REPORT TO: Council FOR: Strategy Meeting. Direction from Council regarding the Squamish Transit 5-Year Business Plan

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1 DISTRICT OF SQUAMISH REPORT TO: Council FOR: Strategy Meeting PRESENTED: December 11, 2007 FILE: TRANSP SUBJECT: Squamish Transit 5-Year Business Plan Recommendation: Direction from Council regarding the Squamish Transit 5-Year Business Plan CAO Recommendation: Concur with Planning Department Report and Recommendation(s). K. Anema, CAO 1. Purpose: 1. The project consultant from UMA Consultants will attend the Council meeting on Tuesday December 11 to take part in a discussion with Council and staff, on their vision and objectives for future transit service in Squamish and to receive Council overall input for the project. 2. Time Critical: The transit plan project was initiated in October with a Project Team Advisory meeting on October 30 and public open houses in November 27. Council s input at this time will be highly beneficial in guiding the process. 3. Background: Council and BC Transit Board met in July 2006 and stated their commitment to a transit study. BC Transit is working collaboratively with the District on this project, as a partnership. Staff addressed Council regarding the project in a memo dated November 13, 2007, attached (Attachment 1). Page 1

2 4. Project Information: Page 2 Context The funding for this project is through the District s operating agreement with BC Transit, which means that the funding is apportioned approximately 46% to 54%. The total budget is approximately $23,000. BC Transit rarely completes five-year transit business plans for communities of our size; however, with the scale and pace of change in Squamish as well as our progressive interest in sustainable development BC Transit will undertake this project in our community. The objectives and the scope of the project are outlined in Attachment 1. Process Update Public engagement in the process formally kicked off on November 27 th, at two open house sessions in the afternoon and evening. The open house was advertised by newspaper ads, community posters, a media interview, transit operators talking to customers, and stakeholder invitation letters. The meetings were structured informally and approximately 130 people attended. A series of poster boards provided information on the plan preparation process and posed questions to participants and solicited their collective ideas and priorities. Reduced size copies of these boards and a couple of photos from the open houses are attached as Attachment 2, and a summary of input received is provided below. A survey regarding transit services was also available and was completed by 50 people so far. A copy of the survey is included as Attachment 3. In addition to the open house survey, a survey has been available at various facilities (e.g. library) around town to solicit further project input. An on-board transit survey was completed on both the handydart and conventional buses on December 6 th. A summary of the open house results and public input received thus far is as follows: Local Services Strong support for significantly increasing the service frequency (from 1 hour to every 30 minutes), requiring more buses Support for reducing the length of the routes to improve reliability and connect to a customer friendly transit exchange, perhaps located near WalMart, with a shuttle service provided between the new exchange and downtown area Support for extension of service on weekday evenings, more service on Saturday, and introduction of service on Sunday and holidays to enable residents to make work, entertainment and social trips; Use smaller buses for off-peak periods Significant support for providing transit service to a number of areas including: Raven s plateau; recreational areas such as Callaghan Valley, Shannon Falls

3 and Alice Lake; Brennan Park Recreation Centre; Wal-Mart; Garibaldi Village Mall and movie theatre; Brennan Park; walk-in clinic; Quest University. Need to bring the transit service up to a level required for a growing community, with residents needing improved opportunities for mobility Transit is an important service for new residents moving into the area Note: Transit brings a significant multiplier effect to the expenditure of local tax dollars: for every 22 cents of local tax resources spent on transit improvements, BC Transit contributes at least 78 cents in BC Transit share and fare revenues. Futhermore, if funds are spend on service improvements there is a strong correlation between dollars spent on service improvements and ridership increases (i.e. there is a transit service elasticity factor of between 0.6 and 0.7 for every dollar (1.0) spent on service improvements and ridership increases). Commuter Services Support for the continued improvement for the Squamish Whistler service, and for the initiation of a Squamish-Greater Vancouver transit service. An important issue that arose during the open house discussions was the need for District of Squamish to receive advice and consideration regarding discussions and negotiations regarding future service connections to Greater Vancouver, financing of service, and the relationship with the new governance structure announced for TransLink. Recent announced changes to TransLink (i.e. now called South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority) in its new legislation could see expansion of their network into the Fraser Valley and the Sea to Sky corridor. New Fare Media Support for examining a Quest University and high school student deep discount transit pass programs (e.g. universal pass for university students) on the basis that all students purchase a pass. These programs have been used successfully in other areas to significantly increase ridership and build a long-term transit culture. Increase the number of outlets selling bus passes and tickets. handydart Need to improve handy DART service commensurate with a growing community. Other Service Issues Other prominent service issues include: o routes now being shortened due to ridership demands and lack of buses for long routes, and customers being left behind; o handydart buses having to be used for conventional services at times due to lack of conventional buses; o need for updated Rider s Guide and improved bus schedule information; Page 3

4 o the requirement for more benches and shelters on routes; o need to better match routes to meet work and school trip start and finish times. o need for improved bus stop locations and provision of sidewalk connections to bus stops; o need for bike racks on bicycles to extend the range of the buses; o need for local bus maintenance facilities and staff. Council Input and Direction Some questions to stimulate thought and discussion for the Dec discussion are: What is Council s vision for the Squamish transit system in five years? What are the key policy objectives Council would like to achieve with the Squamish transit system? How can transit improve the quality of life for area residents, meet more individual travel needs, and become a realistic travel option for more people? Is Council willing to examine the dedication of more municipal resources - taxes and grants received from other levels of government - to enhancing the transit system in partnership with BC Transit, both in terms of its operations and capital facilities? Is Council interested in exploring complementary programs, which increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the transit system? o Some examples are continued implementation of sustainable growth plans with increased density and mixed land use; introduction of downtown parking charges; and introduction of city employee sustainable transportation programs to set an example and work with similar programs for the private sector. 5. Department Comments: Staff and the project team for this project value the scheduled opportunity on December 11 th for discussion and Council direction. 6. Policy Implication Page 4 The outcome of this process will be adoption of a 5 Year Business Plan for Squamish Transit, to guide future budget and transit planning. 7. Staff Recommendation and Alternatives:

5 Staff Recommendation: Direction from Council regarding the Squamish Transit 5-Year Business Plan Alternative 1: As determined by Council. Heather Evans, Planner Attachments: Attachment 1 November memo from Planning Dept to Council Attachment 2 November question boards Attachment 3 - Survey Comments: Page 5

6 DISTRICT OF SQUAMISH Planning Department Memo TO: CC: FROM: Mayor and Council Department Heads Planning Department DATE: November 13, 2007 RE: Transit Plan Project is underway The purpose of this memo: To advise Council of the Transit Plan project s basic intent, scope and process. This project will be brought forward to Council for further discussion at the next Strategy Session (December 07). General Context and Background: When the BC Transit Board of Directors visited Council in 2006, Council and the BC Transit Board discussed the possibility for a longer-term master planning exercise for Squamish. BC Transit was able to fund the project for BC Transit has retained UMA Engineering as the principal consultant for the project. BC Transit is working in close collaboration with District staff on this project. The Planning Department is leading the District s involvement in the project with participation from Finance as well. Staff are enthusiastic about this project. The overall outcome is to enhance the transit service and provide residents with an improved mobility option as an environmentally conscientious and economical alternative to the use of private automobiles. A forward-looking transit plan to serve the community s growing future needs will be a huge asset to the implementation of Squamish s commitments thus far for sustainability on the ground including: Council s 12 point pledge on greenhouse gas reduction progressive targets for greenhouse gas reduction and membership in Partners for Climate Protection (FCM) Smart Growth Concept Plan, which includes a land use plan for complete and compact downtown neighbourhood Community Energy Plan Official Community Plan and Growth Management Strategy that commits to concentration of future growth in downtown and existing neighbourhood nodes Scope: The purpose is to develop a Transit Business Plan that recommends service improvements and strategies for implementation over the next five years, based on community needs, priorities and cost effectiveness. The focus will be on local service, and as a secondary consideration regional service. Objectives: Increasing transit ridership and profile, identify key markets for ridership growth Improving the efficiency and effectiveness of all local transit services Determining transit s long term capital needs (buses and facilities such as transit exchanges)

7 Integrating conventional and custom transit services Improving travel options for all residents, including integrating cycling and walkways with transit services Enhancing regional connections between Squamish, Whistler and Vancouver Timeline and Process Highlights, Council involvement: Nov-Dec 2006: Stakeholder consultation Community meetings on Nov 27, 2007 afternoon session and evening session. Community wide advertising, open to the public, targeted invitations to relevant agencies and organizations Council strategy session December 2007 On-board bus survey in December 2007 Information on District website, including opportunity to provide input online Early 2007: A series of service options for Council and public consideration and feedback, including short term and long term priorities (including rationale, capital and operating cost, financial commitment from DoS and BC Transit) Supporting strategies to encourage greater transit use (fare strategies, facilities, marketing, transportation demand management) Spring 2007 Consideration of the finalized Five Year Transit Plan by DoS Council and BC Transit. Staff, BC Transit and the consultant (UMA) look forward to further discussion with Council at the next Council strategy session. Page 2

8 Welcome to the District of Squamish Transit Plan

9 Transit Plan for Squamish 1 2 Plan Purpose Identify five year transit service improvements: the priority focus is on local transit routes handydart services also examine transit services to Whistler and future connections to Greater Vancouver Identify related programs to improve transit: fares and new programs e.g. discounted U-Pass for students cycling and walking connections to transit services improved transit information District website and updated ride guide capital investments e.g. more buses, transit exchanges

10 Process for We want to listen to you tonight! Tell us your vision and priorities for the Squamish transit system by three means: 1 2 Tell us and write down your ideas and thoughts about transit on the sheets of paper near each of the displays or on maps of routes. Vote on your top priorities blue dots - most important priorities red dots - important 3 Complete a survey and provide more detailed comments.

11 Benefits of Transit Plan Provides additional community mobility for work, recreational, school and other trips Provides efficient use of community resources: energy road space When transit is well connected with cycling and walking trails, it extends the range of all active transportation modes - walking, transit and cycling More people on transit improves the mobility for required auto trips and goods movement by trucks Enhances the sustainability of the District of Squamish as a community, e.g. supports land use changes

12 Facts About Squamish Transit Serves 15,000 population and future projected growth Conventional system - uses 2 buses and has one spare bus Three routes - Brackendale, Valleycliffe and Highlands which operate every minutes Winter Squamish to Whistler service Annual Operating Cost - $540,000 Fare recovery of total cost - 31% Revenue passengers 150,000 annually handydart - 2 buses Adults Seniors Students Transit Fares Cash $1.75 $1.50 $ Tickets $29.00 $24.00 $24.00 handydart: 1 zone - $1.75; 2 zones - $2.50 Monthly Pass $39.00 $30.00 $20.00 to $30.00

13 What new destinations in Squamish need transit service? New destinations include: Existing community facilities or areas not now served by transit Potential future developments in the community Please place your ideas via stickies or priorities via dots here or show on local route maps

14 What is the ideal frequency of transit service for you to use it more often? Please place your ideas via stickies or priorities via dots During peak periods: 6:00 to 8:30 am and 3:30 to 6:30 pm? During off peak periods? Mid day 8:30 am to 3:30 pm? Evenings 6:30 to 11:00 pm? Saturdays? Sundays and holidays?

15 Transit Service Connections to Whistler Please place your ideas via stickies or priorities via dots What are your priorities for improving Squamish to Whistler service for you to use it more often? Now there are 4 daily trips between November and April. Operate this service more frequently daily? Operate this service all year long? Improve information about the service?

16 How can the handydart transit services be improved? Please post your ideas via stickies Provide more service via more handydart buses? Provide discount coupons for use of accessible taxis? Other suggestions?

17 Transit Service Connections to Greater Vancouver Please post your ideas via stickies How often should a transit service to Greater Vancouver operate on a daily basis? Please indicate trips per day or frequency Where should such as service connect to Greater Vancouver? Downtown Vancouver? West Vancouver - Park Royal? Other areas? What fare should be charged for such a transit service?

18 What are your top 4 priorities for improving transit services for you to use them more? Operate service more frequently? Extend the hours of service later in evenings? Provide improved regional transit connections to Whistler and Greater Vancouver? Provide improved transit service information via an up to date ride guide, and/or on the District s website? Improve handydart service? Lower fares? Provide bicycle racks on the buses? Provide newer buses? Provide more reliable service? Provide improved sidewalk connections to bus stops? Establish a centrally located transit exchange where all bus routes would meet? Extend service to new destinations and areas? Please list. Other ideas - please specify. Please indicate your priorities via dots

19 What alternative fare programs would you support? Please post your ideas via stickies Annual pass for all university students (high school too). Electronic multi-ride (30-50) card (versus tickets). Same card could be used on Whistler/Vancouver services. Paying for your ride via credit/debit card.

20 How do you stay in touch with the Transit Plan process? Submit comments on Squamish Transit Business Plan to: or or link into for more information on the project

21 Photographs from Community on Squamish Transit Left: One of several Community Input Boards. Yellow notes contain ideas posted by participants, and coloured dots indicate priorities for improving transit service. Results are summarized in Council report. Right: Open house action photo

22 District of Squamish Transit Plan Over the next six months, BC Transit and the District of Squamish will be developing a 5 year Transit Plan. The purpose of this plan is to develop improvements for the local transit services, regional transit service connections to Whistler and to Great Vancouver and the handydart services, with a focus on local services. The objective of this plan will be to develop transit improvements which will serve to better meet the needs of existing customers and attract new ridership. Please assist us to improve the transit service in Squamish by taking a few minutes to complete this survey. d trip to and from school = 2 one-way trips 1. Please indicate the nearest roadway intersection where your residence is located? 2. How often do you usually ride Squamish Transit? Please check one box. Note: please count each one way trip; for example, to and from work would be two trips trips per week 2-5 times per week Several times per year 6-10 trips per week Several times per month Never or rarely 3. What bus route (s) do you usually take for your transit trips? Brakendale Highlands Squamish-Whistler commuter handydart bus Valleycliffe Combination - please specify 4. Please indicate the approximate percentage of your transit trips that are taken for each of the following purposes with the total being 100%. Commute to work % Shopping % Commute to Post Secondary Institution % Social/Recreational % Commute to High School/Elementary School % Squamish Transit Business Plan Page 1 of 4 Survey

23 5. Now thinking about all the trips you make in a week using any from of transportation, what percentage of your total trips are made by transit? Note: please count each one way trip, for example to and from work would be two trips. Less than 5% 10-20% 5% to 10% More than 20% 6. Please indicate your top two reasons for using transit rather than using an automobile for trips. Please rank the 2 choices by placing a 1 beside the most important reason and a 2 beside the least important of the three reasons. I do not have access to a car. I find the bus less expensive than taking a car. I can relax on the bus. Taking the bus means that I lower my environmental impact in making trips. Transfer connections between the commuter and local routes are reliable. The bus service is close to my home. Other, please specify. 7. How would each of the following changes impact your use of Squamish Transit? Change to Transit Service Use Transit more often Use Transit less often No impact on use of Transit Local bus service operating more frequently Extend the hours of service later in evenings Provide improved regional transit connections to Whistler from Squamish Provide a connecting transit service from Squamish to Greater Vancouver Higher gasoline prices Provide a U-Pass for high school and university students (Quest University) this is a discounted pass as all students are required to fund through student fees Provide more transit service on Saturday Provide more transit service on Sunday and statutory holidays Provide improved information about the transit system by an updated ride guide and on the District s website Provide improved sidewalk connections to bus stops Squamish Transit Business Plan Page 2 of 4 Survey

24 Change to Transit Service Use Transit more often Use Transit less often No impact on use of Transit Lower transit fares Provide bicycle racks on the buses Provide newer buses Provide more handydart service via more buses and/or provide discount tickets for using accessible taxis Improve safety and security riding the transit system Provide more reliable transit service Improve safety on the buses and at bus stops Provide a centrally located and new transit exchange in downtown area where all bus routes would meet Provide service to more destinations - please specify below destinations required for transit service. Destinations can be buildings or areas not now served by transit or proposed new developments Additional Destinations and/or Comments: 8. In which age group do you fall? years years years years years 65 years or older? 9. Do you have access to a vehicle? Please choose the answer that best describes your situation. Do not have access to a vehicle Own a vehicle Have unlimited access to a vehicle Have limited access to a vehicle Squamish Transit Business Plan Page 3 of 4 Survey

25 10. Gender Male Female Please provide any additional comments: Thank you very much for your assistance in completing this survey which will be used to improve public transit services in Squamish. For more information on the plan, please contact or go to the District website at: Please leave this completed form with us, or dropped off at Squamish City Hall, care of Heather Evans or fax it to Bill Lambert, UMA Engineering Ltd. at Squamish Transit Business Plan Page 4 of 4 Survey