Title
Acheson Transit Service Update
Proposed Motions
1. That the Acheson Transit Service update be received for information, as presented.
2. That Administration be directed to present to Council a recommendation to reduce the Acheson Transit Service by three morning and three afternoon trips.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motions.
Purpose
To provide an update to the Committee of the Whole on the current status of the Acheson Transit Service.
Summary
Transit Ridership
Two transit routes currently provide peak hour service to the Acheson Business Area, Route 561 and Route 562, from Monday to Friday between 6:23-9:47 am and between 3:35-7:37 pm. Route 561 operates from NAIT to Westmount in Edmonton, and then to Acheson Zone 1. Route 562 operates from West Edmonton Mall to Acheson Zone 3 as well as from Spruce Grove to Acheson Zone 3. Prior to September of 2019, Route 562 operated from University of Alberta South Campus to West Edmonton Mall then to Acheson and Spruce Grove. Due to low ridership between South Campus and West Edmonton Mall, this portion of the route was discontinued in September of 2019.
For Route 261, there are two trips in the morning from Edmonton and four trips at the end of the day returning to Edmonton. For Route 262, there are four trips in the morning from Edmonton, four trips from Spruce Grove and four trips returning to both Spruce Grove and Edmonton at the end of the day. Ridership for Route 561 and 562 in 2019 is reflected in the attached chart. This level of ridership has remained constant since the Acheson Transit service started in 2016. Current ridership is one to three riders on each route daily, or a total of two to six riders per day.
Cost of Acheson Transit and Shuttle Service
The Acheson Transit service is operated as a Public Transportation Utility for which the estimated net cost of operating the service in 2019 is $674,300. The net cost is comprised of $436,837 for the Spruce Grove ETS Transit Service, $122,707 for the shuttle service and $114,756 for miscellaneous operation, marketing, maintenance and administration costs.
This cost is currently shared 50% / 50% between Parkland County and the 432 businesses located in the Acheson Business Area. In 2019 the Transit Utility Charge was $0.17221 for each $1,000.00 of assessed value of serviced lots. For comparison, $0.15875 was charged in 2018.
In August, Engineering Services collected data to record the Acheson businesses hours to determine if modifying bus times would increase ridership. The information was analyzed and due to business hours not in line with bus times and low ridership, some trips into Acheson are not being utilized and could be removed resulting in cost savings.
Administration recommends removal of three morning and three afternoon bus trips that are not being utilized which would result in a cost savings of $85,000-$95,000 annually. This change would result in the Acheson Transit Service operating between 6:27 AM and 8:12 AM in the morning and between 3:35 PM and 6:00 PM in the afternoon.
Opportunities exist to increase the marketing and awareness about the transit system and the shuttle service currently provided. Parkland County will continue to work with the Acheson Business Association, attend annual general meetings and grow awareness through marketing plans and information sessions.
Bus Stop Locations
There are two bus stop locations in Acheson, one in Zone 1 which is off Highway 16/60 into Acheson at the Husky gas station and one in Zone 3 which is off Highway 16A/60. To improve efficiency of the routes into Acheson, Engineering Services is investigating alternative bus stop locations. This investigation will determine appropriate locations to possibly relocate the Acheson bus stops and to ensure inclusion of all the serviced zones. With the opening of Champion Pet Foods, Zone 5 and 7 are progressively growing and the demand for transit on the south side of Highway 16A will be identified.
Acheson Shuttle Service
To assist riders with getting from the Zone 1 or Zone 3 bus stop to their place of employment, a shuttle service is in place that is included in the cost of the bus fare. The shuttle service is well received by current riders and compensates for the lack of sidewalks and trail infrastructure as a means of safe travel along roadways.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications:
Guiding Principle 1.1 - We offer a range lifestyle choices, community services, and other amenities to meet community needs.
Guiding Principle 1.2 - We are a region of connected communities, through infrastructure, transit, recreation facilities, trails, and technology.
Financial Impact:
Cost: Potential Savings $85,000 to $95,000
Source of Funding: n/a