pages: CityCouncil/2022-04-05.pdf, 14
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
CityCouncil | 2022-04-05 | 14 | has reached out to all everyone who signed the petition. The Paratransit Coordinator responded that she set up a meeting with WEL when the petition began; stated the meeting was advertised and was open to everyone; everyone is satisfied; people are not happy that the shuttle is going away; however, people are being provided other alternatives. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated that her concern is whether or not riders are happy; expressed concern about petition signers not being satisfied; stated the information received by WEL staff is likely not outdated; something appears to be inconsistent; the program being limited to low-income individuals needs to be qualified; many seniors living may not qualify for services; noted the proposed program using Uber or Lyft requires a call for each leg of a trip and can be costly. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director stated the Uber and Lyft AIM program is in place and will not be changed; staff is recommending providing a free bus pass to low-income seniors and people with disabilities instead of a free Alameda Loop Shuttle; AC Transit buses run 7 days per week for 12 hours instead of 3 days per week for 4 hours; staff believes the service is much better; staff has structured a 3-year agreement, which is capped at $673,000; the City will pay per-ride; the program will be opened to low-income seniors and people with disabilities first as the highest priority and most vulnerable; since the City pays per-ride, staff can monitor how many rides are being taken and how fast the budget is being used; the program can be opened up if the budget is not used up. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the senior bus pass or Clipper Card provides for a lower bus ride cost. The Paratransit Coordinator responded a senior Clipper Card provides a 50% discount for AC Transit rides, as well as discounts for 22 other agencies; stated people should keep their senior Clipper Card in addition to the free bus pass. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated some people do not prefer AC Transit; noted the Commission on Persons with Disabilities (CPD) recommended that the Alameda Loop Shuttle be phased out and continued through the end of the calendar year. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director stated the City has the money to continue the Loop Shuttle to the end of the year or extend the transition period if Council so desires. The Senior Transportation Coordinator stated staff is seeing 25 to 50 regular Loop Shuttle riders; the Paratransit Coordinator has done a great job of reaching out proactively to the regular riders to get them signed up for the free bus pass program, East Bay Paratransit and AIM; staff has been performing leg-work and recommend concluding the Alameda Loop Shuttle at the end of June. Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired how many current riders the Loop Shuttle has. The Paratransit Coordinator responded the City is averaging 485 rides per month. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated the number of rides shows that the shuttle is still being used; inquired whether riders are not using the shuttle due to being transitioned to AC Transit. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council April 5, 2022 | CityCouncil/2022-04-05.pdf |