As most of you probably know, RTD hosted two public hearings last week focused on the package of proposed fare increases and structural adjustments to the Eco Pass program that are embodied in the draft 2009 Fare Policy Recommendations.  The Daily Camera covered these hearings in the following story:  http://www.dailycamera.com/news/2008/sep/18/boulder-riders-decry-rtd-rate-hike-proposal/.

First, I must tip my hat to all of you who made the effort to attend the public hearings.  Making a mid-day meeting or braving the evening football traffic was a serious enough commitment, but the thought that many of those who spoke put into their comments also was apparent.  Very clearly, there is a great appreciation in Boulder County for the value of the Eco Pass to individual transit users and to RTD.

In making their case to the RTD Board, most of the speakers focused on two key points:

1. RTD should not make significant structural changes to one of its most successful mechanisms for generating revenue and ridership without clear data, which RTD will begin collecting in 2009; and,
2. This is the wrong time for RTD to alienate its most loyal supporters, as the ECO Pass policies RTD staff is proposing will, at best, generate a few million dollars while RTD is confronting needs that run into the billions.

There are many other technical issues that hearing participants raised with the logic of the proposed Eco Pass changes along predictions of the ridership and revenue losses RTD will suffer if the Eco Pass becomes unaffordable to many individuals and businesses.

As I said at both hearings, these public comments are having a real impact.  RTD staff tells us that they currently are considering significant adjustments in their initial Eco Pass recommendations.  It is reported that they will reveal their alternative proposals at this Tuesday’s study session . . . so stay tuned (and I will post any revised proposals on this web site).

Ultimately, the RTD Board is scheduled to act on the entire package of 2009 Fare Policy Recommendations during our September 30 meeting.  RTD Board Chair Lee Kemp announced that there will be an opportunity for public comment during that meeting.  The meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the basement of the RTD headquarters building, 1600 Blake Street in Denver. 

Whether or not you plan to attend the September 30 meeting and/or participate in the public hearing, I want to thank all of you who already shared your input and helped me to make my case for preserving the integrity of the Eco Pass program.