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-Expand local services <br /> -Intro regional connecting services <br /> •Fit within the regional financial model <br /> •Identify issues to be considered / resolved <br /> Assumptions - Orange County Plan <br /> •Allocate funds to offset growth of cost <br /> •Sales tax used to support local services <br /> -Expansion of local service <br /> -Regional services that connect smaller communities with network <br /> •Sales tax support for bus service would be phased from 100% to 50% <br /> •Emphasize operating projects or capital local match <br /> Commissioner Gordon asked if they were going to present the routes and the maps <br /> during this presentation. Steve Spade said that tonight they were only covering the overall <br /> concepts in terms of the goals and assumptions. <br /> Commissioner Gordon said that it would be good to talk about the future and when there <br /> will be light rail and where. <br /> Mayor Chilton made reference to the decision to allocate resources in central areas <br /> versus reaching out to outlying areas. He said that this proposed tax is one that everyone in <br /> Orange County will pay no matter where they live in Orange County-whether there is transit or <br /> not in their area. He said that they owe it to people in the rural part of the County to reach out to <br /> them with a part of the service. This has the potential added benefit to provide park and ride <br /> opportunities and also to connect the transit system to some future transit system in Alamance <br /> County. <br /> Steve Spade said that part of the plan is to begin these discussions about the types of <br /> services in the County. <br /> Randee Haven O'Donnell said that she wants to make sure that Carrboro is included in <br /> this plan with light rail between Carrboro and Hillsborough. Patrick McDonough from TTA said <br /> that TTA has recently hired a consultant and the idea of connecting these two entities has been <br /> discussed. Carrboro's interest in light rail has been noted. <br /> Discussion ensued about extending transit service throughout the County. <br /> Penny Rich asked what role UNC would play besides having stops at the medical <br /> buildings. Steve Spade said that UNC would be a key partner in the transit plan discussions. <br /> Commissioner Pelissier said that Chatham County will have the option for the 1/4 cent <br /> sales tax and she asked how and when Chatham County will be involved. Steve Spade said <br /> that at the staff level, they have designed the service and are working with Chatham and the <br /> Town of Pittsboro to manage the existing service. The ridership is increasing and everyone is <br /> happy with the service. <br /> Chair Foushee said that it would be helpful to know the next steps in moving forward so <br /> that it can be approved. Steve Spade said that he would defer to the Town and County <br /> Managers. He said that he would like to know if the assumptions are acceptable. <br /> Commissioner Gordon said that before deciding what to do, she thinks that more details <br /> about the proposed services are needed. She suggested having staff come back with the <br /> specifics and the dollar allocations as well as when the light rail would go in. She said that at <br /> some point the full boards all need to be involved in the three counties. She would like to get <br /> the details back pretty quickly in a presentation. <br />