TAMRMS#: B06
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Reinstatement of Transit Fares
Presented by: Anthony Lake, Director, Public Works & Transit
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RECOMMENDATION(S)
recommendation
That the reinstatement of transit fares (which were suspended until May 31st, 2020 as part of the City's response to dealing with the impact of Covid-19) be implemented as of July 1st, 2020 to align with the City of Edmonton transit system.
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PURPOSE OF REPORT
To advise Council of the need for St. Albert Transit (StAT) to ensure coordination of the reinstatement of transit fares across the shared services region.
ALIGNMENT TO PRIORITIES IN COUNCIL’S STRATEGIC PLAN
N/A
ALIGNMENT TO LEVELS OF SERVICE DELIVERY
N/A
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL DIRECTION OR MANDATORY STATUTORY PROVISION
On March 20th, 2020 Council passed the following motion:
AR-20-95
That Council approve eliminating ridership fares on St. Albert Transit System from March 24,2020 up to and including May 31,2020.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
StAT services to the residents of ST. Albert relies on connection and coordination of services with the City of Edmonton (ETS) in order to ensure access to post-secondary institutions, downtown offices, LRT connections and other major ETS destinations.
There are reciprocal agreements established that align both ETS and StAT services to offer riders a seamless transfer from one system to the other.
This regional cooperation has made it possible to avoid the logistics of blending separate systems and enhance ridership throughout the region.
As a continuation of this collaboration, the re-instatement of fee collection by the City of Edmonton prompts coordination across the region
STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS OR ENGAGEMENT
Ongoing and current discussions occur with our regional partners.
Customers will be provided adequate notice through media, web and the StAT app processes.
IMPLICATIONS OF RECOMMENDATION(S)
Financial:
Approval of the motion will enable fare collection and re-establish a revenue source for StAT operating budget.
Revenue is expected to be minimal with incremental growth until full services are resumed.
Legal / Risk:
Services and fare re-establishment would be generally consistent across the region enhancing due diligence.
Program or Service:
Transit services resume as a fee for service.
Organizational:
Enhanced Covid - 19 protection measures may need to be implemented to minimize impact of driver and rider interaction.
Promotion and encouragement of the use of masks while using transit and personal protective equipment (PPE) for the drivers.
Options are being pursued in collaboration with unions, other service providers both regionally and provincially to meet requirements.
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED
a) Not approve and continue with fare suspension until cost of enhanced PPE/screening is considered
b) Approve with a revised date.
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Report Date: June 1, 2020
Author(s): Anthony Lake
Committee/Department: Public Works & Transit
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer: Kerry Hilts
Chief Administrative Officer: Kevin Scoble