11/26/1980 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

. approximately $100,000 and the only way the shuttle can continue is to raise . taxes in the district. They have considered various options: 1) LTD could take over the service, but an initial study showed that would cost $120,000 but now LTD is looking at updated information that may be better; 2) Federal funding which looks impossible; 3) riders paying a user fee, but that would" not pay for the service. Apparently, there are legal problems with charging fees; and 4) LTD is beginning work in early spring on a Park and Ride program for some sites. The DDB ha~ authorized use of the remaining shuttle funds to purchase January and February LTD fast passes for identified shuttle users. It reached its decision to discontinue the shuttle based on the income projections shortfall and it feels LTD could provide better alternatives. The DDB does not feel it should dip further into its remaining reserve fund to continue this program. Elaine Stewart, Paratransit Coordinator" stated that the issue is a conflict between immediate budgetary constraints and long-range transportation goals. Six hundred people are participating in the paratransit program which is related to the fewer parking permits being sold. LTD has suggested with its 18 new buses, it could add commuter routes from the two sites. These plans are in the preliminary stages. She indicated that a representative from the League of Women Voters was present. Mary Sherriffs, 137 West 37th Avenue, stated that she is from the League of Women Voters. She hoped the council would fund the shuttle through the fiscal year. Programs like this need more than a year to become established. She is aware of budgetary constraints. There are concerns about long-term parking costs. . Mr. Lieuallen asked if LTD would be adding a shuttle in June. Ed Burgeron, LTD, said he hoped they would be able to. Mr. Lieuallen stated that there is a lack of parking for employees and the shuttle was a response to long- range transportation goals and not limited to a lack of parking spaces. It would be bad to discontinue this demonstration project. DDB revenues go not only to this project but also to Eugene Downtown Association's promotion of the downtown area. He asked how much Eugene Downtown Association's budget is. Mr. Davis responded that it is approximately $175,000. Mr. Lieuallen noted that he would like a history of the amount of money given to EDA. He felt a close look should be taken at the money given EDA for promotion. The long-range goals are not just to deal with parking permits. He asked at the council goal session what the financial relationship is between downtown parking and paratransit alter- natives. He was told by staff that there is no relationship. However, he feels there is a relationship between the shuttle and parking revenues. He thinks the shuttle's success has caused revenues to decline and fewer parking permits to be sold. He wanted staff to clarify what the relationship is. Ms. Miller would like more discussion of this later and she would like more background on how the shuttle ties into the Park and Ride system proposed by LTD. If the Park and Ride system will start soon, perhaps funding can be found for the interim period. Ms. Schue agreed with Ms. Miller. She indicated that two City programs seem to be in conflict. The ending of one system should be coordinated with the beginning of another. This is in accordance with long- range transportation goals. . MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 26, 1980 Page 13