HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 09-19-2017 - 8-e - Orange Public Transportation (OPT) Mid-day Connector Route Fee Waiver for “Try Transit” Campaign 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: September 19, 2017
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-e
SUBJECT: Orange Public Transportation (OPT) Mid-day Connector Route Fee Waiver for
"Try Transit" Campaign
DEPARTMENT: Health: Healthy
Carolinians/Access
Subcommittee
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Donna King, 245-2449
PURPOSE: To approve the waiver of all rider fees for OPT's Mid-day Connector Route during
the week of October 23 through 28, 2017 in support of the "Try Transit" Campaign led by the
Healthy Carolinians' Access Committee.
BACKGROUND: The Healthy Carolinians' Access Committee, in collaboration with Department
on Aging, OPT , Chapel Hill Transit, and GoTriangle, is spearheading a "Try Transit" Campaign
aimed at encouraging medical and human services agencies to pilot or adopt transportation
access improvement activities or practices within their organization.
Providers can attend a Transportation Academy and learn how the various transportation
providers operate within the County and how best to connect their clients to the appropriate
service. Academy participants will complete their training by actually riding public transit.
After attending the Academy, Campaign partners will promote the use of public transit during the
week of October 23 through 28, 2017; through social media, information tables or riding along
with those trying transit for the first time. It is proposed that the Board waive rider fees during
that week in an effort to support this effort to encourage people to try public transit. If approved,
fees for only the OPT Mid-day Connector Route would be waived during the designated week.
Participating organizations will receive technical support and materials to establish a
Transportation kiosk within their organization (i.e., Large route map(s), literature holder for
maps, forms, and contact/resources).
The campaign concept was well received, when presented by Peter Murphy, at the August 16,
2017 Orange Unified Transportation Board meeting. The Access subcommittee hopes this small
pilot campaign will serve as a catalyst for future transit education and awareness activities.
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FINANCIAL IMPACT: OPT estimates the loss in revenue will be less than $200 if the rider fees
are waived from the Mid-day Connector Route during the proposed week. Fare box losses
would be offset by available Transit Sales Tax funds.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable
to this item:
• GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND
INEQUITY
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color;
religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or
ethnic background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential or economic
status.
Public Transit provides mobility to everyone and greater freedom to travel near and far.
• GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY
The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding necessary
for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their
dependents.
Transit not only provides great local jobs, but helps local residents get to their jobs.
• GOAL: CREATE A SAFE COMMUNITY
The reduction of risks from vehicle/traffic accidents, childhood and senior injuries, gang
activity, substance abuse and domestic violence.
When robust transit options exist, fewer cars are driven, reducing their harmful effects on
society, which include 30,000 fatalities each year and significant injuries to many others every
year through vehicle accidents.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve OPT waiving the
Mid-day Connector rider fees during the week of October 23 through 28, 2017.