PURPOSE:

A new program, the EZ Pass Transit Program, has been created by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to simplify the process of transferring between different transit modes and carriers.  Under this program, riders wishing to regularly transfer between transit service providers would pay one monthly rate for a pass that would allow them to transfer an unlimited number of times between carriers.  With the signing of the new EZ Pass Transit Program contract, the MTA will assume the responsibility, from Metrolink, of reimbursing the City for transfers to Burbank Local Transit, without any alteration from the current level of compensation.  The MTA requires Council approval in order to implement the EZ Pass Transit Program in Burbank. 

BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS:

Within Los Angeles County, transit services are provided by many different operators that have different fares and fare structures. This is extremely confusing and inconvenient for transit riders who use more than one system and use many transfers for long distances to complete a trip.  A Regional Pass, allowing passengers to transfer from one system to another without worrying about transfer payments and fare differentials will be a significant step in providing a seamless transit trip throughout the county. 

Currently, the City of Burbank does not charge passengers of its bus services that connect with Metrolink trains.  Instead, the City of Burbank bills Metrolink on a monthly basis for the number of passengers utilizing the Burbank Local Transit program.  With the implementation of MTA�s EZ Pass Transit Program, the MTA, rather than Metrolink, will assume responsibility of reimbursing the City, causing no fiscal changes in the City�s reimbursement.  Under the new program, the reimbursement will again be based on the City�s current average fare per boarding multiplied by the number of Regional Pass boarding�s per month.

Under the proposed program, all current Metrolink ticket sellers (i.e. the City of Burbank) will sell the EZ Transit Regional Pass from their current outlets and transit stores.  The sellers will market the pass in their marketing programs and through joint marketing efforts.  The MTA will be responsible for the cost of printing and distributing the pass. 

In order to implement the new program, the MTA has provided a contract for the EZ Pass Transit Program to be executed between the MTA and the City of Burbank.  In addition, Metrolink, in cooperation with MTA, has provided a severance contract to transfer reimbursement responsibility from Metrolink to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. 

CONCLUSION:

Staff recommends that the City of Burbank participate in the EZ Transit Pass program to allow for easier exchange between modes of transportation.  Under the proposed program, transit passengers will be able to purchase a single Regional Pass that could be used throughout the County of Los Angeles for various transit systems.  The program also assists the City in encouraging public transit as opposed to driving.  The new program would not change the level of revenues received from the Burbank Local Transit Program, it would only change the source of the revenue from Metrolink to MTA.

RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that Council authorize the City Manager to execute the contract between the City of Burbank and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to participate in the EZ Transit Pass Program.  Staff also recommends that the City Manager be given the authority to execute the severance contract between the City of Burbank and Metrolink to transfer reimbursement responsibilities from Metrolink to MTA.

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