Transit Fixed-Route Service Changes Copyright 2014
City of Dubuque Items to be set for Public Hearing # 4.
ITEM TITLE: Transit Fixed-Route Service Changes
SUMMARY: City Manager recommending the City Council schedule a public hearing
for June 15, 2015, on the recommended route changes in coordination
with the opening of the Intermodal Center in August 2015 and the
transition from the 6th and Iowa Street Transfer to the Intermodal as the
downtown hub.
RESOLUTION Setting the Date for a Public Hearing on Transit Fixed-
Route Service Changes Associated With the Opening of the Dubuque
Intermodal Transportation Center
SUGGESTED DISPOSITION: Suggested Disposition: Receive and File; Adopt Resolution(s), Set Public
Hearing for June 15, 2015
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
❑ Jule Intermodal Route Changes-MVM Memo City Manager Memo
❑ Memo-Route Change Proposal Staff Memo
❑ Resolution Resolutions
❑ Public Hearing Notice Supporting Documentation
THE CITY OF Dubuque
UBE I
erica .i
Masterpiece on the Mississippi 2007-2012-2013
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Proposed Route Changes Associated with the Opening of the Dubuque
Intermodal Transportation Center
DATE: May 13, 2015
Director of Transit Operations Candace Eudaley and Transit Operations Supervisor Jodi
Johnson recommend the City Council schedule a public hearing for June 15, 2015, on
the recommended route changes in coordination with the opening of the Intermodal
Center in August 2015 and the transition from the 6t" and Iowa Street Transfer to the
Intermodal as the downtown hub.
The changes include:
1. The downtown transfer location will be moved from 6th & Iowa Streets to 9th &
Elm Streets.
2. Downtown bus stops will be moved to align with the new transfer location at 9th
& Elm Streets.
3. Service to Key West will be reduced to every other hour (5 trips per day).
4. Service to Fremont will be reduced to every other hour (5 trips per day).
5. Service to the Port of Dubuque will operate only during business shuttle hours
and the Summer Trolley season.
6. Service along Loras Blvd will be reduced to once per hour.
The changes will take effect on or after August 1, 2015, pending the opening and full
operation of the Intermodal Transportation Center.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager
Candace Eudaley, Director of Transit Operations
Jodi Johnson, Transit Operations Supervisor
2
THE CITY OF
DUB E
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: Mike Van Milligan, City Manager
FROM: Candace Eudaley, Director of Transit Operations
Jodi Johnson, Transit Operations Supervisor
CC: Maurice Jones, Economic Development Director
Jenny Larson, Budget Director
RE: Proposed Route Changes Associated with the Opening of the Dubuque Intermodal
Transportation Center
DATE: May 12, 2015
PURPOSE
To outline the route and schedule changes planned to occur in coordination with the opening of the Intermodal
Center in August 2015. Many routes and bus stops will be impacted by the transition from the 6`" & Iowa St
Transfer to the Intermodal as the downtown hub, making the opening of the Intermodal an ideal time to make
other adjustments to the transit system routes and bus stops.
The structure of the system that was developed in January 2014, has served passengers well and should be
maintained to continue to provide short ride times and reduce wait times at the transfer locations. The
information contained in this proposal maintains the hub and spoke structure, but reviews individual routes
through detailed analysis of bus routes, frequency, hours of service, trip length and times of day to limit
negative impacts to all passengers, but especially those with disabilities, low income and elderly individuals.
BACKGROUND
The Jule underwent a system redesign in January 2014 resulting in dramatic increases in ridership each
month. These route changes resulted in shortened ride times, increased coverage, and extended hours, many
trip times were reduced by more than half. Average monthly fixed-route ridership prior to the reconfiguration
was 28,024 while fixed route ridership after the reconfiguration has averaged 37,024, an average increase of
25% per month. A visual of the ridership by route from January to April is below.
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The new Express route is currently the most popular route in the system, with many new service area routes
also performing well. The Summer Trolley, Orange 2 Fremont, Red 2 Key West, and Green 2 Port/Schmitt
have not performed well and have been analyzed for peak usage periods and recommended for consolidation
with other system routes. The Green 2 Port/Schmitt has seen declining ridership since its inception with many
commuters utilizing the Business Shuttle to connect to jobs in the port. The Summer Trolley did not perform
well on weekdays or Sundays. The highest usage on this seasonal service was Saturdays. A Summer Trolley
service reduction was proposed and approved during the budget process from daily service to Saturdays only
for an annual savings of$36,066.
DISCUSSION
All routes currently traveling to the 6`h & Iowa Street transfer will have stops moved to align with the new
downtown transfer location of 9`h & Elm Street. A notice will be posted on each sign stating the new location
and effective date.
The Orange 2 Fremont (14 rides/day), Red 2 Key West (30 rides/day), and Green 2 Port/Schmitt (12 rides/day)
have not performed well, have been analyzed for peak usage periods and are recommended for consolidation
with other system routes.
The Grey 1 Loras/Mercy, White 2 Library/YMCA, White 1 Kane, Grey 2 Hillcrest will be reconfigured to provide
more consistent service to Medical Associates East Campus and will incorporate hourly service to HyVee
South Locust, the most popular bus stop on the former Red 2 Key West route. The high ridership stop on the
Green 2 Port/Schmitt, Mystique Casino, will be added to the Pink1 Point. Tentative schedules for these
changes will be available for public review no later than June 1.
Route Change Summary:
The following changes are proposed in coordination with the opening of the Dubuque Intermodal
Transportation Center.
1. The downtown transfer location will be moved from 6`h & Iowa Streets to 9`h & Elm Streets.
2. Downtown bus stops will be moved to align with the new transfer location at 9`h & Elm Streets.
3. Service to Key West will be reduced to every other hour (5 trips per day).
4. Service to Fremont will be reduced to every other hour (5 trips per day).
5. Service to the Port of Dubuque will operate only during business shuttle hours and the Summer Trolley
season.
6. Service along Loras Blvd will be reduced to once per hour.
If approved, the proposed fixed-route changes will take effect on or after August 1, 2015, pending the
opening and full operation of the Intermodal Transportation Center.
Passenger Impact:
Passenger type by route was reviewed prior to making the route change recommendation to ensure individuals
with disabilities were not disproportionately, negatively impacted.
Half-fare riders include passengers with a Medicare card or individuals over 65 years old. The chart below
shows the half-fare ridership by route. Routes that are proposed for reduced service are highlighted for
reference and have a low half-fare ridership.
2
3,°6 1/2 Fare Rides by Route
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3,500 R 0. 1
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Passenger Information:
May 20, 2015: Passengers will be notified of the public hearing using The Jule's social media account and
Notify-Me as well as posters on the buses.
June 1, 2015: Draft schedules and route diagrams will be posted on The Jule's website and advertised using a
press release, social media and Notify-Me.
June 15, 2015: Proposed public hearing date.
July 17, 2015: Final schedules, including maps will be available on the Jule's website and advertised using a
press release, social media, Notify-Me, and posters on the buses.
July 30, 2015 (tentative): A minimum of 2 weeks prior to beginning service at the Intermodal and route changes
taking effect, closure notices will be posted on 6`h & Iowa Street shelters and other impacted
bus stops, service notices will be posted at all transfers and on all buses. Reminders will be
posted on social media, through press release and Notify-Me. Updated route brochures will be
distributed to community partners, city facilities and on buses.
Transit Advisory Board:
The alternate hour service concept for these routes was discussed with the Transit Advisory Board in
December and was well received.
FINANCIAL
The cost savings from these service reductions were proposed and approved during the FY16 budget process.
Deviations from the proposed changes will have a budget impact.
Transitioning to alternate hour service to Fremont and Key West in addition to reconfiguring the Grey and
White routes while incorporating the Green 2 Port/Schmitt stops will result in one fewer bus on the road each
day. This reduction in driver hours and vehicle miles is based on 10.5 hours of weekday service and 9.5 hours
of Saturday service being removed. Mileage calculations are based on the average mileage of the impacted
routes during Q1 FY14. This savings is for 10 months, from September through June. Ridership and
passenger fares are expected to decrease slightly due to the reduced frequency to Key West and Fremont.
Funds will be required to reprint route brochures and provide flyers and notices to passengers. This reduction
in fare revenue and cost of brochures are included in the calculations in the following page.
3
August 2015 to June 2016 Revenue Revenue Fringe, Other Direct Total
Miles Hours Hourly Rate Direct Cost Expense
Route Expense
Bus Operator Part-Time 3,142 $17.45 $3.29 $0.00 $65,158.17
Fuel (2.84/gallon; 3.5m 37,148 $30,142.95 $30,142.95
Maintenance 0.55/mile $20,431.40 $20,431.40
Route Cost Subtotal: $115,732.52
Passen er Fares $4,689.00
Operating Cost Reduction $111,043.52
Communication Expense Updated brochures, bus flyers, posters, cards $4,116.00
Net Savings $106,927.52
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that a public hearing be set for June 15, 2015 to allow public comment on the proposed
route changes.
4
RESOLUTION NO. 169-15
SETTING THE DATE FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON TRANSIT FIXED -ROUTE
SERVICE CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITH THE OPENING OF THE DUBUQUE
INTERMODAL TRANSPORTATION CENTER
Whereas, the City of Dubuque provides fixed -route and paratransit services for the
citizens of Dubuque; and
Whereas, the location of the downtown fixed -route transfer location will be moved
from 6th & Iowa St to the Dubuque Intermodal Transportation Center at 9th & Elm St; and
Whereas, the bus stop locations will be moved to align with the new transfer location;
and
Whereas, the transfer location change is an optimal time to make other route
adjustments based on ridership patterns; and
Whereas, the proposed route changes will impact all daytime fixed -route transit
riders; and
Whereas, the following changes to fixed -route service are proposed:
1. The downtown transfer location will be moved from 6th & Iowa Streets to 9th & Elm
Streets.
2. Downtown bus stops will be moved to align with the new transfer location at 9th &
Elm Streets.
3. Service to Key West will be reduced to every other hour.
4. Service to Fremont will be reduced to every other hour.
5. Service to the Port of Dubuque will operate only during business shuttle hours and
the Summer Trolley season.
6. Service along Loras Blvd will be reduced to once per hour.
If approved, the proposed fixed -route changes will take effect on or after August 1,
2015, pending the opening and full operation of the Intermodal Transportation
Center.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1: A public hearing will be held as part of the City Council Meeting on June
15, 2015. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be held in the City Council
Chambers of the Historic Federal Building, 350 W 6th Street, Dubuque, Iowa. The
purpose of the hearing is to allow public comment on the route changes associated with
the opening of the Dubuque Intermodal Transportation Center.
Section 2: Interested persons may comment on the proposed fare increase either in
writing by filing with the City Clerk prior to the time of the public hearing or in person at
the public hearing. Any comments submitted will be considered by the City Council and
following the public hearing, the City Council will act to adopt or reject the proposed fare
increase.
Passed, approved and adopted this 18th day of May, 2015.
Attest:
Kevi ✓S. Firnstahl, 0
C, City Clerk
CITY OF DUBUQUE
OFFICIAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PUBLIC HEARING ON TRANSIT FIXED-ROUTE SERVICE
CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITH THE OPENING OF THE DUBUQUE INTERMODAL
TRANSPORTATION CENTER
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: The City Council of the City of Dubuque, Iowa will hold a public hearing on the
transit fixed-route changes associated with the opening of the Dubuque Intermodal Transportation Center at
6pm, on the 15`h day of June, 2015, in the Historic Federal Building Council Chambers (second floor), 350
West 6`h Street, Dubuque, Iowa. Information regarding the route changes, including schedule changes will be
available on The Jule website (www.JuleTransit.org . At said hearing, any interested person may appear and
file objections thereto.
Proposed route changes:
1. The downtown transfer location will be moved from 6`h & Iowa Streets to 9`h & Elm Streets.
2. Downtown bus stops will be moved to align with the new transfer location at 9`h & Elm Streets.
3. Service to Key West will be reduced to every other hour.
4. Service to Fremont will be reduced to every other hour.
5. Service to the Port of Dubuque will operate only during business shuttle hours and the Summer Trolley
season.
6. Service along Loras Blvd will be reduced to once per hour.
If approved, the proposed fixed-route changes will take effect on or after August 1, 2015, pending the
opening and full operation of the Intermodal Transportation Center.
Any visual or hearing-impaired persons needing special assistance or persons with special accessibility
needs should contact the City Clerk's office at (563) 589-4120 or TDD at (563) 690-6678 at least 48 hours
prior to the meeting.
If you cannot attend in person, you may comment on the proposed fare increase in writing:
Submit comments in writing to the City Clerk prior to the time of the public hearing:
EMAIL: kfirnsta6aDcityofdubugue.org
MAIL: City Clerk; 50 W. 13`h St; Dubuque, Iowa 52001
Any comments submitted will be considered by the City Council and following the public hearing, the City
Council will act to adopt or reject the proposed route changes.
Published by order of the City Council given on the 18`h day of May, 2015.
CITY OF DUBUQUE
OFFICIAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PUBLI C HEARING ON TRANSIT FIXED-ROUTE SERVICE
CHANGES ASSOCI ATED WITH THE OPENING OF THE DUBUQUE INTERMODAL
TRANSPORTATION CENTER
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: The City Council of the City of Dubuque, Iowa will hold a public
hearing on the transit fixed-route changes associated with the opening of the Dubuque Intermodal
Transportation Center at 6:00 PM, on the 15th day of June, 2015, in the Historic Federal Building
Council Chambers (second f loor), 350 W est 6th Street, Dubuque, Iowa. Information regarding the
route changes, including schedule changes will be available on The Jule website
(www.JuleTransit.org). At said hearing, any interested person may appear and file objections
thereto.
Proposed route changes:
1. The downtown transfer location will be moved from 6th & Iowa Streets to 9th & Elm Streets.
2. Downtown bus stops will be moved to align with the new transfer location at 9th & Elm Streets.
3. Service to Key West will be reduced to every other hour.
4. Service to Fremont will be reduced to every other hour.
5. Service to the Port of Dubuque will operate only during business shuttle hours and the
Summer Trolley season.
6. Service along Loras Blvd will be reduced to once per hour.
If approved, the proposed fixed-route changes will take effect on or after August 1, 2015, pending
the opening and full operation of the Intermodal Transportation Center.
Any visual or hearing impaired persons needing special assistance or persons with special accessibility
needs should contact the City Clerk’s Office at (563) 589-4100 or TTY (563) 690-6678 at least 48 hours
prior to the meeting.
If you cannot attend in person, you may comment on the proposed fare increase in writing: Submit
comments to the City Clerk prior to the time of the public hearing: EMAIL: kfirnsta@cityofdubuque.org
MAIL: City Clerk; 50 W . 13th St; Dubuque, Iowa 52001
Any comments submitted will be considered by the City Council and following the public hearing,
the City Council will act to adopt or reject the proposed route changes.
Published by order of the City Council given on the 18th day of May, 2015.
Kevin S. Firnstahl, City Clerk
1t 5/22