Title
Analysis - Youth Transit Passes
Description
Request Council approval to move forward with the recommendation of the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee to conduct targeted outreach to Phoenix public and charter schools regarding the benefits of the transit Platinum Pass program, and to continue the existing youth fare program, which provides free fares for youths 5 and under when accompanied by an adult, and reduced (half-price) fares for youths 6-18. This report further provides the City Council with information and analysis regarding a citizen petition for the City of Phoenix to fund all costs and financial impacts of providing bus and light rail passes for youth traveling to and from school.
Report
Summary
At the June 7, 2017 Formal Council meeting, the City Council considered a petition requesting the City cover the full cost and lost revenue to provide bus and light rail passes to pre-school through high school students 19 years of age or younger, traveling to and from school and to the accompanying parents or guardians of said students. The City Council took action to direct staff to conduct further analysis and return to the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee in October 2017. The analysis was to include the following elements:
- Financial impact to cover costs and revenue loss to provide youth transit passes.
- Potential legal issues.
- Alternative funds and/or grants.
- Council considerations, including means testing, neighborhood circulators, Platinum Pass outreach to public and charter schools, and state funding for youth fares.
- Options for Council to review.
Staff recommends targeted outreach to Phoenix public and charter schools regarding the benefits of the existing transit Platinum Pass program, in addition to maintaining the existing youth fare program, which provides free fares for youths 5 and under when accompanied by an adult, and reduced (half-price) fares for youths 6-18. The existing reduced (half-price) fare program for youth ages 6-18 is in line with comparable cities. The Platinum Pass program allows schools to reduce and control their transit costs by only paying for actual usage with a cap of $32 per month per Platinum Pass. Additional detail regarding analysis of financial, legal and other factors considered are explained in the staff analysis provided in Attachments A, B and C.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee recommended continuation of the existing youth fare program and targeted outreach to Phoenix charter and public schools for the Platinum Pass program by a vote of 4-0 on Oct. 10, 2017.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Mario Paniagua and the Public Transit Department.