CR 08-101 Hop-A-Ride Price IncreaseOctober 29, 2008
Proposed Action
G1TY OF
i�
HOPKINS
HOP -A -RIDE TICKET PRICE INCREASE
Council Report 08 -101
Staff recommends the following motion: Increase the low income ticket price for Hop -A -Ride
from $2.00 to $2.25.
Overview
The Hop -A -Ride service is an advance - reservation, shared -ride, and door -to -door transportation
service for anyone who needs transportation within the Hopkins City limits. The current system
service operates Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. to 4:00
p.m. on Friday. There are six additional destinations outside the City limits. They are:
AC Transportation has had the Hop -A -Ride contract for the past 10 years. The Metropolitan
Council supplies most of the funding. The Metropolitan Council is requiring that the price for all
rides be a minimum of $2.25 per ride. The last year the ticket price was raised was in 2003. The
price was raised from $1.80 to $2.00.
Primary Issues to Consider
1. Methodist Hospital;
2. Opportunity Workshop in Opus II;
3. Shady Oak Beach;
4. Knollwood shopping area;
5. ICA food shelf;
6. Park Nicollet Medical Center.
• How is the Hop -A -Ride service funded?
• What is the impact on the budget with a ticket price increase?
Nancy `. Anderson
Planner
CR08 -101
Page 2
Primary Issues to consider
• How is the Hop -A -Ride service funded?
The 2009 funding from the Met Council is $101,522. The City's general fund and revenue from
the ticket sales provide the balance of the funding. The total 2009 budget is $126,949; that
would require a general fund contribution for 2009 of $9,427. The 2009 budget is based on
12,000 passengers.
• What is the impact on the budget with a ticket price increase?
At .25 increase in ticket price the increased revenue will be approximately $3000.00
Alternatives
1. Approve the increase to the low income ticket price. If the City Council considers this
option, the contract will be extended to Alternative Choice Transportation, Inc.
2. Deny the increase to the low income ticket price. If the City Council considers this option,
the City will loose Met Council funding for the Hop -A -Ride service.
3. Continue for further information. If the City Council indicates that further information is
needed, the item should be continued.