Okaloosa County BOCC — November 16, 2013 — Action Item Printout — reading text

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST DATE: September 3, 2013 TO: Honorable Chairman and Members of the Board FROM: Elliot Kampert SUBJECT: Public Hearing - Okaloosa County Transit WAVE Fare & Route Modifications DEPARTMENT: Growth Management BCC DISTRICT: All BACKGROUND: During the initial review of the public transportation budget, the Board requested additional information regarding potential fare increases to the fixed route (WAVE) system. The attached spreadsheet illustrates the potential impact of two fare increase scenarios in regard to both revenue and ridership. It is important to note that the fare increase scenarios are based on a reduction in routes necessitated by funding availability, specifically that routes 11 and 12 (Crestview) and 33 (Destin) would be eliminated. The Okaloosa County Public Transit Fare and Route Modification Policy requires the County hold a public hearing to hear comments on proposed rate or route changes prior to adoption. The Department of Growth Management and Okaloosa County Transit staff has met to discuss increasing fares for the WAVE fixed route service. In comparison to nearby and peer transit systems (attached), the proposed fare increase for Okaloosa County falls below that of these other systems. Okaloosa County’s last fare increase occurred January 1, 2009. To bring Okaloosa County closer in line with nearby and peer systems, it is recommended that the fares be revised as shown in the 2014 Fare Increase Estimates"; the staff recommended rates are shown in the red boxed-columns. Due to increased operating costs and decreased funds, it is proposed that Routes 11 and 12 in Crestview and Route 33 in Destin (Crystal Beach) be eliminated. These routes have been selected for elimination due to the lack of appropriate funding levels and the lower ridership numbers these three routes generate in comparison to all other WAVE routes that operate within the system. Notice of the public hearing and proposed changes was accomplished through an announcement in the Northwest Florida Daily News, www.rideoct.org website, posting of proposed fares and route changes in the fixed-route transit vehicles and at bus stops. Following public comments, if the Board of County Commissioners approves the fare increase and route eliminations, the changes will be implemented no earlier than 60 (sixty) days following the date of approval, in this case, changes will occur on November 3, 2013. Notices of the revised fare and route eliminations and the implementation date will be placed in all public transit vehicles, published in the North West Florida Daily News and posted on Okaloosa County Transit’s www.rideoct.org website. RECOMMENDATION: The Department of Growth Management recommends that the Board conduct a public hearing to receive public input regarding the proposed revisions to the fare structure of the fixed-route (WAVE) service and elimination of routes 11 and 12 in Crestview and 33 in Destin (Crystal Beach). Staff recommends that the Board approve revised fares for the fixed route WAVE service and authorize elimination of Routes 11 and 12 in Crestview and Route 33 in Destin (Crystal Beach). If it is determined that routes and fares will change, the changes will be implemented on November 3, 2013. RECOMMENDED BY: APPROVED BY: Ernie Padgett, County Administrator