Agenda - Council - 12/13/2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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service than being provided with the bus. Mr. Byers did not think that would be an issue and can be wrapped up very soon. On the Northstar fare issue, he explained the fares are set by the Metropolitan Council based on distance. Staff looked at the distance between the rail stations and recommended a $4.50 fare to the Metropolitan Council. However, concern was expressed about locking that fare into the agreement because the Metropolitan Council may be adjusting fares at some point in the future. Mr. Byers stated he believes the Metropolitan Council will approve a $4.50 fare. He welcomed Ramsey to attend a Metropolitan Council meeting to address their concerns with the fare. On the issue of additional bus service, their service development looked at the current potential for riders and found it does not justify providing additional bus service at this point. Mr. Byers stated they are dealing with cuts in State funding and the service development cannot justify adding bus service at this point. However, once the station is in place and if development continues there is great potential for expanding transit service in the area. Mayor Ramsey indicated he has no issue with the fare. He asked whether Elk River and Big Lake are part of the Transit Taxing District (TTD). Mr. Byers stated they are not because Sherburne County was part of the original agreement and pays a portion of the total Northstar operating expense. Mayor Ramsey stated his reluctance to ask the citizens of Ramsey to pay dollars to the tune of $295,000 when it only cost $120,000 to operate the station. He stated he is adamant that Ramsey needs a bus or some additional service to offset that extra cost. Mayor Ramsey indicated he understands the benefits and economic development opportunities but only a certain number of residents will ride the train and it is important to be able to tell residents they are paying not just for Northstar but also for the bus. He noted the City has put a lot of dollars into developing The COR and assumed political risk to do so. Mayor Ramsey stated he hopes other governmental agencies will put some investment in Ramsey besides the train stop. He noted a bus already goes to the college so it would not be a great expansion for one bus route to come to The COR. Mr. Byers stated he does not work with service planning and is unable to answer how the addition of a few miles affects the entire route. He explained that RTC funds support the system, equipment, and capital costs but do not directly pay for operations. Mr. Byers stated it is hoped to cover operating expense from revenues but system wide that does not occur. Mayor Ramsey stated he understands that but surrounding cities that are part of the TTD are provided a level of service and Ramsey should be afforded those same types of service. Councilmember Elvig noted there are several regional issues. He explained that part of the difficulty for Ramsey's riders is getting to the train or bus because they have to drive to Anoka, which takes 20-30 minutes due to traffic congestion. He pointed out that providing transit on this side of Anoka is the "dream," will generate more ridership, and takes congestion pressure off Anoka. Councilmember Elvig explained that some people riding buses versus the rail say they are concerned about the rail because they may get stuck downtown and not be able to get back. Also, some riders like to leave earlier than the bus route and some would like to return home later. He felt that providing service before and after would take the fear out of concerns with City Council Work Session / November 7, 2011 Page 2 of 10