Minutes 09-01-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Discussion and Approval of the Items Removed from the Consent Agenda n. Orange Public Transportation Proposed Fixed-Route Fare Structure The Board considered adopting the Orange Unified Transportation Board (OUTBoard)- recommended Orange Public Transportation (OPT) fixed-route fare structure. Commissioner Price said she is concerned about the fare of$4 one way that must be paid to get around town. She said many have limited incomes, and she asked if staff had considered half price for the return trip. Bret Martin, Orange County Transportation Planner, said the purpose for the higher fare is to incentivize the use of the fixed stops location. He said if the use of deviation is not incentivized then the route will completely turn into deviation, and it will no longer be a fixed route. He said there is not incentive to use the fixed stop locations if the fare is the same for a deviation. He said it costs more to provide deviation service than it does to provide fixed stop service. Commissioner Price said she was concerned about those who are unable to get to the fixed stops, and would therefore have to pay $8 round trip. She asked again if a half price return trip could be offered. Bret Martin said it would not be a huge issue but it would be a deviation, and the projections for the use of the deviated fixed routes is about half the boardings per venue hour as would be expected for the regular fixed routes. He said there is some fear that if fixed stops are not somehow incentivized then only the deviation service will be used, thus driving up costs. Commissioner Price said she is trying to make this service as user friendly as possible. Peter Murphy said it is $2 for people with disabilities, passengers over the age of 60, or with Medicaid or Medicare cards. He said hopefully, this would cover some of the people about whom Commissioner Price is concerned. Commissioner Price said she had seen this information, but was more thinking of the 40 year old person who unemployed or underemployed. Commissioner Dorosin asked if other County agencies, like Department of Social Services (DSS) or the Social Justice Fund, could provide vouchers in order to keep the route as is. Commissioner Price said that would work. Chair McKee asked if DSS has this type of program. Bret Martin said the State gives about $35,000 annually for those in the Work First Program. He said vouchers were considered, and he said this is doable as mentioned in the abstract. He said bus passes could be given to DSS, who could distribute as appropriate. Bonnie Hammersley said staff could work with DSS on this issue. Commissioner Rich said how far off the route is the deviation. Bret Martin said anywhere within the three zones. He said the County is divided into 3 zones: northeast, northwest and south. He said the fixed routes hit most populated areas the County within 2 miles. He said it would deviate anywhere. Commissioner Rich said there are many times she has had to walk up to '/2 mile to a bus stop. She understands there are exceptions, but in general, she would like to encourage people to ride a regular bus route. Commissioner Dorosin said in considering the land banking for affordable housing, the fixed transportation routes should be carefully considered. A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Rich to adopt the Orange Unified Transportation Board (0UTBoard)-recommended Orange Public