COUNCIL REPORT
Executive Committee Report No. ENG 017-2019
Date: June 06, 2019 File No: 8500-02 8500-01
To: Mayor and Council From: Mike Kelly, Senior Transportation Manager Subject: City of Abbotsford and Fraser Valley Regional District - Transit Expansion Initiatives
RECOMMENDATION
1. THAT the Transit Improvement Program (TIP) expansion initiative for 2021-2024, for Option #2, an additional 10,000 hours per year, be approved;
2. THAT Council support, in principle, the 2020-2021 expansion initiative to extend the Fraser Valley Express (FVX) Regional Service to Translink’s Lougheed SkyTrain station; and
3. THAT the Mayor and Corporate Officer be authorized to execute all documents related to this matter.
REPORT CONCURRENCE
General Manager City Manager
The General Manager concurs with the The City Manager concurs with the recommendation of this report. recommendation of this report.
SUMMARY OF THE ISSUE
Improving and expanding transit in the Fraser Valley are linked to both the City of Abbotsford’s Transportation and Transit Master Plan and the Fraser Valley Regional District’s (FVRD) Regional Growth Strategy. The City of Abbotsford is initiating a Service Change beginning June 30, 2019, to bring reliability to the transit network within the City. Future plans to increase frequency and introduce new routes to Gladwin Road and the Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) will require additional funding from the City.
At the same time, the FVRD proposes to expand regional Fraser Valley Express bus service to the Lougheed SkyTrain station starting in January 2021.
The purpose of this report is to provide Council with information and seek approval for planned
Report No. ENG 017-2019 Page 2 of 5
City transit service expansion, and for Council to support, in principle, the FVRD proposal.
BACKGROUND
Local Transit
BC Transit’s Future Plan and the City of Abbotsford’s Transportation and Transit Master Plan made recommendations for phased transit improvements within the City.
Phase 1 – 2019: Address Core Issues
Making changes to improve reliability, direct service onto the core area of the City, and set the foundation for rapid transit on South Fraser Way. Implementing these changes will not result in any additional cost to the City.
Phase 2 – 2020: Increase Service Levels
Expand service by 10,000 hours (approximately 10%), and invest in areas of high ridership potential. Year 2020 will see the opening of the Operations and Maintenance Facility which will allow for further expansion and converting the fleet to cleaner-burning compressed natural gas.
Phase 3 – 2021-2024: Increase Service Levels
Staff has reviewed three options for level of service expansion:
Option # 1: an additional 5,000 hours for each of the three years; Option # 2: an additional 10,000 hours for each of the three years; and Option # 3: an additional 15,000 hours for each of the three years.
Staff is recommending that Council support Option #2 and start investing 10,000 hours per year over the three years. This expansion will allow the City to target priority areas by investing on existing routes, introducing new routes, and improving customer amenities.
Regional Transit
A proposal was received from the FVRD for municipal support to extend the Fraser Valley Express service to TransLink's Lougheed SkyTrain station at an annual net cost of $494,000. Revenues and expenditures for the service are shared by the municipal partners per the Fraser Valley Express Sub-Regional Transit Service Area Establishment Bylaw No. 1236, 2013, as amended.
Per the bylaw, the split, as negotiated between the two parties, is City of Abbotsford 63.8% and City of Chilliwack 36.2%. The FVRD staff report states it is possible that additional ridership and resulting revenues will cover the additional cost of the service, but the expansion as currently proposed by BC Transit, may require an additional subsidy from taxpayers.
Should an expanded FVX service require a partial taxation subsidy, it is estimated to cost $0.15 per $100,000 of assessed value for every $100,000 increase in taxation subsidy.
The FVRD staff report, PowerPoint, BC Transit Survey, and FVRD Briefing Notes are included as supporting information in Attachments A, B, C, and D.
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DISCUSSION
Local Transit
Increasing the transit mode share is a stated goal in the Transportation and Transit Master Plan, and represents the City’s best opportunity to shift the dependency on vehicles as the primary option. Currently, only 3% of all trips in Abbotsford are made by transit. Expansion initiatives will lead to a higher mode share, and will support the move towards the 25% target for alternative modes as outlined in the Official Community Plan.
The Transit Improvement Program (TIP) communicates to local governments the expansion initiatives proposed for the next three years. It seeks the commitment to the expansion initiatives from the local government which thereby allows BC Transit to proceed with securing sufficient funding within the Provincial Budget.
Each year, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) related to the TIP expansion is signed by the local government. It sets out the City’s intention to proceed, and is subject to annual City Council budget deliberation.
Expansion initiatives are important component to sustaining and growing a successful transit system. The TIP MOU provides order-of-magnitude costing based on the estimated annual expansion hours required.
At a future Joint Shared Services Committee (JSSC) meeting, the City of Abbotsford and District of Mission will bring a proposal for custom (handyDART) improvements. There is not a TIP requirement for this initiative, therefore not included in this report.
Regional Transit
With this proposal, cost savings for FVX customers could be substantial, especially for those paying cash fare, which is the majority of customers. The FVX is a stand-alone service, meaning that the FVX fare is not transferrable to any other service. FVX riders must pay a fare to get onto the 555, and then an additional fare to use SkyTrain. The potential cost savings of eliminating the TransLink fare between Carvolth exchange and Lougheed Station have been calculated using TransLink's online trip planning application.
An individual commuting by transit into Vancouver five days a week for 50 weeks a year would see savings of $1,475 dollars per year.
The extension of the FVX to Lougheed Station also establishes a step towards more integrated transportation solutions connecting people between Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
BC Transit confirms that the expansion would be an extension of the current service levels of 17 trips per weekday and 8 trips on weekends/holidays to the Lougheed Station.
Proposed service extension will require approval from TransLink, who is aware of the proposal at the staff level.
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FINANCIAL PLAN IMPLICATION
Local Transit
Staring with the 2020 budget, the financial implications of the Transit Improvement Program are limited to operating expenditures and they will become a part of the annual budget going forward. BC Transit purchases and owns the buses. This expansion plan will generate revenues from expanded bus services and it will also require operational contributions from the City. Subject to Council approval, the Transit Services budget will be adjusted accordingly and will be presented with the 2020-2024 Financial Plan.
Additional hours per year 2021-2022 2022-2023 2023-2024 Option #1 (5,000) $350,000 $350,000 $350,000 Option #2 (10,000) $700,000 $700,000 $700,000 Option #3 (15,000) $1,050,00 $1,050,000 $1,050,000 *costs are approximate
Regional Transit
The FVX service is currently in a surplus position and this surplus will be used to offset some of the additional cost of the expansion proposed by BC Transit. This expansion will also require an additional subsidy from taxpayers. The City of Abbotsford’s share of the cost for this proposed expansion would be added to the tax requisition from the FVRD. These taxes are shown under the taxes collected for other government agencies (non-municipal taxes) on a property tax.
2021- 2022- 2023- 2022 2023 2024 Estimated Annual Net Municipal $494,500 $514,300 $534,900 Share Funding from Accumulated (326,400) (169,700) - Surplus Tax Requisition $168,100 $344,600 $534,900
City of Abbotsford Share $107,248 $219,855 $341,266 City of Chilliwack Share $60,852 $124,745 $193,634
Komal Basatia Director, Finance Signed 6/5/2019 4:33 PM
IMPACTS ON COUNCIL POLICIES, STRATEGIC PLAN AND/OR COUNCIL DIRECTION
Vibrant Economy – Council’s support of regional transit will give more options for people to move about in their work, life, or play.
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Complete Community – Supports Council’s Strategic Plan priority objective for community sustainability and efforts to enhance the quality of life within Abbotsford.
Fiscal Discipline – Lowers greenhouse gases and contributes to a more efficient transportation system.
Organizational Alignment – Supports the OCP vision of the transportation mode share.
SUBSTANTIATION OF RECOMMENDATION
Both the City of Abbotsford and the FVRD have transit service expansion initiatives requiring additional funding. The TIP expansion will allow the City to expand transit and address reliability in the network which was a stated goal in the Transportation and Transit Master Plan. The expansion supports Council’s Strategic Plan objective for community sustainability and the efforts to enhance the quality of life within Abbotsford. The FVRD is proposing to extend the FVX bus service to the Lougheed SkyTrain station starting January 2021. The expansion of service would be beneficial in convenience and cost to the majority of users of the system who wish to connect directly to the SkyTrain. Staff is recommending to approve Option #2 and the addition of 10,000 hours for each year in the City’s transit expansion for 2021-2024, and to consider support, in principle, for the FVX expansion.
Mike Kelly Senior Transportation Manager Signed 6/3/2019 3:52 PM
Rob Isaac GM, Engineering & Regional Utiities Signed 6/6/2019 8:03 AM
ATTACHMENTS: Attachment A - FVRD Report Service Expansion Attachment B - FVRD PowerPoint Attachment C - BC Transit FVX Survey Attachment D - Briefing Note #3 from Fraser Valley Regional District
CORPORATE REPORT
To: CAO for the Regional and Corporate Services Committee Date: 2019-05-08 From: Alison Stewart, Manager of Strategic Planning File No: 8330-02-19744
Subject: BC Transit Update and Service Expansion Planning 2020-22
RECOMMENDATION THAT the Fraser Valley Regional District Board confirm support in principle for the 2020/2021 expansion initiative to extend the Fraser Valley Express service to TransLink’s Lougheed Sky Train station at an annual net cost of $494,000 subject to further discussions with BC Transit regarding timing and service levels;
AND THAT BC Transit and the FVRD undertake more detailed costing analysis relating to the potential 2021-2022 service expansions to: • North Fraser Valley: subject to public engagement and local government support, implement transit service on the north side of the Fraser River between the District of Kent and District of Mission. • Agassiz-Harrison and Hope: subject to municipal approval, improve and expand regional services in the eastern Fraser Valley based on items identified in the Transit Future Action Plan. • Cultus Lake: year-round service subject to local government support.
STRATEGIC AREA(S) OF FOCUS PRIORITIES Support Environmental Stewardship Priority #4 Tourism Foster a Strong & Diverse Economy Support Healthy & Sustainable Community Provide Responsive & Effective Public Services
BACKGROUND Each year BC Transit evaluates numerous expansion requests from Local Government partners throughout the province, including the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD). The purpose of this evaluation process is to secure commitment from both the provincial government and local partners, allowing BC Transit to proceed with its strategic planning for the upcoming three year funding cycle.
By communicating proposed expansion initiatives as far in advance as possible, BC Transit is trying to achieve three important goals:
1. Ensure 3 year expansion initiatives are aligned with the expectations of local governments. 2. Attain a commitment from local governments to allow BC Transit to proceed with the procurement and management of resources necessary to implement transit service expansions. 3. Provide local government partners with enhanced 3 year forecasts to identify longer term funding requirements.
DISCUSSION The FVRD currently coordinates three sub-regional transit services: the Fraser Valley Express (FVX #66), the Agassiz-Harrison Connector (AGH #11) and the Hope service (Hope #22). Two of the services, the FVX and Hope #22 have been implemented in the last four years. There is potential for further expansion within BC Transit’s proposed 3 year expansion cycle for the development of additional sub- regional transit services. A summary of the three transit services, and most recent ridership estimates is attached.
In accordance with BC Transit’s strategic planning process, the FVRD is considering several service expansions, as outlined below. Some expansions may be identified through the ongoing Transit Future Action Plan (TFAP) process. It is important to note that expansion funding may be used not only for increased service levels (increased frequency, service span or coverage), but also for addressing issues of reliability and on-time performance – all of which are key to sustaining and growing a successful transit system.
The feasibility of any potential transit expansion within the FVRD is dependent on new storage and maintenance facilities in Chilliwack and Abbotsford – both of which are operating beyond their designed capacity. The City of Abbotsford is currently working with the province and BC Transit on the development of a new transit facility for the Central Fraser Valley (CFV) system. While early in the construction phase, this new facility will address existing operational issues and allow for future growth and service expansion on the CFV system.
Initiatives in years 2 and 3 of the expansion planning horizon will require more detailed planning by BC Transit prior to any meaningful consideration by the FVRD and its member municipalities. For example, the implementation of transit service between the District of Kent and District of Mission will include community engagement and surveying, routing and costing analysis, and a summary of the necessary next steps if the service were to proceed. Likewise, any potential expansion of the Cultus service will require similar analysis by BC Transit and community support. Any additional analysis relating to the FVRD will have to align with BC Transit’s existing work plan and their ability to undertake additional planning projects.
FVX expansion: The proposed expansion of the FVX to directly serve the Lougheed Sky Train station in Burnaby is the most extensive service expansion since the service’s introduction in 2015. The expansion, if supported, is currently planned for January 2021 implementation. The proposal follows on discussions at the February 26, 2019 Committee of the Whole Budget Review, where the Board was informed of ongoing discussions between BC Transit and TransLink to extend FVX service to the Lougheed Sky Train station. This will significantly increase convenience for FVX customers wishing to access TransLink’s Sky Train network, including connections to Surrey, Coquitlam, downtown Vancouver and Vancouver International Airport. It will also improve access for Metro Vancouver residents working and visiting the Fraser Valley.
The FVX has been successful from its introduction with double digit gains every year. In 2018, the system carried an average 19,300 rides per month (232,000 riders annually). While it is difficult to predict the take-up of service expansions, the most recent expansion of doubling FVX service on weekends and holidays has resulted in an almost doubling (92%) of ridership on those days, indicating a significant pent up demand for the improved service.
Extending the service to Sky Train has been a repeated request from FVX customers destined for locations in Burnaby and beyond. With few public facilities or amenities at the Carvolth exchange, a direct connection to Sky Train will improve customer experience and make transit a more viable commuting option. Improved customer experience will also come from the introduction of HOV/Bus lanes further into the Fraser Valley which will improve transit reliability.
This proposed expansion will add 6,000 hours of service to the route and will require four additional buses. This represents a 45% increase in the number of hours currently provided on the route. The estimated municipal cost of this expansion is $494,000, net of estimated additional revenues. With significant ridership growth on the FVX, revenues were approximately $787,000 in 2018. The service’s income statement for 2018 shows there was a total overall surplus of $262,335 and as of December 31, 2018 the FVX surplus account is sitting at $376,320. It is possible that additional ridership and resulting revenues will cover the additional cost of the service, but the expansion as currently proposed by BC Transit, may require an additional subsidy from taxpayers. Without more clarity from BC Transit on the proposed level of service and whether there could be an option to phase the expansion in over time, the additional subsidy required is not clear.
Timeline:
2020/21
• Extend the Fraser Valley Express service to TransLink’s Lougheed Sky Train station at an annual net cost of $494,000;
2021/22
• North Fraser Valley: subject to public engagement and local government support, implement transit service on the north side of the Fraser River between the District of Kent and District of Mission. • Agassiz-Harrison and Hope: subject to local government approval, improve and expand regional services in the eastern Fraser Valley based on items identified in the Transit Future Action Plan. • Cultus Lake: year-round service, subject to local government support. The net local cost for this expansion has not been determined.
These initiatives will be formalized in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the FVRD and BC Transit to initiate the work.
COST With the exception of the 2020/21 FVX expansion to Lougheed Sky Train station in Burnaby (approximately $494,000), the costs relating to year 2 and 3 are currently unknown and will require further analysis by BC Transit.
Should an expanded FVX service require partial taxation subsidy, it is estimated to cost $0.15 per $100,000 of assessed value for every $100,000 increase in taxation subsidy. The current tax requisition level is $695,930.
CONCLUSION The 3 year expansion initiative process helps determine the expectations of local governments and allows BC Transit to proceed with the procurement and management of resources necessary to implement transit service expansions. The BC Transit strategic planning process also allows local governments the ability to identify longer term funding requirements and budget accordingly. Staff will return with more detailed costing analysis when it has been provided by BC Transit.
COMMENTS BY:
Stacey Barker, Director of Regional Services Reviewed and supported.
Mike Veenbaas, Director of Financial Services Reviewed and supported.
Jennifer Kinneman, Acting Chief Administrative Officer Reviewed and supported.
Fraser Valley Regional Transit Agassiz Harrison (Rt. 11), Hope (Rt. 22) and FVX (Rt. 66)
Route 11: Agassiz-Harrison Transit (AGH)
• Chilliwack-Agassiz-Harrison transit service consists of one route (Route 11). This route provides regional service between Harrison Hot Springs, Agassiz, Cheam, Popkum, Bridal Falls, Rosedale and downtown Chilliwack. • In 2013 the AGH system received an upgrade with the addition of 2 higher capacity “Vicinity buses”. This service expansion was one of the short term priorities in the 2012 Transit Future Plan. • Connections can be made to the local Chilliwack Transit system and/or the FVX Route 66. • The route allows “on-request” pick-up and drop-off service as an extension of the fixed-route in certain eligible areas during off-peak times.
Fast facts
• There are 11 trips per weekday (13 on Fridays) outbound from Chilliwack to Harrison Hot Spring and 12 trips per weekday (14 on Fridays) inbound to Chilliwack with a service span between 5:20 am and 7:06. The 2 additional trips on Fridays extend service to 11:12 pm. • There are 9 two way trips on Saturdays. • Sunday and holiday service is provided during the summer (July 1 to Labour Day) with 4 trips daily • The system averages 4,500 rides per month (54,000 rides annually)
Route 22 – Hope Transit
• Transit Service connecting the District of Hope to the Town of Agassiz began in September 2017. • Hope service was one of the medium to long-term priorities in the 2012 transit plan. • Route 22 connects to route 11 in Agassiz, where passengers can continue on to Chilliwack (or Harrison Hot Springs) and further connect with the FVX • The route provides services to Seabird Island Band and in September 2018 service was expanded to include a stop at Chawathil First Nation.
Fast facts
• There are 4 trips daily Monday – Saturday outbound from Agassiz to Hope and 4 trips back. • Monday to Friday service span is 6:00 am to 6:26 pm and 8:00 am to 5:31 pm on Saturdays. There is currently no service on Sundays or holidays and no mid-day service. • In 2018, its first full year, the service has carried an average 700 passengers per month (approx. 8,400 rides annually) but more recently is averaging 800 per month. • The route provides a limited transit service within Hope, providing connections to the Hope Recreation Centre, Fraser Canyon Hospital and Silver Creek neighbourhood.
Route 66 – Fraser Valley Express (FVX)
• The FVX was introduced to the Fraser Valley in April 2015. The FVX is a limited stop service connecting Chilliwack, Abbotsford and TransLink services at the Carvolth Exchange in Langley. • The FVX was one of the short term priorities in the 2012 Transit Future Plan. • The FVX has been very successful with total ridership growing continuously since it was initiated. • Ridership has generated enough revenue to finance the expansion of service hours without requiring additional tax requisition. • Service expansions have included higher frequency trips during peak travel times, introducing Sunday and holiday service and doubling the number of trips on weekends and holidays.
Fast Facts
• In 2018, the system carried an average 19,300 rides per month (232,000 riders annually) • In September 2018 frequency was doubled on weekends and holidays to eight trips each way between Chilliwack and the Carvolth Exchange in Langley. • Weekend ridership has almost doubled (92% increase) with this latest expansion.
Combined, the three FVRD regional transit routes carried over 294,000 passengers in 2018.
FVRD –Regional Connections
NOTE: Ridership based on APC (automated passenger counter) data and on-board ride count surveys 5/27/2019
TRANSIT SERVICE UPDATE & EXPANSION PLANNING 2020-2022 Regional Transit
REGIONAL TRANSIT ROUTES
. Route 66 - Fraser Valley Express . Route 11 - Chilliwack Agassiz Harrison Hot Springs . Route 22 – Hope to Agassiz
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2018 RIDERSHIP
. Fraser Valley Express . 19,300 per month - 232,000 rides annually
. Agassiz-Harrison . 4,500 per month – 54,000 rides annually
. Hope . 700 per month – 8,400 rides annually . More recently averaging 800 rides per month.
NOTE: Ridership based on APC (automated passenger counter) data and on‐board ride count surveys
2018 INITIATIVES
. Fraser Valley Express . Doubled weekend and holiday service (to 8 trips/day)
. Agassiz-Harrison . Introduced limited Sunday service in summer . Supported District of Kent bus stop expansion program (completion 2019)
. Hope service . New stop at Chawathil First Nation
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2019 INITIATIVES
. BC Transit – Completion of Chilliwack and Region Transit Future Action Plan
. BC Transit/FVRD Completion of Kent- Mission feasibility study and community consultation.
2020-2022 PROPOSED INITIATIVES
Subject to public engagement and local government support 2021/22 . North Fraser Valley: Implement transit service on the north side of the Fraser River between the District of Kent and District of Mission. . Agassiz-Harrison and Hope: Improve and expand regional services in the eastern Fraser Valley based on items identified in the Transit Future Action Plan. . Cultus Lake: year-round service
The net local cost for expansion require more discussion and detailed costing.
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2021 PROPOSED FVX INITIATIVE
2020/21 . Extend the Fraser Valley Express service to TransLink’s Lougheed Sky Train station at an annual net cost of $494,000;
. Largest expansion since service introduced in 2015
2015-2018 FVX REVENUE GROWTH
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2021 PROPOSED FVX INITIATIVE
2021 PROPOSED FVX INITIATIVE
2020/21 . Expansion is extension of the current service levels of 17 trips per weekday and 8 trips on weekends/holidays to the Lougheed Station
. Could be phased-in over time, though could create confusion for customers
. Will stop at Carvolth but only drop‐off west‐bound and pick‐up east‐ bound
. Requires approval from TransLink
. TransLink 555 service (Carvolth to Lougheed) facing capacity pressures
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CONTEXT – Highway 1 Congestion
. Hwy 1 Congestion is getting worse. . Projected to increase 40% by 2030. . Province and TransLink are responding.
CONTEXT – Highway 1 Congestion
. Hwy 1 Congestion is getting worse. . Projected to increase 40% by 2030. . Province and TransLink are responding.
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CONTEXT – Highway 1 Congestion
Responses to issue:
. Highway 1 extension of HOV/Bus Lanes to 264th and hopefully to Abbotsford and beyond (Federal and Provincial govts)
. Potential for “Decongestion” Charges (TransLink)
. Potential increased transit service between FVRD and Metro Vancouver (FVRD) – getting people out of their cars
CONTEXT – Highway 1 Congestion
Daily Trips Into Metro Vancouver
FVRD Metro Vancouver 70,829 trips Abbotsford Metro Vancouver 46,462 trips Chilliwack Metro Vancouver 9,866 trips
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PROPOSED EXPANSION Impact On Customers
Cost savings: Eliminating the Carvolth-Lougheed leg
Two‐way Trip –FVX to Granville Station Current Proposed
FVX Express Bus $10.00 $10.00
Carvolth to Lougheed Express Bus $5.90 $0.00
Lougheed to Granville SkyTrain $8.40 $8.40 Total Fares $24.30 $18.40 $5.90 daily savings
PROPOSED EXPANSION Impact On Customers
Cost savings:
. Vancouver twice a week - savings of $613 per year. . Vancouver every weekday for 42 weeks - savings of $1,239 per year
. 24% saving for FVX customers travelling to Vancouver via SkyTrain.
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PROPOSED EXPANSION Impact On Customers
Customer experience: . Ease of travel drives transit ridership growth. . Simplifying the route may increase interest in transit as a alternative to driving. Customer comfort: . Transit Future Action Plan open house comments - lack of public facilities (washrooms) at Carvolth an issue. . Challenge for customers with health issues, small children and seniors.
PROPOSED EXPANSION Costs 2020/21 – FVX Expansion (January 2021) Per the Fraser Valley Express sub‐regional transit service area establishment Bylaw No. 1236, 2013 as amended
City of Abbotsford 63.8% City of Chilliwack 36.2%
Current tax requisition level: City of Abbotsford $444,003 City of Chilliwack $251,927 Total $695,930
2018 revenues: (used to offset funding required from taxes) Total $787,131
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PROPOSED EXPANSION Costs 2020/21 – FVX Expansion (January 2021)
. Expansion… as proposed by BC Transit, may require additional subsidy from taxpayers. . Total net municipal share $494,436 per the proposal . 2018 income statement - surplus of $262,335.
potential 63.8% 36.2% shortfall Abbotsford Chilliwack
$ 494,436 $ 315,450 $ 178,986 $ 230,000 $ 146,740 $ 83,260 $ 100,000 $ 63,800 $ 36,200 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
PROPOSED EXPANSION Costs
Scenario 1- Assessed value $700,000 home $0.15 per $100,000 of assessed value for every 100,000 increase in taxation subsidy
potential shortfall Additional tax
$ 494,436 $ 5.19 $ 230,000 $ 2.42 $ 100,000 $ 1.05 $ 0 $ 0
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PROPOSED EXPANSION Costs
Scenario 2 - Assessed value $500,000 home $0.15 per $100,000 of assessed value for every 100,000 increase in taxation subsidy
potential shortfall Additional tax
$ 494,436 $ 3.71 $ 230,000 $ 1.73 $ 100,000 $ 0.75 $ 0 $ 0
2021 PROPOSED FVX INITIATIVE
2020/21 – FVX Expansion
. Commitment Deadline - June 28, 2019 for January 2021 start . Can choose to delay implementation for another time . Initiatives will be formalized in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the FVRD and BC Transit to initiate the work. . Commitment allows BC Transit to proceed with the procurement and implementation planning [18 month bus delivery timeline].
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12
Fraser Valley Express Holiday and Weekend Service Survey
April 2018 FVX Holiday and Weekend Service Survey | Page 2
1. Introduction The Fraser Valley Regional District is seeking to expand Fraser Valley Express (66 FVX) service on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays for the fall 2018. The 66 FVX is a limited-stop service connecting Chilliwack, Abbotsford, and Langley (Metro Vancouver), and was introduced to the region in April 2015. Currently on weekdays, the 66 FVX runs 17 round trips/day between 5am - 10pm. Saturday, Sunday and holiday service on the FVX was introduced in September 2017, with 4 round trips provided per day. The first departure is at 9am (Chilliwack) with the last departure at 6:30 pm (from Carvolth Exchange). There is 2 hr 45 minute service gap in between these trips. To inform the expansion of weekend and holiday service, BC Transit hosted an online survey between April 3 - 15, 2018 to gather input and feedback about the proposed service expansion. Just under 200 people responded to the survey.
2. Respondent Characteristics Respondents of the online survey were asked demographic questions and their patterns of transit use. Results indicated the following: Age: The largest age group of respondents was 15 to 24 (28%), with another 25% of respondents being in the age group of 25 to 34, and 17% being in the age group of 35 to 44.
Which age group are you?
5%2% 15 to 24 8% 28% 25-34
15% 35-44
45-54
55-64 17% 25% 65+
Transit use: 48% of respondents indicated being daily transit users, 27% use transit weekly, 18% used transit within the last month, 6% used transit within the last six months, and 1% never use transit. Community lived in: Nearly half (43%) of respondents live in Abbotsford, with other respondents from Chilliwack (37%), Langley (5%), as well as respondents elsewhere (15%), including Vancouver, Port Coquitlam and Surrey.
Form of payment: 35% of respondents use cash as their primary form of fare payment, 31% monthly passes, 19% tickets, 15% other. UPass and BC Bus Pass were common other answers Location of ticket vendors: Participants were asked where they primarily purchased tickets, with 24% purchasing from an Abbotsford / Mission vendor, 22% from a Chilliwack Vendor, 11% purchased online, while 5% purchased from a Langley vendor. The remaining 9% indicated from another location.
3. FVX Use FVX patterns: The survey asked participants to identify their typical experience with the FVX in terms of ridership patterns. As can be seen in the chart below, one third (33%) of respondents indicated they have used the 66 FVX several times, 21% identified as weekly users, 17% use the service once or twice while 15% reported as being daily users.
What best describes your experience with the 66 FVX?
12% 15% Daily User
Weekly User 17% 22% Used several times
34% Used once or twice
Never use this service
FVX Use by time of day: Survey respondents were asked to indicate what times they typically use the FVX service, and were able to choose all times that applied to them: o Weekdays . Morning peak (48%) . Midday (58%) . Afternoon peak (53%) . Evenings (50%) o Weekends (82%) o Holidays (40%)
April 2018 FVX Holiday and Weekend Service Survey | Page 4
Trip Origin & Destination: As per the chart below, over half of respondents (53%) indicated that their trip ends at Carvolth Exchange, while the start of the trip had more variability:
If you use the FVX on weekends/holidays, where does your primary trip start and end?
53%
24% 26% 21% 18% 17% 11% 12% 12% 5% 4% 2%
Chilliwack Chilliwack (Vedder) Lickman McCallum High Street Carvolth Exchange Downtown (Chilliwack) (Abbotsford) (Abbotsford) (Langley/Translink)
Start End
Participants were asked what the primary purpose of their weekend/holiday FVX trip was, with results showing:
o 40% of respondents identified shopping/recreation o 22% Family purposes o 10% Work o 5% School o 4% Health appointment o 5% chose other
Participants were asked why they did not currently use the FVX on weekends/holidays, the reasons are shown below, with the dominant reason being the current inconvenience of the weekend schedule. If you do not currently use the FVX on weekends / holidays, why not? 57%
21% 14% 8%
The FVX holiday/weekend More convenient to use Other No need to travel to other schedule is inconvenient another mode of travel communities during weekends/holidays
Weekend service improvements: Respondents were asked to identify weekend schedule improvements they would like to see, and were able to choose multiple answers. The majority of respondents indicated they would like more late evening trips, and/or more early evening trips. Mid morning and late afternoon trips were also a high priority.
What types of schedule improvements to FVX weekend service would you like to see?
62%
54% 51%
41% 40% 36%
More late evening More early More mid-morning More late More early More early trips evening trips trips afternoon trips morning trips afternoon trips
New trip distribution: Respondents were asked to pick if they would prefer new weekend FVX trips to be distributed evenly throughout the day or clustered during certain parts of the day. o 75% indicated more trips distributed evenly throughout the day, and o 20% indicated more trips clustered during certain parts of the day. o The remainder indicated a preference for more trips earlier in the morning and later in the evening.
Participants were asked if improvements to the weekend FVX schedule would encourage taking the service more, with results as follows: o Yes (70%) o Maybe – depending on schedule (27%) o No (3%)
April 2018 FVX Holiday and Weekend Service Survey | Page 6
4. Open-ended Feedback: Comments and Suggestions Survey participants were also able to provide open-ended feedback and comments at the end of the survey. In general, participants were largely supportive of the proposed weekend/holiday service expansion for the 66 FVX. Key themes that emerged through these comments included: Improve the frequency of 66 FVX in general (filling in weekday gaps, longer service spans in the evening, support for more weekend frequency)
Having a direct connection to a TransLink’s system – including linking to a Skytrain or West Coast Express station was identified by many respondents
Better integration with TransLink’s fare structure (Compass card), identified as a reason that can make using transit difficult
Expensive fare, better fare integration with TransLink
Explore more than doubling to the service – desire for late-late night service between Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley on weekends (to accommodate late evening weekend events in Vancouver, working schedules)
More FVX stops
May 31, 2019
BRIEFING NOTE #3
SUBJECT: Fraser Valley Express (FVX) Proposed 2020-21 Expansion – Additional Financial Information
FVRD staff met with City of Abbotsford staff on Friday May 24, 2019 to discuss the financial implications of the proposed 2021 FVX expansion.
Financial Model
At the meeting, the FVRD offered to provide additional information with respect to modelling the use of the FVX accumulated surplus to ensure that any increase in taxation is gradual. The attached spreadsheet presents a Schedule of FVX Estimated Accumulated Surplus and Schedule of Funding for Proposed Expansion.
The explanatory notes are as follows:
• The Net Municipal Share is as provided by BC Transit and accounts for its estimate of $141,696 in revenue generated from the service expansion.
• Any increased revenue beyond $141,696 will reduce the tax requisition required to support the proposed service expansion. Also, any revenue generated from the existing FVX service would be available to reduce tax requisition.
• Due to uncertainties in expected revenue at this time, the projection outlined in this spreadsheet is conservative and based on BC Transit projections.
• Staff's recommendation is to use the accumulated surplus from the existing FVX service to allow for the phasing in of taxation over a 3 year period.
• This will provide an opportunity to receive information on ridership and actual revenue during the first years of the expansion and ensure that any increase in taxation is gradual. It also brings stability by avoiding having a decrease in taxation if revenue is greater than BC Transit expects at this time.
• The model does not account for a change in the fare structure. It is recommended that a full fare review be completed in 2022 or 2023 following stabilization of the route offering.
Final 2018-19 FVX Revenues At the meeting, FVRD verbally provided information on the FVX revenue performance vis-à-vis the 2018-19 Annual Operating Agreement (AOA) revenue estimates. The information provided did not include Q4 of the AOA time frame. Attached is a summary of FVX revenues generated during the full 2018-19 AOA period (April to March).
45950 Cheam Avenue | Chilliwack | V2P 1N6 Phone: 604-702-5000 | Toll Free: 1-800-528-0061 | Fax: 604-792-9684 FRASER VALLEY REGIONAL DISTRICT Financial Analysis of Fraser Valley Express Proposed Expansion May 30, 2019
Schedule of FVX Estimated Accumulated Surplus Estimated Actual Total 2019 2020 Total Dec 2015 2016 2017 2018 Dec 31, 2018 Estimate * Estimate * 31, 2020 Net Income (deficit)$ 42,942 $ (20,295) $ 91,337 $ 262,335 $ 376,319 $ 198,000 $ 188,000 $ 762,319
* revenue estimates based on maintaining 2018 revenues levels, coupled with BC Transit budget projections for 2019 & 2020 system operating and vehicle lease costs.
Schedule of Funding for Proposed Expansion
2021 2022 2023 Estimated Annual Net Municipal Share $ 494,500 $ 514,300 $ 534,900
Funding from Accumulated Surplus (326,400) (169,700) ‐
Tax Requisition$ 168,100 $ 344,600 $ 534,900
City of Abbotsford Share$ 107,248 $ 219,855 $ 341,266 City of Chilliwack Share$ 60,852 $ 124,745 $ 193,634
Residential Tax Impact$ 1.24 $ 2.55 $ 3.96 (property value of $500,000) FVX performance 2018-19 Annual Operating Agreement Estimated vs Actual 2018‐19 Total Tickets & Passes $ 236,685 Fare box $ 582,876 Total $ 819,561
$ 486,446 18-19 AOA revenue estimate
$ 819,561 Actual revenues
$ 333,115 over AOA revenue estimate
168% Actual revenues as percentatge of estimates in 2018-19 FVX AOA