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74 Express Bus Service Funding for FY 2025
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INFORMATION CONTACT:
Bjorn E. Hansen, Planning Department, Senior Planner-Long Range Planning, 704-283-3690
ACTION REQUESTED:
Continue or Cancel 74 Express Service Funding for FY 2025
PRIOR BOARD ACTIONS:
1) June 19, 2023, Regular Meeting, Agenda Item # 23-387 - Committed funding for FY2024.
2) September 18, 2023, Regular Meeting, Agenda Item # 23-629 - Authorized County Manager to execute Interlocal Agreement with Indian Trail.
3) January 2, 2024, Regular Meeting, Agenda Item # 23-852,
74 Express Bus Service Funding for FY2025.
BACKGROUND:
In mid-2023, Union County committed to continuing the express bus service based on a funding commitment from Indian Trail. Union County developed an interlocal agreement for FY2024 and FY2025 funding commitment and sent to the town in October. FY2025 was included in the agreement since the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) requires five months’ notice for cancelling service, meaning Union County would need to commit to funding in January 2024. The Indian Trail Town Manager communicated on December 28 that they would be unable to commit to funding in FY2025. Based on the uncertainty raised by this response, staff are requesting Board of Commissioners’ feedback on whether to continue funding service in FY2025 regardless of Indian Trail funding position, or to send notice to CATS to cancel the service. The Board of Commissioners will be asked to make a decision at its January 16 meeting, with riders notified in advance of the meeting to allow them to attend and speak.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Approximately $100,000 to continue service if Indian Trail participates, and $120,000 if Indian Trail does not participate. Funding is a combination of federal and local sources.