* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: President Young
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
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Investigative Hearing - Charm City Circulator
FOR the purpose of calling on representatives from the Departments of Finance and Transportation to appear before the Council to report on the costs and ridership numbers for the Charm City Circulator, as well as whether or not the revenue sources originally intended to pay for Circulator operations have proven to be sufficient; and to discuss the contents of the RFP to operate the Circulator in future years, including the possibility of requiring a $1 fare for each Circulator ride.
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Recitals
Now in its 5th year of service, the Charm City Circulator continues to be an important transit option for many Baltimoreans and visitors to our city, as its more than 10,000 daily riders can attest. However, with the current operating contract for the Circulator expiring at year's end, now is an appropriate time to reexamine whether the current model being used for the Circulator continues to make sense for Baltimore.
As a starting point, it is important to make firm data about the costs and benefits of operating the Circulator, including ridership numbers, publically available. A real accounting of the funding sources for the Circulator, especially an analysis of whether or not the funding sources originally designated for it have proven sufficient, is also needed for any evaluation of the Circulator's current operating model.
The idea of adding a $1 per trip fare for the Circulator should also be included in any discussion about its future. Charging this nominal fee for each of the millions of Circulator rides could make the service much more sustainable and provide funding for not only the Circulator but potentially other City priorities such as recreation and parks programs. It could also help to address concerns about the inappropriate use of the Circulator by riders without any genuine destination that detracts from this service's intended purposes.
As the City prepares to enter into a new operating contract for the Circulator, all options, including the installation of fare boxes, need to be on the table. This opportunity to more fully align the Circulator's operations with the City's needs should not be allowed to pass without real discussion.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, That the Council calls on representatives from the Departments of Finance and Transportation to appear before it to report on the costs and ridership numbers for the Charm City Circulator, as well as whether or not the revenue sources originally intended to pay for Circulator operations have proven to be sufficient; and to discuss the contents of the RFP to operate the Circulator in future years, including the possibility of requiring a $1 fare for each Circulator ride.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the Director of Transportation, the Director of Finance, and the Mayor's Legislative Liaison to the City Council.
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