Title
Continuation of Employee Bus Pass Programs (B)
This item involves a request for the City Commission to authorize the City Manager to execute service agreements with local agencies for employee bus pass programs.
Explanation
The employee bus pass program was 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 to participate. The program has grown to include the City of Gainesville, Alachua County, University of Florida, Shands Hospital, North Florida and South Georgia Veterans Health System (VA), and the Alachua/Bradford Regional Workforce Board.
University of Florida employees account for over 1 million of the 1.5+ million passengers trips completed since the Employee Pass Program began in 2000. Use of public transportation continues to increase for all agencies participating in the program. This program is now available to over 29,000 participants.
The rate is currently $4.50 per person for this program. Based on the FY09 regular adult fare increase of 50%, the new rate will be $6.75 per person for this program. At the current participation levels, the revenue collected will be $197,491.50; which is an increase of $65,830.50 from FY08.
Fiscal Note
At the new rate of $6.75 per rider, revenue in the amount of $197,491.50 will be collected for the continuation of these programs, and some of the individual service agreements will exceed $50,000.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) approve the annual contract for continuation of the Employee Bus Pass Program for City employees through January 2010; and 2) authorize the City Manager to execute service agreements with local agencies for continuation of the employee bus pass program, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.