MINUTES
OTHERS: Budget Dept.: Kate Carrano, Meredith Waltman; CBAC: George Hosey; C.E.’s Office: Bill Randolph, Jay Hashmall, Susan Tapper; DOT: Harry Stanton, Marvin Church, Rich Stiller, Bill Leverence, Patty Chemka, Robert Funicello; Westchester Trans. Mgt. Org.: Charles DelPriore, Frank Ronnenberg; Westchester Cty Assn: Larry Dwyer; Airport: Joel Russell, Chris Burkart; Journal News: Glen Blaine; LWV: Jo Brill; BOL: Legislator Bronz, Chris Chang, Sally Schecter, Robert Boland, Tina Seckerson
Chairman Wishnie called the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m.
DISCUSSION: (There is a cassette tape on file for more detailed information)
2000 PROPOSED BUDGET: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION:
· Mr. Stanton explained that the department has suffered a significant cut back in state funding, increases in costs, and a loss of revenue from Yonkers and Mt. Vernon school districts (adding up to more than $8.3 million).
· To try to make up this loss the department has proposed the following:
Ø A reorganization of dept. abolish 12 positions (6 of which are vacant), transfer of 24 resulting in approximately $1.3 million in savings
Ø Increase in fares to be effective in February that will produce an estimated $1.9 million in 2000
Ø Service adjustments, consolidations and reductions to be implemented in March that will generate $2.4 million in bus operating services.
Ø Increased charges to other departments and non-county agencies for transit services totaling $425,000.
Ø A $1.9 million draw down of accumulated federal aid.
COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS
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· The Committee asked for more detail on bus route changes. Mr. Stanton stated that they are proposing to consolidate routes wherever possible and eliminate 2 route, #9 and #32. Route #9 make four trips a day, carrying 20 people a day at a cost of $19,000. Many of the people using this route would be eligible for ParaTransit service at a lower cost to the County. The #32 is a loop service that is slightly utilized during the day and sees some additional activity at rush hour. It was asked if the day service could be cut but leave the rush hour service. Mr. Stiller stated that the key to saving money is to eliminate the entire route.
· Shuttle Routes: reverse commute routes that serve passengers from the White Plains Transit Center to various employment centers. The “T” and “H” are fully funded by federal grants. There is no operating assistance specific to the other routes. These routes are expensive to run. They must use small, 18-20 passenger routes. There is no opportunity to run return passengers as these routes are not residential. These routes were put into place in conjunction with Clean Air Act mandates. Up until now there has been alternate funding to help defer the costs of running these routes. The cost of these shuttle routes is $2500 per person, per year.
· In the 1970’s Congress paid a 50% subsidy. In the mid 1990’s Congress abolished operating assistance. It is going to be a long slow process to try to turn that around.
· Twelve out of 300+ buses are twenty years old. These buses cost a lot of money to upkeep. They are planning to retire these buses by the end of year 2000.
· Buses are costed out by miles per maintenance and hours per driver.
· Included in the position to be abolished are: an Assistant Administrator, a Chief Analyst, 2 ParaTransit mid-range supervisors and a position at the Airport that oversees construction.
· The Committee asked whether there is a dip in ridership when there is a fare increase. The response was that after the last fare increase from $1.25 to $1.40 the ridership remained flat (‘95-’97). Mr. Stanton stated that it depends on employment opportunities also. People most seriously impacted by cutting bus services are the transit-dependent population, the inner cities.
· Revenues: Federal funding account is declining as they draw down on it. At the end of 1999 there will be $2.6 million. At the end of 2000 there will be less than $1 million.
· DOT is constantly investigating alternative funding sources.
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· To reinstate all the bus routes it would cost $2.4 million; holding the fare at $1.40 would add another $1.9 million bringing the total to $4.3 million which equates to a 1.7% increase in tax levy. (None of this would happen if we were not losing state and federal aid)
· State aid: $1.5 million cut to transit system in 1999
· Marketing to date has not been people on the buses so they need to reassess their strategies therefore they are not proposing to spend a lot of money in this area next year.
· Weekly ticket options should be explored. It could make bus service more attractive and convenient to riders.
· Fare proposal is essentially an increase of ten cents on the top level fare. The average fare is $1.16 for discount ticket riders, elderly and handicapped, and monthly ticket holders. There is a $25 package that buys 22 tickets. If you do away with these packages it would bring the rate up to $1.28. Transit dependent population gets hit with the biggest increase. Mr. Stanton made some suggestions as to how to change the fare system to make sure everyone has a chance to buy into the transit system. Hold those who can least afford it harmless. He talked about considering lowering transfer rates, raising top fares and cash prices. Weekly tickets would go from $1.15 to $1.20; seniors would go from .70 to .85 and the cash fare would go from $1.40 to $.175. Mr. Stanton stated that 20-30% of people will pay the increased fare while 70-80 % of the people will pay the same rate or less. Mr. Stanton will make more detailed information available to the Committee this afternoon. Weekly passes would be good for the work week, not the weekend. The Committee stated that the public should be made aware of the proposed changes before making them.
· Commissioner Church stated that they have been exploring the smart card system but we need to get our fare system straightened out first.
· Need to find a way to make it easier for people to purchase weekly passes.
· It was suggested by the business community that advertising for the shuttles be put on the sides of the buses. They also suggested that an MTA assistance program should be explored as well as corporate assistance. Commissioner Church stated that he has been involved in conversations with MTA on this matter. These conversations have been unsuccessful as MTA has thus far been uncooperative and is not interested in cost sharing.
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2000 PROPOSED BUDGET: AIRPORT:
· At present 300 privately owned light aircraft are based at the airport.
· On an average weekday, 10 commercial airlines provide 85 commercial flights. They serve 1 million passengers a year.
· The year 2000 at the Airport is expected to be one of increased attention to safety and the environment.
· The update of the Airport Layout Plan will get underway and move toward completion in 2000. It is expected to finish the build out of the Airport under the 1986 Master Plan and resulting in a dedication of some 70 acres of remaining undeveloped airport land to a permanent green space in the watershed of the Kensico Reservoir.
· Mr. Stanton stated that they have been working with the surrounding communities on areas of mutual concern and have made great strides with regard to environmental issues (i.e. de-icing procedures and treatment of de-icing effluent).
· There was a discussion with regard to short-term and long-term parking at the Airport and alternatives to the current parking situation.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Legislator Carsky, the meeting was adjourned at 11:10 p.m.