Transit Solutions Team Releases Final Recommendations
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
The Transit Services Division of the City of Colorado Springs, administrator of Mountain Metropolitan Transit (MMT), announces the Transit Solutions Team (TST) final recommendations. The TST, formed by Mayor Bach, was charged with rethinking the City’s transit system to achieve optimum customer service efficiently. The comprehensive review revealed that Transit provides a very efficient and effective service. However, the TST learned that funding levels do not support existing transit services beyond 2014.
The Transportation Solutions Team spent three months and many hours with Transit staff and other senior City staff evaluating all Transit programs. Following is a summary of the most significant recommendations; more details are available in the Transit Solutions Team Summary and Recommendations report.
Cease Local Funding for FrontRange Express (FREX)– Redirecting local funding currently dedicated to FREX would help sustain the existing local transit service and support citizens who need transportation to local jobs, schools, and medical services.
Institute a Competitive Bid Process for Specialized Paratransit Service– Open competition would provide equal opportunity for all of the agencies that currently provide paratransit services. A competitive bidding process would ensure that City services are purchased at a fair and reasonable price.
Establish a Centralized Brokerage and Call Center for Specialized Paratransit Service – Centralization would provide customers better access to the best transportation choice for them.
Vehicles – Buses should be sized to accommodate peak demand; small buses work on some routes and have already been implemented. The target is to have 20% of the fixed-route fleet consist of smaller, 30-foot, buses. Additionally, alternative fuels and hybrid technologies are constantly evolving and should be evaluated whenever new buses are purchased.
Tickets and Fares– Metro Mobility ADA paratransit fare should be increased from $3.00 to $3.50. ADA paratransit demand is increasing, as is the cost of providing the service. The new fare meets industry standards of twice the standard local fixed-route base fare of $1.75.
A day pass should be added as an option for customers.
Eliminate No Advertising Zones– Bus stops equipped with benches or shelters on City property should generate as much advertising revenue as possible. Some areas along Colorado Avenue and North Cascade Avenue, currently designated as no advertising zones, should be opened up for advertising.
Mountain Metropolitan Transit provides local fixed-route bus service, express bus service, and Metro Mobility ADA paratransit service for Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region. All buses are wheelchair-lift equipped. Mountain Metropolitan Transit also provides other services such as Metro Rides’ ridesharing, vanpool, and bicycling programs. For added convenience, there are bike racks on all buses for riders who want to utilize the bike-n-busprogram.
For additional information regarding Mountain Metropolitan Transit please visit http://www.mmtransit.com/, or call (719) 385-RIDE (7433).
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