Community Co 11 ege . Mr. Viggiano reviewed some of the changes in ridership and service that have occurred between 1970 and the present. With the exception of the early 1980s, ridership in LTD has grown steadily over this period. In FY88-89, LTD ridership was at almost 4.5 million annual trips--the highest total ridership in the district's history. Mr. Viggiano indicated that the University of Oregon pre-paid program has been largely responsible for the substantial growth recognized by LTD. By paying $4.50 per term in fees, this program entitles students to ride the bus anywhere in the city. A regular monthly pass would cost $21 and a student term pass would cost $44 per term. Mr. Viggiano said that the most common destination for riders is the Eugene downtown area, followed by the University of Oregon, Lane Community college, e MINUTES--Eugene City Council Dinner/Work Session February 12, 1990 Page 2