FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact:
Betsy Kachmar, 432-4977, bek@fwcitilink
FREE FARE – TASTE OF THE ARTS
Saturday, August 29, 2009
All Citilink bus service will operate for free on Saturday, August 29, 2009. A grant from Arts United will help our community access the Taste of the Arts experience. Citilink will be reimbursed for uncollected fares by Arts United’s Art as a Catalyst: Diversity Initiative, which is funded by a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. Not only is it easy to travel to and from downtown on the bus but your ride will be FREE!
Don’t live on a bus route? We are encouraging folks to Park & Ride at the following locations:
Meijer, Lima Road – Route 4, Wells/Ludwig
Meijer, Illinois Road – Route 2, Times Corners
Georgetown Square – Route 2, Georgetown
Southtown Centre – Routes 7 & 8, Calhoun/Anthony
Lincoln Plaza – Route 10, New Haven
Not sure where or when to catch the bus? All routes will operate regular Saturday service from 7:45am – 6:15pm (last bus leaves downtown at 5:15pm). Call Citilink Customer Service at 432-4546 for route information or check out our website for route maps and schedules.
Citilink – Connecting you to the Arts!
* * *
June 23, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact:
Claudia Harris-Stevenson, 432-4977, chs@fwcitilink
FREE FARE OZONE ACTION DAY
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management has declared Wednesday an Air Quality Action Day for ozone. On these days ground level ozone is particularly high and can be unhealthy for people with breathing problems. Citilink has received a grant that allows us to offer free fares on these days. The goal is to improve air quality by reducing the number of cars on the road; mass public transportation produces 50% less pollution per mile. Save money & help the environment. Extend your trip by bringing your bike on the bus, all fixed route buses are equipped with bike racks.
Unsure about how to take a Citilink bus? Give Citilink a call at 432-4546. Friendly customer service representatives will help you plan your trip. You may also check out the Citilink website www.fwcitilink.com for instruction on how to take the bus and current schedules.
* * *
May 21, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact:
Betsy Kachmar, 432-4977, bek@fwcitilink
Youth Summer Fun Pass is here again!
June 8 — August 29
With the high cost of gas, many parents are looking for low cost alternatives to get their kids around town this summer. Citilink is again offering our Youth Summer Fun Pass. It is a great value (it normally costs $0.60/trip or $1.50/day for youth to ride the bus) - the Summer Fun Pass is only $25.00 for the whole Summer (pass is valid June 8 through August 29).
These passes will be available at most Scott’s & Kroger stores, the Utility Office at the City-County Building, and of course from our office here at Citilink. Youth service organizations may want to consider buying them for youth participants or selling them at your office for their convenience.
Feel free to download and print out the attached flier and post it, hand it out, put it in your newsletter, e-mail it to every family/youth you know, etc…
Thank you for helping us spread the word about this affordable way for Fort Wayne youth to get to camp, jobs, parks, the mall, friends house, etc. this Summer!
* * *
May 15, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact:
Betsy Kachmar, 432-4977, bek@fwcitilink
DUMP THE PUMP – RIDE THE BLUE
Today Citilink announces FREE FARES on Ozone Action Days this summer. An Action Day is declared whenever air pollutants are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups such as children or adults with breathing problems. Citilink will provide free bus service on our fixed route and Access paratransit service on these days. A portion of the uncollected fare revenue will be reimbursed by a federal air quality improvement grant. These Action Days are declared with very little advance notice so we do not know how many or which days will be free – we will all just wait and see.
Other air quality improvement efforts by Citilink include:
Youth Summer Fun Pass - only $25.00 – cut down on the number of trips you make shuttling kids around this summer and save money on bus fare and gas.
Bike racks on all fixed route buses so riders can “Rack & Roll”. Learn how to access the Rivergreenway using bus routes, or ride your bike to work, with our new brochure.
Soy biodiesel fuel for the entire bus fleet – we join the schools, city, and county in making this commitment to cleaner burning fuel and renewable resource grown right here by Indiana farmers.
New buses with more fuel efficient engines and emissions control systems. We have ordered seven (7) hybrid electric fixed route buses and are participating in a demonstration project with Fort Wayne based Variable Torque Motors to use hybrid engines on our smaller buses.
Coming this Fall…CampusLink, a partnership with IPFW & IvyTech to provide FREE, frequent shuttle service and discount Citilink bus passes to link community and campus.
Advocacy for state and federal grant funding to help Citilink purchase hybrid electric buses made by Allison/Cummins here in Indiana.
Participation in the Allen County Air Quality Task Force and the Clean Air Force campaign.
Dump the Pump – Save Some Green – Ride the Blue – Rack & Roll. So far this year Citilink has experienced record breaking bus ridership. We hope our bike racks, free service days, and new CampusLink service will encourage more people to give transit a try.
* * *
March 12, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact:
Betsy Kachmar, 432-4977, bek@fwcitilink
CITILINK ALLOCATED FEDERAL RECOVERY ACT FUNDING
Citilink has been notified that we are eligible to receive $4,095,327 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus funding. These funds require no local match and must be used for capital improvement projects. This windfall funding will be used to replace fixed route vehicles in the fleet that have met their useful life with new “greener” hybrid buses that will reduce fuel consumption and improve air quality.
In compliance with the spirit and purpose of these funds they will be obligated as quickly as possible to help create and maintain bus manufacturing jobs. Indiana companies active in the bus manufacturing business include; Cummins, Allison Transmission, Supreme, Delco Remy, Braun Lifts, etc.
Separately, the Citilink board has approved the purchase of five light duty transit vehicles, to replace current Access service vehicles. These vehicles will be purchased with 80% federal/20% local funding awarded last year. The manufacturer of these vehicles, Glaval Corporation, is located in Elkhart. “The same companies who are suffering from the slump in recreational vehicle sales will benefit from this transit vehicle order. We are pleased to help our Northeast Indiana neighbors and improve the safety and efficiency of our fleet, said Ken Housden, General Manager.” He added, “Should more discretionary money become available, we will buy more buses and implement planned energy efficiency improvements in our administrative/maintenance buildings.”
* * *
January 11, 2009
For more information contact:
Becky Weimerskirch, CTN, 420-3407, becky@4ctn.org
Betsy Kachmar, Citilink, 432-4977, bek@fwcitilink
ACCESSIBLE TAXI SERVICE NOW AVAILABLE
IN FORT WAYNE
Demonstration of New Service
Friday, February 13, 2009
8:30 am
Community Transportation Network
2701 S. Coliseum Blvd. (International Park)
Suite 1315 (turn right past guard shack)
Community mobility advocates announce accessible, affordable taxi cab transportation for people who use assistive mobility devices (wheelchairs, scooters, etc.). This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.
The need for accessible transportation any time of day or night has long been a concern. Steve Hinkle, Executive Director of Easter Seals ARC brought forth this issue when he led a delegation of five Fort Wayne/Allen County transportation advocates to an Easter Seals Project Action workshop. Addressing this issue became a top priority and the solution involves an innovative partnership between Citilink, Community Transportation Network and Deluxe Taxi. Citilink transferred two used ramp-equipped minivans to Deluxe Taxi in exchange for $7,000 worth of trip subsidy vouchers for people who use mobility devices. CTN agreed to serve as the clearinghouse for dispersing these vouchers.
Agencies and individuals interested in using the ramp equipped vehicles need only to contact Deluxe Taxi at 426-8555 for a ride (there is no additional charge for accessible service). To get trip subsidy vouchers, contact CTN at 420-3280.
This mobility option compliments the Allen County Council on Aging’s recent service expansion to provide general public transportation in rural areas of Allen County (Counti-Link). Further, due to increasing demand, Citilink has doubled the amount of funding available through their discount bus pass program, available to social service agencies, and is seeking foundation and other funding partnerships to help ensure that affordable transportation is available to all who need a ride, regardless of income level or physical mobility limitations.
* * *
December 10, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
See also photo below
For more information contact:
Betsy Kachmar, 432-4977, bek@fwcitilink
CITILINK CELEBRATES TWO MILLION RIDES
Today, Citilink honored Ms. Joann Hamlet for being the passenger who boarded the bus for our two millionth passenger trip in 2008. This year will be the highest yearly ridership since 1990. Citilink has experienced a consistent increase in ridership since 1999 (57% total increase).
Certainly, higher gas prices contributed to the increase; however, despite a mid-year fare increase and decreased service frequency on selected routes Citilink remains a viable option for many commuters.
Ms. Hamlet has been riding the bus for the past three years. She primarily takes routes 3, 4, 8 and Flexroute 22 to school and doctor appointments. She shares “I basically know most of the drivers by face if not by name. Getting to know the drivers is the best thing about taking the bus. They are caring people who remember me and I appreciate that”. As a ‘mature student’ Ms. Hamlet also appreciates the dependability of the bus, getting her to class on time. She said that friends and family are often late or forget to come but the bus is dependable and she can count on it to get where she needs to go.
Citilink board members and staff greeted Ms. Hamlet as she boarded the bus and presented her with a Citilink/Grassroots Green reusable shopping bag that included a monthly bus pass, Subway restaurant gift card, Komets tickets, and assorted Citilink memorabilia. Ms. Hamlet exclaimed “you have made my day! The bus pass for January will help me survive the extra expenses of the holidays. I’m going to Subway as soon as I get home, there is one nearby!”
Citilink is grateful for all the riders who helped us meet our goal of two million rides this year.
L-R, Joann Hamlet (rider), Fred Lanahan, Paul Musson & Wendy Barrott (Citilink Board members).
* * *
October 13, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
For more information contact:
Larry Wardlaw, Asher Agency, 424-3373
Asher Agency and Citilink Earn National Award
(Fort Wayne, Ind.) – Asher Agency and Citilink have earned national recognition in the 29th Annual AdWheel Awards, sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). Citilink’s Asher-produced television spot, “Dump the Pump,” won first place in the category of Television Advertisement/Public Service Announcement in this year’s AdWheel Awards. Nearly 750 entries were submitted in four categories.
On Tuesday night at the APTA Annual Meeting in San Diego, Citilink’s ad received the Grand Award honor for Group 2, mid-sized cities. “Dump the Pump” features a Citilink bus passing a gas station fuel sign that continues to increase in cost, demonstrating that while fuel costs are high, the cost of a Citilink fare ($1.25/trip) continues to be a great value. You may view the commercial on the Citilink website: http://www.fwcitilink.com/TV_ads.htm
Citilink Assistant General Manager Betsy Kachmar noted that this is the first top APTA AdWheel award that Citilink has received, and that the spot has helped Citilink to effectively share the message about the economic advantages of public transportation.
Larry Wardlaw, Senior Vice President of Asher Agency, and account executive for Citilink, commented, “We’re proud to see ‘Dump the Pump’ and Citilink recognized at the national level. Thanks to Citilink, public transportation is always an effective option here in Fort Wayne, and now only more so due to high gas prices.”
About Asher Agency
Founded in 1974, Asher Agency provides a full range of advertising, marketing and public relations services through its offices in Fort Wayne and Lexington, Kentucky. More information about the agency and its clients can be found at www.asheragency.com.
* * *
September 19, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact:
Betsy Kachmar, 432-4977, bek@fwcitilink
Cathy Gallmeyer, Senator Lugar’s Office, 422-1505
HYBRID BUS DEMONSTRATION -
SEPTEMBER 25th, 10:00 a.m.
On Thursday, September 25th, at 10:00 a.m. Citilink, Variable Torque Motors and the Richard G. Lugar Community Service Center will debut a demonstration hybrid retrofit transit bus. This local collaboration will assess the benefits of a hybrid retrofit drive in a small transit bus application. Anticipated benefits include, but are not limited to: increased fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, improved brake performance, low voltage/light weight ultra capacitor, ease of use/installation and transferability of product.
Media are invited to take a demonstration ride in the hybrid bus which began operating on Citilink routes a few weeks ago. Representatives from Citilink and Variable Torque Motors will be available for comments and questions. The demonstration will take place in front of Senator Lugar’s office located at 6384-A West Jefferson in Covington Plaza.
The hybrid retrofit system works by attaching a motor/generator to the drive shaft and linking it to ultracapacitors mounted under the vehicle. The motor provides an electric boost during acceleration – with significant saving on fuel and emissions anticipated. The system provides regenerative braking as the vehicle decelerates; storing energy in the ultra-capacitors and should extend brake life. The most attractive feature may be its adaptability. Because it is designed to compliment stock equipment the retrofit is minimal and the vehicle drives normally.
“I congratulate Citilink on its first hybrid retrofit bus. Our nation’s transportation system and infrastructure are closely linked with our energy situation, and hybrid technology is an example of the innovation needed to reduce our dependency on foreign oil,” said Lugar.
Betsy Kachmar, Asst. General Manager of Citilink, expressed excitement about the opportunity to partner with a local company and test the viability of a product that could be valuable to the transit community. “We foresee great interest as we share the word about this innovative product with our peers. The lower voltage of this unit is an added safety feature for our mechanics, drivers and passengers.” The VTM system operates on 60-94 Volt AC/DC ultra capacitor. Hybrid cars and other transit hybrids use 200-500 Volt batteries – over 60 is considered “high voltage.”
Larry Zepp added that “Citilink’s participation will provide independent data that will add credibility to the product and improve marketability within the industry.” Citilink will help develop installation instructions so that transit systems can perform the retrofit in-house, thus improving the affordability of this already relatively low-cost retrofit (approx. $30,000/unit). An added benefit is that these units may be transferred should the retrofit outlast the vehicle.
Public transit is an excellent application for hybrid technology. The start/stop nature of urban passenger transport is ideal for regenerative motors and maximizes the fuel & environmental benefits of hybrid electrical assist technology.
This project compliments a recent discretionary grant received by Citilink to pay for 80% of the cost of hybrid technology on two full size fixed route buses that will be purchased next year. This grant is a result of Senator Lugar’s initiative to support hybrid bus technology & alternative fuels for all Indiana transit systems.
* * *
August 29, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact:
Betsy Kachmar, Asst. GM, 432-4977, bek@fwcitilink
SERVICE CHANGES EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 2nd
In response to an anticipated loss of $300,000 in local property tax revenue due to the Property Tax freeze and higher than anticipated fuel expenses to date Citilink is making the following service reductions:
Route 1/1a Waynedale Weekday Service – Discontinue ½ hour service that runs during the work day. Route 1-Hickory Creek and 1a – Social Security will alternate every other hour.
Click here to download Route 1/1a information.
Route 2 Times Corners-Georgetown Weekday Service – Discontinue ½ hour service that runs during AM/PM peak times. Route 2 will run every hour.
Click here to download Route 2 information.
Route 3 Canterbury-Village Woods Weekday Service – Discontinue ½ hour service that runs during AM/PM peak times. Route 3 will run every hour.
Click here to download Route 3 information.
Route 5 Southeast Local Weekday Service - Discontinue the NORTHERN portion of this route. Service from our Hanna Creighton Transit Center to Southtown Centre will continue to run every hour.
Click here to download Route 5 information.
Route 7 Anthony via Oxford SATURDAY Service - Discontinue Route 7 that runs on the ½ hour on Saturday. Route 7 is currently the only route with ½ hour service on Saturday. Route 7a Anthony via Creighton will continue every hour on Saturday. Route 7/7a weekday service will not change.
Click here to download Route 7 information.
Contact Citilink at 432-4546 for more information.
* * *
June 30, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact:
Betsy Kachmar, 432-4977, bek@fwcitilink
CITILINK FARE INCREASE EFFECTIVE JULY 7TH
The Fort Wayne Public Transportation Corporation (Citilink) has not increased fares in 17 years; however, in response to skyrocketing fuel prices, additional revenue is needed to address an anticipated $500,000 budget shortfall. We estimate the fare increase will generate an additional $90,000 through the end of the calendar year. Fare revenue covers approximately 12% of the cost of providing transit service. The remainder is covered by federal, state and local funding.
EFFECTIVE DATE: 7/7/08
CASH OR TICKET TO RIDE |
FARE |
Adult |
$1.25 |
Youth (Ages 5-18) – With Student Photo ID |
$ .60* |
Senior Adults (60 and over)/Persons with Disabilities |
$ .60* |
Children under 5 (with supervision) |
FREE |
ALL DAY PASS |
FARE |
Adult |
$3.00 |
Youth/Seniors/People with Disabilities |
$1.50* |
10 RIDE CARD |
FARE |
Youth/Seniors/Persons with Disabilities |
$ 6.00* |
MONTHLY 31 DAY PASS |
FARE |
Adult |
$45.00 |
Youth/Seniors/Persons with Disabilities |
$ 22.00* |
*Reduced Fare requires presentation of Citilink photo ID card or Student photo ID to the bus driver.
Riders requesting an All Day Pass, or without exact change, must inform the driver before inserting money into the fare box to receive the pass or Change Card that can be used for future trips. No refunds will be given. Transfers will no longer be available.
Multi-ride cards and passes are available from all Scotts/Kroger stores, City-County Building, Urban League, Third World Store, Centro Dinero and the Citilink office at 801 Leesburg Road. The new All Day Passes can be purchased on the bus the day of each ride using the fare box and will soon be available for advance purchase at all outlets.
In addition, Citilink ACCESS par transit service fare will also increase from $2.00/trip to $2.50/trip, the maximum allowable by federal regulation. The average ACCESS trip costs $20.00/ride to provide.
With higher gas prices, Citilink continues to be the best transportation value in town. Use the AAA Trip Cost Calculator on our website to see what your commute to work is costing you daily. Counting the full cost of operating a car (fuel, insurance, depreciation, etc.) it can easily cost $12.00 for a 20 mile round trip commute. A 31 day bus pass is $45.00, a tank of gas costs more and will not likely last you a full month.
As an added incentive, companies and individuals can save some green (money and the environment) by taking advantage of transit commuter tax benefits. Employers can receive tax benefits for providing bus passes to their employees or employees can purchase bus passes pre-tax through payroll deduction and benefit in that way. Either way, an individual switching to public transit can reduce their “carbon footprint” by 20 pounds. Do what you can do…Save some cash AND save the earth.
For more information call Citilink Customer Service at 432-4546 or visit our website at www.fwcitilink.com.
Dump the Pump – Save some Green – Ride the Blue
* * *
March 11, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact:
Betsy Kachmar, 432-4977, bek@fwcitilink
BUS PASSES AT SCOTTS & KROGER STORES!
Citilink is pleased to announce that 31 day and 10 ride bus passes are now available from the Customer Service Desk at all Fort Wayne Scotts and Kroger stores. Bus passes are also available at the New Haven Kroger in Lincoln Plaza. Passes continue to be available from the City Utilities Office, Urban League, Third World Store, and Citilink Office.
Get a FREE Shopping Bag with purchase of a 31 day Citilink bus pass. Use the Citilink coupon located on page 93 of the Green Living Guide for Northeast Indiana. These Green Living Guides may also be purchased at any Kroger or Scotts store, see the display.
To qualify to use the 31 day and 10 ride reduced fare passes, riders must obtain a ½ fare Citilink Photo ID Card. These IDs are available from the Citilink office for $2.00.
Passengers paying with cash on the bus may use larger bills and request a Stored Value Card that can be used for future trips. Please notify the driver so they can issue a “change card” from the fare box. Drivers do not carry cash.
Route Maps and Bus Schedules are available from the public libraries, Citilink buses, Citilink Office (432-4546), or the website at www.fwcitilink.com.
* * *
- Citilink Mission Statement -
To provide safe, courteous and dependable public transportation
at the most reasonable cost to our community.
Citilink is much more than a ride. It is about getting where you want to be on many levels. We contribute to the community in many ways:
Neighborhood Revitalization – Citilink was a catalyst for the Hanna-Creighton complex; the first to commit local and federal resources resulting in a Neighborhood Transit Center that connects the community.
Downtown Development – Our new transfer station will be a major investment in revitalizing downtown and anchor the Barr Street Corridor. Other cities have seen as much as a 40% increase in retail and business development around transit facilities. Our Free summer lunch trolley (co-sponsored by the Downtown Improvement District) connects downtown workers & visitors with restaurants and shops. We also enhanced this year’s Downtown Holiday Fest with free trolley rides.
Economic Development – Studies show that for every $1.00 spent on public transportation the community benefits fivefold. Local dollars are leveraged to match federal and state resources that are invested in mobility for Fort Wayne residents. Annually, over $3.5 million dollars from outside our community support Citilink services. In addition, millions of dollars in discressionary federal funds help pay for new buses and transit facilities.
Employment – Our Joblink program includes the opportunity to join a Carpool, information on tax breaks for bus passes, and enhanced bus services (including access to the new Southtown Centre). Over 60% of trips provided by Citilink are to/from work. Our website provides a table of Citilink routes serving the largest 100 worksites in the city. Transportation alternatives are essential for worker reliability; workers are not deterred by vehicle breakdowns, chauffeuring family members, etc. Citilink is a responsible employer providing good jobs to community residents.
Education – We are working with our local planning agency NIRCC to study transportation challenges in the Northeast corridor; to better serve Ivy Tech & IPFW students. Thousands of trips are provided each year to mid & high school students. We are a community partner in the Hanna-Creighton Rally for Reading.
Safety – Our Transit Watch program promotes bus drivers as the eyes of the community. Our buses patrol the community and serve as a safe haven. We participate in disaster response; including, mass treatment center drill, flood response, fire evacuation, etc. All transit systems have a renewed commitment to safety & security. We have added vehicle tracking devices, cameras on the buses, additional lighting, enhanced driver training, etc. to improve the safety of our service and the security of our community.
Environment – Citilink has taken a lead role in developing the Clean Air Force campaign to reduce ozone and particulate pollution. Regaining air quality attainment status is not only good for our health but can spur economic growth as well. Citilink offers free rides on Ozone Action Days. This resulted in the largest single day ridership total in 10 years – 10,600. We have also switched to cleaner biodiesel fuel and plan to purchase hybrid buses.
Congestion – Mass transit reduces the number of cars on the road, the need for more roads and the stress associated with long commute times and congestion. Last year Citilink provided almost 2 Million trips that were not taken in single occupancy vehicles. Bus ridership continues to rise with a 10% increase over last year.
Land Use – City buses reduces the need for large parking lots & structures. Transit contributes to a revitalization of concentrated urbanized areas by encouraging infill and reducing sprawl.
Recreation - A new “Rack & Roll” brochure is available to help people access the Rivergreenway using our buses equipped with bike racks. Our website provides route information to all city parks and arts venues.
Youth – Few are more “transportation disadvantaged” than those too young to drive. Our discount fare of 60 cents for children & youth helps provide access to jobs, education, recreation and other activities that promote youth development. To further enable youth to participate in constructive activities during the summer we offer a $25 Summer Fun Pass.
Seniors – Mobility allows seniors, and people with disabilities, to stay in their homes and live independently. There comes a time when it is not safe to drive and transportation assistance is necessary. We provide access to health care and community services; transportation is the lifeline to health and quality of life. Our discount fare of 60 cents for seniors and people with disabilities is the best deal in town. Our Access service provides over 45,000 origin-to-destination rides to people who are physically unable to use our fixed route bus service. Citilink provides leadership and in-kind support to the Community Transportation Network which focuses on providing affordable medical transportation to Fort Wayne and Allen County residents.
Hunger – Our Big Bus Stuff (in partnership with Komets Hockey, Tower Bank, City of Ft. Wayne & others) benefits the Community Harvest Food Bank. Our buses provide families with access to the food pantries & low cost grocery stores.
Community Service – Affordable transportation is in itself a valuable service. However, we also provide a limited number of ½ price bus tickets to community service agencies to help them connect their clients with vital services. We also support the United Way workplace campaign (increasing our employee contribution from last year) and other community activities.
With additional resources we could do more:
- Provide more frequent service on all scheduled routes. Some of our routes run every hour some every half hour. We would like everyone to be able to make connections wherever they want to go. Frequent service is much more responsive to passenger (and employer) schedules.
-
Run service later in the evening and on Sundays. Many bus riders are forced to find a ride home from work or on weekends. We want to accommodate alternate work schedules and participation in activities later in the evening and on weekends.
-
Purchase hybrid powered buses. Alternative fuel vehicles will help us contribute to improved air quality. Indiana companies are the leading supplier of these vehicles so we can help the economy and the ecology.
-
Expand service into newly annexed and fringe areas where jobs, services and shopping are and people want to go. There is no publicly subsidized general transportation service available in rural Allen County or many of the surrounding counties. Regional transportation alternatives are not keeping pace with other parts of the state
- Maintain our commitment to provide safe, dependable and affordable service. The current cost to provide a fixed route trip is $5.00 the fare is $1.25. The cost for an Access paratransit trip is $20.00 the fare is $2.50. Costs continue to rise (fuel, insurance, wages) and, with annexation, our service area is growing. Our population is aging and demands on our resources are great. It is a challenge to maintain quality service.
Here’s how you can help us get where we want to be:
- Ride the bus. Our state funding formula is based, in part, on ridership. More riders not only provides an increase in fare revenue it affects our state subsidy as well. Encourage others to ride the bus with you.
- Support increased local investment. There is cap on the total amount of local property taxes, relative to the assessed value of the property, which affects all local government entities. Also, when new areas are annexed into the Fort Wayne city limits they pay a portion of the tax that supports Citilink. However, there is a freeze on the amount we can receive so when the taxing district size increases, the individual burden is spread but Citilink does not receive additional revenue to provide service to the newly annexed area. This is especially challenging for us given the size of the recent Aboite annexation. Further, there are unmet transportation needs in the rural areas of Allen and surrounding counties that could be addressed with additional county or regional resources.
- Support increased state assistance. The taxing rate for state assistance for public transit (PMTF) was decreased to .635% in 2002 when the sales tax was increased to 6%. The number of public transit systems eligible for this assistance has grown from 32 to 58 within the past ten years. Further, costs and demand for services continue to increase. The recent passage of HB 1334 restores the PMTF taxing rate to .76%; potentially an additional $340,000 for Citilink. Thank your legislators and encourage their continued support of public transit. This is a good opportunity to let our representatives know how valuable Citilink is to the economic and social vitality of our community.
Do what you can do! For more information on how we can help you get where you want to be, or how you can help us get where we want to be, please call 260-432-4977,
E-mail bek@fwcitilink.com, or visit our website at www.fwcitilink.com.
Citilink Public Transportation: Getting You There
Wherever Life Takes You
* * *
CITILINK
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Fort Wayne Public Transportation Corporation, Citilink, Board Officers for 2008 are: Fred Lanahan, Chair; Bob Murphy, Vice Chair; and Marv Gottlieb, Secretary. Other board members include; J. Nelson Coats, Wendy Barrott, and Glynn Hines.
Board meetings are held at 5:30pm on the 3rd Thursday of each month at the Citilink Offices, 801 Leesburg Road. Meetings are open to the public.
Download the minutes of our past 2009 board meetings here:
January, February, March, April
Additional information is available upon request 432-4977.
From left to right, top row: Marv Gottlieb, Nelson Coats, Tim McCaulay, Fred Lanahan
Bottom row: Glynn Hines, Paul Musson, Bob Murphy – not pictured, Wendy Barrott.
* * *
Review
the Citilink Transit Development Plan
In
March 2004, the Citilink Board of Directors approved
a Transit Development Plan for Citilink which outlines
an ambitious
set of improvements to Citilink services for the
next
five years.
The Development
Plan was assembled by Urbitran Associates as consultant
to Citilink and involved extensive
outreach to Citilink and Citilink Access system riders,
area
stakeholders and elected officials, a series
of formal and informal public
meetings, a detailed on board survey of riders,
and detailed stop by stop passenger counts. The plan
includes
an in depth
look at existing Citilink services, community
demographics, and development patterns, as well as
projections of
future growth.
Click
the links below to read
the
extensive study presented in a chapter by chapter format
as .pdf
files (which can
be
viewed using Adobe
Acrobat software – free downloads of the latest
version of Adobe Acrobat
are available by clicking on this link).
Taxi
cab rates can cost a fortune...save with Citilink.
Embassy
theatre, the Lincoln Museum & more!
