Item B: Neighborhood Livability Working Group Report

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Neighborhood Livability Working Group Regulate Party Bus Impacts Problem Description Party buses offer young adults (and others) a fun way to travel about town and between destinations, often with amenities such as full bars and entertainment systems. On the one hand, these services provide relatively safe transportation for those who could be under the influence of alcohol. Party bus operators also work to prevent underage drinking, adhere to traffic safety standards, and prevent fights. They are used in a variety of situations, from transporting friends to reunions to taking a group to a football game and celebrating birthdays. However, some services impact neighborhood livability by collecting and discharging intoxicated passengers in residential areas and traveling through these areas with disruptive sounds and lights. Party buses adver sound systems, lights including strobes and lasers, and dance poles. Strategy Description Contact party bus operators to learn more about company practices and commitments to minimizing negative impacts in residential areas. Note: Neighbors indicate that they have tried this approach to minimize negative impacts without success. Explore potential regulatory approaches, such as addition of simple standards to Eugene Code to control passenger discharge and restrict noise and lights in residential areas. Costs and Potential Resources Primary cost is staff time to engage party bus operators in dialogue and develop regulatory options. This could be done within existing resources, but might have a six- to 12-month timeframe given other work program priorities. Coordination with Planning and Development, Building and Permit Services, is required. If a regulatory route is chosen, some resistance is expected primarily from operators but possibly from some patrons as well. It could be important to describe impacts and demonstrate that possible solutions will not impair the ability to continue providing the service. Issues to Consider Eugene, with the City of Springfield, licenses public passenger vehicle companies and certifies drivers transport seven or more with the fare based on a group rate rather than on an individual basis, they are considered a charter vehicle. Like airport/motel shuttles, and courtesy car and tour bus services, party Business Practices which, while forgoing licensing, can set basic standards. Limousines, for instance, must register services and provide a uniformed driver and luxury amenities under the Uniform Business Practices. Any regulatory approach must be carefully tailored to align with existing local and state requirements, avoid unintended consequences for desirable business practices, and minimize costs to the City of Eugene and for businesses and their patrons. Next Steps Outreach to party bus operators would fall to Neighborhood Services staff, in collaboration with neighborhood associations. This would include a request to neighbors to collect information on fall 2011 impacts, with phone calls, interviews and/or meetings occurring February-April 2012. Building and Permit Services staff would be asked to investigate regulatory options in consultation with the City Attorney, Neighborhood Services and bus operators. This would occur in winter/spring 2012. 23 Page