Title
COUNCIL ITEM OF SPECIAL INTEREST: TRANSIT SERVICES FARE STRUCTURE
Staff Contact: Jack Friedline, Director, Public Works
Staff Presenter: Trevor Ebersole, Deputy Director, Public Works
Staff Presenter: Kevin Link, Transit Administrator, Public Works
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Purpose and Policy Guidance
Rcommendation
This presentation is in response to a Council Item of Special Interest Mayor Weiers requested at the August 2, 2016 Council Workshop, regarding the fare structure for Dial-A-Ride (DAR) users, and specifically the higher rate charged for service provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Transit staff is seeking guidance from Council regarding the possibility of adjusting transit fares. Glendale's last transit fare adjustment occurred in September of 1991.
Background
Dial-A-Ride service began in 1975 in Glendale as an innovative transportation program. The program was initially a six-month demonstration project and was the first of its kind in Arizona. The project came about in response from the City Council, who at that time expressed an interest in providing general public transit service to the downtown area connecting low income housing and Glendale Community College.
The city first contracted with a small private provider to implement the DAR program. The program started with two vans and serviced a 3.5 square mile area. One-way ridership during the first year was 1,570 passengers.
In 1977, the city took over the DAR operation. The service expanded over the years, as demand and the need for public transit continued to grow. Currently, DAR service is available citywide to the general public, with a service area of 55 square miles, and is available for same day pickup with limited reservation capabilities. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2015-16, one-way ridership on the DAR system was 74,256 passengers.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, Dial-A-Ride service was expanded to include ADA paratransit (federal te...
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