HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Transportation Advisory Board 10-23-18 Special Mtg
Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, October 23, 2018
Minutes of a special meeting of the Transportation Advisory Board of the Town of Estes
Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held in the Engineering Conference Room,
Room 100 of Town Hall on the 23rd day of October, 2018.
Present: Gordon Slack
Tom Street
Belle Morris
Stan Black
Ron Wilcocks
Linda Hanick
Janice Crow
Ann Finley
Amy Hamrick
Also Present: Trustee Carlie Bangs, Town Board Liaison
Greg Muhonen, Public Works Director
David Hook, Engineering Manager
Megan Van Hoozer, Public Works Administrative Assistant
Brian Wells, Transit Program Manager
Vanessa Solesbee, Parking & Transit Manager
Absent:
Chair Morris called the meeting to order at 12:35 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
No public in attendance.
SHUTTLE TOWN BOARD RECOMMENDATION (summarize Wells data)
Transit Program Manager Brian Wells presented shuttle data to the TAB. Discussions
surrounding shuttle service outside town limits (Brown Route) commenced. Wells
provided information illustrating the ramifications of stopping this service and enhancing
the areas that are in town and pay local sales tax. Wells indicated that a majority of the
ridership is within town limits while 30% boards outside town limits.
In 2017 there was a cut of the 9:00pm -10:00pm shuttle service. In 2018 there was a cut
of the 8:00am – 9:00am service. Ridership reduction of 4,000 can be somewhat attributed
to these cuts. Additionally, Rocky Mountain National Park’s Beaver Meadows Visitor
Center no longer provides hiker shuttle service. Wells stated that the reduced ridership is
potentially down due to day-trippers. Member Wilcocks expressed concern that visitation
is higher but ridership is lower. Reduction of service outside town limits will allow the Town
to better serve areas supported by sales tax. Wells reported that shuttle sponsorship
currently consists of three sponsors outside town limits and three inside town limits.
Member Slack clarified Visit Estes Park’s sponsorship support. Wells stated that their
support was provided in-kind by advertising through VacationLand publication and
through the Estes Area Lodging Association.
Member Crow expressed that if the frequency of shuttle stops occurs ridership will
improve. Member Black stated the data would indicate a 29% ridership reduction when
elimination of stops outside town limits occurs. He stated the importance of allowing talks
to work toward a solution with stakeholders affected by reduced services. Wells has been
in communications with those affected but has not been in contact with EALA. Muhonen
stated the TAB needs to determine next steps and provide the verbiage to Chair Morris.
Transportation Advisory Board Special Meeting – October 23, 2018 – Page 2
Member Crow expressed the criticality of defining the vision of Estes Transit. It’s important
to keep it simple to fit the defined framework and budget. Member Wilcocks asked the
TAB if the vision for 2019 should be year -round service. Parking & Transit Manager
Vanessa Solesbee stated that it may be effective to proceed with service r eduction
outside town limits, increase in-town service and gather feedback at the end of the first
year of the implemented changes. A year of service changes will tell a story and more
clearly define the impacts. Muhonen asked Wells if the ridership reduction outside town
limits would balance with the increased service in town. Wells stated th ere may still be an
overall loss however it’s hard to say due to the busy locations of the stops that would be
added in town.
Member Wilcocks asked Trustee Liaison Bangs what the Town Board’s vision is for this
service. Bangs stated that while she can’t speak for the board, it’s clear that the board
wants service for residents and guests. If an issue is present it needs presented so the
board can see data and feel the appropriate pressure from the TAB.
A motion was made and seconded (Slack/Wilcocks) to drop shuttle stops outside town
limits for the Brown and Silver routes for 2019. Two members voted nay while the majority
were in favor.
Member Black feels the Town should thoroughly investigate funding stream to allow the
continuance of shuttle service outside town limits.
With no other business to discuss, Chair Morris adjourned the meeting at 2:03 p.m.
Megan Van Hoozer Recording Secretary