Drafter
Clerk 03/29/2012
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AN ORDINANCE relating to public transportation; proposing a two-year congestion reduction transit incentives program; and amending Ordinance 12643, Section 18, and K.C.C. 4.150.610, Ordinance 12643, Section 19, as amended, and K.C.C. 4.150.210, Ordinance 12643, Section 18, as amended, and K.C.C. 4.150.610 and Ordinance 12643, Section 19, as amended, and K.C.C. 4.150.210.
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STATEMENT OF FACTS:
1. In August 2011, the King County council approved Ordinance 17169, providing for a temporary two-year congestion reduction charge of twenty dollars on vehicle registration renewals to allow the transit division ("Metro Transit") to continue to provide the current level of transit service that helps reduce congestion and the corresponding burdens placed on local roads and highways. Proceeds from the charge will reduce congestion by enabling Metro Transit to maintain service at current levels and to get people to jobs as the region's economy continues to recover.
2. Ordinance 17169 requested the executive to develop a two-year congestion reduction transit incentives program to begin when a congestion reduction charge is first imposed, and to submit an ordinance to the council by November 1, 2011, proposing the program.
3. In accordance with K.C.C. 4.150.610, Metro Transit has previously provided free or discounted fare media for the purpose of attracting new ridership, relieving congestion, developing market strategies, testing prices or experimental service and implementing other special transit programs or promotions. The distribution of free-ride tickets has been shown to change the behavior of people making trips within the county, encouraging long-term transit use and increasing the demand for transit services over time.
4. In accordance with K.C.C. 4.150.210, Metro Transit also provides deeply discounted tickets to human service agencies for distribution to their clients to provide access to important human services.
BE IT...
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