12/10/1980 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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projections. The downturn in the economy has resulted in people buying fewer parking permits. The raise in'parking rates has also contributed to this, however. The Paratransit Program is successful. The growing shuttle service . has taken away revenue and more private lots have opened. They have attempted to achieve the council1s goals to have people using alternative modes of trans- portation. The Downtown Development Board has paid for not only the shuttle, but also for an extra police officer to patrol the mall, part of the transpor- tation study for downtown, part of the cost of the Performing Arts Center garage, and for increased lighting in the mall for additional security in the parking facilities. The Downtown Development Board has had to make difficult decisions in the past. Any direct relationship between the parking revenue and the shuttle would be difficult to establish. Many variables can cause fluctua- tions in revenue. The shuttle was to be funded until the transit system could take it over. At this point, they are averaging 200 riders and it is not cost-effective. He asked that the council affirm the board's decision as presented by Elaine Stewart. Ms. Stewart said that she surveyed 200 shuttle users. One hundred twenty-four of the respondents are full-time employees who use the shuttle every day. There is a willingness to pay a fee of $5 or $10 per month, although some would pay more. If it operated from 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m., commuter hours, most respon- dents would use the service. Before use of the shuttle, most of those surveyed drove downtown and 15 used LTD. If the shuttle is discontinued, most answering the survey stated that they would drive downtown and 19 would use LTD. Staff recommends that the shuttle service be continued during peak commuter hours beginning January 1, 1981, and that a $10 monthly user fee be charged. The cost of using Dorsey buses is $4,400 per month, and they will need to check with PUC to see if a fee can be charged. If 150 riders would pay a $10 user fee, then . the shuttle could operate from January until June using the $15,000 that is budgeted plus $7,500 in user fees providing an operating budget of $22,500. The Dorsey charge for those months would be $22,000. As shown on the graph which she distributed, total one-way trips are at about 8,000 per day. Lane Trans it District sees no problem and they feel they could be ready, to take over this service by June. The question was raised as to who was economically responsible for operating the commuter service--the users or LTD. They are examining funding options. Mr. lieuallen asked if the shuttle were to be continued, how many businesses stay open until 6 p.m. Ms. Stewart responded that retail stores are open until then and so are banks. She thinks 4:30-6:30 p.m. would be a good evening time for the bus. Mr. lieuallen asked what a $7.50 user fee would yield. Ms. Stewart stated that it would cost $22,000 to run from now until June. It wi 11 cost $4,400 per month if they are given the $15,000 from DDB. Ms. Smith stated that it seems that the projected budget is very tight. She feels the $10 fee should be maintained. She thinks the council should support this program if LTD can be ready to take over soon. She asked what the Downtown Development Board's position was. Mr. Davis complimented staff on getting the material together. The board feels that long-term shuttle service is not one of their goals. They have about $15,000 left over for this service and would like to use it to make a smooth . MINUTES--Eugene City Council December 10, 1980 Page 8