Title
Proposed 2016 Transit Service Changes
Body
Presenter:
Craig Blewitt, Transit Services Manager
Brian Vitulli, Transit Services Planning Supervisor
Summary:
Transit service changes are proposed for implementation on May 1, 2016. The proposed changes include service improvements enabled by the approved 2016 City of Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority (PPRTA) budgets and include service modifications focused on improving the overall productivity and performance of the transit system. Six public meetings are scheduled to be held January 19 - 26 to receive input on the proposed changes.
Previous Council Action:
City Council approved the 2016 City Budget on November 24, 2015, including a general description of the proposed 2016 transit service improvements.
Background:
Proposed transit service improvements are made possible by additional City of Colorado Springs general fund dollars and Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority tax revenue increases. These transit enhancements are designed to improve productivity and on-time performance, increase frequency along high-ridership corridors, improve customer service for our existing customers, and attract new riders. Highlights of the proposed Spring 2016 improvements include:
• Increasing service on the Nevada Avenue corridor to 15-minute frequency;
• Improving on-time performance on Route 3 (Colorado Ave-Manitou Springs);
• Restructuring Routes 15 and 16 to eliminate low-ridership segments and circuitous routing;
• Restructuring routes to eliminate duplicative service; and
• Slightly increasing zone fares for Metro Rides vanpool program’s larger vans
The following statements highlight the intent of our Spring 2016 Service Changes, and are consistent with our 2013 Comprehensive Operational Analysis, the 2040 Transit Plan, and our future direction:
• Proposed changes are focused on improving the overall productivity and performance of the transit system;
• Increasing frequency on major high-ridership routes can improve service and attract new riders;
• Adding Saturday service on key routes can expand the transit service area and provide access to jobs for more citizens;
• Providing improved access to jobs along high-employment corridors, such as Nevada Avenue - north and south; and
• Restructuring routes to eliminate duplicative and circuitous service, as well as unproductive ridership segments.
Detailed descriptions of the specific route proposals are provided in the attached Final Proposal document. The service changes are proposed to begin on May 1, 2016.
Financial Implications:
N/A
Board/Commission Recommendation:
On November 3, 2015, The Citizens’ Transportation Advisory Board (CTAB) recommended release of the proposed service changes for public comment.
Stakeholder Process:
Six public meetings are scheduled throughout the transit service area to gather feedback and help determine the final service changes:
• Tuesday, January 19: 21C Library at 1175 Chapel Hills Drive
• Wednesday, January 20: Colorado Springs City Hall at 107 North Nevada Avenue (2)
• Thursday, January 21: University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, 1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway
• Friday, January 22: Manitou Springs City Hall at 606 Manitou Avenue
• Tuesday, January 26: Pikes Peak Community College at 5675 South Academy Boulevard
Alternatives:
These proposed transit service changes are presented for City Council information and comment.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
N/A
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A