Not approved by the Advisory Board – For Record Keeping Purposes Only U-PASS Advisory Board End of the Year Retreat June 5th, 2017 Present Jacob Turpin, ASUW Representative Steven Tuttle, ASUW Representative Anna Johnson, incoming ASUW Director of Campus Partnerships Tori Hernandez, incoming GPSS Vice President of Internal Affairs Cooper Smith, GPSS Representative Anna Wittow, GPSS Representative Hakikat Bains, ASUW Dir. Of Campus Partnerships Anne Eskridge, Transportation Adviser Sarah Loeffler, GPSS Vice President of Internal Affairs Kay Fuhlman, proxy for Daniele,Daniele Meñez, ASUW President Rene Singleton, Student Life Advisor Lucas Simons, Student U-PASS Liaison Anne Eskridge, Transportation Services Zachary Howard, Transportation Services Reed Keeney, Transportation Services I. II. III.
Public Comment Period No public comment Agenda approval Agenda is approved Previous Meetings Minutes Approval -
IV.
Formal Introductions -
V.
April 20th minutes approved Everyone introduces themselves
Discussion on NightRide proposal -
Anna goes over NightRide hours extension pilot and proposal for making the hours extension permanent.
-
The group discusses why the extension is only Monday through Thursday and not Friday. Kay mentions some schools have finals in week ten and so it might be good to have extension on Friday of week ten.
-
Zack mentions that Transportation Services can continue to monitor ridership and make minor tweaks such as Friday during dead week.
-
Zack and Cooper agree that they should add that to the proposal.
-
A motion passes to add the amendment to endorse minor TS service tweaks.
-
Group approves the final proposal.
OUTCOMES: The board amended the proposal to extend service to Friday of week ten and endorse Transportation Services making minor changes based on ridership in future quarters. The board approved the amended proposal.
Not approved by the Advisory Board – For Record Keeping Purposes Only VI.
Seattle Colleges Letter and Metro Fare restructure -
Zack goes over fare restructure and impact it would have on students. He says some rides would be cheaper, some would be more expensive and annual increased transit costs to U-PASS program are estimated at $550,000. He goes over the last meeting (at which there was no quorum) when Seattle College students were present. He introduces the letter from Seattle Colleges that is proposing that local transit agencies institute a student fare. Zack notes that this is the last meeting of the year and the bylaws do stipulate that the ASUW and GPSS presidents can act in place of the Advisory Board when it is out of session. Zack refers to the follow up that Metro sent on how they conducted outreach and addressing a few of the questions the board had when they talked.
-
Zack indicates the need to submit the letter this summer, preferably by end of June.
-
Kay says she is reluctant to let the presidents act unilaterally and says they she would support signing on to the Seattle Colleges letter if it is in line with our interests.
-
Zack mentions that there are a few things that would not work with the current UPASS. Specifically, it mentions use of an e-purse that the U-PASS does not support.
-
Anne make suggestions for a separate letter that acknowledges the nuances of how U-PASS work but still expresses solidarity with students at Seattle Colleges. She mentions that the fare simplification was designed for people who pay out of pocket, so some of the administrative details of U-PASS are not relevant to the issue.
-
Steven asks if riders could pay a student fare in cash and expresses concern that anyone could say they are a student in order to pay a lower fare. Zack answers that other similar programs for youth and seniors require enrollment and a special card. He says this program would probably work similarly. Anne adds that Metro is unlikely to administer it by allowing people to pay cash for a student fare
-
Anne encourages the board to continue to advocate for students at other colleges in terms of controlling costs like transportation.
-
Cooper asks how regular fare increase would relate to this fare restructure. Zack responds that Transportation Services had based their projections on a rate increase next year in addition to a rate increase the following year. He says that Metro has clarified that the next rate increase would be pushed to 2020 if this restructure were instituted. Anne adds that that is an informal agreement with Metro that fares would not rise till 2020. She says it is not to say we shouldn’t trust Metro staff but they may face rising costs due to other circumstances that would lead to a fare increase sooner than 2020.
-
Sarah asks about difference between simplification and student fare mentioned in Seattle Colleges letter. Zack clarifies that Metro is getting rid of the current fare structure to simplify fares, but the student fare is a unique idea outside of that process.
-
Sarah asks if other colleges have a program like U-PASS and if a student fare would increase ridership among students. Anne says we don’t have data to model ridership changes among all Seattle students but we have seen that sort of ridership increase with other program like ORCA Lift. Zack adds that U-PASS ridership probably would not change since it’s a flat fee for the U-PASS.
-
Sarah says that part of the board’s mission, in addition is to providing acting in students interests, is to provide benefit to the entire community.
-
Kay says she supports composing a letter to say the board stands with Seattle colleges in support of a student fare while noting nuances of program.
Not approved by the Advisory Board – For Record Keeping Purposes Only -
The board agrees.
-
Cooper adds that one thing that would be helpful is making sure they get student in front of appropriate legislative bodies to advocate for student interests in this
-
Kay responds that a new ASUW position was created to lobby at the local level. Whoever fulfills this position could work on student organizing around this.
-
Anne says its great that the board is supporting the Seattle Colleges and helping to advocate for providing good access to transportation options for students.
OUTCOMES: Board wants to compose a letter to express their solidarity with Seattle Colleges in support of a student fare while noting nuances of the U-PASS program such as the lack of an e-purse that would need to be worked out in the event of a student fare being created. VII.
U-PASS History -
VIII.
Advisory Board History -
IX.
XI.
Zack goes through the Advisory Board history (presentation attached).
Current AB and TS Agreement and Responsibilities -
X.
Zack goes through the presentation on the U-PASS History (presentation attached).
Zack discusses the governing documents of the U-PASS (presentation attached).
Financaial Reports Orientation -
Reed goes over U-PASS finances (presentation attached).
-
Zack adds that the U-PASS program has been leaned downed over the past few years and the vast majority of costs, 95%, are from contract transit services and that that is an important point to make when discussing U-PASS with student government.
-
Zack goes on to discuss how to sustain the U-PASS and the value it provides to students.
Major Accomplishments and Looking Forward -
Zack discusses the major accomplishments of the Advisory Board and what to expect looking forward. He also mentions planning for the rate increase process in case the financial projections workout that an increase is needed. Renee adds that its very important to take advantage of all possible communication outlets during this process.
(Adjourned at 2:00)
WELCOME! 2017 Universal Student U-PASS Advisory Board Retreat
Agenda • Why U-PASS? • U-PASS History
• Advisory Board History • Current AB & TS Agreement and Responsibilities
• Financial Reports Orientation • Major Accomplishments & Looking Forward
Why U-PASS?
>70,000
students, staff, faculty + visitors
<12,000 parking spaces
Why U-PASS?
Why U-PASS? Seattle Campus Emissions Other Electricity Natural gas 2% 3% Landfill 5% Professional travel 11%
Commuting 27%
Fleet 2% TS Electricity 1% Power plant 49%
Why U-PASS?
Why U-PASS?
Why U-PASS? The average student U-PASS member saves 73% over out-of-pocket costs.
“I live in Mt. Vernon. I wouldn’t be able to afford to get to campus without my U-PASS. It means I don’t have to sit in traffic and can study and read instead.” –Janaye Holberton, senior
U-PASS History 1991
~ 25 years ~
2016
1991: U-PASS introduced
• Opt-out program • Always in your pocket, always an option. • In the year after U-PASS was introduced, Metro’s UW ridership increased by one-third.
2009: Financial Crisis Student U-PASS Costs & Cost Recovery $25,000,000
$20,000,000
$15,000,000
$10,000,000
$5,000,000
$FY92
FY93
FY94
FY95
FY96
Total Institutional Support
FY97
FY98
FY99
FY00
FY01
FY02
FY03
FY04
FY05
Potential Support Erroded by CPT
FY06
FY07
FY08
FY09
FY10
FY11
User Fees Less CPT
2011: Universal Student U-PASS
- 79% of students supported a Universal model in a campuswide survey - Increased program participation 40% - Lowered individual fees by 30% - Students reaffirmed their support of the Universal funding model in 2015, approving a rate increase of 11% over the next two years.
2011: ORCA Technology introduced > Prior to ORCA
2011: ORCA Technology introduced > With ORCA
U-PASS Today •
• • • •
Unlimited rides on King County Metro, Community Transit, Sound Transit (buses, commuter rail, and light rail), Pierce Transit, Kitsap Transit, Everett Transit, Seattle Streetcar, and King County Water Taxi NightRide shuttle Discounted carpool parking and free ride-matching Free vanpool parking and fare subsidy Discounts on transportation related vendors (bike repair, carshare, bikeshare)
Other TDM offerings not part of U-PASS • Bicycle programs (parking, promotions and events, education) • Walking programs (promotions and events) • Occasional use parking for faculty/staff and students
U-PASS Today Funding Mix
Student Funding: • 24% from TDM Fee with parking transaction • 66% from users • 10% from the University
Cost for Users
• $84 per quarter (mandatory)
Transit is the 2nd most common way students get to campus CAMPUS COMMUTE MODE SPLIT REPORTED BY STUDENTS IN 2016 U-PASS SURVEY. 43% 6%
40% 5%
6%
Advisory Board History
Advisory AdvisoryBoard BoardHistory History • Created to oversee the Universal Student UPASS program. • Oversees setting of the U-PASS fee, program implementation, & other services covered by U-PASS. • Represents student concerns and interests regarding U-PASS (often through resolutions). • Reports on the state of the program to ASUW and GPSS.
2011-2012 • Created bylaws and elected first AB leadership roles • ORCA launch – Adjustment to new ridership data and contracting under this new system
• Exemption requests in upassab (e-mail) account. – AB passed resolution in support of no exemptions
• • • • •
Compared the new U-PASS to peer institutions Celebrated the 20th Anniversary of U-PASS UAW arbitration begins Explored changing name of the fee Explored U-PASS during Summer Quarter for students
2012-2013 • UAW arbitration settled • Coordination of NightRide and NightWalk programs with UWPD • Created first Annual Report • Kept fee at the original $76 rate • Updated Advisory Board website – Added logos, minutes, contact information, meeting times and dates
2013-2014 • Balanced the TDM fee distribution among U-PASS programs proportionate to costs • Addressed distance learning students requests for exemption – Created white paper on topic, chose not to issue exemption • Legislative updates surrounding Metro transit cuts • Kept fee at the original $76 rate
2014-2015 • • • • • • • •
Adopted first Universal U-PASS rate change for the following year Updated MOU with Transportation Services Commute Concierge service launched Merchant Discount Program revamped to U-PASS Deals and Discounts Advised on updates to carpool program rules Began work on a U-PASS informational video Explored U-PASS for students one quarter after classes Directed by ASUW Senate to further explore distance learning exemption
2015-2016 • • • • •
Supported Expansion of U-PASS to Spokane Transit Authority Seeded Bike Library Under the Management of UWild Adventures Joint Statement on U-PASS Distance Learning Exemptions Support for Universal Employee U-PASS Observed Spring Opening of UW Link Light Rail Station and King County Metro Service Changes – Communicated Student Feedback to Transportation Services
• Discussed State of NightRide – Expressed Support for Safer Zone Training for NightRide Drivers
• Gave Presentations to ASUW Senate and GPSS about U-PASS Program’s Value
2016-2017 • Explored changing the placement of U-PASS fee on students’ tuition statements – Provided feedback to Fiscal Services staff on how best to present the U-PASS fee to students as they update billing system
• Maintained U-PASS fee at current rate for 2017-2018 academic year • Discussed how to lobby for increasing UW administration support for student U-PASS program • Piloted an extension of NightRide service hours during finals week of winter quarter and instituted permanent extension of hours during week ten and finals week of future quarters • Discussed with King County Metro implications of fare restructure for student population • Gave Presentations to ASUW Senate about U-PASS Program’s Value
Current Advisory Board & Transportation Services Agreement and Responsibilities
Student Universal U-PASS Finances
Transportation Services Student U-PASS Financial Report Year to Date as of JUNE 2016
U-PASS: Student Funding: Recharge Revenue: Fees1 Revenue: TDM Fees1,6 Revenue: Institutional Support Total Funding
U-PASS: Student Business Plan
U-PASS: Student Difference
Prior Year Actual
Variance
44,564 11,066,734 3,850,974 1,663,237 16,625,509
43,531 10,892,538 3,716,885 1,747,839 16,400,793
1,033 174,196 134,089 (84,602) 224,716
44,203 10,132,841 4,600,756 1,492,260 16,270,060
361 933,893 (749,782) 170,977 355,449
Classified/Professional/Temp/Hourly/OT Salaries Professional Services Other Contract Services Fleet Services Vehicle Rentals Travel Supplies/Materials Equipment Staff Benefits Total Operating Expenses
268,556 13,164 17,777,606 177 1,077 7,536 88,534 18,156,650
336,989 17,168,246 400 3,000 25,330 1,500 112,065 17,647,530
(68,433) 13,164 609,360 (223) (1,923) (17,794) (1,500) (23,531) 509,120
211,936 38,561 15,039,772 41 9,512 62,714 15,362,536
56,620 (25,397) 2,737,834 136 1,077 (1,976) 25,820 2,794,114
Surplus/(Deficit)
(1,531,141)
(1,246,737)
(284,404)
907,524
(2,438,665)
6/30/15 Ending Balance2
5,508,306
3,305,007
2,203,299
4,600,782
907,524
Current Balance
3,977,165
2,058,270
1,918,895
5,508,306
(1,531,141)
Forecasted Commitments/Contingencies5
1,660,056
1,660,056
-
2,203,299
(543,243)
U-PASS Student Trust3 Available Balance
2,317,109 0
398,214 -
1,918,895 0
3,305,007 0
(987,898) -
Expenditure:
Notes: 1. Deferred three months of Summer quarter 2016 U-PASS Students ($1.0M). Fully recognized Summer quarter 2015 U-PASS students ($1.07M) 2. The cumulative 6/30/2016 fund balance for U-PASS is finalized 3. Student dollars are held in trust 4. Not used 5. Accrue for Parking Sales Tax on TDM fee - 4 year statute of limitations calculated for the period of 6/1/2012-6/30/2016 6. The UW Shuttles are funded by TDM prior to distribution of the TDM to Student U-PASS.
Transportation Services Student U-PASS Other Contract Services Expense Detail Report Year to Date as of March 2017 U-PASS: Student ** Other Contract Services Outside Services - Transit Fees
$
11,213,677
Outside Services - Nightride/Vanpool
$
146,098
Transportation Services Admin Group (TAG) *
$
74,356
Data Processing - Computing
$
5,633
Meals/Light Refreshments
$
2,926
Printing,Copying, Legal and Licensing
$
2,185
Campus Services - Other
$
2,129
Outside Services - Other
$
1,906
Telephone
$
1,572
Membership/Dues
$
213
Campus Services - Facilities Services
$
194
Data Processing - UWIT Systems Support
$
188
Registration/Conference Fees
$
100
Postage
$
1
$
11,451,177
* The bulk of the TAG charges relate to wages and benefits for senior management, administrative, communication, technology and accounting personnel based upon percent of effort. Other major charges include debt service, computer connections, supplies, and temporary staff. ** Expenses are assigned based upon the direct costs by transit contract and overhead costs are distributed as outlined in the Allocation Framework for Distribution of Costs Between U-PASS Budgets.
Sustaining the Value of U-PASS
Students depend on U-PASS • 92% of students in a recent campus-wide survey reported satisfaction with U-PASS • 81% of surveyed students agree with the statement that U-PASS makes it easier for them to attend school
• U-PASS provides fast, easy, and affordable student access to campus, jobs, internships, community engagement, and travel throughout the region
Increase in U-PASS Value Link Light Rail • The March 2016 opening of the University Link Station has transformed the way many students get to campus – U-PASS light rail trips between April 2015 and April 2016 increased 800% – Overall Link light rail ridership has increased 150% in the year since the opening of the Capitol Hill and University of Washington stations • Light rail is a faster option for many students, even those who currently have direct transit access
Travel times from Husky Station To Capitol Hill
4 minutes
To Downtown Seattle
8 minutes
To Sea-Tac Airport
42 minutes
U-PASS Value • $84: Cost of a 2017-2018 quarterly U-PASS • $297: Cost of a Fall 2015 King County Metro one-zone peak pass for one quarter (3 months)
• $567: Cost of a transit pass that covers all transit services included in UPASS for one quarter
• The average student pays just 27% of retail transit costs, saving over $210 per quarter.
Sustaining the Program Thousands
Seattle student U-PASS light rail ridership, by fiscal year 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov FY15
Dec FY16
Jan
Feb
Mar*
Apr
May
FY17
• Light rail revealed a huge demand for transit, and led to uncertainty in costs to the U-PASS program. • Over time, costs have stabilized, and have come in under projections.
Jun
Sustaining the Program Month Jul-16 Aug-16 Sep-16 Oct-16 Nov-16 Dec-16 Jan-17 Feb-17 Mar-17 Apr-17 May-17 Jun-17 Running totals
Projected
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
596,717.45 476,832.28 514,116.72 1,988,732.50 1,805,935.72 1,172,217.07 1,894,525.66 1,695,541.43 1,616,048.77 1,846,913.96 1,778,005.37 864,643.75
Actual $ 533,141.21 $ 479,277.21 $ 635,232.21 $ 1,887,800.68 $ 1,708,955.01 $ 1,075,932.27 $ 1,732,042.17 $ 1,598,207.18 $ 1,505,747.39 $ 1,732,042.17
Variance $ (63,576.24) $ 2,444.93 $ 121,115.48 $ (100,931.81) $ (96,980.71) $ (96,284.79) $ (162,483.49) $ (97,334.25) $ (110,301.39) $ (114,871.79)
Var. % -11.9% 0.5% 19.1% -5.3% -5.7% -8.9% -9.4% -6.1% -7.3% -6.6%
$
$
-6.0%
12,888,377.50
(779,188.23)
Sustaining the Program • U-PASS will be $84 per quarter through Summer 2018 • Discussions on a fee increase for the 18-19 academic year will start and end with the Advisory Board – By November 30, TS will provide a two-year budget forecast indicating whether a fee increase is likely to be necessary in Fall 2018 – By January 31, TS will make a recommendation on a fee increase If a fee increase is recommended: – By March 9, the AB must have recommended a fee increase proposal to both ASUW and GPSS, and received formal approval from these groups – By early June, a new MOU will need to be struck outlining the new fee and any change in the terms of the agreement
Future Topics to Consider for 2017-18 • Review of Rates in Winter 2018 • Expanding U-PASS to More Transit Agencies – Resolving issues of distance learning by expanding U-PASS services • Intercity Transit • Island Transit?
• Supporting Universal Student U-PASS Programs at the Tacoma and Bothell Campuses • Continue to evaluate extended week 10 and finals week NightRide hours • Exploring a Solution for Gap Quarter Students – Evaluating ORCA Lift
• Understand and prepare for impacts of 2021 Northgate Link opening
