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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 12/06/2011 - ITEMS RELATING TO THE SAFE RIDE HOME PROGRAMDATE: December 6, 2011 STAFF: Kurt Ravenschlag, Jeremy Yonce, Mark Clitnovici, Jerry Schaiger AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL 34 SUBJECT Items relating to the Safe Ride Home Program. A. Resolution 2011-108 Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Contract with the Board of Governors of the Colorado State University System for the Benefit of the Associated Students of Colorado State University to Create the Safe Ride Home Weekend Bus Service. B. First Reading of Ordinance No. 179, 2011, Appropriating Prior Year Reserves in the General Fund for Transfer to the Transit Services Fund and Appropriating Unanticipated Revenue in the Transit Services Fund for the Safe Ride Home Weekend Bus Service. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Fort Collins Police Services (FCPS) has had recent discussions with the Associated Students of Colorado State University (ASCSU) about creating an additional transportation option for people leaving the downtown area on weekend nights. In this partnership Police Services hopes to accomplish important goals of reducing the number of people and the associated problems in the downtown area and increasing traffic safety by giving people an additional option for leaving downtown safely and decreasing the number of drivers who have been drinking during this timeframe. The available transportation is unable to meet the demand for transportation during this timeframe. ASCSU has an interest in providing this service for students and is willing to invest funds from student fees to address this need. By combining available funding, these parties are able to provide this service to all members of our community for a modest fare. The proposal is to enter into a one year contract between ASCSU and Transfort to provide two fixed bus routes on Friday and Saturday nights, every weekend during the term of the Agreement, from 11:30 PM to 2:30 AM. An ongoing assessment will be conducted to determine the effectiveness of this project, any potential improvements, and explore opportunities for long-term funding. BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION One of the most challenging issues for the District One officers of FCPS is the safe management of approximately 4,000 people who exit the many liquor licensed businesses in the downtown area at bar closing time. The existing transportation options for people leaving the downtown area at this time primarily consist of taxis and the Ram Ride program supported by ASCSU. These available transportation options do not meet the demand at this time. This creates a situation where people either stay in the area, which contributes to the difficulty of managing the behavior of this number of people, or may choose to drive after drinking. Additionally, ASCSU has an interest in providing safe transportation for students during this timeframe. FCPS and ASCSU have developed a positive relationship in addressing issues where complementary interests exist, such as with the Party Registration program and the Community Welcome. Discussions about transportation options downtown began recently, and mutual interests were identified. This proposal involves providing four buses that will run two dedicated routes to areas where a high volume of students and other residents who frequent the downtown area live. The pilot program will operate on Friday and Saturday nights between the hours of 11:30 PM and 2:30 AM. Extensive surveying conducted by ASCSU and FCPS has indicated strong support for this service. In addition, many of the bars downtown have expressed an interest in this program and have proposed purchasing tickets for this service in advance and providing them to bar patrons. The funding for this pilot program for 2012 will include $50,000 from FCPS Camera Radar funds, $34,000 from ASCSU student fees, fares generated by a proposed one-dollar per ride fare and potential advertising revenues generated by this service. FCPS generates revenue from Camera Radar, which is used to support traffic safety initiatives and other police-related needs. This project is a good use of this non-tax funding source as it provides safe transportation for people leaving the downtown area who may have been consuming alcohol. In addition, this service provides an environmentally beneficial public transportation option during this high traffic timeframe. Even with the preliminary December 6, 2011 -2- ITEM 34 reason, the contract for this service will be written to allow for the cancellation of the contract before the year is completed. FCPS has committed to making up any shortage in the cost of this service from the same funding source if funds generated do not pay the remaining costs for the contract. This Resolution authorizes the City Manager to enter into a contract with ASCSU to provide this service and the Ordinance appropriates $34,000 in revenue from ASCSU in two payments during 2012. The service will be provided by a private company under contract with Transfort and using existing Transfort buses. FINANCIAL / ECONOMIC IMPACTS FCPS will contribute $50,000 from existing funds that have been generated by fines paid for Camera Radar tickets with the understanding that additional funds may be necessary to complete the payment of the contract. This partnership includes funding from ASCSU student fees in the amount of $34,000 to be paid in two payments. Additional funding will be generated from fares paid by users of this service and advertising revenues generated. This service will provide employment for drivers from a private company that will be contracted by Transfort for this purpose. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS The environmental impacts of this pilot project are expected to be positive by providing mass transportation service to hundreds of people who may otherwise be traveling by automobiles. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends adoption of the Resolution and the Ordinance on First Reading. BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION At its November 16, 2011 meeting, the Transportation Board unanimously supported the proposal. PUBLIC OUTREACH A survey of people leaving the downtown area during this timeframe was conducted by ASCSU and FCPS. In addition, a Student Voice Survey was conducted electronically by ASCSU. These surveys showed that 94% of the people surveyed liked the idea of providing public transportation during this timeframe. This survey data also helped to determine the best routes for this service. At a meeting with bar owners and managers this concept was presented, and there was strong support. ATTACHMENTS 1. Map of the proposed service 2. Transportation Board minutes, November 16, 2011 3. Survey data 4. PowerPoint presentation Attachment 1 ATTACHMENT 2 1 Results from Student Voice Survey and Old Town Survey’s For Late Night Transfort Bus Service: 84% of the respondents to our Student Voice survey were 21 years of age and older. (238 Respondents) 70% of the respondents to the Old Town Survey were students. How students choose to get home after they have visited Old Town. (238 people responded to this question). This is based on our Student Voice Survey. 32.17% (71) people choose to have their friends drive them home. 28.36% (56) either walk home or bike home 20.81% (46) drive themselves home 9.5% (21) Take a Taxi 8.6% (19) Call RamRide Notes: It seems like students prefer driving with or without friends to go home. This raises an increased risk in drunk driving, as the number of people who are driving under the influence seem to drive rather than taking safer modes of transportation home. It can be assumed that the late night ASCSU/ Transfort service can help decrease the risk of drunk driving by providing a safer option to the Fort Collins community. When students typically leave Old Town on a usual Friday or Saturday night (221 students responded). Notes: If the late night Transfort route were to start from 11:30 and end at 2:30, 76.01% of the estimated population would be able to get a ride from the bussing service, according to the student survey results. The peak time students surveyed is from 1:30am‐2:00am. This is also when most of the bars in Old Town close. Student opinion on whether or not a late night Transfort Service is needed: Over 94% of those surveyed by our in person surveys in old town and our Student Voice Survey on campus would agree or strongly agree that a late night bus service of this magnitude is needed and should be provided. (571 responses) How much students would be willing to pay for a late night bus route: ATTACHMENT 3 2 The results are split. Given the options, about 90% of the student voice survey respondents are willing to pay $1, $2, or $3. However, students stated that they would pay upwards to $5 (even ten dollars) for a bus ride. The Old Town data also indicated that students would be willing to pay at the time of service for a ride home. 6% would only use their CSU bus pass and nothing on top of that. 11% answered that they would pay $0. 36% would pay either $1 or $2 at the time of service. 14% would pay $3 to $4 and 20% would pay $5. There were also 6% that responded they would pay $10. *it is important to note that while our suggestion of charging $1 to run this route falls on the low end of what many would pay, it is important to remember that there is significant drop off between each price range. The more we raise the cost, the less effect the route becomes at dispersing large numbers of people from old town. It is always possible to raise the cost as the program moves forward. We feel that it is important to establish that a fee will be charged at the time of service but also keep it low to ensure use. As we monitor the pilot period, we can make adjustments. Student Opinion on a late night Transfort service offered year round: Of 216 respondents, 87.04% either agree or strongly agree that the late night bussing service should be offered year round. Survey data to support route placements. Both surveys asked participants to tell us where they would be going after they left Old Town on Friday and Saturday nights. Based on those responses, we determined the route alignments that we are proposing. In addition to the Old Town and Student Voice Surveys we also looked at Ramride’s pick up’s from last year to determine places and intersections that we were consistently dropping students off at. Summary and opinion of ASCSU: Overall, the student voice survey and old town data overwhelmingly indicates a student and residents want for a late night Transfort route. Students and residents are looking for another safe ride home that emulates other safe ride systems across the nation, such as Boulder. Opinion on pricing is divided, but students are willing to pay at least a dollar for the late night Transfort service. It seems like most of the traffic in Old Town leaves between 11:30pm and 2:30am. Most of the students want this service offered year round. In ASCSU’s opinion, this low percentage of RamRide users in Old Town can be skillfully increased with effective advertising of existing transportation alongside the launch of the late night Transfort service both on and off the CSU campus. Advertising can include the new RamRide Return program, deterring students from driving their cars while intoxicated. If ASCSU effectively advertises the RamRide Return program as well as RamRide, students will be able to arrive home safely and retrieve their car the next day. Based on the results above ASCSU would like to co‐fund this proposal and would strongly encourage council to support the one year pilot program. ‐Compiled by Chase Eckerdt and Rachael Schrader, Associated Students of Colorado State University 1 1 Jerry Schiager Captain Fort Collins Police Services Chase Eckerdt Director of Governmental Affairs Associated Students of Colorado State University December 6, 2011 Safe Ride Home Program 2 Safe Ride Home Program • Partnership between ASCSU and Police Services • Downtown Patrons and CSU students voiced a strong interest in this service • Police Services has been working on solutions to the bar closing time problems downtown – Crowd management issues – Reducing disturbances and property damage – Providing an alternative to driving after drinking – Lack of available transportation ATTACHMENT 4 2 3 Safe Ride Home Program • Data Collection – Surveying by FCPS and ASCSU – Student Voice Survey – Ram Ride data – Downtown call load data – Bar owners and managers 4 Student Voice Survey Highlights • Total respondents: 238 • 76.2% leave Old Town Between 11:30pm-2:30am • 94% think a late night service should be provided • 88% would be willing to pay something (options were $1, $2 or $3) • 88% want it offered throughout the year 3 5 Old Town Surveying • Conducted on Friday and Saturday nights during peak times by ASCSU and FCPD. • ASCSU collected 160 responses, FCPD collected 195. • 70% of respondents were students. • 94% “like” the idea of a late night bus route to take them home. • 6% would prefer to use their CSU bus pass and 11% would pay nothing • The other 83% would pay some fee at the time of service. 6 Safe Ride Home Program • Data Analysis – Destinations of people leaving – Riders’ willingness to pay – Hours of operation – Routes and timing – Pick up locations – Capacity of buses 4 7 Safe Ride Home Program • One Year Pilot proposal – Four buses running two routes – 15 minute frequency – Service to dense residential areas – Fridays and Saturdays during term of contract – Hours from 11:30 PM to 2:30 AM – One dollar per ride – Complementary Paratransit provided per ADA requirements during hours of operation – Starts in January 2012 8 5 9 Safe Ride Home Program • Funding Sources – Cost estimate for one year pilot is $119,500 – ASCSU pays $34,000 – Police Services pays $50,000 from photo radar – Fares estimated to generate $25,500 – Advertising revenue of $10,000 – Police Services commits to fulfilling contract – Contract safeguards – Future funding possibilities 10 Safe Ride Home Program Questions? RESOLUTION 2011-108 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ASSOCIATED STUDENTS OF COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY TO CREATE THE SAFE RIDE HOME WEEKEND BUS SERVICE WHEREAS, Fort Collins Police Services has had discussions with the Associated Students of Colorado State University (“ASCSU”) about creating an additional transportation option for students leaving the downtown area on weekend nights; and WHEREAS, approximately four thousand people exit the downtown area during the late night hours in connection with the closing of the downtown liquor licensed establishments; and WHEREAS, the existing transportation options for people leaving the downtown area during the late night hours is limited to taxis and the Ram Ride program and is insufficient to accommodate the need for transportation services during those hours; and WHEREAS, in order to increase traffic safety by giving people an additional option for leaving the downtown area without the necessity of driving automobiles after having been drinking, ASCSU and Fort Collins Police Services have developed the Safe Ride Home Weekend Bus Service for the purpose of operating two fixed bus routes on Friday and Saturday nights every weekend during the term of the agreement, from 11:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.; and WHEREAS, funding for the program will include Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) from the Fort Collins Police Services Camera Radar Funds; Thirty Four Thousand Dollars ($34,000) from ASCSU Student Fees, and fares generated by a proposed One Dollar ($1) per ride fare as well as potential advertising revenues that might be generated by this service; and WHEREAS, ASCSU has conducted extensive public outreach and has received a favorable response to the proposed service; and WHEREAS, the Transportation Board of the City has recommended that the Council enter into the intergovernmental agreement for the provision of the proposed service; and WHEREAS, Council has determined that it is in the best interests of the City that the City Manager enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the Board of Governors of the Colorado State University System on behalf of the ASCSU to create the Safe Ride Home Weekend Bus Service. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS that the City Manager is hereby authorized to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the Board of Governors of the Colorado State University System for the use and benefit of the Associated Student of Colorado State University for the establishment and operation of the Safe Ride Home Weekend Bus Service Program upon the terms and conditions contained in the proposed Intergovernmental Agreement for Transportation Services attached hereto as Exhibit “A,” subject to such modifications or amendments as the City Manager, in consultation with the City Attorney deems appropriate to protect the interests of the City and to carry out the purposes of this Resolution. Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Collins this 6th day of December A.D. 2011. Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk Attachment 1 ORDINANCE NO. 179, 2011 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS APPROPRIATING PRIOR YEAR RESERVES IN THE GENERAL FUND FOR TRANSFER TO THE TRANSIT SERVICES FUND AND APPROPRIATING UNANTICIPATED REVENUE IN THE TRANSIT SERVICES FUND FOR THE SAFE RIDE HOME WEEKEND BUS SERVICE WHEREAS, Fort Collins Police Services has had discussions with the Associated Students of Colorado State University (“ASCSU”) about creating an additional transportation option for students leaving the downtown area on weekend nights; and WHEREAS, approximately four thousand people exit the downtown area during the late night hours in connection with the closing of the downtown liquor-licensed establishments; and WHEREAS, the existing transportation options for people leaving the downtown area during the late night hours is limited to taxis and the Ram Ride program and is insufficient to accommodate the need for transportation services during those hours; and WHEREAS, in order to increase traffic safety by giving people an additional option for leaving the downtown area without the necessity of driving automobiles after having been drinking, ASCSU and Fort Collins Police Services have developed the Safe Ride Home Weekend Bus Service for the purpose of operating two fixed bus routes on Friday and Saturday nights every weekend during the term of the agreement, from 11:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution 2011-108, the City Council has determined that it is in the best interests of the City that the City Manager enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the Board of Governors of the Colorado State University System , acting on behalf of the ASCSU, to create the Safe Ride Home Weekend Bus Service; and WHEREAS, in Ordinance No. 114, 1999, and in subsequent City budgets, the City Council authorized the use of excess revenue from camera radar funds for other programs intended to address other City traffic problems; and WHEREAS, funding for the program will include Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) from the Camera Radar Reserve in the General Fund; Thirty Four Thousand Dollars ($34,000) from ASCSU Student Fees; an estimated Twenty-Five Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($25,500) from fares generated by a proposed One Dollar ($1) per ride fare; and an estimated Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) from potential advertising revenues that might be generated by this service; and WHEREAS, this Ordinance appropriates the total amount of $119,500 in the Transit Services Fund for the Safe Ride Home Weekend Bus Service; and WHEREAS, Article V, Section 9 of the City Charter permits the City Council to appropriate by ordinance at any time during the fiscal year such funds for expenditure as may be available from reserves accumulated in prior years, notwithstanding that such reserves were not previously appropriated; and WHEREAS, Article V, Section 9, of the City Charter permits the City Council to make supplemental appropriations by ordinance at any time during the fiscal year, provided that the total amount of such supplemental appropriations, in combination with all previous appropriations for that fiscal year, does not exceed the current estimate of actual and anticipated revenues to be received during the fiscal year; and WHEREAS, City staff has determined that the appropriation of the revenue as described herein will not cause the total amount appropriated in the Transit Services Fund to exceed the current estimate of actual and anticipated revenues to be received in that fund during any fiscal year. WHEREAS, Article V, Section 10, of the City Charter authorizes the City Council to transfer by ordinance any unexpended and unencumbered appropriated amount or portion thereof from one fund to another fund, provided that the purpose for which the transferred funds are to be expended remains unchanged. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS as follows: Section 1. That there is hereby appropriated for expenditure from prior year reserves in the General Fund the sum of FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($50,000) for transfer to the Transit Services Fund and appropriated therein for the Safe Ride Home Weekend Bus Service. Section 2. That there is hereby appropriated for expenditure from unanticipated revenue in the Transit Services Fund the sum of SIXTY-NINE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($69,500) for the Safe Ride Home Weekend Bus Service. Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 6th day of December, A.D. 2011, and to be presented for final passage on the 20th day of December, A.D. 2011. _________________________________ Mayor ATTEST: _____________________________ City Clerk Passed and adopted on final reading on the 20th day of December, A.D. 2011. _________________________________ Mayor ATTEST: _____________________________ City Clerk DATE: December 6, 2011 STAFF: Kurt Ravenschlag, Jeremy Yonce, Mark Clitnovici, Jerry Schaiger AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL 34 SUBJECT Items relating to the Safe Ride Home Program. A. Resolution 2011-108 Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Contract with the Board of Governors of the Colorado State University System for the Benefit of the Associated Students of Colorado State University to Create the Safe Ride Home Weekend Bus Service. B. First Reading of Ordinance No. 179, 2011, Appropriating Unanticipated Reserves in the Transit Fund For the Operation of a Late Night Bus Service. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Fort Collins Police Services (FCPS) has had recent discussions with the Associated Students of Colorado State University (ASCSU) about creating an additional transportation option for people leaving the downtown area on weekend nights. In this partnership Police Services hopes to accomplish important goals of reducing the number of people and the associated problems in the downtown area and increasing traffic safety by giving people an additional option for leaving downtown safely and decreasing the number of drivers who have been drinking during this timeframe. The available transportation is unable to meet the demand for transportation during this timeframe. ASCSU has an interest in providing this service for students and is willing to invest funds from student fees to address this need. By combining available funding, these parties are able to provide this service to all members of our community for a modest fare. The proposal is to enter into a one year contract between ASCSU and Transfort to provide two fixed bus routes on Friday and Saturday nights, every weekend during the term of the Agreement, from 11:30 PM to 2:30 AM. An ongoing assessment will be conducted to determine the effectiveness of this project, any potential improvements, and explore opportunities for long-term funding. BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION One of the most challenging issues for the District One officers of FCPS is the safe management of approximately 4,000 people who exit the many liquor licensed businesses in the downtown area at bar closing time. The existing transportation options for people leaving the downtown area at this time primarily consist of taxis and the Ram Ride program supported by ASCSU. These available transportation options do not meet the demand at this time. This creates a situation where people either stay in the area, which contributes to the difficulty of managing the behavior of this number of people, or may choose to drive after drinking. Additionally, ASCSU has an interest in providing safe transportation for students during this timeframe. FCPS and ASCSU have developed a positive relationship in addressing issues where complementary interests exist, such as with the Party Registration program and the Community Welcome. Discussions about transportation options downtown began recently, and mutual interests were identified. This proposal involves providing four buses that will run two dedicated routes to areas where a high volume of students and other residents who frequent the downtown area live. The pilot program will operate on Friday and Saturday nights between the hours of 11:30 PM and 2:30 AM. Extensive surveying conducted by ASCSU and FCPS has indicated strong support for this service. In addition, many of the bars downtown have expressed an interest in this program and have proposed purchasing tickets for this service in advance and providing them to bar patrons. The funding for this pilot program for 2012 will include $50,000 from FCPS Camera Radar funds, $34,000 from ASCSU student fees, fares generated by a proposed one-dollar per ride fare and potential advertising revenues generated by this service. FCPS generates revenue from Camera Radar, which is used to support traffic safety initiatives and other police-related needs. This project is a good use of this non-tax funding source as it provides safe transportation for people leaving the downtown area who may have been consuming alcohol. In addition, this service provides an environmentally beneficial public transportation option during this high traffic timeframe. Even with the preliminary surveying that shows a very positive response to this service, it is difficult to estimate the actual ridership. For this December 6, 2011 -2- ITEM 34 reason, the contract for this service will be written to allow for the cancellation of the contract before the year is completed. FCPS has committed to making up any shortage in the cost of this service from the same funding source if funds generated do not pay the remaining costs for the contract. This Resolution authorizes the City Manager to enter into a contract with ASCSU to provide this service and the Ordinance appropriates $34,000 in revenue from ASCSU in two payments during 2012. The service will be provided by a private company under contract with Transfort and using existing Transfort buses. FINANCIAL / ECONOMIC IMPACTS FCPS will contribute $50,000 from existing funds that have been generated by fines paid for Camera Radar tickets with the understanding that additional funds may be necessary to complete the payment of the contract. This partnership includes funding from ASCSU student fees in the amount of $34,000 to be paid in two payments. Additional funding will be generated from fares paid by users of this service and advertising revenues generated. This service will provide employment for drivers from a private company that will be contracted by Transfort for this purpose. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS The environmental impacts of this pilot project are expected to be positive by providing mass transportation service to hundreds of people who may otherwise be traveling by automobiles. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends adoption of the Resolution and the Ordinance on First Reading. BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION At its November 16, 2011 meeting, the Transportation Board unanimously supported the proposal. PUBLIC OUTREACH A survey of people leaving the downtown area during this timeframe was conducted by ASCSU and FCPS. In addition, a Student Voice Survey was conducted electronically by ASCSU. These surveys showed that 94% of the people surveyed liked the idea of providing public transportation during this timeframe. This survey data also helped to determine the best routes for this service. At a meeting with bar owners and managers this concept was presented, and there was strong support. ATTACHMENTS 1. Map of the proposed service 2. Transportation Board minutes, November 16, 2011 3. Survey data 4. PowerPoint presentation Attachment 1 ATTACHMENT 2 1 Results from Student Voice Survey and Old Town Survey’s For Late Night Transfort Bus Service: 84% of the respondents to our Student Voice survey were 21 years of age and older. (238 Respondents) 70% of the respondents to the Old Town Survey were students. How students choose to get home after they have visited Old Town. (238 people responded to this question). This is based on our Student Voice Survey. 32.17% (71) people choose to have their friends drive them home. 28.36% (56) either walk home or bike home 20.81% (46) drive themselves home 9.5% (21) Take a Taxi 8.6% (19) Call RamRide Notes: It seems like students prefer driving with or without friends to go home. This raises an increased risk in drunk driving, as the number of people who are driving under the influence seem to drive rather than taking safer modes of transportation home. It can be assumed that the late night ASCSU/ Transfort service can help decrease the risk of drunk driving by providing a safer option to the Fort Collins community. When students typically leave Old Town on a usual Friday or Saturday night (221 students responded). Notes: If the late night Transfort route were to start from 11:30 and end at 2:30, 76.01% of the estimated population would be able to get a ride from the bussing service, according to the student survey results. The peak time students surveyed is from 1:30am‐2:00am. This is also when most of the bars in Old Town close. Student opinion on whether or not a late night Transfort Service is needed: Over 94% of those surveyed by our in person surveys in old town and our Student Voice Survey on campus would agree or strongly agree that a late night bus service of this magnitude is needed and should be provided. (571 responses) How much students would be willing to pay for a late night bus route: ATTACHMENT 3 2 The results are split. Given the options, about 90% of the student voice survey respondents are willing to pay $1, $2, or $3. However, students stated that they would pay upwards to $5 (even ten dollars) for a bus ride. The Old Town data also indicated that students would be willing to pay at the time of service for a ride home. 6% would only use their CSU bus pass and nothing on top of that. 11% answered that they would pay $0. 36% would pay either $1 or $2 at the time of service. 14% would pay $3 to $4 and 20% would pay $5. There were also 6% that responded they would pay $10. *it is important to note that while our suggestion of charging $1 to run this route falls on the low end of what many would pay, it is important to remember that there is significant drop off between each price range. The more we raise the cost, the less effect the route becomes at dispersing large numbers of people from old town. It is always possible to raise the cost as the program moves forward. We feel that it is important to establish that a fee will be charged at the time of service but also keep it low to ensure use. As we monitor the pilot period, we can make adjustments. Student Opinion on a late night Transfort service offered year round: Of 216 respondents, 87.04% either agree or strongly agree that the late night bussing service should be offered year round. Survey data to support route placements. Both surveys asked participants to tell us where they would be going after they left Old Town on Friday and Saturday nights. Based on those responses, we determined the route alignments that we are proposing. In addition to the Old Town and Student Voice Surveys we also looked at Ramride’s pick up’s from last year to determine places and intersections that we were consistently dropping students off at. Summary and opinion of ASCSU: Overall, the student voice survey and old town data overwhelmingly indicates a student and residents want for a late night Transfort route. Students and residents are looking for another safe ride home that emulates other safe ride systems across the nation, such as Boulder. Opinion on pricing is divided, but students are willing to pay at least a dollar for the late night Transfort service. It seems like most of the traffic in Old Town leaves between 11:30pm and 2:30am. Most of the students want this service offered year round. In ASCSU’s opinion, this low percentage of RamRide users in Old Town can be skillfully increased with effective advertising of existing transportation alongside the launch of the late night Transfort service both on and off the CSU campus. Advertising can include the new RamRide Return program, deterring students from driving their cars while intoxicated. If ASCSU effectively advertises the RamRide Return program as well as RamRide, students will be able to arrive home safely and retrieve their car the next day. Based on the results above ASCSU would like to co‐fund this proposal and would strongly encourage council to support the one year pilot program. ‐Compiled by Chase Eckerdt and Rachael Schrader, Associated Students of Colorado State University 1 1 Jerry Schiager Captain Fort Collins Police Services Chase Eckerdt Director of Governmental Affairs Associated Students of Colorado State University December 6, 2011 Safe Ride Home Program 2 Safe Ride Home Program • Partnership between ASCSU and Police Services • Downtown Patrons and CSU students voiced a strong interest in this service • Police Services has been working on solutions to the bar closing time problems downtown – Crowd management issues – Reducing disturbances and property damage – Providing an alternative to driving after drinking – Lack of available transportation ATTACHMENT 4 2 3 Safe Ride Home Program • Data Collection – Surveying by FCPS and ASCSU – Student Voice Survey – Ram Ride data – Downtown call load data – Bar owners and managers 4 Student Voice Survey Highlights • Total respondents: 238 • 76.2% leave Old Town Between 11:30pm-2:30am • 94% think a late night service should be provided • 88% would be willing to pay something (options were $1, $2 or $3) • 88% want it offered throughout the year 3 5 Old Town Surveying • Conducted on Friday and Saturday nights during peak times by ASCSU and FCPD. • ASCSU collected 160 responses, FCPD collected 195. • 70% of respondents were students. • 94% “like” the idea of a late night bus route to take them home. • 6% would prefer to use their CSU bus pass and 11% would pay nothing • The other 83% would pay some fee at the time of service. 6 Safe Ride Home Program • Data Analysis – Destinations of people leaving – Riders’ willingness to pay – Hours of operation – Routes and timing – Pick up locations – Capacity of buses 4 7 Safe Ride Home Program • One Year Pilot proposal – Four buses running two routes – 15 minute frequency – Service to dense residential areas – Fridays and Saturdays during term of contract – Hours from 11:30 PM to 2:30 AM – One dollar per ride – Complementary Paratransit provided per ADA requirements during hours of operation – Starts in January 2012 8 5 9 Safe Ride Home Program • Funding Sources – Cost estimate for one year pilot is $119,500 – ASCSU pays $34,000 – Police Services pays $50,000 from photo radar – Fares estimated to generate $25,500 – Advertising revenue of $10,000 – Police Services commits to fulfilling contract – Contract safeguards – Future funding possibilities 10 Safe Ride Home Program Questions? RESOLUTION 2011-108 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ASSOCIATED STUDENTS OF COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY TO CREATE THE SAFE RIDE HOME WEEKEND BUS SERVICE WHEREAS, Fort Collins Police Services has had discussions with the Associated Students of Colorado State University (“ASCSU”) about creating an additional transportation option for students leaving the downtown area on weekend nights; and WHEREAS, approximately four thousand people exit the downtown area during the late night hours in connection with the closing of the downtown liquor licensed establishments; and WHEREAS, the existing transportation options for people leaving the downtown area during the late night hours is limited to taxis and the Ram Ride program and is insufficient to accommodate the need for transportation services during those hours; and WHEREAS, in order to increase traffic safety by giving people an additional option for leaving the downtown area without the necessity of driving automobiles after having been drinking, ASCSU and Fort Collins Police Services have developed the Safe Ride Home Weekend Bus Service for the purpose of operating two fixed bus routes on Friday and Saturday nights every weekend during the term of the agreement, from 11:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.; and WHEREAS, funding for the program will include Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) from the Fort Collins Police Services Camera Radar Funds; Thirty Four Thousand Dollars ($34,000) from ASCSU Student Fees, and fares generated by a proposed One Dollar ($1) per ride fare as well as potential advertising revenues that might be generated by this service; and WHEREAS, ASCSU has conducted extensive public outreach and has received a favorable response to the proposed service; and WHEREAS, the Transportation Board of the City has recommended that the Council enter into the intergovernmental agreement for the provision of the proposed service; and WHEREAS, Council has determined that it is in the best interests of the City that the City Manager enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the Board of Governors of the Colorado State University System on behalf of the ASCSU to create the Safe Ride Home Weekend Bus Service. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS that the City Manager is hereby authorized to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the Board of Governors of the Colorado State University System for the use and benefit of the Associated Student of Colorado State University for the establishment and operation of the Safe Ride Home Weekend Bus Service Program upon the terms and conditions contained in the proposed Intergovernmental Agreement for Transportation Services attached hereto as Exhibit “A,” subject to such modifications or amendments as the City Manager, in consultation with the City Attorney deems appropriate to protect the interests of the City and to carry out the purposes of this Resolution. Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Collins this 6th day of December A.D. 2011. Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk Attachment 1 ORDINANCE NO. 179, 2011 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS APPROPRIATING PRIOR YEAR RESERVES IN THE GENERAL FUND FOR TRANSFER TO THE TRANSIT SERVICES FUND AND APPROPRIATING UNANTICIPATED REVENUE IN THE TRANSIT SERVICES FUND FOR THE SAFE RIDE HOME WEEKEND BUS SERVICE WHEREAS, Fort Collins Police Services has had discussions with the Associated Students of Colorado State University (“ASCSU”) about creating an additional transportation option for students leaving the downtown area on weekend nights; and WHEREAS, approximately four thousand people exit the downtown area during the late night hours in connection with the closing of the downtown liquor-licensed establishments; and WHEREAS, the existing transportation options for people leaving the downtown area during the late night hours is limited to taxis and the Ram Ride program and is insufficient to accommodate the need for transportation services during those hours; and WHEREAS, in order to increase traffic safety by giving people an additional option for leaving the downtown area without the necessity of driving automobiles after having been drinking, ASCSU and Fort Collins Police Services have developed the Safe Ride Home Weekend Bus Service for the purpose of operating two fixed bus routes on Friday and Saturday nights every weekend during the term of the agreement, from 11:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution 2011-108, the City Council has determined that it is in the best interests of the City that the City Manager enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the Board of Governors of the Colorado State University System , acting on behalf of the ASCSU, to create the Safe Ride Home Weekend Bus Service; and WHEREAS, in Ordinance No. 114, 1999, and in subsequent City budgets, the City Council authorized the use of excess revenue from camera radar funds for other programs intended to address other City traffic problems; and WHEREAS, funding for the program will include Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) from the Camera Radar Reserve in the General Fund; Thirty Four Thousand Dollars ($34,000) from ASCSU Student Fees; an estimated Twenty-Five Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($25,500) from fares generated by a proposed One Dollar ($1) per ride fare; and an estimated Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) from potential advertising revenues that might be generated by this service; and WHEREAS, this Ordinance appropriates the total amount of $119,500 in the Transit Services Fund for the Safe Ride Home Weekend Bus Service; and WHEREAS, Article V, Section 9 of the City Charter permits the City Council to appropriate by ordinance at any time during the fiscal year such funds for expenditure as may be available from reserves accumulated in prior years, notwithstanding that such reserves were not previously appropriated; and WHEREAS, Article V, Section 9, of the City Charter permits the City Council to make supplemental appropriations by ordinance at any time during the fiscal year, provided that the total amount of such supplemental appropriations, in combination with all previous appropriations for that fiscal year, does not exceed the current estimate of actual and anticipated revenues to be received during the fiscal year; and WHEREAS, City staff has determined that the appropriation of the revenue as described herein will not cause the total amount appropriated in the Transit Services Fund to exceed the current estimate of actual and anticipated revenues to be received in that fund during any fiscal year. WHEREAS, Article V, Section 10, of the City Charter authorizes the City Council to transfer by ordinance any unexpended and unencumbered appropriated amount or portion thereof from one fund to another fund, provided that the purpose for which the transferred funds are to be expended remains unchanged. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS as follows: Section 1. That there is hereby appropriated for expenditure from prior year reserves in the General Fund the sum of FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($50,000) for transfer to the Transit Services Fund and appropriated therein for the Safe Ride Home Weekend Bus Service. Section 2. That there is hereby appropriated for expenditure from unanticipated revenue in the Transit Services Fund the sum of SIXTY-NINE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($69,500) for the Safe Ride Home Weekend Bus Service. Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 6th day of December, A.D. 2011, and to be presented for final passage on the 20th day of December, A.D. 2011. _________________________________ Mayor ATTEST: _____________________________ City Clerk Passed and adopted on final reading on the 20th day of December, A.D. 2011. _________________________________ Mayor ATTEST: _____________________________ City Clerk