DEPARTMENT: Human Resources
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Lori Steward, Human Resources Director
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City-Wide
SUBJECT:
Interlocal Agreement with VIA Metropolitan Transit to continue City Employee Transit Initiative
SUMMARY:
This Ordinance authorizes the City Manager or her designee to execute an Interlocal Agreement with VIA Metropolitan Transit (VIA) to continue the VIA EZ Rider Program for civilian City Employees. The term of this contract is one (1) year, beginning December 1, 2016 and ending December 31, 2017, with an option to extend the contract for up to two (2) one (1) year extensions, subject to and contingent upon funding by City Council. The estimated annual expense is approximately $200,000.00 to purchase transit pass (3,333 passes) for a total value of $600,000.00 for the term of the Interlocal Agreement.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Since 2008, the City of San Antonio (City) and VIA Metropolitan Transit (VIA) have collaborated to provide the VIA EZ Rider Program as an enhanced benefit to civilian employees. The EZ Rider Program is an annual pass program in the form of a sticker applied to an employee’s company identification badge. This pass entitles pass holders to unlimited rides on all of VIA’s mainline bus and streetcar service at no cost to the employee. Additionally, the program offers the convenience of using existing photo ID and not having to manage monthly passes. This transit benefit excludes special events, VIAtrans, and Van Pool service.
All regular, civilian City Employees, including full-time, part-time, as well as Mayor and City Council Offices staff are eligible to request a pass. This benefit currently exists only for civilian employees as peace officers and firefighters ride at no charge if in uniform or if they present their badges. The proposed transit pass costs $60 per pass.
The Human Resources Department will distribute VIA transit stickers to be placed on City identification badges. Staff will be informed through flyers and email communication. Human Resources and VIA will work together to communicate the program to employees through the Employee Relations Business Partner, posting flyers at worksites, and in the City newsletter.
In addition, the use of public transportation is a key component to reducing carbon emissions. By promoting the use of public transportation, this initiative offers many other benefits including:
o providing an opportunity for City Employees to reduce their fuel consumption;
o reducing downtown traffic congestion during peak travel hours;
o increasing downtown parking availability; and
o promoting the City’s clean-air initiatives.
ISSUE:
Execution of this new Interlocal agreement with VIA Metropolitan Transit would allow for continued availability of this valuable program to civilian employees.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should this agreement not be approved, Human Resources would no longer be able to provide employees with this benefit. Current EZ Rider passes expire December 31, 2016. Beginning January 1, 2017 employees would be required to purchase monthly passes directly from VIA at their expense.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The estimated annual expense is approximately $200,000.00 in passes for a total value of $600,000.00 for the term of the Interlocal Agreement. Funds in the amount of $200,000 are included in the FY 2017 Human Resources General Fund Adopted Budget. Funds for the remaining portion of the Agreement are contingent upon City Council approval of future budgets.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this ordinance to execute an Interlocal Agreement with VIA Metropolitan Transit for employee transit services.