HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-06-14 - AGENDA REPORTS - EXPRESS BUS SERVICESAGENDA REPORT
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
DATE: June 14, 1994
City Manager
Item to be pre
SUBJECT: San Fernando Valley Express Bus Services
DEPARTMENT: Public Works
BACKGROUND
Following the Northridge Earthquake, staff discussed with Council and received direction to
initiate emergency express bus service to areas of the San Fernando Valley that were not
served by Metrolink. These service were to provide an alternative to driving due to a 50 %
reduction in highway capacity. In February of 1994, Santa Clarita Transit initiated three
emergency commuter express bus routes between Santa Clarita and the San Fernando Valley.
Since the inception of these services, ridership has grown steadily, making it likely ridership
will hold up after all highway capacity is restored. Indeed, the opening of I-5 has not
resulted in a change of ridership patterns.
On Thursday May 19, 1994, the Article Eight Hearing Board, which is charged by State law
to determine if there are unmet transit needs in the Santa Clarita Valley, determined that lack
of transit service between Santa Clarita and the San Fernando Valley would be an unmet
transit need. The Board directed Santa Clarita to continue the three routes as a condition for
receiving TDA Article Eight funds in FY 1994-95, Part of this finding was based on over
100 written and oral comments received from riders of the San Fernando Valley bus routes.
Because the existing contract was awarded under emergency conditions, the City will have to
obtain sealed bids for continued operation of this service. This process is underway and
award of the permanent contract will be brought to the July 12, 1994 Council Meeting. In
order to ensure all potential bidders may be able to respond, with sufficient lead time to
secure and obtain equipment, the City will not require initiation of permanent service before
September 1, 1994. Therefore the existing open ended contract should be ratified through
August 31, 1994, to assure no interruption in service.
RECOMMENDATION
Ratify and extend the existing contract with Antelope Valley Bus Inc. through August 31,
1994.
APRIVED