News & Events: Press Releases
June 18, 2006
LOCAL FUNDING A PRIORITY FOR TROLLEY
Ridership speaks to need for expanded routes
Media Contact: Allison Fogt
850-878-5531 x223
afogt@kidd.com
(Panama City, Fla.) - Public transportation plays a vital role in any community. In August 2006 Bay Town Trolley served 31,703 customers, a 23 percent increase from the number of riders at this time last year. While the number of public transit users continues to grow each month, resources to operate the system have not. All current funding comes from Federal and State monies, which are used primarily for capital and operating needs of the trolley.
Funding support at the local level is essential for the long-term viability of Bay Town Trolley. Out of all 26 Florida transit systems that receive State Block Grant funds, Bay Town Trolley is currently the only system that receives no local assistance. Local officials are beginning to take notice, as a majority of municipalities have this important issue on upcoming agendas.
"It is crucial for local municipalities to work closely with Bay Town Trolley on additional system-wide funding," said Walter E. Kelley, Chairman of the Transportation Planning Organization. "This is an exciting time for local entities to get on board, as public transit impacts and fuels our economy in a variety of ways. Support of public transportation throughout the community helps those who are less fortunate, alleviates environmental problems associated with emissions and reduces our dependence on oil."
The Bay County Transportation Planning Organization commissioned the Center for Urban Transportation Research to perform a transit analysis, creating a five year Transit Development Plan (TDP) for the area. This plan is compiled of research gauging riders, local officials and community partners throughout Panama City on Bay Town Trolley's current service, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
"It seems the riders are speaking to the demand for system-wide expansion," Beth Coulliette, Executive Director for Bay Town Trolley. "We are thrilled to provide reliable transportation throughout Bay County to this growing number of riders each and every day."
Recommended enhancements from the five-year TDP include evening and Saturday service, increased frequency, and neighborhood circulators. Cumulative costs for all enhancements total $1.3 million. Expenses for system-wide enhancements are broken down by individual expansion (see Chart A).
"Expansion into weekday and weekend service is a critical asset to riders in the working population," said Cynthia McCauley, Director of Chautauqua Learn and Serve Charter School. "Funding for enhancements will help many eliminate monthly car expenses, therefore boosting standards of living."
As TDP improvements are based on a five-year model, local Public Transit Advocates met to consider immediate needs in this expansion endeavor. Advocates suggested increasing trolley service on weekdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., adding Saturday service from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and implementing two round-trips to Mexico Beach each day of operation. Annual costs for suggested improvements approximate $340,536. Shared cost per each local government has been outlined (see Chart B).
Expansion |
Cost |
Weekday service expanded from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. |
$249,984 |
Saturday service operating from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
$206,336 |
Frequency improvements on routes 4 - 7 between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays |
$374,976 |
Neighborhood circulators operating from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays |
$468,720 |
Total |
$1,300,016 |
- Chart A -
Share cost per each local government includes:
|
|
Local Government |
Share |
Bay County |
$134,852.26 |
Callawaya |
$31,669.85 |
Cedar Grove |
$12,599.83 |
Lynn Haven |
$31,669.85 |
Mexico Beach |
$2,383.75 |
Panama City |
$80,025.96 |
Parker |
$10,216.08 |
Springfield |
$19,070.02 |
Total |
$340,536 |
- Chart B -
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