Fiscal Note
Metro Transit estimates that the total additional cost for the Low-Income Bus Pass expansion by 150 monthly passes is $45,750 for 2013, assuming the expansion is implemented in March, 2013. This estimate is predicated on the fact that an Adult 31-day monthly pass currently costs $58/month, or $30.50 more per month than each Low-Income monthly pass, which costs $27.50. 150 monthly passes costing $30.50 each totals $4,575 per month, or a total 2013 cost difference of $45,750, assuming 10 months of service in 2013. The current, uncommitted balance of the Contingent Reserve is $1,138,660; this Resolution will commit an additional $45,750 from the Contingent Reserve
Title
Expanding the Low Income Bus Pass Program and amending the Metro Transit 2013 operating budget by appropriating funds from the Contingent Reserve.
Body
WHEREAS, the Low Income Bus Pass Program was approved by the Common Council on February 24, 2009 and implemented by Metro on April 5, 2009; and,
WHEREAS, the February 24, 2009 action also called for a committee to work on creating a sustainable low-income bus pass program; and,
WHEREAS, the Program provides an eligible low income rider a discounted 31-day pass for $27.50; and,
WHEREAS, there are 300 passes available on the first day of the month; and,
WHEREAS, the demand for the passes has significantly outstripped the availability; and,
WHEREAS, these passes are used by Madison residents to travel to employment, medical appointments and job interviews;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and the Common Council hereby expand the Low Income Bus Pass program by approximately one-half, providing an additional 150 passes per month, available on the fifteenth of the month; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this program will be available to all members of a family over the age of 18; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that funding for the expansion of the program in the amount of $45,750 will be taken from the 2013 Contingent Reserve and appropriated to the Metro Transit budget, as follows:
$41,250 ET50-76658-502999 - Increase Low-Income Bus Pass Revenue
($87,000) ET50-76662-502999 - Decrease Adult 31-Day Pass Revenue
$45,750 Net Cost/Loss of Revenue, to be appropriated to Metro Transit from Contingent Reserve
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Metro Manager will provide the Common Council an updated Low Income Bus Pass Report by October 31, 2013 in anticipation of the 2014 Operating Budget discussion.