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Ballot Measure
Transit District
System Information
- What is Bend Area Transit (BAT)? Bend Area Transit consists of three transit services:
- Fixed Route – 7 bus lines with 168 routine stops; 10 buses
- Dial-a-Ride (DAR) – Door-to-door transportation services for eligible riders. Eligibility means that the service is only for people with disabilities and low income seniors; 14 buses
- Ride the River (seasonal) - One bus line with 4 stops (privately funded through sponsors)
- Why did the City of Bend start BAT?
As a result of quickly expanding population and higher expectations for services, the City created a fixed route system in September 2006 for the general public. As a result of implementing a fixed route system, general ridership has increased by 91%.
- Why are some buses more full than others?
There are peak ride times and locations. If you add all the riders on the fixed routes and divide by the total hours of bus time you get an average of rides per service hour. The fixed route delivered an average of 18.31 rides per service hour and dial-a-ride delivered an average of 3.08 rides per service hour in 2007.
- What is the current BAT budget, and where does the funding come from? The adopted 2008/2009 Transit budget is $3,093,400 – including $500,000 for equipment. Here is a breakdown of BAT funding:
• 48% Federal and State grants ($1,475,000)
• 46% City's General Fund ($1,425,000)
• 6% Rider fares ($191,900)
- Why can't this service pay for itself?
Public transit systems nationwide do not pay for themselves with fares alone. They are subsidized by federal and state grants which require matching funds from the local jurisdiction.
Ballot Measure 9-60
- What is proposed to Voters?
Voters in the urban growth boundary of Bend and the area of Deschutes River Woods are asked to consider creating a Transportation District and a permanent property tax rate of $0.393/$1,000 taxable assessed value (TAV).
- What will BAT change if the measure passes?
The measure would create a stable funding source for public transportation services. The proposed budget for the District would allow for extended hours of fixed route and dial-a-ride service. The changes would go through a public review process and the Transit Board of Directors.
- Would property tax fund all operations?
No. The district would be eligible to continue pursuing federal and state grant opportunities as the City has done.
- How much will it cost taxpayers?
Taxable Assessed Value (TAV)* Approximate additional annual property taxes
$179,000 $70
$250,000 $100
$400,000 $160
*TAV is 43% of the homes market value.
Transit District
- Who runs the District?
If a Transportation District is approved the Deschutes County Commission will appoint temporary board members to the Transportation District Board of Directors. In the May 2009 election, voters will be asked to vote on an elected board, just like the Bend Metropolitan Parks District and the Bend School District.
- Would a new Transit District be part of the city or county government?
No. It is a separate governing board just like the Bend Metropolitan Parks District and the Bend School District.
- If the measure passes, when would the District start to get the funding?
The District would begin to "earn" tax funding starting July 1, 2009. The funding would then be received by December 2009.
- How would the District operate if they don't get money from taxes until December 2009?
The district may apply for a tax anticipation loan, a short term loan product available through the Special Districts Association of Oregon.
DRW Service Recommendations -
Starting point for community discussions
New transit routes and service are required to be designed and approved through a public process and are successful only with stakeholder input. However, for informational purposes, the Bend Area Transit offers the following service design recommendations forf Deschutes River Woods (DRW).
Given the rural nature of Deschutes River Woods and the wide variety of needs such as medical trips, local community trips, senior and/or disabled needs, and commuter service, the best service designs should allow for maximum flexibility.
Recommend:
Flex-Zone Service: With this type of service a vehicle is assigned to serve only DRW. The entire area is open to door-to-door service by the general public by reservation at least 24hrs in advance. And there is at least one point on a schedule where people may pick up the van without a reservation. This means that there will not be bus stops along DRW roads.
Vehicle Type: 9-11 passenger modified van with lift, on a four wheel drive chassis equipped with automatic chain system. This area is known for higher snow levels and unpaved surfaces. Signed bus stops will not be used, therefore all passenger boarding/debarks will occur off-street.
Recommended service map
Printable Information
Proposed Transit District Boundary
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CITY EDITION
View the City's video news broadcast here or on Mon.,Tues., Thurs., Fri., & Sat., 5:30 P.M., Wed. 6:30 P.M. - Channel 11.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
The Bend City Council meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month. It also holds work sessions the Monday prior to each Council meeting. The upcoming meetings are:
Nov. 3, 5:00 P.M., CityCouncil/Deschutes County Commission Joint Work Session, City Hall, 710 NW Wall
Nov. 5, 5:00 P.M., City Council Work Session, 7:00 P.M., City Council, City Hall
Nov. 17, 5:00 P.M., City Council Work Session, City Hall
Nov. 19, 5:00 P.M., City Council Work Session 7:00 P.M. City Council, City Hall
Nov. 24, 5:00 P.M., Joint City Council/County Commission Public Hearing on UGB, City Hall
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BEND URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY (BURA)
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PLANNING COMMISSION
Nov. 10, 5:30 P.M., Planning Commission Work Session, City Hall, 710 NW Wall St.
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Calendar (Meetings)
November 2008
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