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3500A9298EA5026F87258A120076227B Hearing Summary




PUBLIC
BILL SUMMARY For PRESENTATION FROM GREELEY TRANSIT AND COLORADO ASSOCIATION OF TRANSIT AGENCIES (CASTA) ON YOUTH FREE FARE TRANSIT

INTERIM COMMITTEE  TRANSPORTATION LEGISLATION REVIEW COMMITTEE
Date Aug 21, 2023      
Location Old State Library



Presentation from Greeley Transit and Colorado Association of Transit Agencies (CASTA) on Youth Free Fare Transit - Committee Discussion Only

03:30:23 PM  
The committee took a brief recess.
03:37:37 PM  
The committee came back to order.
03:39:17 PM  
Michelle Johnson,
Mobility Manager for Greeley Evans Transit, and Operations Supervisor Leighton
Powell, Greeley Evans Transit, provided information about the ride free
with school ID transit program (Attachment K).  The program began
in 2013 when the City of Greeley participated in an Achieving Community
Excellence (ACE) nationwide incentive.
03:41:40 PM  
Ms. Johnson indicated
that the city partnered with the Weld County 6 School District to offer
free rides to students with a school ID.  She mentioned that the program
was launched to get kids to school and enrich lives by allowing for participation
in after school activities, including jobs.  Ms. Johnson mentioned
that ridership on increased by 313 percent.



Ms. Johnson said that the City of Greeley completed a student survey to
gauge the success of the program.  She said that in 2016 and 2017,
students could participate in free breakfast programs by riding transit.
 Ms. Johnson indicated that students were able to participate after
school in academic activities, student clubs, jobs, and social activities.
 She mentioned that parents were able to complete their work day,
knowing that their students had reliable transportation.
03:43:08 PM  
Ms. Johnson said
that as school enrollment increased, so did ridership.  She said that
the city has established partnerships to expand the program for students
at the University of Northern Colorado, Colorado State University, and
Aims Community College.
03:43:51 PM  
Mr. Powell talked
a project for the UC Health Hospital in Greeley, Project Search.  He
said that the project provides transportation to the hospital for students
with disabilities needing to get to the hospital for jobs and internships.
 Mr. Powell mentioned that participants would meet at the Greeley
Mall Transit Center for an existing call and ride service to the hospital.
 He said that four students used the transportation, and all of the
students graduated with high marks from the program.  Mr. Powell said
that three students have full-time employment and one student lives on
his own.  He mentioned that currently seven students use the program,
with six students riding the transportation.
03:47:29 PM  
Ms. Johnson said
that most students would not go to school if the transportation was not
available.
03:48:01 PM  
Ann Rajewski, Executive
Director for the Colorado Association of Transit Agencies (CASTA), presented
information about youth free fare transit (Attachment L).  Ms. Rajewski
said that CASTA is a trade association for agencies and employees who work
in transportation. She talked about the variety of programs offered by
CASTA.  
03:49:23 PM  
Executive Director
Rajewski presented the benefits of youth fare free programs, including
access and mobility for 20 percent of the population, lower family transportation
expenses, independence for kids, reduced vehicle miles traveled, and transit
navigation skills for kids.
03:50:50 PM  
Ms. Rajewski talked
about the use of transit by kids for activities, jobs, and programs.  She
indicated that kids are not using school buses because of school choice
because bus service may not be offered to those outside of the district,
the bus may not be provided in rural areas outside of town limits, and
there is a bus driver shortage.
03:52:56 PM  
Ms. Rajewski provided
information about youth transit programs.  She talked about the use
of transit programs in La Junta for schools and summer programs where 40
percent of riders are chilren.  Ms. Rajewski talked about the City
of Fountain where 15 percent of riders are youth.  She mentioned a
number of cities and their free fare programs.
03:57:03 PM  
Ms. Rajewski requested
that a Transportation Legislation Review Committee bill be drafted to address
kids' mobility needs in Colorado.
03:57:44 PM  
There was a discussion
about the effects of increased funding in youth free fare transit programs.
 Ms. Rajewski talked about year round funding as a way to provide
dependable mobility for kids for schools, programs, and jobs, as well as
a higher quality of life, lower vehicle miles traveled, and independence.






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