Title
Acheson Transit Service Update
Proposed Motion
That Council accept the transit presentation for information, as presented.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motion.
Purpose
Update to Council on the progress of the Acheson Transit Service Pilot Project.
Summary
Transit Ridership
Ridership for Route 561 (Zone 1) and 562 (Zone 3) in 2017 through to the end of May is shown in the attached report. The ridership, at less than 1 ride per trip, is well below the target of 7 rides per trip. The monthly ridership is generally trending upwards and as awareness grows so will ridership. There are a few customers that are using the transit shuttle which will be an essential part of growing and maintaining the ridership through the winter months. The shuttle offers a safe method of travel within Acheson for customers who previously would have had to walk on the shoulder of the roads.
Business Satisfaction
A business satisfaction survey was conducted in May 2017 and 25 responses were received; it gives a general indication of what businesses in Acheson think of the transit pilot project so far. Overall, 42% of respondents are satisfied with transit service in Acheson. 25% of respondents are satisfied with the method of recovering the costs for the transit service (utility charge). 40% of respondents think the service should be funded by the users, 30% think the service should be funded by general tax revenues, and 5% think the service should be cancelled.
The results of the survey will be used to benchmark the business satisfaction levels. As awareness of the service grows, the results may shift in the future surveys. Further details from the survey are provided in the attached report.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications:
The report highlights Parkland County's commitment to Regional Strategy through meeting the service needs by being a leader in collaboration with regional partners.