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expensive than the rail and thought that is could be raised to $3.50. He felt though that there is a <br />bigger issue — and that is we are basically competing against ourselves. <br />Councilmember Backous stated he would advocate for a smaller increase. It is our leverage - the <br />more riders we have on the bus, the better off we are. <br />Councilmember McGlone asked if we have to raise the fee. <br />Director of Public Works Olson stated you are in control — you do not have to do anything. The <br />thought was once we go from bus to train, that difference in cost will remove transit users. <br />Councilmember McGlone stated he disagrees — mass transit users will continue to use it. <br />Mr. Olson stated that this concerns us — we need to rely on at least the ridership we now have on <br />our bus service. <br />Mayor Ramsey felt there should not be any concern at all. He felt we will not have any less <br />riders then we have now. The questions is, if we would lose any riders on the bus now if we <br />bump up the fee. <br />Councilmember Tossey stated that the central corridor is going to be opened in 2014. You will <br />add a few new riders. He is not concerned that ridership will go down when we finally get the <br />train stop. <br />Consensus of the Council was to keep the fee the same. <br />Mayor Ramsey stated that there could be two stops downtown and drop people off where they <br />really want to go. We could look at that if we really want to increase ridership. <br />Councilmember Elvig suggested having a meeting with the riders to see what they want. <br />Mr. Olson reminded Council that a survey was done with the riders last year. <br />Councilmember Elvig suggested an open house. <br />Councilmember Backous suggested another survey — putting it on the bus seats. <br />Mr. Olson stated that we have talked about negotiating with the bus service contractor. There <br />has been no increase since 2007. We have put per gallon gas limits on - if its $2.90 we pay a <br />little extra. If it's less, then he compensates us. There's an equalizer on gas He said he would <br />be willing to continue for however long we want, providing he gets a 3 percent annual increase. <br />We feel the time line is less than when we were doing the RFP. Maybe we should formalize <br />discussion that we would continue this until we have the rail station. <br />Mayor Ramsey said to continue the contract. <br />City Council Work Session — June 7, 2011 <br />Page 9 of 14 <br />