AGENDA #12a(1)
MEMORANDUM
TO: Town Council
FROM: Kevin Foy, Mayor
SUBJECT: Report on Proposal for Coordination of Triangle Transit Systems
DATE: October 7, 2002
The attached resolution would authorize the Mayor and Town Manager to participate in discussions concerning improved coordination and possible merger of existing transit systems in the Research Triangle region. The resolution further states that the Town Council has not committed to consolidation of Chapel Hill Transit services and that any decision by the Council regarding this matter would occur only after thorough study and public comment.
In August 2002, the Triangle J Council of Governments and the North Carolina Department of Transportation organized a series of meetings to discuss opportunities for improved coordination of the existing transit system in the Research Triangle region. Mr. Thomas Larwin, General Manager of the San Diego Metropolitan Transit Development Board, spoke to several groups, including elected officials, Managers, and Transit Directors and their staffs concerning the experience of San Diego in consolidating transit services. The Town Manager prepared a Quick Report on those meetings and the study, proposed by the North Carolina Department of Transportation, to identify areas of possible coordination and consolidation. (Attachment 1) A description of the Triangle Region Public Transportation Coordination Project is included in Attachment 1.
In discussions subsequent to the meetings in August 2002, several Mayors within the Triangle region, including Charles Meeker of Raleigh, have suggested that full merger of the regions existing transit systems should be completed by January 2008. (Attachment 2) The Triangle Transit Authority Phase I Rail System is expected to open in January 2008.
As noted in the Manager’s August 23, 2002 Quick Report, the North Carolina Department of Transportation has initiated the Triangle Region Public Transportation Coordination Project to explore the opportunities for improved coordination of the region’s transit systems. That study will also review the issues surrounding possible merger of transit services. At the August 21, 2002 meeting, both the Town Manager and I expressed our support for better coordination of transit service, but pointed out that Chapel Hill Transit is a unique system. We noted that the conditions that might recommend a merger of the Raleigh or Durham transit systems may not be relevant in Chapel Hill. We pointed out that the initiation of the fare free policy, which had resulted in significant increases in ridership, was an example of the special nature of the Chapel Hill system.
While I support the North Carolina Department of Transportation study of transit coordination and possible consolidation, I cannot support, at this time, the adoption of a policy statement committing the region to full merger of transit systems by January 2008. I believe that any effort to merge the Chapel Hill Transit system with others in the Triangle region must be the result of a thorough review of the issues. The impacts of a merger on service levels, local responsiveness, and financial impacts must be explored. The public must be given an opportunity to provide the Town Council with comments and recommendations. In addition, our partners in the transit system, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Town of Carrboro, should be consulted and given the opportunity to comment. While I suggest we participate in the development of the study, I would make it clear that Chapel Hill would consider the recommendations of the study in light of local needs and would retain the option to remain independent.
It is anticipated that with the completion of the Triangle Region Public Transportation Coordination Project in late 2003 or early 2004, further discussions will be initiated to review the results of the study. At the same time, the Regional Mayors’ Committee will continue discussions on possible regional funding sources for regional transportation improvements. I will report to the Council the results of the regional transit coordination and consolidation study, and discussions of regional funding options.
I request that the Council adopt the attached resolution which would authorize the Mayor and Town Manager to participate in the ongoing discussions on improved transit coordination and possible merger. The resolution identifies the goal of these discussions as finding the best service arrangements for the citizens of Chapel Hill and makes it clear that no action will be taken without full Council discussion and agreement.
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND TOWN MANAGER TO PARTICIPATE IN REGIONAL DISCUSSIONS TO PROVIDE IMPROVED COORDINATION AND POSSIBLE CONSOLIDATION OF TRANSIT SERVICES (2002-10-07/R-11)
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Transportation has initiated the Triangle Regional Public Transportation Coordination Project to study of the impacts of improved coordination and possible consolidation of regional transit services; and,
WHEREAS, a proposal has been advanced to implement consolidation of the regional transit systems by January, 2008; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Chapel Hill operates the largest local transit system in the Research Triangle region; and
WHEREAS, the impacts of improved coordination of transit services could be beneficial to the citizens of Chapel Hill; and
WHEREAS, the ongoing study of regional transit services may identify benefits to the citizens of Chapel Hill through the consolidation of transit services.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill hereby authorizes the Mayor and Town Manager to participate in the regional discussion of possible benefits to Chapel Hill of improved coordination and consolidation of regional transit services.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council has not committed to consolidation of Chapel Hill Transit services with other regional transit providers and that any decision by the Chapel Hill Town Council to consolidate some or all of Chapel Hill Transit services would occur only after thorough study and opportunities for public comment.
This the 7th day of October, 2002.