REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
May 18, 2017
FROM: BRIAN R. MARSHALL, Director
Department of Transportation
SUBJECT
Title
***BILL NO. B-23 - (Re-introduced 5/11/2017) (For adoption) - Amending Section 5-302, 5-303, 5-304, 5-305, 5-307, 5-308, and adding Sections 5-310, 5-311, 5-312, and 5-313 to Article 3 of Chapter 5 of the Fresno Municipal Code, relating to fare evasion and enforcement
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council adopt the amendments and additions to the Fresno Municipal Code relating to fare evasion and enforcement.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
It is anticipated that Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service will be implemented in early 2018 along Blackstone and Kings Canyon/Ventura Avenues. In addition to other improved amenities, BRT will include off-board fare collection through the use of ticket vending machines (TVMs) at each stop. On January 12, 2017, Council approved a contract for the purchase and installation of TVMs on the BRT corridor. Use of TVMs will decrease travel times and increase schedule reliability.
The proposed amendments to the Fresno Municipal Code (FMC) will expand the list of passenger restrictions and prohibited conduct to expressly include fare evasion and knowingly providing false identification. It will also provide for a modified administrative hearing process that will allow passengers to request a review of any notice of violation under this ordinance. A schedule of fees will be brought to Council at a later date.
The Fresno Police Department will be responsible for enforcing the amended ordinance as well as providing additional public safety services along and adjacent to both BRT corridors, including Downtown. As such the Transportation Department will be doubling the number of sworn positions that it funds from 9 to 18. The increase in the number of sworn positions will help mitigate the loss of revenue associated with fare evasion while significantly improving the level of safety for customers, drivers a...
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