Title
Continuation of Employee Bus Pass Programs (B)
This item is 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. In addition to the University of Florida, the program has grown to include Santa Fe College, the City of Gainesville, Alachua County, Shands Hospital, North Florida and South Georgia Veterans Health System (VA), Alachua/Bradford Regional Workforce Board, Oaks Mall, Job Corps, Skanska, and University of Florida retirees.
University of Florida employees, partners, and retirees account for over 1.5 million of the 3 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 nearly 32,000 participants.
Fiscal Note
At the rate of $6.75 per employee per year, revenue in the amount of $214,983 will be collected for the continuation of these programs, and some of the individual service agreements will exceed $54,000.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) approve the continuation of the Employee Bus Pass Program for City employees through January 2014; 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.