City of Lawrence
Public Transit Advisory Committee
June 5, 2008 minutes
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MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Chair David Dunfield, Marc Epard, Mark Hurt, Martin Miller, Ian Cahir, Derek Meier |
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MEMBERS ABSENT: |
Howard Hill, Lyle Hettinger |
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STAFF PRESENT: |
Cliff Galante, Wendy Koerner, Emily Lubliner, Mike Sweeten |
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PUBLIC PRESENT: |
Saunny Scott, Danny Kaiser, David Corliss |
1. Call to Order
Chair David Dunfield called the meeting to order at 4:10 p.m.
2. Public Comment
None provided.
3. Agenda Review
No changes were made.
4. Approval of February and April Meeting Minutes
Marc Epard moved to approve the minutes as submitted; Ian Cahir seconded. Minutes were approved.
5. Public Transit Administrator Update
a. Ridership and Other Performance Statistics
PTA said that although they are not at last year’s levels, average daily ridership numbers are increasing. Revenues also are up, achieving the goal that was set in deciding to increase fares last year. These increased revenues from farebox recovery and bus pass sales play an important role in the continuing support of the transit system.
6. Marketing Update
a. Dump the Pump – June 19, 2008
Emily gave an update on plans for the third annual Dump the Pump Day, June 19. Lawrence Transit System will offer a free ridership day. Publicity efforts include distributing a news release, advertising with the Lawrence Journal-World online, hanging posters on the bus and bus shelters, distributing fliers at other downtown locations, and a mayoral proclamation. PTA said this initiative by the American Public Transportation Association is very fitting, considering the state of rising gas prices.
7. Status of Google Trip Planning Efforts
Emily provided a demonstration of the Google Trip Planner. The basic premise is that the user inputs data about their trip—origin and destination, time of day, etc.—and the web site provides several options for traveling on public transit or walking. It also includes a calculated savings for taking public transit instead of driving a personal automobile. If Lawrence Transit System launches this program, it would be the first transit system in Kansas to do so. However, there are still significant issues with its functionality. For instance, one sample trip from North Lawrence to the hospital instructs the rider to de-board the bus at 2nd and Locust Streets and walk across the river to the hospital. There are situations where the program does not recognize possible transfers between routes, and Google has said they are working internally to improve walking directions. Micah Seybold in the city’s Information Systems department has been working with Wendy to compile the necessary information to submit to Google. The decision will need to be made whether the drawbacks of launching the program are too great, or if the flawed system can still provide a valuable service to the public, as long as they are aware of its shortcomings.
8. Status of Joint Procurement with KU for Contracted Transportation Services
PTA updated members that city and KU appointed procurement negotiation committees evaluated proposals received and unanimously recommend that MV Transportation, Inc., be the contractor for FY09 – FY13. Staff recommendations are in the process of being submitted to the City Commission for their review and approval. Upon receiving approval from the City Commission, staff can then begin contract negotiations with MV. It is likely that a contract would not be finalized until the outcome of a possible sales tax election for transit is determined in November.
9. 2009 Transit Budget
City Manager David Corliss handed out a news release titled “KU and City to Explore Integration of Transit Systems,” dated June 5, 2008. It states that during the City Commission’s meeting on June 10, a draft letter of intent outlining possible steps to create a merged transit system will be reviewed. The letter would establish a commitment by both parties to merge by July 1, 2009 if certain conditions are in place.
To sustain the city transit system beyond 2008 so that the merger becomes viable, revenue is the most important factor. David Corliss said that with the transit system funding shortfall of a million dollars, there are two options: property tax or sales tax. Property tax is very difficult to move up, particularly in a time of competing priorities. The city has the authority to ask voters for a one percent tax for any purpose, or a one percent sales tax for a specific purpose. It can have a “sunset” of up to 10 years. Voters would have to approve the tax. Corliss said that appears to be a logical place to look for revenue. On the negative side, if the sales tax is not approved, the transit system would not have that option. However, if it is approved, there would be dedicated funds for the purpose of operating a public transit system. Corliss said it is his recommendation to support a 0.2 percent sales tax for transit.
Ian Cahir raised the question of whether there were safeguards to ensure that the sales tax funds would be used for transit. Corliss responded that he has seen examples where communities set up a sales tax audit committee. A citizen appointed group would examine expenditures to provide a level of oversight.
Mike Sweeten asked David Corliss if there is a move toward a sales tax, does that mean the currently dedicated property tax funding for transit would go away? If that is the case, and the sales tax does not pass, the city would already be through its budget process for 2009, with no funding in place for transit. Corliss said that is the likely scenario. Sweeten asked whether there is a possibility of two-tiered funding, maintaining the existing property tax commitment and supplementing it with the sales tax funding. Corliss said that has not been Vice Mayor Chestnut’s proposal and has not been the discussion to date.
David Dunfield said that a preliminary grassroots action committee has formed to support the T. Separate from his role on PTAC, he will be involved as an individual. David Dunfield asked David Corliss for clarification about how committee members can act in advocacy projects. Corliss responded that as private citizens, PTAC members can be involved in advocacy according to their First Amendment rights. However, the city cannot use public funds and resources (cash or people) to advocate in an election. The city can merely inform people about the issues.
10. KU Fare Free Proposal
Danny Kaiser presented a proposal for PTAC as well as the KU Transit Commission to consider allowing more seamless transfers between city and university transit systems. The proposal includes three points: 1. Accept transfer slips from both systems on any busy (requires city and KU approval) 2. Accept T bus passes on any KU bus (requires KU approval) 3. Accept a KU ID to board any T bus (requires City approval).
PTA said he supports the proposal. It is not revenue neutral, but it would be hard to determine the impact. Ian Cahir inquired about when this would go into effect. Danny Kaiser said the goal would be to implement it for the Fall 2008 semester. Martin Miller moved to support the proposal, Marc Epard seconded, and the motion passed.
11. Public Comment
Saunny Scott commented that she doesn’t understand how the City Commission could approve $2 million for economic development, but not $1 million for public transit.
12. Tentative Next Meeting Date:
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
13. Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
—Submitted by Emily Lubliner
Approved at 9/9/08 PTAC meeting