Fiscal Note
No appropriation is required.
Title
SECOND SUBSTITUTE - Creating a Low-Income Bus Pass Program Committee.
Body
PREAMBLE
Metro Transit fares are a significant source of revenue for the transit utility. Passenger fares account for almost 20% of Metro's total revenue.
However, it is clear, based on the vigorous debate that occurs when Metro raises fares, that bus fares are an important community issue. The Common Council, in conjunction with the fare increase that went into effect on April 5, 2009, approved a pilot Low-Income Pass project. The Common Council's action of February 24, 2009 creating the new fare structure called for a committee to work on creating a sustainable low-income bus pass program.
WHEREAS, the current Low-Income Bus Pass project that went into effect on April 5, 2009 is recognized as a pilot designed to test its efficacy; and
WHEREAS, the City of Madison and Metro Transit, like many other transit systems around the United States, have recognized the need to ensure the stability of the transit budget while also offering a sustainable low-income bus fare program in order to encourage and allow low-income families to get to and from work, school and other destinations; and
WHEREAS, an effort to create a truly sustainable program such as this will require the combined efforts of a variety of stakeholders both within City government and non-profit agencies that work with low-income individuals;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and the Common Council hereby create a Low-Income Bus Pass Program Committee charged with developing a sustainable low-income bus pass program that will be balanced with the need for Metro Transit to maintain a stable funding source; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the committee will be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Common Council and will be composed of Lisa Subeck, Mayor's Office, Director Community Development, United Way, Porchlight, Salvation Army, YWCA, Dane County Human Services, St. Vincent, Metro Director, Transit and Parking Commission member and Chair of the Transit and Parking Commission or its designee, Alder from the Madison Common Council, and Treasurer's Office; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the committee will have a goal of developing this sustainable low-income pass program by August 2009.