Proposed Eco Pass and Neighborhood Pass Changes: Things Are Getting Hot! at John Tayer

Proposed Eco Pass and Neighborhood Pass Changes: Things Are Getting Hot!

27Sep08

Well, its four days out from the September 30 RTD Board meeting where we are slated to make a final decision on the 2009 Fare Policy recommendations, including all of staff’s proposed changes to the Eco Pass and Neighborhood Pass programs . . . and things are getting really interesting.

Rumor began circulating yesterday that staff is shopping with certain Board members a new compromise proposal for changes to the Eco Pass and Neighborhood Pass programs. This rumor was subsequently confirmed by some of my Board colleagues and many elements of this proposal later appeared in a memorandum that was distributed on Friday evening. Specifically, staff is recommending the following Fare Policy provisions:

A 14 percent increase (consistent with the increase in all RTD fares) and an additional 5 percent increase (based on the numbers they have collected for increased ridership in 2008) in the price of all Eco Passes and Neighborhood Passes;

A $5.00 surcharge for rides to DIA for those who are using an Eco Pass or Neighborhood Pass;

A new proposal that significantly increases the price small businesses pay for the Eco Pass in 2009, with an even bigger jump in 2010 (the precise formula is available at: http://www.rtd-denver.com/News/Final_Recommendations_for_Proposed_January_09_Business_Eco_Pass_Fare_Policy_Changes.pdf); and,

Another new recommendation for the Neighborhood Pass program, beyond the originally proposed moratorium, to eliminate the Neighborhood Pass Progam entirely in 2010.

Obviously, this new proposal is quite troubling (yes, I could use stronger language here, but I am trying to keep my cool ( : ). As I have said since they were first announced, I oppose all structural changes, beyond the 19 percent in proposed fare increases, that RTD staff has recommended for the Eco Pass and Neighborhood Pass programs. These new recommendations only make my objections that much stronger.

I am pleased that others share my opposition to the originally proposed structural changes. Clay Evans from the Daily Camera wrote a great piece along these lines last week: http://www.dailycamera.com/news/2008/sep/23/keep-em-riding/. Thanks to all of you, as well, who have sent your own e-mails and letters expressing support for my position.

As I have said before, this is a fluid situation and there is no telling what other proposals RTD staff or my RTD Board colleagues will put forward on Tuesday evening. Many Board Directors are demonstrating their honest concern and responsiveness to public input through the offer of alternative structural changes to the Eco Pass and Neighborhood Pass programs. Unfortunately, based on what I believe is largely anecdotal evidence and circumstantial data, some of my Board colleagues are convinced that significant overhauls are warranted in the Eco Pass and Neighborhood Pass programs, maybe even elimination.

I vehemently disagree!

We are just one year away, after many years of delay, from installing new fareboxes that will answer the questions RTD staff and Board Directors have regarding true ridership figures for the Eco Pass and Neighborhood Pass programs. I think it is inappropriate to make significant policy decisions, that impact such a wide RTD customer-base and can have such potentially negative ramifications for RTD’s finances, in the absence of meaningful and well-vetted data.

I will be making my opinions clear at next Tuesday’s meeting. I understand that many Eco Pass and Neighborhood Pass supporters are planning to attend the 5:30 p.m. public hearing to express their concerns, as well. I hope, together, we can convince a majority of my Board colleagues to reject the proposed structural changes to the Eco Pass and Neighborhood Pass programs.

Filed under: District O, Eco Pass | 2 Comments

2 Responses to “Proposed Eco Pass and Neighborhood Pass Changes: Things Are Getting Hot!”

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1 Justin Douglas on Sep 30th, 2008 said:

Thank you for your strong support of the Eco Pass. Good luck this afternoon.
2 William La Bahn on Sep 30th, 2008 said:

This is really serious! I depend on my NecoPass to get to and from Denver and DIA. PLEASE fight for preserving the EcoPass and NecoPass programs. I will gladly pay more for my pass, but elimination is NOT acceptable. Thank you.

Proposed Eco Pass and Neighborhood Pass Changes: Things Are Getting Hot!

2 Responses to “Proposed Eco Pass and Neighborhood Pass Changes: Things Are Getting Hot!”

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