HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Packet 06-26-2012 SpecialCITY OF PLYMOUTH
AGENDA
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 26, 2012, 5:30 p.m.
MEDICINE LAKE CONFERENCE ROOM
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. TOPICS
A. Receive Transit Report from Plymouth Advisory Committee on Transit
PACT)
B. Set future Study Sessions
3. ADJOURN
Special Council Meeting 1 of 1 June 26, 2012
rp)City of
Plymouth
Agenda
Number:
Adding Quality to Life
To: Laurie Ahrens, City Manager
REGULAR
COUNCIL MEETING Prepared by: Sarah Hellekson, Transit / Solid Waste Manager
June 26, 2012 Reviewed by: Doran Cote, Public Works Director
Receive recommendations by the Plymouth Advisory
Item: Committee on Transit (PACT) on system changes for
Plymouth Metrolink
1. ACTION REQUESTED:
Receive the recommendation by the PACT on system changes for Plymouth Metrolink and
provide direction to staff on implementation of preferred recommendations.
2. BACKGROUND:
Plymouth Metrolink fixed route and Dial -A -Ride systems are operated and maintained by First
Transit under contract for the City of Plymouth.
At the September 27, 2011 City Council Study Session, City Council directed PACT and staff
to:
Prioritize the elimination of services;
Define alternative future funding;
Begin a strategic discussion on what the transit system would entail if it was started
today;
Plan worst case scenarios while remaining conservative;
Preserve transit options for Plymouth passengers;
Determine current and future demographics for the transit -dependent population;
Discuss opportunities if passengers had park and ride options only;
Plan to increase frequency between park and rides and downtown;
Establish how to operate transit like a business; and
Report to the City Council in 2012.
In an October working session, PACT prioritized the Plymouth transit system in order of
services to be eliminated. This determination was based primarily upon each service's
dependency to other services with express service being the core service of the Plymouth transit
system.
1. Dial -A -Ride
2. Local Shuttle Service (neighborhood route, no fare box)
3. Express Tails (local route which is completely connected to an express route)
4. Express Service (last to be eliminated)
PACT met at least once monthly discussing each of the items requested by City Council.
Page 1
On May 23, 2012, the PACT voted to recommend to City Council one of six service plans
presented by staff. Plan 4 Targeted Express Service. PACT also discussed an option to modify
Plan 4 and consider Long Range Service Expansion (Plan 6) should the system become more
successful in the future.
Plan 4 Targeted Express Service increases the frequency of service between Station 73 and
downtown during peak rush hour service to fifteen -minute frequency, which is the minimal
regional standard. It also meets the expectation of transit users for minimal frequency of service
and could assist to minimize congestion between Plymouth and downtown.
If approved, the recommended changes will have the following effect on transit users:
Increase service to Station 73 park and ride, currently at 30% capacity;
No disruption to current routes or service.
Plymouth Metrolink passengers are surveyed annually each fall. Plymouth passengers indicate
an overall 98% satisfactory rating with the Plymouth Metrolink transit system. Much of the
discussion among the PACT members was the concern about disrupting the current routes and
schedules.
The region's schedules change quarterly. Ideally any change in a public transit system is
announced with new schedules. The September schedules are already in the regional system.
Any system changes decided now must be submitted by August 31 and can begin in January.
To support the new schedule and attract new customers, staff proposes public service
announcements and advertisements in local newspapers, local cable channels, web sites, blogs,
rider alerts, and at local businesses. The goal is to attract ten new passengers per quarter
boarding at Station 73. Station 73 is at an average of 30% capacity. Nathan Lane and Olive
Lane park and ride lots are generally full.
3. BUDGET IMPACT:
The recommended Plan 4 Targeted Express Service would cost an estimated additional
100,000 above the current operating budget annually. The total 2012 current operating budget
for fixed route and dial -a -ride is $4,460,850. Fixed route is 75% of the operating budget.
Currently, fare revenue covers 25% of Metrolink's operating costs. The goal is to attract ten
new passengers per quarter boarding at Station 73. PACT will review the measurements and
goal quarterly. If the goal is not being met, the plan could be adjusted. The regional transit
performance standard is an average of 20 passengers per in-service hour, or informally 20
passengers per trip [Regional 2030 Transportation Policy Plan, Final November 2010, p. G-10].
Page 2
Quarter
Operating Cost
of Plan 4 during
Quarter
Days of
Service in
Quarter
Two
trips/day/
passenger
Peak
Fare $3*
Ridership
Goal During
Quarter**
Potential Fare
Revenue Goal
During Quarter
January—March, 2013 24,314 62 2 3 10 3,720
April—June, 2013 25,098 64 2 3 20 7,680
July—September, 2013 25,490 65 2 3 30 11,700
October—December, 2013 25,098 64 2 3 40 15,360
January —March, 2014 1 $24,706 63 1 2 3 1 50 18,900
A ril—June, 2014 1 $25,0981 64 1 2 1 3 1 60 1 23,040
For calculation purposes, assumption that all passengers pay the peak fare.
Goal of ten new passengers per quarter.
4. ATTACHMENTS:
Presentation
Resolution
Page 3
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
RESOLUTION N0. 2012 -
A RESOLUTION TO RECEIVE THE
PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT)
RECOMMENDATION ON PLYMOUTH METROLINK SERVICE CHANGES
WHEREAS, The City Council established the Plymouth Advisory Committee on Transit
PACT) in 1999 [Res. No. 99-497]; and
WHEREAS, The City of Plymouth transit program is supported by fares, regional, state and
federal funds; and
WHEREAS, The City Council has determined that it is in the best interests of the City to
utilize transit funds in the most cost effective manner; and
WHEREAS, PACT recommended at its meeting on May 23, 2012, increasing frequency of
express service between Station 73 and downtown to 15 minute frequency during peak rush
hour as depicted in Plan 4 in their system evaluation; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA: That the PACT recommendation to increase
Plymouth Metrolink express service between Station 73 and downtown to 15 minute frequency
during peak rush hour is received.
Approved this 26th day of June, 2012.
Page 4
PI)moal/i et o/i l
Service Scenarios
Plymouth City Council
on June 26. 2012
P/ym*01111AI'll,folow Firs# # Transit
Page 5
September 27, 2011, City Council Study
Session
Prioritize elimination of services
Define alternative funding for 2016 and beyond
Begin a strategic discussion on what the transit system
would entail if it was started today
Plan for worst case scenarios while remaining
conservative
Preserve transit options for Plymouth riders
Determine current and future demographics now for the
transit -dependent population
First Transit
Page 6
September 27, 2011, City Council Study
Session
Discuss opportunities if riders had park and ride options
only
Plan to increase the frequency between park and rides
and downtown
Establish how to operate transit like a business, and
Report to the City Council in 2012
P/ymv t/i eta®/i A First= Transit
Page 7
PACT Prioritized The System In Order Of
Services To Be Eliminated
1. Dial -A -Ride
2. Local Shuttle Service (neighborhood route, no fare box)
3. Express Tails (local route completely connected to an
express route)
4. Express Service
P/ymv t/i eta®/i A Firsts Transit
Page 8
PI)moal/i et o/i l
Service Scenarios
Scalable Operating Plans
Plymouth City Council
on June 26. 2012
P/ym*01111AI'll,folow Firs#= Transit
Page 9
Review of Current Service
Express: 17,000 annual hours with local express tails
Above includes reverse commuter express
Local Shuttles: 4,450 annual hours
Above includes reverse commute to local employers & shuttles
Dial -A -Ride: 13,600 annual demand response hours
Total annual operating cost: $3,000,000
Cost to deliver Metrolink service consists of:
60% variable costs (change with service adjustments): driver
and maintenance costs, payroll expenses, fuel
40% fixed costs (do not change with adjustments to service
levels): administration, facility rents, insurance
First Transit
Page 10
Review of Current Service
Service Delivery Hours
Dial -A -Ride,
13, 600 h o u rs,
39%
Local Shuttles,
4,450 hours,
13%
Express,
17, 000 h o u rs,
48
Firs# -:r- Transit
Page 11
Six Proposed Service Scenarios
Plan 1: Service Elimination
Plan 2-. Service Reduction
Plan 3: Dial -A -Ride Elimination:
Modest Express Service Expansion
Plan 4-. Targeted Express Service Expansion
Plan 5: Express Service Expansion
Plan 6: Long Range Service Expansion
P/ymv t/ Firs# ~ Transit
Page 12
Plan 1- Service Elimination
Eliminate all service (Metrolink Express, Local Shuttle
and Dial -A -Ride)
Revert transit resources to Metropolitan Council
Assume costs associated with removal (shelters, signs,
buses, other amenities)
Return $2,800,000 to State of MN for Station 73
Return all unused transit capital and operating funds to
Metropolitan Council upon closure of system
Decision to preserve "opt out" option to deliver transit
services in the future
P/ymv t/ Firs# - Transit
Page 13
Plan 1- Service Elimination
Advantages
Cost of transit service born by region
Disadvantages
Greatly reduced local input on service planning
Loss of local identity
Probable loss of much neighborhood service
Greatly reduced Dial -A -Ride service in local area
Fewer if any buses and routes serving Plymouth
residents directly
Customer service less responsive to needs of Plymouth
residents
P/ymv t/i eta First,, -:r- Transit
Page 14
Plan 2 - Service Reduction
Express service from park and ride lots only
Maintain existing frequency of express service
Maintain reverse commuter service only to park and
ride lots (no local reverse commute)
No Local shuttles
No Dial -a -Ride service
Annual operating cost reduction of approximately
1,200,000 below current cost
P/ymv t/i eta®/i A First,,Transit
Page 15
Plan 2 - Service Reduction
Plan 2 Service Delivery Hours
Dial -A -Ride, 0,
0%
Local Shuttles, 0,
0/
Express, 8,800
hours, 100%
P/ymv t/i eta®/i A First ? Transit
Page 16
Plan 2 - Service Reduction
Advantages
Significantly reduced operating cost of Plymouth
Metrolink transit system by $1,200,000 or 31.6%
Transit service targeted to locations of highest rider
concentration: park and ride lots
Disadvantages
Loss of local shuttles services to neighborhoods
Loss of local reverse commute to business parks
Two of the three park and ride lots are at capacity
already
P/ymv t/Aq sr- First --Transit
Page 17
Plan 3 - Dial -A -Ride Elimination, Modest
Express Service Expansion
Express with local tails
Service at Station 73 increased to 10 minute frequency
during peak
Local shuttles
Dial -a -Ride service eliminated
Annual operating cost reduction of approximately
400,000 below current cost
P/ymv t/i eta®/i A First,,,- Transit
Page 18
Plan 3 - Dial -A -Ride Elimination, Modest
Express Service Expansion
Service Delivery Hours
Local Shuttles,
4,450 hours, _
20%
Dial -A -Ride,
0 hours, 0%
Express,
17,600 hours,
80%
P/ymv t/i eta®/i AFirst CpTranslt
Page 19
Plan 3 - Dial -A -Ride Elimination., Modest
Express Service Expansion
Advantages
Increased service to Station 73 where extra capacity is
available
No disruption to current service
Focus resources on time of peak demand
Highest subsidy demand service may be provided by
others
Decrease cost by $400,000
P/ymv t/i eta F First,, -:r- Transit
Page 20
Plan 3 - Dial -A -Ride Elimination., Modest
Express Service Expansion
Disadvantages
No guaranteed increased system productivity, ridership
or revenue with increased frequency
Customized peak and midday bus service to Plymouth
residents and businesses reduced drastically
Residents dependent o
service within Plymouth
service
P/ymeat/i llei o/irk
n curb -to -curb, shared ride
will have limited if any affordable
Firs# ,4-- Transit
Page 21
Plan 4 - Targeted Express Service
Expansion
Express with local tails
Service at Station 73 increased to 15 minute frequency
Local shuttles
Dial -A -Ride
Estimated annual operating cost of approximately
100,000 above current cost
P/ymv t/i eta®/i A First Transit
Page 22
Plan 4 - Targeted Express Service
Expansion
Service Delivery Hours
Dial -A -Ride,
13,600 hours,
38%
Express,
17,700 hours,
50%
Local Shuttles,
4,450 hours,
12%
P/ymv t/i eta Fiat -:r- Transit
Page 23
Plan 4 - Targeted Express Service
Expansion
Advantages
Increased service to Station 73 where extra capacity is
available
All other routes remain the same, no disruption to current
service
Increased service is focused specifically on peak demand
times
Disadvantages
No guarantee of increased system productivity or new
riders
Increase in cost by $100,000
First l Transit
Page 24
Plan 5 - Express Service Expansion
Express with local express tails
Service at Station 73 increased to 10 minute frequency
Local shuttles
Dial -A -Ride
Estimated annual operating cost increase of
approximately $125,000 above current cost
P/ymv t/i eta®/i A First,,Transit
Page 25
Plan 5 - Express Service Expansion
Service Delivery Hours
Dial -A -Ride,
13,600 hours,
38%
Local Shuttles,
4,450 hours,
12%
E)
17,714
First M Transit
Page 26
Plan 5 - Express Service Expansion
Advantages
Increased service to Station 73 where extra capacity is
available
Disadvantages
Routes 772 and 777 are adjusted to achieve 10 minute
frequency
No guarantee of increased system productivity
Increase cost of $125,000
f .
F TransitFirstTra
Page 27
Plan 6 - Long Range Service Expansion
Express with local express tails
Increases express service at all park and rides to 10 minute
frequency
Improved service in NW Plymouth
Shorten longer express routes
Covert local shuttles to express tails, eliminating transfers
Preserve existing reverse commute express and local
service
Dial -A -Ride
Estimated annual operating cost increase of $500,000
above current cost
P/ymv t/ Firstr, Transit
Page 28
Plan 6 - Long Range Service Expansion
Service Delivery Hours
Dial -A -Ride,
13,600 hours,
37%
Express,
21,800 hours,
58%
Local Shuttles,
1,900 h o u rs,
5%
P/ymv t/ A q FirstM Transit
Page 29
Plan 6 - Long Range Service Expansion
Advantages
Increased service to all park and ride lots during peak
time
Shortens long express routes
Reduce transfers from express routes to local
neighborhood shuttles
Reduced travel time from NW Plymouth to downtown
P/ymv11t/i etl,folo Firs# -:r Transit
Page 30
Plan 6 - Long Range Service Expansion
Disadvantages
Increased bus service with no corresponding increase in
park and ride capacity at two lots (75% availability at
Station 73 ramp)
No guarantee of increased system productivity
Eliminates current service to areas with low ridership
Increased fleet to support this plan
Increased cost of $500,000
P/ymv t/i eta®/i A Firs#r Transit
Page 31
PACT Recommendation
PLAN 4 Targeted Service Expansion
Service at Station 73 increased to 15 minute
frequency
Estimated annual operating cost approximately
100,000 above current cost
P/ymv t/i eta®/i A First-:r Transit
Page 32
PACT Recommendation
PLAN 4 Targeted Service Expansion
Advantages
Increased service to Station 73 focused specifically on
peak demand times
No disruption to current service
Current riders are 98% satisfied with current service
Disadvantages
No guarantee of increased system productivity or new
riders
Cost increase of $100,000
operating costs
P/y O t/ ;fgrr, 3h
over current annual
Firs# , Transit
Page 3 3
Thank you
P/ymv t/i eta®/i A First OpTr an sit
Page 34
City at Agenda Brp) Plymouth Number:
Adding Quaky to Life
SPECIAL
COUNCIL MEETING
June 26, 2012
To: Mayor and City Council
Prepared by: Laurie Ahrens, City Manager
Item: Set Future Study Sessions
1. ACTION REQUESTED:
Review the pending study session items and schedule meetings as desired..
The pending study session list is as follows:
PENDING STUDY SESSION TOPICS
at least 3 Council members have approved the following study items on the list)
Discuss trails (fall 2012)
Invite county commissioner to discuss County Road 47
Discuss traffic signals
Transportation improvements to primary corridors
Policy for emergency utility repairs
OTHER REQUESTS FOR STUDY SESSION TOPICS:
Update with City Manager
Update on Northwest Greenway acquisition
Funding infrastructure improvements in Northwest Plymouth
2. ATTACHMENTS:
Official City Calendars
Page 1
City of
Plymouth
Adding Quality to Life
June 2012
Modified on 06121/12 Council Chambers
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6:00 PM
PLYMOUTH
3 4 5
ADVISORY
6 7 8 9COMMITTEEON
TRANSIT (PACT)
STUDY SESSION
Medicine Lake Room
7:00 PM
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COMMISSION
MEETING
10 11 12CANCELLED 13 14 15 167:00 PM 7:00 PM
REGULAR COUNCIL ENVIRONMENTAL PARK & REC
MEETING QUALITY ADVISORY
Council Chambers COMMITTEE COMMISSION
EQC) MEETING PRAC) MEETING
Council Chambers Plymouth Creek
Center
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COMMISSION
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SPECIAL COUNCIL
PLYMOUTH CANCELLED MUSIC IN
MEETING
ADVISORY HRA MEETING PLYMOUTH
Receive Transit Report
from Plymouth Advi- COMMITTEE ON Medicine Lake Room 5K FUN RUN
sory Committee on TRANSIT (PACT) Hilde Performance
Transit (PACT) STUDY SESSION
Center
Medicine Lake Room Medicine Lake Room
7:00 PM
REGULAR COUNCIL
MEETING
Modified on 06121/12 Council Chambers
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r Plymouth
Adding Quality to Life
July 2012
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MUSIC IN INDEPENDENCE
PLYMOUTH DAY
Hilde Performance
Center CITY OFFICES
CLOSED
CANCELLED
PLANNING COMMISSION
MEETING
Council Chambers
8 9 10 7:00 PM 11 12 13 14
REGULAR 7:00 PM
COUNCIL MEETING ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY COMMITTEE
Council Chambers EQC) MEETING
Council Chambers
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PLANNING
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MEETING
Council Chambers
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REGULAR PLYMOUTH HRA MEETING
COUNCIL MEETING ADVISORY Medicine Lake Room
Council Chambers COMMITTEE ON
TRANSIT (PACT)
STUDY SESSION
Medicine Lake Room
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r Plymouth
Adding Quality to Life
August 2012
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1 2 3 47:00 PM 7:00 PM
PLANNING HUMAN RIGHTS
COMMISSION COMMITTEE
MEETING MEETING
Council Chambers Medicine Lake Room
5 6 7 8 9 10 112:30-5:00 PM 7:00 PM
NIGHT TO UNITE ENVIRONMENTAL
KICKOFF QUALITY
Plymouth Creek Center COMMITTEE
EQC) MEETING
6:30-9:30 PM Council Chambers
NIGHT TO UNITE
12 13 14 15 16 17 187:00 PM
PLANNING
PRIMARY COMMISSION
ELECTION DAY MEETING
Council Chambers
8:00 PM
REGULAR COUNCIL
MEETING
Council Chambers
19 20 21 6:00 PM 22 23 24 25
SPECIAL COUNCIL 7:00 PM 7:00 PM
MEETING PLYMOUTH HRA MEETING
Budget Study Session ADVISORY Medicine Lake Room
Medicine Lake Room COMMITTEE ON
TRANSIT (PACT)
MEETING
Medicine Lake Room
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REGULAR COUNCIL
MEETING
Council Chambers
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r Plymouth
Adding Quality to Life
September 2012
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2 3 4 5 6 7 87:00 PM
PLANNING
COMMISSION
LABOR DAYL MEETING
Council Chambers
CITY OFFICES
CLOSED
9 10 11 12 13 14 157:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM
REGULAR COUNCIL ENVIRONMENTAL PARK ft REC
MEETING QUALITY ADVISORY
Council Chambers COMMITTEE COMMISSION
EQC) MEETING PRAC) MEETING
Council Chambers Council Chambers
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7:00 PM
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7:00 PM 20 21 22
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Rosh HoShanah
Begins at Sunset
23 24 25 26 7:00 PM
27 7:00 PM 28 29 PLYMOUTH
PLYMOUTH HRA MEETING FIREFIGHTERS 5K
ADVISORY Medicine Lake Room Fire Station #2
COMMITTEE ON 11:30 AM
TRANSIT (PACT) PLYMOUTH ON
STUDY SESSION PARADE
Medicine Lake Room CELEBRATION
City Center Area
Yom Kippur
Z o Begins at Sunset
Modified on 06121112
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