TITLE
The Mayor and City Council shall consider a request to operate the City Of Maricopa Express Transit (COMET) 2017 Summer Shuttle on a promotional free fare basis, in order to facilitate safe travel for Maricopa youth and guardians using the Copper Sky Facility. Discussion and Action.
AGENDA ITEM DESCRIPTION
We propose operation of the 2017 Summer Shuttle for a period of seven weeks, from June 12 through July 28. The COMET has operated the Summer Shuttle for the last three years as a way of safely transporting children between residential neighborhoods and Copper Sky. Ridership is very strong for this service with 1,771 trips provided last year. We are particularly pleased that we have helped minimize the number of children crossing the Union Pacific Railroad tracks on foot or bicycle, enroute to Copper Sky. We propose continuation of this shuttle on a promotional free fare basis until the SR 347 overpass is completed, which will include sidewalks. We will once again request permission from the Maricopa Unified School District to use school parking lots at various locations as pickup points. We have used these stops without incident for the last three years.
This service, while targeted for children and guardians, is open to the general public. All COMET vehicles are Americans With Disability Act (ADA) compliant. No additional funding is requested for this service.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Mayor and City Council discuss and approve the request to operate the COMET 2017 Summer Shuttle on a promotional free fare basis.