TAMRMS#: B06
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Transit Fees Waived for "All Aboard" Patrons
Notice given by: Councillor Joly
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BUDGET POSTPONED MOTION:
recommendation
That fees for local (not commuter) passes for all persons who qualify for the Community and Protective Services "All-Aboard" Subsidy Program are waived.
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POSTPONED MOTION ADMINISTRATIVE BACKGROUNDER:
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Administration’s Understanding of Intent Motion:
That Council wishes to extend to the financially challenged members of our community - those who are registered in the “All Aboard” transit subsidy program - the opportunity to travel locally on transit for no fee if local travel is all they require. This avoids the need for an individual to purchase the only pass available under the program which is currently the commuter pass. This will increase opportunities for these residents to travel locally to school or employment without the burden of monthly fare payment.
Operational or Organizational Impacts if Motion is Approved:Accommodating this request will have minimal impact on the operation or the organization. It will require our Community and Social Development team to carry and issue local monthly passes along with the commuter passes, and to keep records regarding all passes issued to qualified recipients. Such records are currently being kept and distinguishing between commuter and local should not have a considerable workload impact. There are sufficient supplies of local monthly passes in stock so printing costs will not be impacted.
Financial Implications of Motions:
Transit currently does not sell a local pass that is directed toward the financially-challenged members of our community. It is difficult to gauge the numbers of such passes that would be distributed, but an estimate can be made based on these assumptions.
• Transit currently sells approximately 11.5 commuter passes for every 1 local pass. Translated, 8% of pass sales are local-only.
• Of the roughly 145 All-Aboard passes we sell each month, assume 8%, or 12 are used for local travel only.
• To waive the cost of 12 local All-Aboard passes, at $40.60 each would represent a revenue impact of $5846.00 per year.
For clarity, it is recommended that motion be extended to add "..and that the 2020 revenue budget be reduced, on an ongoing basis, in the amount of $5,800"
Stakeholder Consultations:
Stakeholder consultations would not be necessary. Regarding communication, this would be conducted only with the current transit users registered with the All-Aboard program. Clients can be advised personally once the passes are available. Passes can be made available early in the new year.
Background:
N/A
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Report Date: November 21, 2019
Author: Tony Lake
Department: Public Works & Transit
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer: Kerry Hilts
Chief Administrative Officer: Kevin Scoble
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