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<br />Councilmember Elvig expressed concern with the political ramifications involved with the fare. <br />He expressed concern in trying to start up ridership at $4.50, which is the highest amount in the <br />region, while people can drive to Anoka less than three miles away and pay a fare of $2.75. He <br />stated to take an additional $2.00 in fare and not have any riders does not do Ramsey justice for <br />what they are putting together; it does not create the traffic they need and does not get the riders <br />on the bus. He noted the difference between Elk River and Anoka is 12 miles, but the difference <br />between Ramsey and Anoka is only 3 miles. <br /> <br />Mr. Olson stressed that he has not relayed that there would be any political ramifications <br />resulting from this fare decision. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strommen questioned how the City would justify charging $4.50 if the fare <br />works at $2.75. She expressed concern in comparing Ramsey's startup ridership with the <br />NCDA's ridership history. She noted with a $4.50 fare Ramsey would be charging $2 more than <br />the City of Anoka, while NCDA was only charging $1 more than the Metro transit system with <br />their startup ridership, and was also charging the same amount as Coon Rapids. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jeffrey concurred with Councilmembers Elvig and Strommen. He expressed <br />concern with a $4.50 fare eliminating Ramsey from being a destination site as they would like. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec noted the County is able to provide publicity for the bus service through things <br />such as passes for ridership and promotional mailings. <br /> <br />Public Works Director Olson indicated Kate Garwood of Anoka County had mentioned <br />providing discounted passes the City could provide to Ramsey residents for a period of time. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig suggested the possibility of a promotional six month period with a <br />reduced fare at $2.75, with the fare increased to $4.50 following the promotional period. He <br />stressed his support of offering any savings possible on the bus fare to Ramsey residents. <br /> <br />After considerable discussion regarding the preferred fare rate for the Ramsey Star Express <br />including the possible political ramifications, consensus of the Council was to vote on the fare at <br />the City Council meeting following the work session. <br /> <br />MAYOR, COUNCIL AND STAFF INPUT <br /> <br />None <br /> <br />ADJOURNMENT <br /> <br />The Work Session ofthe City Council was adjourned at 6:58 p.m. <br /> <br />Respectfully submitted, <br /> <br />City Council Work Session / November 14,2006 <br />Page 4 of5 <br />