CITY OF TALLAHASSEE
CITY COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED ON: June 10, 2009
SUBJECT/TITLE: Discussion of the Amendment to Florida State University (FSU) 2006 – 2011 Seminole Express Agreement
TARGET ISSUE: N/A

STATEMENT OF ISSUE

StarMetro is requesting approval to amend the 2006 – 2011 Florida State (FSU) Seminole Express Service Agreement to reflect the anticipated service hours for the upcoming school year and the estimated hourly rate. The Amendment is estimated to provide supplemental funding for the City’s transit system in the amount of $2,027,378. This is a decrease of 7% from the 2008-2009 agreement ($2,189,198) and is directly associated with the decrease in fuel prices experienced last year. The service agreement is successful in decreasing vehicles on campus, improving ridership, and lowering the carbon footprint of both the University and the City of Tallahassee.

RECOMMENDED ACTION

Option 1 – approve and authorize the City Manager or her designee to execute amendment to the Florida State University “Seminole Express” agreement, providing the City with a total of $2,027,378 in funding for the transit system.

FISCAL IMPACT

The proposed amendment continues the monthly rate calculator, which adjusts the rate in accordance to changes in the cost of fuel. The agreement is expected to bring in an estimated $2,027,378 for FY2010. The service agreement has consistently brought in sufficient revenue to cover the costs of operating the service. The Office of Budget and Policy and City Attorney’s Office have reviewed this item, and it is in compliance with City guidelines.

Ronald L. Garrison, Director, StarMetro

Anita Favors Thompson, City Manager

For information, please contact: Brian Waterman, Transit Planning Administrator, 891-5564

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL/ISSUE ANALYSIS
HISTORY/FACTS & ISSUES

Due to the overwhelming success of the extension of routes off-campus, Florida State University (FSU) requested last year that a new route be included in the service agreement to provide additional transit service to students living off-campus and further reduce the on-campus parking demand. The new Osceola Route has proven to be a successful route, carrying on average 5,100 students each month. The proposed Amendment continues using the Monthly Rate Calculator to combine all campus service (Off-Campus Routes, Night Nole, and Contingency Bus) in a single invoice with a fuel adjustment factor. The amendment will continue the trend of reducing the demand for on-campus parking, increase ridership, and lowering the carbon footprint of the University and City of Tallahassee.

Summary of Annual Revenue for FSU Agreements

1Included in the Seminole Express Route Subsidy, estimated at $125,000.
2Included in the Seminole Express Route Subsidy, estimated at $159,176.
3Included in the Seminole Express Route Subsidy, estimated at $125,000.
4Included in the Seminole Express Route Subsidy, estimated at $152,040.

CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS

This does not apply, as this is an agreement between Florida State University and the City of Tallahassee.

OPTIONS

1. Approve and authorize the City Manager or her designee to execute amendment to the Florida State University “Seminole Express” agreement, providing the City with a total of $2,027,378 in funding for the transit system.

Pros: Provides an estimated $2,027,378 to pay for operation of the Seminole Express and subsidizes the City routes operating in the vicinity of FSU.
Encourages FSU faculty, staff, and students to use transit, which decreases traffic congestion, parking demands, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Adjusts the number of service hours and the price of fuel to reflect current conditions.

Cons: Utilizes buses for FSU that could be used elsewhere in the community.

2. Do not approve and provide guidance to staff.

Pros: The current amendment remains in effect.

Cons: No verification of active cards for faculty, staff and students to accurately track ridership on City routes.

ATTACHMENTS/REFERENCES

Attachment 1 – Seminole Express – Amendment 3 Service Alteration and Rate Adjustment