Title
Acheson Transit Shuttle Contract
Proposed Motion
That Council authorize administration to enter into a Contract Agreement for Transit Shuttle Service in Acheson
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motion.
Purpose
To receive Council authorization to enter into a contract agreement with a transit shuttle service provider for one year with the option to renew for one year.
Summary
The procurement process has been completed to determine pricing and market interest in providing a shuttle service in Acheson. The County asked for a provider to deliver the transit customers from the bus stops in Acheson in the morning to the businesses in Zones 1 - 5. In the afternoons, rides will be booked at least one hour ahead of time and the customers will be delivered to the bus stop prior to the bus departure times. If there are no bookings for the afternoon, no service or charges will occur. There is no additional fee to the transit customer for this service. The County will receive monthly reports on ridership and will request occasional surveys of the riders.
The estimated cost of the shuttle service for 2017 is $100,000. This cost is recovered through the Public Transportation Utility Fee assessed to industrial zoned lots in Acheson Industrial Area. By adding shuttle service, Zone 5 can be included in the Service Area. The total transit costs will then be distributed among a greater number of properties, therefore reducing the financial impact for lots in Zones 1 - 4. There is no additional cost to County ratepayers outside of Acheson.
Administration has reviewed all available grant opportunities related to transit including provincial GreenTRIP and federal PTIF. This project would not qualify for funding as it is a short term pilot project and it has only operating costs, (no capital costs). The evaluation of the transit pilot project (with shuttle service) will include a review of available funding opportunities and consider the business case to purchase a shuttle vehicle at that time.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications
Economic Diversification: Parkland County supports and advances economic growth through diversification and innovation.
Strategic Goal: Foster the creation of quality employment opportunities throughout our community.
Financial Impact:
Cost: $100,000
Source of Funding: Public Transportation Utility Fee