Midland Penetanguishene Transit Committee Penetanguishene Town Office - Committee Room Tuesday December 10 th , 2019 – 9:00 a.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS i) Minutes from Midland Penetanguishene Transit Committee – Dated August 27 th , 2019. Recommended Action: THAT the minutes of the August 27 th , 2019 Midland Penetanguishene Transit Committee be adopted as presented.
3. ITEMS OF REFERENCE i) Penetanguishene Transit Route Ridership Update – September 2019
4. MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION i) Review of Penetanguishene & Midland Transit Routes ii) Transit System Map Publishing through Google Maps – Update iii) Online Transit Fare Purchasing - Update iv) County Transit System Update – November 12, 2019 Committee of the Whole Report CCW-2019-375 v) Changes to the Midland Penetanguishene Transit fare prices – October 9, 2019 Committee of the Whole Report RDS-2019-32
5. NEW BUSINESS
6. QUESTIONS & INQUIRIES
7. NEXT MEETING • TBD – Town of Penetanguishene, Committee Room
8. ADJOURNMENT
MIDLAND PENETANGUISHENE TRANSIT COMMITTEE PENETANGUISHENE COMMITTEE ROOM Tuesday August 27 th , 2019 – 9:00 a.m.
MINUTES
PRESENT: Councillor Debbie Levy (Town of Penetanguishene) (JH)Jeff Hamelin (Town of Penetanguishene) Jim Hutchinson (Town of Penetanguishene) Councillor Carole McGinn (Town of Midland) (SB)Shawn Berriault (Town of Midland) Natalie Murdoch (Town of Midland)
Absent Bryan Murray (Town of Penetanguishene) Carmen Gignac (Town of Penetanguishene)
Guest (TL)Tim Leitch (Township of Tiny)
1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 9:03 am
Prior to commencing the meeting JH requested that each committee attendee introduce themselves.
2. ADOPTION OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING The minutes for May 14 th , 2019 meeting were approved as printed. Moved by Councillor Debbie Levy Seconded by Councillor Carole McGinn
3. ITEMS OF REFERENCE i) Penetanguishene Transit Route Ridership Update – April 2019
JH went through the transit ridership update as presented in the package that was distributed prior to the meeting.
MIDLAND PENETANGUISHENE TRANSIT COMMITTEE MINUTES
4. MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION i) Review of Penetanguishene & Midland Transit Routes JH reviewed the transit routes to bring forward any concerns or issues with the current route. Nothing was brought forward. JH briefly touched on the route deviations on the Penetanguishene route to which SB stated any deviations were due to road construction projects.
ii) Town of Penetanguishene Special Event Transit Service – Update The following events were identified as standing items; Buttertart festival, Canada Day Fireworks, Pirates of the Bay, Pumpkinferno and the 2019 Battle of Georgian Bay. No further discussion took place.
iii) Transit System Map Publishing through Google Maps – Update JH brought the item forward for discussion. SB clarified what the status of the item was and clarified that both Midland and Penetanguishene will be going online with the Transit Map Publishing on Google Maps.
iv) Online Transit Fare Purchasing - Update JH discussed the Online Transit Fare Purchasing System which was supplemented by SB.
5. NEW BUSINESS i) Discussion regarding potential the Transit Partnership between Beausoleil First Nations and Tiny Township –Tim Leitch – Update
TL provided the group with insight regarding the discussions that have taken place between Beausoleil First Nations and Tiny Township and the potential for both groups to work together and ultimately provide a service that will tie into the Simcoe County Linx route and the Midland Penetanguishene Transit Routes.
Tiny Township anticipates moving ahead with a Transportation Study in the coming year.
ii) SB updated the group with information about the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Fund announcement that included a monetary award for the Town of Midland.
6. QUESTIONS & INQUIRIES TL brought forward a question relating to the budgetary schedule that was produced as part of the Transit Ridership Update that was produced for the Town of Penetanguishene Council. SB clarified that some information MIDLAND PENETANGUISHENE TRANSIT COMMITTEE MINUTES
relating to transits costs between Penetanguishene and Midland was not presented. JH stated that Penetanguishene could update the budgetary schedule and provide the information to TL. Action Item: Penetanguishene to update the Budgetary Schedule and provide to TL for review.
7. NEXT MEETING The next meeting was scheduled for December 10, 2019 at 9:00am – Town of Penetanguishene, Committee Room
8. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:25am.
The Corporation of The Town of Penetanguishene Committee of the Whole Report
COMMITTEE: Transportation & Environmental Services Section
COMMITTEE CHAIR: Councillor Michel Mayotte
SUBJECT: Midland Penetanguishene Transit Ridership Monthly Update
REPORT: RDS-2019-36
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS The purpose of this report is to provide Council with an update on the monthly ridership of the transit system along with a Stop Performance Report and the Revenue and Cost factors. This report will cover the month of September There were 2178 boardings during the month of September which is a increase in ridership of 428 from the previous month. An even ridership distribution has been observed in the month of September during the hours of 6:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
RECOMMENDATION THAT the report be received for information.
BACKGROUND The Midland Penetanguishene Transit system commenced operation on February1st, 2016. Since that time, the Town of Penetanguishene through its operator (the Town of Midland) has implemented the Transit Fare program on its bus service. Transit riders are provided the option to either purchase a reloadable transit fare card or pay cash when they enter the bus. Transit fare software reads both card and cash transactions and counts it as a boarding and reduces the number of rides left on the card. With this program we are able to review the number of riders boarding the transit system.
ANALYSIS For the month of September 2019, the Transit Fare software identified the following boardings on the Penetanguishene Transit Route which includes the increases and decreases, as seen in the graph below.
The Corporation of The Town of Penetanguishene Committee of the Whole Report
The diagram below summarizes the distribution of boardings on an hourly basis. 2 Hours % Boardings % Boardings Time Frame Aug/19 Sept/19 6:00 - 7:00 8.29% 9.64% 8:00 - 9:00 18.23% 22.18% 10:00 - 11:00 23.77% 19.10% 12:00 - 13:00 19.26% 19.38% 14:00 - 15:00 21.14% 20.34% 16:00 - 17:00 9.31% 9.23% 18:00 - 19:00 0.00% 0.14%
The Transit Fare software is able to collect the number of boardings per stop, which is listed below. The gray highlighted area represents the transfer locations. The transfer locations in Midland include both transfers and paid boardings at these locations which accounts for the discrepancy in the monthly paid boardings and the cumulative transfer and boardings at each stop location summarized below.
The Corporation of The Town of Penetanguishene Committee of the Whole Report
The Transit Fare software also has the ability to record which stop transit riders are departing the bus. A table summarizing the transit ridership trip destinations for the month of September is provided below:
Boardings Departures Boardings Departures
Stop Name Aug/19 Aug/19 Sept/19 Sept/19
Church/Cambridge 49 48 55 37
Georgian Village 129 84 171 86
Poyntz & Park 9 12 23 23
Broad & Church 14 11 23 18
Gignac & John 31 28 23 23
Main & Beck 53 74 56 42
Lorne & Burke 38 32 21 43
Village Square Mall 377 369 487 397
Thompsons/Maria 6 3 10 15
Fox & Broad 21 39 13 12
Beck & Fox 14 11 99 7
Robert E & Fox 85 42 86 70
Robert & Centre 14 6 18 9
Robert/Town Hall 100 96 132 81
Waypoint 89 99 97 119
Superstore 15 89 13 67
Wendat 35 36 58 50
Medical Centre 36 11 93 17
Huronia Mall 1217 689 1819 742
Mountainview Mall 33 82 36 61
The Corporation of The Town of Penetanguishene Committee of the Whole Report
The table below summarizes the operating costs and revenue for the Penetanguishene Transit System since January 2019: Penetanguishene Cost & Revenue for Penetanguishene/Midland Transit Revenue - Costs - Revenue - Renevue - Midland Revenue - Total Net Cost/ 2019 Costs - Midland Other Total Cost Grants Fares Fares OW Revenue (Revenue) January $ 4,180.75 $ 4,180.75 $ - $ 701.25 $ - $ - $ 701.25 $ 3,479.50 February $ 512.82 $ 512.82 $ - $ 1,069.75 $ - $ - $ 1,069.75 $ (556.93) March $ - $ - $ - $ 1,100.75 $ 7,004.93 $ 3,630.21 $ 11,735.89 $ (11,735.89) April $ - $ - $ - $ 1,107.00 $ 1,406.64 $ 2,513.64 $ (2,513.64) May $ 626.19 $ 626.19 $ 21,043.50 $ 1,150.00 $ 1,267.74 $ 23,461.24 $ (22,835.05) June $ 30.72 $ 30.72 $ - $ 968.00 $ 1,163.34 $ 2,131.34 $ (2,100.62) July $ 0.17 $ 0.17 $ - $ 991.75 $ 700.00 $ 1,691.75 $ (1,691.58) August $ 3,750.03 $ 3,750.03 $ - $ 989.50 $ 612.90 $ 1,602.40 $ 2,147.63 September $ - $ - $ - $ 840.00 $ 840.00 $ (840.00) October $ - $ - $ - November $ - $ - $ - December $ - $ - $ - Total $ - $ 9,100.68 $ 9,100.68 $ 21,043.50 $ 8,918.00 $ 7,004.93 $ 8,780.83 $ 45,747.26 $ (36,646.58)
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS There are no budgetary implications associated with this report.
RISK MANAGEMENT There are no risk management related impacts associated with this report.
COMMUNICATION & MARKETING There are no communication and/or marketing requirements associated with this report.
RELEVANT BACKGROUND REPORT(S) N/A
SUSTAINABILITY N/A
STRATEGIC GOALS & OBJECTIVES It is a strategic goal of the municipality to maintain and enhance its transportation system.
The Corporation of The Town of Penetanguishene Committee of the Whole Report
Prepared by: Carmen Gignac, Public Works Administration Support in conjunction with Katie Lespérance, Accounting Clerk Reviewed by: Bryan Murray, P.Eng., Director of Public Works Carrie Robillard, CPA, CGA, Director of Finance/Treasurer Stacey Cooper, Clerk COW Meeting Date: November 13, 2019 Council Meeting Date: November 27, 2019
ATTACHMENTS N/A
Electronic File Location: Q:\SERVER\Public Works\Bryan\Projects\Municipal\2019 Projects\Midland Pentanguishene Transit System\Monthly Ridership Updates\TE Report -September 2019 Monthly Transit Riders.doc
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To: Committee of the Whole
Agenda Section: Corporate Services Division: Engineering, Planning and Environment Department: Planning
Item Number: CCW - 2019-375
Meeting Date: November 12, 2019
Subject: County of Simcoe Transit – Status Update
Recommendation
That Item CCW-2019-375 dated November 26, 2019 regarding the County of Simcoe Transit – Status Update, be received; and
That the Warden and Clerk enter into a Transit Fare Integration Agreement with the City of Orillia, substantively in the form attached as Schedule 1 to CCW 2019-375; and
That the Warden and Clerk enter into other Transit Fare Integration Agreements with other transit partners as may be required.
Executive Summary
This item provides a one-year update on the successful launch of the County of Simcoe LINX Transit system, including Route 1 Penetanguishene / Midland –Springwater – Barrie. This Item also provides an update on the recent launch of Phase 2 of the transit system, including Route 2 - Wasaga Beach – Stayner – Angus – Barrie, Route 3 Orillia - Oro-Medonte- Barrie and the assumption of Route 4 - Wasaga Beach – Collingwood.
Background/Analysis/Options
County Council received Item CCW 18-557, dated November 13, 2018, regarding the official launch of the Transit Plan with Route 1 of the LINX Transit system. The report also outlined the County’s three phase implementation process that included five new inter-municipal hub-to-hub routes and one route assumption. The routes are noted as follows:
1. Midland/ Penetanguishene - Tiny -Tay - Springwater - Barrie (phase 1- 2018) 2. Wasaga Beach - Stayner - Angus - Barrie (phase 2 – 2019) 3. Barrie - Oro-Medonte - Orillia (phase 2 – 2019) 4. Collingwood - Wasaga Beach (phase 2, assumption - 2019) November 12, 2019 Committee of the Whole - CCW 2019-375 Page 2
5. Alliston - Beeton - Bondhead – Bradford (phase 3 – 2020) 6. Midland - Tay - Severn - Orillia (phase 3 - 2020)
These services are intended to provide regional connections between primary settlement areas and points in between within the County and to the adjacent cities of Barrie and Orillia.
A specialized transit service for persons with disabilities is also part of the service plan. This service will operate within approximately 400 metres of the above noted conventional transit fixed routes, providing a combination of door-to-door service and transfers to and from the fixed routes. The establishment of a specialized transit service at the same time as the conventional transit service is a requirement of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
Route 1 of the Simcoe County LINX System began free service for one month in August 2018 providing inter-municipal service operating from terminus points in the Towns of Penetanguishene and Midland and the Townships of Tay, Tiny (Waverley, Wyebridge), Springwater (Elmvale, Midhurst) with an end terminus at Royal Victoria Hospital and Georgian College in the City of Barrie. Revenue service began in September 2018.
The service launch was a success as ridership numbers and fares have exceeded the forecasts in the Transit Implementation Plan. The first year of revenue service from September 2018 to September 2019 saw 35,794 paid customers, which exceeded our forecasts by 29.9%. Route 1 has seen a steady increase in customers as the LINX system has established a consistent, reliable, on time service that is here for the long term. Staff have been periodically riding the bus to get feedback on the service and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. This system is making a difference to the people who need it and is transporting residents to places where they need or want to be, including: Getting people to their place of employment Getting students to school Getting people to medical appointments Getting seniors and others connected with their community
In August 2019, Phase 2 of the Transit Plan was launched with the following routes:
Route 2 - Wasaga Beach, Stayner, Angus Barrie Route 3 Orillia – Oro-Medonte- Barrie Route 4 Wasaga Beach – Collingwood (assumption)
The new routes have continued the success story with strong performances and a continually growing customer base. It should be noted that Routes 1, 2 and 3 are only a Monday to Friday service which further underlines the extent of the usage. To outline our success, the first week of service on Route 2 Barrie to Wasaga Beach, service saw the buses at or near capacity. In one instance, there were two bikes on the front rack and three bikes in the bus, all seats at capacity and eight individuals standing. Similarly, social and community agencies have been very supportive and complementary towards the transit services. Anecdotally, the new services have saved many organizations significant funds by reducing the need for providing taxi services to clients. This allows money to stay within the organization for alternate community services.
Form Issued: September 2019 November 12, 2019 Committee of the Whole - CCW 2019-375 Page 3
The LINX system was designed and implemented to comply with provincial policy in the Growth Plan which includes these polices (amongst others); 1. Facilitating improved linkages between and within municipalities from nearby neighborhoods to urban growth centers, major transit station areas and other strategic growth areas. 2. Offering a balance of transportation choices that reduces reliance upon the automobile and promotes transit. 3. Offering multimodal access to jobs, housing, schools, cultural and recreational opportunities, and good and services. 4. Increasing the modal share of transit. 5. Contributing towards the provincial greenhouse gas emissions reductions targets.
LINX Statistics
Route 1 Statistics
Month Budget Actual September 2018 2297 2943 September 2019 2297 3263 12 Months 27564 35794
There was 10.9% growth in September 2019 from the same period in 2018.
Our highest performing stops on Route 1 over the past twelve months from September 2018 to 2019 are: RVH - 7554 Georgian College – 4807 Huronia Mall – 8123 Penetanguishene – 4134
Elmvale is the most active mid-route stop at 3510.
Route 2 Statistics
Month Budget Actual August 2018* 2335 2794 September 2018 2335 2058 12 Months 4670 4855
This route saw a 3.9% increase over budget.
Our highest performing stops for the first two months on Route 2 are: Barrie's Allandale GO Train Station – 2054 25 45th Street - Wasaga Beach – 1999
Clearview Administrative Center is the most active mid-route stop at 356.
Form Issued: September 2019 November 12, 2019 Committee of the Whole - CCW 2019-375 Page 4
Route 3 Statistics
Month Budget Actual August 2018* 2473 1366 September 2018 2473 3393 12 Months 4946 4759
September saw a 37% increase in paid customers over budget.
Our highest performing stops for the first two months on Route 3 are: Barrie's Georgian College – 1790 Lakehead University – 540 Orillia's Georgian College – 1587
Lake Simcoe Airport is the most active mid-route stop at 210
Route 4 Statistics
Month Budget Actual August 2018* 2475 7195 September 2018 2475 7015 12 Months 4950 14210
Ridership continues to be over 7000 customers a month on this route.
Our highest performing stops on Route 4 for the two months are: 25 45th Street - Wasaga Beach – 5651 Collingwood Bus Terminal (located on Pine St between Second St. and Third St) – 4620
Stops at Mosley and 58th Street, Beachwood and Middlebrook Road, Hume St. and Hospital Dr. and Hurontario St. and Fourth St., are the most active mid-route stops.
Ridership on all four routes is projected to be over 130,000 from September 2019 to September 2020.
Busiest Interchanges
The three busiest interchanges in our system are Barrie's Georgian College, Wasaga Beach - 25 45th Street and Midland's Huronia Mall. These locations are on private property and connect with other transit properties. Crowding during the day can present barriers for customers using mobility devices and families using strollers. It can also be a deterrent for customers, such as seniors and customers with other physical, cognitive and sensory abilities.
Based on current LINX ridership data, the Wasaga Beach stop at 25 45th Street will see 59,200 (boarding and disembarking) customers use this stop in the next 12 months; this does not include any ridership data from Clearview or Wasaga Beach transit systems.
Form Issued: September 2019 November 12, 2019 Committee of the Whole - CCW 2019-375 Page 5
Smartcards
Simcoe County LINX began using Smartcard technology in September 2018 on both conventional and specialized transit. The smartcards give customers a 10% discount for adults and a 15% discount for seniors and students.
LINX Transit continues to see Smartcard usage increase as customers begin to use the system consistently. Currently, there are 5,633 Smartcards in use with 60% of our customers using the cards on Route 1. In contrast, the majority of customers on Route 4 use cash. Over the next 12 months, staff will develop a program to encourage the use of Smartcards on the new routes. The Smartcard system will allow for future fare integration with other transit operations in Simcoe County as the transit system expands.
Staff have been working with Ontario Works to encourage the use of LINX Transit and the Smartcard. Ontario Works has the ability to load Smartcards at their Midland and Collingwood offices, with the Orillia office coming online by the end November 2019.
Fare Integration
A fare integration agreement, attached as Schedule 1, has been negotiated with staff of the City of Orillia. This agreement would see a $1 discount being given to passengers transferring from Orillia transit service to LINX Transit. Transfers in the other direction, from LINX Transit, will also receive a $1 discount which is consistent with agreements the County has with the Town of Penetanguishene and Town of Midland. Staff recommend adoption of this agreement.
Staff are also seeking approval to permit further future fare integration agreements with other municipalities, including Collingwood and the City of Barrie. These agreements will be consistent with current agreements with the Town of Penetanguishene and the Town of Midland.
Community Outreach
Staff continue their outreach programs to raise ridership and the awareness of both conventional and specialized transit services. Over the past year staff have attended many senior residences, community events, libraries, coffee clubs, plus Georgian College in Barrie and Orillia as well as Lakehead University. Staff also continue to work the CNIB Foundation in the Simcoe/Muskoka area.
Outreach includes providing: Information for seniors and persons with disabilities, Presentations to any group who want to learn more about LINX Transit, Transit information, Information on how to use both conventional and specialize services.
Staff also monitor service by occasionally riding the buses and communicating face to face with customers. Overall customer satisfaction is high, and feedback is very positive regarding this new service. Many riders are looking for expanded hours and service on weekends.
With the addition of new routes and customer feedback, staff developed a new User Guide and Ride Guides for the latest and existing routes and updated the Specialized Transit Service Information Guide.
Form Issued: September 2019 November 12, 2019 Committee of the Whole - CCW 2019-375 Page 6
Next Steps
Staff are working toward the launch of two new bus routes in August 2020 - Route 5 from Alliston to Bradford and Route 6 Midland to Orillia. Staff will also start planning for additional weekend service in 2021, subject to further Council approval. Staff will also work on building up ridership on the specialized transit system with our municipalities throughout the County and other transit systems.
Financial and Resource Implications
There are no financial implications associated with this Item.
Relationship to Corporate Strategic Plan
Growth Related Service Delivery: Create and strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders to support communities through the delivery of sustainable services.
Reference Documents
Item CCW14-269 (June 3, 2014) County of Simcoe Transit Initiatives Item CCW14-285 (June 24, 2014) County of Simcoe Transit Feasibility and Implementation Study Item CCW15-149 (April 28, 2015) County-wide Transit Feasibility and Implementation Study Item CCW15-320 (September 22, 2015) County Transit Feasibility and Implementation Study – Interim Report 2 Item CCW16-132 (March 22, 2016) County Transit Feasibility and Implementation Study – Update Item CCW16-312 (September 7, 2016) County of Simcoe Transit Feasibility and Implementation Study – Interim Report 3 and financial plan and implementation options Item CCW17-229 (August 8, 2017) County of Simcoe Transit Feasibility and Implementation Study – Status Update and Next Steps Item CCW17-282 (September 12, 2017) Dedicated Gas Tax Funds for Transit Item CCW18-054 (February 13, 2018) County of Simcoe Transit Implementation Project – Status Update Item CCW18-557 – (November 13, 2018) County of Simcoe Transit – Status Update Item CCW19-070 – (February 12, 2019) 2018/2019 Provincial Gas Tax Agreement
Attachments
Schedule 1 – Fare Integration Agreement
Prepared By: David Parks, Director of Planning Economic Development and Transit Dennis Childs, Transit Manager
Form Issued: September 2019 November 12, 2019 Committee of the Whole - CCW 2019-375 Page 7
Approvals: Date David Parks, Director, Planning, Development & Tourism October 18, 2019 Debbie Korolnek, General Manager, Engineering, October 21, 2019 Planning & Environment Trevor Wilcox, General Manager, Corporate Performance November 5, 2019 Mark Aitken, Chief Administrative Officer November 6, 2019
Form Issued: September 2019
The Corporation of The Town of Penetanguishene Committee of the Whole Report
COMMITTEE: Transportation & Environmental Services Section
COMMITTEE CHAIR: Councillor Michel Mayotte
SUBJECT: Midland Penetanguishene Transit System – Proposed Fare Increases
REPORT: RDS-2019-32
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS On September 18, 2019 Town of Midland staff presented a report to their Council recommending a number of changes to the operation of their Transit System. The proposed changes were the product of a comprehensive Transit System Operational review that commenced in 2017. The revenues for the Midland Penetanguishene Transit System are pooled by both municipalities and shared in a 65/35 split (Midland/Penetanguishene) in accordance with the recently approved Transit Agreement. An increase to the “one-time” purchase price of a reloadable Smart Card from $3.00 to $3.25 was approved by Midland Council. An increase to the cash and electronic fare structure, as outlined below, was also approved by Midland Council. Existing Fare Proposed Fare Adult Cash Fare $2.00 $2.50 Senior/Student Cash Fare $1.75 $2.25 Adult Electronic Fare $1.25 $1.50 Senior/Student Electronic Fare $1.00 $1.25
Due to the existing revenue sharing arrangement with the Town of Midland the changes outlined above are being brought forward for consideration by Council in order to stay in alignment with the new fare structure approved by the Town of Midland. The existing fare structure for the Penetanguishene Transit Route has not changed since the service was introduced in February of 2016. The Town of Midland utilizes the same fare structure and they have not implemented a change to the existing structure for over 10 years. The increased transit stops and free special event transit services that have been implemented since the start of the transit system has led to increased costs associated with its operation. Additional service enhancements to the service are also being implemented which include the use of on-line fare card loading and transit map publishing online that will also enhance the experience of our ridership.
RECOMMENDATION THAT Council approve the proposed changes to the fare card purchase price and transit fare structure as outlined within the staff report.
The Corporation of The Town of Penetanguishene Committee of the Whole Report
BACKGROUND On September 18, 2019 Town of Midland staff presented a report to their Council recommending a number of changes to the operation of their Transit System. The proposed changes were the product of a comprehensive Transit System Operational review that commenced in 2017. An increase to the “one-time” purchase price of a reloadable Smart Card from $3.00 to $3.25 was approved by Midland Council. An increase to the cash and electronic fare structure, as outlined below, was also approved by Midland Council. Existing Fare Proposed Fare Adult Cash Fare $2.00 $2.50 Senior/Student Cash Fare $1.75 $2.25 Adult Electronic Fare $1.25 $1.50 Senior/Student Electronic Fare $1.00 $1.25
The revenues for the Midland Penetanguishene Transit System are pooled by both municipalities and shared in a 65/35 split (Midland/Penetanguishene) in accordance with the recently approved Transit Agreement. Due to the existing revenue sharing arrangement with the Town of Midland the changes outlined above are being brought forward for consideration by Council in order to stay in alignment with the new fare structure approved by the Town of Midland.
ANALYSIS
The current purchase price of the electronic fare cards or “smart cards” for the public is $3.00. These cards are blank and give no ability for tracking a balance if a customer’s card is lost or stolen. The Town of Midland (our Transit Service Operator) has purchased a new set of cards that contain a unique 14 digit card identifying number that will allow the Town to check the balance of a card in the event that the card is lost or stolen. In this event, the card can then be replaced by the Town. This service upgrade will justify an increase to the purchase price of the card and Staff recommend increasing the electronic fare card purchase price from $3.00 to $3.25. This represents an 8% increase. Staff, in conjunction with the Town of Midland, is also looking into the ability of these cards to be reloaded online and to allow the rider to see a usage history.
The existing fare structure for the Penetanguishene Transit Route has not changed since the service was introduced in February of 2016. The Town of Midland utilizes the same fare structure and they have not implemented a change to the existing structure for over 10 years.
The Corporation of The Town of Penetanguishene Committee of the Whole Report
The current cash fare for Adults is $2.00 and for Seniors/Students is $1.75. The current electronic fares can be purchased in increments of 5 rides (to a maximum of 50 rides) with a cost of $1.25 for Adults and $1.00 for Seniors/Students.
Staff are recommending a price increase to $2.50 for an Adult cash fare and $2.25 for a Senior/Student cash fare which is comparable with similar small transit systems in Ontario. Staff are also recommending an increase of the electronic fares to $1.50 for Adults and $1.25 for Seniors/Students. This represents a 25-28% increase to cash fares and 20-25% increase to electronic fares and provides an increased discount on the electronic fares. The previous discount was 75 cents and the proposed discount will be $1.00. This may encourage riders to use the reloadable electronic fare card rather than cash.
The increased transit stops and free special event transit services that have been implemented since the start of the transit system has led to increased costs associated with its operation. Additional service enhancements to the service are also being implemented which include the use of on-line fare card loading and transit map publishing online that will also enhance the experience of our ridership.
It is the recommendation of the Director of Public Works that the proposed changes to the fare card purchase and transit fare structure be approved.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS The proposed changes to the fare card purchase price and the fare structure will help to increase the fare revenue received by the Midland Penetanguishene Transit System on an annual basis. This will ensure that the operating costs for the system are keep at a level that is financially sustainable.
The anticipated fare revenues generated from the proposed fare increase will be incorporated into the Transit Operating budget if approved.
RISK MANAGEMENT Not Applicable.
COMMUNICATION & MARKETING If approved to proceed, Town staff would provide notice of the proposed fare increase to impacted residents, businesses and riders through printed notices on Transit Buses and all Town owned Facilities. The notice would also be distributed through the Town website, email distribution list and social media.
RELEVANT BACKGROUND REPORT(S) Not Applicable.
SUSTAINABILITY The increase to transit fares to meet the increasing costs associated with its maintenance and upgrades is in keeping with Financial Pillar of the Sustainability Plan
The Corporation of The Town of Penetanguishene Committee of the Whole Report
STRATEGIC GOALS & OBJECTIVES It is a strategic goal of the municipality to maintain and enhance its transportation system while also being fiscally responsible.
Prepared by: Bryan Murray, P.Eng, Director of Public Works Reviewed by: Carrie Robillard, CPA, CGA, Director of Finance/Treasurer Jeff Lees, CPA, CGA, Chief Administrative Officer COW Meeting Date: October 9, 2019 Council Meeting Date: October 23, 2019
ATTACHMENTS: None
Electronic File Location: Q:\SERVER\Public Works\Bryan\Projects\Municipal\2019 Projects\Midland Pentanguishene Transit System\Proposed Fare Increase\TE Report - Midland Penetanguishene Transit Fare increase.doc