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service than being provided with the bus. Mr. Byers did not think that would be an issue and can <br /> be wrapped up very soon. On the Northstar fare issue, he explained the fares are set by the <br /> Metropolitan Council based on distance. Staff looked at the distance between the rail stations <br /> and recommended a $4.50 fare to the Metropolitan Council. However, concern was expressed <br /> about locking that fare into the agreement because the Metropolitan Council may be adjusting <br /> fares at some point in the future. Mr. Byers stated he believes the Metropolitan Council will <br /> approve a $4.50 fare. He welcomed Ramsey to attend a Metropolitan Council meeting to <br /> address their concerns with the fare. On the issue of additional bus service, their service <br /> development looked at the current potential for riders and found it does not justify providing <br /> additional bus service at this point. Mr. Byers stated they are dealing with cuts in State funding <br /> and the service development cannot justify adding bus service at this point. However, once the <br /> station is in place and if development continues there is great potential for expanding transit <br /> service in the area. <br /> Mayor Ramsey indicated he has no issue with the fare. He asked whether Elk River and Big <br /> Lake are part of the Transit Taxing District (TTD). <br /> Mr. Byers stated they are not because Sherburne County was part of the original agreement and <br /> pays a portion of the total Northstar operating expense. <br /> Mayor Ramsey stated his reluctance to ask the citizens of Ramsey to pay dollars to the tune of <br /> $295,000 when it only cost $120,000 to operate the station. He stated he is adamant that Ramsey <br /> needs a bus or some additional service to offset that extra cost. Mayor Ramsey indicated he <br /> understands the benefits and economic development opportunities but only a certain number of <br /> residents will ride the train and it is important to be able to tell residents they are paying not just <br /> for Northstar but also for the bus. He noted the City has put a lot of dollars into developing The <br /> COR and assumed political risk to do so. Mayor Ramsey stated he hopes other governmental <br /> agencies will put some investment in Ramsey besides the train stop. He noted a bus already goes <br /> to the college so it would not be a great expansion for one bus route to come to The COR. <br /> Mr. Byers stated he does not work with service planning and is unable to answer how the <br /> addition of a few miles affects the entire route. He explained that RTC funds support the system, <br /> equipment, and capital costs but do not directly pay for operations. Mr. Byers stated it is hoped <br /> to cover operating expense from revenues but system wide that does not occur. <br /> Mayor Ramsey stated he understands that but surrounding cities that are part of the TTD are <br /> provided a level of service and Ramsey should be afforded those same types of service. <br /> Councilmember Elvig noted there are several regional issues. He explained that part of the <br /> difficulty for Ramsey's riders is getting to the train or bus because they have to drive to Anoka, <br /> which takes 20 -30 minutes due to traffic congestion. He pointed out that providing transit on <br /> this side of Anoka is the "dream," will generate more ridership, and takes congestion pressure off <br /> Anoka. Councilmember Elvig explained that some people riding buses versus the rail say they <br /> are concerned about the rail because they may get stuck downtown and not be able to get back. <br /> Also, some riders like to leave earlier than the bus route and some would like to return home <br /> later. He felt that providing service before and after would take the fear out of concerns with <br /> City Council Work Session / November 7, 2011 <br /> Page 2of10 <br />