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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWD-69-89 "`K" TOWN OF NEWCASTLE tt} REPORT �,. File # 21 , Res. # -- '. :'4_�. By-Law # i MEETING: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION MEETING DATE: SEPTEMBER 5, 1989 REPORT #: WD-69-89 FILE #: SUB,ECT: TOWN OF NEWCASTLE TRANSIT STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: 1. THAT Report WD-69-89 be received; 2. THAT provision be made in the 1990 Budget, for Council's consideration, for sufficient funds for a study to determine the feasibility and costs for a Public Transit System in the Town; and 3. THAT Charterways and Deck-way Services Limited be advised of Council's decision. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- REPORT 1. ATTACHMENTS i No.l: Letter dated July 15, 1988 from Ed Fulton, Minister of Transportation No.2: Letter Dated November 30, 1988, from Charterways No.3: Letter Dated January 17, 1989 from Deck-Way Services Limited No.4: Present Go Transit Service Route and Stops ? 0D 1 .. .2 ' ` BEIY}DT NO. : 9QD-69-89 PAGE 2 ' -------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 2° BACKGROUND 2°I At a meeting held on September 12, 1988, O0000iI passed Resolution #C-623-88: "THAT cocreoDom5euna D-1 be received, and further that it be referred to the Director of Public Works for review and suggested recommendations." 2-2 At a meeting held on December 19, 1988, Council passed Resolution #C-912-88: "THAT the correspondence dated November 30, 1988' from Neil Laird, General Manager, Cbarterwaya Transportation Limited, 8owmauviIle 8zauob, 80 Meoruo Avenue, Boomnnuville, LIC 4J\2, regarding a public transit service for the Town of Newcastle be received; THAT the correspondence be referred to the Director of Planning and the Diceobnz of Public Works for review and a subsequent report to the General Purpose and Administration Committee; and THAT Mr. Neil Laird be advised of Council's decision" . And Resolution #C-913-88: THAT the foregoing DeonIuticm #C-9I2-88 be amended by adding the following thereto: "THAT Mr. Laird receive o copy of the report prior to consideration by the QsoezaI Purpose and Administration Committee and that be be asked to attend the meeting for input of additional dialogue" . 2°3 Cbartecways' (Attachment 0o.2) and Deck-Way Services (Attachment 0V.3) have shown mutual interest in providing public transit service for the Town. . ..3 � U. _J 'l / L ' ` ` REPORT 0O^ : WD-69-89 PAGE 3 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. REVIEW AND COMMENT 3°1 The existing services of the 8owmauvilIe area are Go Transit, Baudi Transit and two (2) Taxi service companies. The Go Transit route and stops are shown on Attachment #4. The buses run on the hour with half-hour pick-ups from 6-7:30 a.m. and 3-5 p.m. The Handi Transit is an no call, same day service *binb is available Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Evening and medical appointments moot be booked three business days in advance. The taxi companies provide an on oaII service. 3.2 The provision of Public Transit for the Town of Newcastle has been discussed with Mr. Neil Laird, General Manager, Cbartereayo and Mr. Brian Sbeacdovn, Transportation Officer, Ministry of Transportation of Ontario. Mr. Laird expressed his interest to pcovidma Public Transit Service to any extent the Town may require. Mr. Sbeacdovn has advised that the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario will uaaiot in the review of the Public Transit needs in the Town. Z\Ioo, the Ministry will provide a 50% subsidy for a study to determine the feasibility and cost for a Public Transit System in the Tnwu. 3^3 The purpose of the letter from Mc" Ed Fulton, Minister of Transportation, was to give advance notice to the municipalities in Ontario of the Province's intention. l. To provide increased funding to municipalities to improve the availability of specialized transit services and to czDaud the eligibility guidelines. 2" To provide additional funding to municipalities to purchase new vehicles and increase services. 3. To provide an incentive for trips crossing regional municipal boundaries. 4 " r -x REPORT 0D. : WD-69-89 PAGE 4 4. To provide an enriched subsidy rate to micro computer systems to improve dispatching and reduce reservation times. 5. To expand eligibility guidelines. 3"4 The steps involved in proceeding with a study are as follows: I. Make application to the Ministry for participation in a Transit Study including the selection of oouaoItouts and approve in principle the allocation of the eligible subsidy. 2~ Dpzo approval of the subsidy, establish a Technical Co-ordinating Committee with representation from the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario, the Public Works Department and the Planning Department of the Town. 3. Select a consultant. 4. Prepare terms of reference. obtain cost estimates and obtain approval from Council to proceed with the study. 3.5 In order to take advantage of the program referred to in Mr. FuItou'a Iettecr, it is intended that the Transit Study include a complete review of the transit services provided for the disabled in the Town of Newcastle. 3.6 The estimated cost for the study is $70,000. 4. CONCLUSIONS AND RECCMMENDATIONS 4.1 The rapid expansion which has been onouciog in the Town will increase the need for and the feasibility of a Public Transit System in Town. . . .5 10 � A \ UJ � REPORT NO. : WD-69-89 PAGE 5 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4.2 It is, therefore, recommended that funds be included in the 1990 Budget, for Council's consideration, to carryout a cost and feasibility study for a Public Transit Study in the Town. Respectfully submitted, Recommended for presentation to the Committee, Q�v Walter A. Evans, P. Eng., Lawrence - Kotseff, Director of Public Works. Chief Ad in trative officer. Franklin Wu, M.C.I.P. Director of Planning and Development DM*WAE*llv April 20, 1989 Attachments cc: Charterways 80 Mearns Avenue Bowmanville, Ontario L1C 4A2 Deck-Way Services Ltd. Kendal, Ontario LOE lEO Mr. B. Sheardown Transportation Officer Ministry Transportation Ontario 1201 Wilson Avenue West Tower 3rd Floor Transit office Downsview, Ontario M3M 1J8 I y >>,��z;��✓ R 'F glvFlfitcL�e4g� �r; Ministr Ministere Ferguson Block.3ro o r onI3e13> V of des 77 Wellesley St.West 71 rue Wellesley ouest Toronto.Ontario Toronto(Ontario) �► f Transportation Transports M7A 1Z8 M7A iZ8 D-I COMMuNIuATiONJ DIUCTION Ontario :;J-i A& A Office of the Bureau du (416)965-2101 Minister ministre JUL 5 1�IIb his Worship Kyor J. Winters , down of Ne:wc ostle , 40 'temperance Street , bowmanville , GnLLKo . L1C 3A6 Dear Mayor Winters : This year , specialized transit services will provide an ostir:iaUd two million trips to disabled persons in sixty-three municipalities throughout Ontario. On Jura � , 1988, 1 announccd that the Ontai io Government will provide increased funding to further improve= the evoilability of these: spcc:i„iize.d transit services , and will also expand the provincial ,iigibility guicalinn . ! an pleascd to follow up on these initiatives by advising you of the proposed service improvements and move particularly, requesting your cooperation in developing the most appropriate eligibility guideline . To address the issue of service inprovenegts , the Province will provide Ldd i tions! funning for municipalities to purchase new vehicles and increase services . Also, there will be an incentive for trips crossing regional municipal boundaries and an enriched subsidy rUin for microcomputer systems to improve 6ispatching and reduce reservation times . A Ministry of Trawsporcation Directive will be issued to you in the near future which will provide details of this service expansion . With regard to eligibility ,• the current Provincial guinc line ; cfers to persons who are "unable to boar•c:" regular transit facilities . Attached to this letter is L propoacd cofinition for the t_xpanae.d eligibility guideline , and an outline of our intended consultation process for its review and kn"iination . Your co-- operation and involvement in this process would be gcent iy apprnClatcd . ATTACHMENT N0, 1 YU-69-89 in closing, 1 would like to add thot . bro, d range of transportation improvements are required in order for dibablcd nd frail fiat ply . tsidents to funly cnjoy Lhe - social ana economic opportunities of Ontario . This Govurnmt.nt _s committed to a goal of lull participation for elderly and disabled persons , and is working on savcral odditional items to achieve this c:nd . An outline of these related initiatives is also attacncd for your intorma;,ion . Thank you for your interest and assistance in this mattor . Yours sincerely , Ed Fulton Minister cc : Mr . J . Blanchard hr. D. Manus 1 '� 1 I EXPAdDED ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINE FOR TRANSPORTATION FOR DISABLED PERSONS I I DEFINITION It is proposed that the provincial eligibility guideline be expanded to state that: Specialized transit services are intended for : Persons who due to functional mobility problems , are physically unable to: Climb or descend steps used on regular public transit facilities , or Walk a distance of 1'15 metres . " APPLICATION The application ana interpretation of the new guideline will remain a local responsibility , however , the Province intends information to to develop additional assist municipalities and their advisory committees in this regard . It is noted that some municipalities currently aapd with y a similar expanded interpretation for eligibility new may , therefore , experience little g guideline. IMPLEMENTATION Once the eligibility guideline is finalized , municipalities will be encouraged to implement it a d t; �ne as soon as possible. However , since appropriate lea may be required by some municipalities to adjust budgets , acquire new vehicles or make administrative changes , a target of January 1991 is anticipated for full operational implementat?.or. . It is important that service to existing users not be compromised and , hence , a gradual phasing i.n of changes may be nec--ssary. OQ CONSULTATION To ensure that the disabled community and service providers have a clear understanding of the proposed guideline and the overall program, regional information sessions will be conducted across the province . These are tentatively scheduled for Ottawa , Toronto , London and Sudbury, in September , 1988. Staff will be contacting the appropriate representatives regarding; specific dates and locations in the near future. If your Association would like to provide written comments and/or participate in these sessions , please contact Mr . David Smith regarding your interest by August 15 , 1988. The full address is : l•ir . David Smith , Head Program Development and Evaluation Section Transit Office 3rd Floor , West Tower 1201 Wilson Avenue Downsview, Ontario 14314 U8 Telephone : (416) 235-4017 1059 i i ' J RELATED INITIATIVES FOR TRAWSPMATION FOR DISABLED PERSONS I In addition to service improvements for specialized transi� , the Government has announced the following initiatives to address tile broader range of transportation needs of disabled persons . Consultation with consumer groups and other affected parties is an integral part of all policy development and is ongoing for trie items noted below. 1 . improved Accessibility to Conventional Transit Systems . i The vast majority of Ontario' s one million disabled citizens can use conventional transit systems , but with some difficulty . A task force established to examine ways to improve transit services for elderly and ambulatory disabled passengers has consulted widely and will be submitting its recommendations shortly. The task force reviewed a range of features to address the needs of persons with visual , mental and C hearing impairments, as well as those who have trouble balancing on a moving transit vehicle or waiting at a transit stop. The Government has announced its intention to increase the funding for transit properties which implement these features to improve accessibility. 2. Transportation of Disabled Persons in Small/Rural Communities On August 31 , 1987 , Premier David Peterson announced that -the Ontario Government will provide grants to municipalities of populations less than 10 ,000 to introduce transportation services for disabled persons . Small and rural communities are generally unable to take advantage of the existing specialized transit program for disabled persons . This is due to their low population levels and the fact that services , and resulting travel needs , are typically dispersed across several municipal areas. 6 0 _ Ll _ i �. The iinistry of Transportation is currently developing an appropriate program for these smaller communities and anticipates its recommendations being available in late 1983 . 3 . Accessible Taxis i Vehicles have been developed which are suitable as taxis and are fully accessible to all disabled persons . in order to encourage taxi operators across Ontario to introduce these accessiole taxis into their fleets , the Ontario Govtfrnmont is initiating a number of demonstration projects, and is developing a grant program for taxi operators. The first of these demonstrations is already anderway in Sudbury. The Province will continue to liaise wit;i municipalities and operators across Ontario in order to promote the provision of these accessible taxi services. In addition to regular taxi service , fully accessible vehicles will be useful in small communities without specialized service; for airport applications , and as a complement to existing specialized services . C4 . Inter-Ministerial Committee on Transportation of Disabled Persons Cabinet has directed that the Ministry of Transportation chair this Committee wiiich includes fifteen otner Ministries . The objective is to develop options and recommendations for an overall Provincial transportation policy relating to disabled persons. This policy is to ensure the achievement of the fullest possible participation and equality of opportunity for persons with disabilities in the social and economic life of tiie Province. The Committee has consulted widely and examined the full range of transportation needs for disaoled persons . it is finalizing its report, and further consultation is expected to follow. Infl D-2 C'aIMUN I CATIONS D I RL•X_ JON rf rf CHARTERWAYS (-;/\NAF)IAfA NIVINNN 80 Mearns Avenue, Bowmanville, Ontario L 1 C 4A2 qf 1 j` R November 30 , 1988 Town of Newcastle c/o Patti Barrie 40 Temprance Bowmanville, ON L1C 3A6 Dear Patti: Further to meetings held with Mayor Winters and the town planner in reference to a Public Transit service for the Town of Newcastle , I am writing this letter to request that this matter be brought before concil to see if there is an interest in a Public Transit Service for the Town. Charterways Transportation Limited would be happy to have a delegation at a council meeting to answer any questions that they may have. Charterways now operates public transit services for the Town of Ajax, Whitby and Cobourg and we would be pleased to use our expertise in this field to help set up and operate a transit service , for the Town of Newcastle . There would be several sources of revenue connected with this service to help offset costs to the Town. I .E. : Fares, Advertising on the bus and Government Grants etc. We would appreciate hearing from the Town on this matter. Yours Truly, Neil Laird General Manager Charterways Transportation Limited, ATTACHMENT NO .2 Bowmanville Branch Wu-69-89 Deck-Way Services Ltd. Kendal, Ontario LOA 1 EO (416)434-0761 January 17, 1989 The Town of Newcastle 40 Temperance Street Bowmanville, Ontario L1C 3A6 Attention: Mr. Franklin Wu Director of Planning and Development Dear Sir: Re: Transportation within the Municipality Deck-Way is very interested in working with the Town in developing a transportation system within the Municipality. We would tender or negotiate with the Town to provide service for any scale of system that you decide to implement. For example, if you decide to provide: 1) Part time service for special events or a service based on the needs of senior citizens, we could provide limited service using our school buses. 2) A higher level of service but not a full scale transit system, then a service using one or two full time transit buses supplemented by school buses is possible. 31 A full scale transit system, we could provide drivers and maintenance for Town owned buses, or provide drivers and buses. Any tender that includes supplying specialized transit buses would have to be for a five year period, as this is the standard financing period for new buses. Thank you for your time and if you have any questions on my proposal, contact me at any time. Yours truly, David Hawke ATTACKIENT NO , 3 President NO-b9_80 cc Marie Hubbard, Mayor Mr. Lawrence Kotseff, Chief Administrative Officer 1063 i i I 9TH LINE MAPLE GROVE RD. N 1 r n Z A 8TH LINE • - SHELTERED GO TRANSIT STOP - GO TRANSIT STOP GO TRANSIT ROUTE MARTIN RD. REG. RD. 57 •2 p ROENIGH ST. WAVERLEY RD, 0 sf oti S SCUGOG ST. oyr�l�l0 T •SI(`� can ti ,Y LIBERTY ST. REG. RD. 14 —�s rrrrr// @< v, ; o M n � Z 0 n m a n H w , SIMPSON AVE. D ; z my N MEARNS AVE. MEARNS AVE. m m N r ` O ' z D m ti m< m ro cD_ o A m O TRAINING SCHOOL ROAD I l ATTACHMENT NO . 4 BENNETT RD. 1064