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TO: |
Board of Trustees |
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THROUGH: |
Jay Fox, Executive Director |
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FROM: |
Nichol Bourdeaux, Chief Planning and Community Engagement Officer |
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Viola Miller, Chief Financial Officer |
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PRESENTER(S): |
Russ Fox, Planning Director |
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Megan Waters, Community Engagement Director |
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Monica Howe, Fares Director |
TITLE:
title
August 2024 Change Day - Initial Discussion
end
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:
Discussion
RECOMMENDATION:
Informational item for discussion.
BACKGROUND:
UTA implements Change Day in August to align service and changes to the system. UTA’s Title VI Policy requires an analysis and public engagement process in compliance with FTA’s Title VI Circular when “major changes” are proposed, including:
• Addition of service
• Proposed service level reduction in miles, hours, or trips of thirty-three percent (33%) or more of any route;
• The elimination of all service during a time period (peak, midday, evening, Saturday, or Sunday);
• A proposed twenty-five (25%) or greater change in route alignment;
• A proposed fare change.
In preparation for August 2024 Change Day, UTA is proposing several changes, including service adjustments and fare changes. This discussion will be an initial review of the August 2024 Change Day proposals publicly and kick off the 30-day comment period.
DISCUSSION:
In response to feedback from local service providers, UTA suspended service on route 606 due to changing travel and facility needs. Because this service is no longer needed, UTA proposes to permanently discontinue route 606.
UTA is not proposing other major service changes for August due to staffing constraints.
However, because three routes had previously been reduced and have not been restored, UTA will engage in a Title VI analysis on the routes 39, 201, and 218. The routes will remain at current service levels and will be prioritized for increased service as resources allow through the Five-Year Service Plan update later this year. Five-Year Service Plan reprioritization will occur to ensure planned changes for 2024 are adjusted accordingly and the strategic staffing plan is aligned.
UTA will be incorporating proposed fare changes as part of the August 2024 Change Day process to ensure a more streamlined customer experience.
UTA proposes the following changes to fares:
• Implement new fare capping program on FAREPAY
• Set a new Reduced Fare rate for fare capping on the reduced fare FAREPAY card
• Set a new Premium rate for fare capping on the FAREPAY card
• Eliminate FAREPAY discount (20%)
• Expand income eligibility for the Reduced Fare Program
• Implement fare collection on UVX
A public engagement process will be conducted to collect comments from the public on these proposed changes from February 28 - March 29. The process will include online information & comment opportunities, phone and email accessible commenting, a virtual public meeting, as well as a communication plan to highlight proposed changes and encourage public participation. Additional engagement approaches will be used to ensure key audiences are aware of the public engagement process and can participate.
ALTERNATIVES:
No alternatives are proposed
FISCAL IMPACT:
Proposed Service changes: No fiscal impact from routes that are not changing; slight decrease in hours due to discontinuation of route 606.
Proposed Fares changes:
• UVX: Foregone revenue is estimated to be about $67,500 per month from UVX.
• Fare Capping: The fiscal impact is currently being evaluated. Preliminary data shows no fiscal impact.
• Reduce Fare Eligibility: Additional $3,000 to $5,000 per month in fare revenue.
ATTACHMENTS:
• Public Notice (English)
• Public Notice (Spanish)