Title
October 2017 Bus Service Changes
Description
Request authorization for the City Manager, or his designee, to implement bus service changes effective Oct. 23, 2017. The recommended changes are provided through the Transportation 2050 Plan and are expected to have an annual net cost increase of $1,372,000.
Report
Summary
For implementation in October 2017, staff identified the following service improvements:
Increased Frequencies
- Route 29 (Thomas Road) - increase the midday and early evening frequency from 20 minutes to 15 minutes during weekdays in the higher ridership segment of the route and extend the higher frequency segment further west, from Desert Sky Transit Center to 44th Street. The overall impact is reduced wait times between bus connections in the off-peak period for the region's busiest route.
- Route 50 (Camelback Road) - increase the midday and early evening frequency from 30 minutes to 15 minutes during weekdays in the higher ridership segment of the route. The overall impact is reduced wait times between bus connections in the off-peak period.
Route Extensions/Eliminations
- Route 19 (19th Avenue) - extend the north end of the route from Pinnacle Peak Road and 23rd Avenue to Happy Valley Road and 23rd Avenue. The one-mile extension will provide a direct connection to the Happy Valley Towne Center, create a new connection with Route 35 (35th Avenue), and provide new service to residential and commercial areas along 23rd Avenue.
- Route 60 (Bethany Home) - extend the east end of the route from 16th Street and Bethany Home Road to Camelback Road and 24th Street via 16th Street, Missouri Avenue, 20th Street, and Camelback Road. Extending the route will reinstate Route 60 service that was eliminated in July 2012 due to budgetary constraints at the time.
New Route
- Route 140 (Ray Road) - Valley Metro is proposing to implement a new route on Ray Road between 48th Street in Phoenix and Gilbert Road in Gilbert. Route 140 will service Phoenix, Tempe, Chandler, and Gilbert on Ray Road and connect to nine local routes in the region. Phoenix's portion of the new route is one-half mile on Ray Road between 48th Street and Interstate 10.
Financial Impact
Route 19 (19th Avenue): Extension to Happy Valley Road - $242,000
Route 29 (Thomas Road): Improve mid-day service frequency - $362,000
Route 50 (Camelback Road): Improve mid-day service frequency - $345,000
Route 60 (Bethany Home Road): Extension to 24th Street & Camelback Road - $375,000
Route 140 (Ray Road): New Route on Ray Road from 48th Street to Gilbert road - $48,000
The estimated annual cost increase of the October 2017 bus service changes is $1,372,000, net of bus fares collected. Funds are available in the Public Transit Department's operating budget Transportation 2050 funds. Staff will develop and request contract changes for City Council approval for the relevant bus service operating agreements to ensure adequate funding through the term of the contracts.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee recommended this item by a vote of 4-0 on June 13, 2017. The Citizens Transportation Commission recommended approval of the October 2017 bus service changes to the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on May 25, 2017 by a vote of 9-1.
Public Outreach
These changes were discussed with the community through a formal public outreach process from April 17, 2017 through May 19, 2017, including a public hearing in downtown Phoenix. Approximately 91 comments were received from the public regarding bus service changes proposed for October 2017. The majority of the comments were supportive of the changes, as additional service and connectivity will result.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Mario Paniagua and the Public Transit Department.