Title
Implementation of Employee Bus Pass Program for North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System Employees (B)
Explanation
The Employee Bus Pass Program was initially created to alleviate traffic and parking problems, particularly at the University of Florida and Downtown. The program has been in effect since January 24, 2000, with University of Florida employees being the first participants. Downtown City employees began participation on April 3, 2000, and Alachua County employee participation began on July 24, 2000. 487,307 University of Florida employees have ridden, and the combined total for City/County employee ridership was over 65,586 passengers through December 31, 2004.
North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System (NF/SG) recently contacted City of Gainesville's Regional Transit System (RTS) to discuss options to implement an employee bus pass program for their 2,000 employees. NF/SG desires to reduce employee parking demands and to provide their employees with prepaid, unlimited access to the public transit system as a means of commuting to work.
RTS proposed an employee bus pass program similar to the one enjoyed by the University of Florida, City, and County employees.
Fiscal Note
NF/SG shall pay the City of Gainesville $9,000 for prepaid, unlimited access for 2,000 employees to transit, except for special service routes such as Gator Aider, etc. for the term of one year from May 1, 2005 through and including April 30, 2006. The $9,000 represents the cost of $4.50 per employee for 2,000 employees.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) approve the Employee Bus Pass Program for North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System Employees; and 2) authorize the Interim City Manager or designee to execute an interlocal agreement with North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System to implement an Employee Bus Pass Program, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.