Title
Homeless People Using RTS Bus Shelters Policy (NB)
Explanation
At the August 8, 2005 City Commission meeting, the issue of a policy regarding homeless people using the RTS Bus Shelters on Sundays when the bus service is not in operation was referred to the City Manager for review by appropriate staff with a report back to the City Commission.
On August 26, 2005, staff met with Joe Jackson and Reverend Dave Swanson to discuss the issue. Jesus Gomez, Interim Transit Director, indicated that the practice of signing bus stops with No Trespassing Signs began a number of years ago after complaints were received by RTS passengers along University Avenue that they were not able to utilize the benches due to people sleeping on them. After discussions with the Police Department, it was determined that there would have to be signs installed to allow the Police Department to alleviate the use of the benches by non-RTS passengers. To address these complaints, City staff initiated a shelter trespass program.
To resolve the current concern, the City could change the wording of the signs to indicate that No Trespassing is in effect during RTS service hours, particularly for those stops that are shelters. Based on current RTS service hours, parties could not be trespassed on RTS benches/shelters from 3:30 AM Sunday until 5:00 AM Monday.
Fiscal Note
Minimal cost associated with the manufacturing of the signs can be covered by RTS Operating funds.
Recommendation
The City Commission approve modification of the bus shelter trespass language and remove this item from the referral list.