Comments: Grouped by Subject

        B.  Expand Service

I.               Service to Outlying Communities (PH-1)  

            

2.  SPECIALIZED SERVICES

        A.  No comments during the 2003/2004 Unmet Needs Process

3.  OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS

        A.Route Changes

            I.     More stops along routes (PH-4)

            II.    Make mandatory time connections at stops (PH-4,L-1)     

            III.   Changes to bus schedules  (L-1,L-3, EM-1)  

        B. Fares 

            IV.   Reduce bus fare (L-2)

        C. Other 

            V.   Murals for buses*

            VI.  Extra bike racks*

            VII. Consider Using Bio-diesel fuel for buses (PH-8,9, EM-2)*

 

 

RTPA Response

These services are subject to “unmet transit need” and “reasonable to meet” criteria.  There were no requests for expanding service to outlying communities during the 2003/2004 Unmet Needs process.

 

1. 

A new transit service would need to generate at least 15 passenger trips per each new service hour.  As a result of the 2000/2001 Unmet Transit Needs,  trial transit services were implemented within the RABA service area.  These services were the Cottonwood Express, the Airport Road Corridor, and the McArthur extension of the Burney Express.  These trial services were given a one year time period to meet the required 10% farebox.  Due to lack of ridership and failure to meet farebox, the services were terminated in November 2002.  The results of the farebox analysis provided the following farebox ratio:  McArthur/Burney– 3.7%, Cottonwood-3.0%, and Airport Road-1.5% (See the 2003/2004 Transit Needs Assessment Page 21). At this time, the possibility of extending route service to outlying areas is not reasonable to meet.

 

 

 

2. No response required

3.

Comments One through Three are considered operational issues which shall be addressed by RABA. (See RABA responses). Comments Five, Six, and Seven are not an Unmet Needs issue.  (See RABA responses)

 

Reduced bus fare has been addressed previously in the 2000/2001 Unmet Needs Process.  To maintain eligibility for Transportation Development Funding, the RABA farebox must meet the farebox ratio as set by the RTPA.  While the RTPA is required to monitor farebox ratios for compliance with the Transportation Development Act, the method for achieving farebox ratio requirements in the responsibility of RABA. (See RABA response).

 

The RTPA recommends that RABA try to meet the on time performance for Route 9.