Title
Interlocal Agreement between the University of Florida and Regional Transit System (RTS) (B)
This item is a request for the City Commission to authorize RTS to provide additional transit services as part of the Interlocal Agreement with the University of Florida (UF) and City of Gainesville Regional Transit System (RTS) to provide unlimited access to UF students.
Explanation
There is currently an Interlocal Agreement between UF and RTS to provide unlimited access to public transit to UF students. The UF Transportation Fee Committee meets with RTS on an annual basis to evaluate the current service and determine the need for enhanced services. During this year's meeting, the UF Transportation Fee Committee agreed to raise the student fee to pay for current and additional services.
The enhanced service consists of additional hours of service on City routes 12, 21, and 34; a new route 22, and reinstatement of route 29 on weekdays for the Fall and Spring semesters. The projected cost of providing the new enhanced service is approximately $345,853.
RTS staff negotiated an hourly rate of $59.70 per hour for Monday through Saturday service and $74.03 for Sunday service which would cover the costs of existing and enhanced service.
In order to provide these services, a total of four (4) new transit operator positions, one (1) new buyer, one (1) new dispatcher, and one (1) new Mechanic I will be needed. The recruitment and training period for these new positions will require that the current RTS staff members operate the service until the new employees are available.
Fiscal Note
Based on the new hourly rates, the total revenue anticipated under this agreement is approximately $10,325,206 and is projected to cover the budgeted expenses and additional RTS positions.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) authorize RTS to provide the additional transit services; 2) approve the additional RTS positions; (3) approve increases in the budget to operate new and enhanced service effective August 17, 2009; and 4) authorize the City Manager to execute any related documents, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.