July 14, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact:
Betsy Kachmar, 432-4977, bek@fwcitilink
General Manager Succumbs to Cancer
The Fort Wayne Public Transportation Corporation, Citilink, honors David R. Gionet for his ten years of dedicated service. Mr. Gionet passed away on Saturday, July 12, 2008 after a valiant struggle with Cancer.
Mr. Gionet served as General Manager of the Fort Wayne Public Transportation Corporation for ten years from 1998 through 2008. He served tirelessly and capably to redesign and stabilize the organization through aggressive implementation of a long range transit development plan resulting in: improved service, stabilized expenses, increased ridership of 53 percent over ten years, development of the Hanna Creighton Neighborhood Transit Center, and planning and design of a Downtown Transfer Station.
David Gionet demonstrated leadership in public transportation at the local, state and national level; serving as founding board member of the Community Transportation Network, three term President of the Indiana Transportation Association, General Manager for Bloomington Transit, active in the American Public Transit Association Small Systems Committee, and Senior Vice President of Mc Donald Transit Associates.
As Citilink General Manager, Dave lead by example to fulfill the organizational mission of providing safe, courteous and dependable transportation at the most reasonable cost to the community. The Fort Wayne Public Transportation Corporation wishes to honor Mr. David R. Gionet for his dedication and the generous gift of his valuable time, energies and abilities to the provision of public transportation services to the citizens of Fort Wayne.
* * *
July 7, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact:
Betsy Kachmar, 432-4977, bek@fwcitilink
FREE FARE - FESTIVAL ARTS CONNECTION – SATURDAY, JULY 12, 2008
A grant from Arts United will help our community access the Three Rivers Festival arts experience. Through the generosity of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Citilink will be reimbursed for uncollected fares on Saturday, July 12, 2008.
Not only is it easier to come downtown on the bus for the Three Rivers Festival Parade than having to find a parking place but your ride will be FREE! Wave to the Star Bank/Citiloop trolley in the parade, stick around and enjoy the Arts Festival, Chalk Walk, Marketplace, Art in the Park, etc. then catch the bus to go home.
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 Citlink Customer Service 432-4546 for route information or check out our website www.fwcitilink.com for route maps and schedules.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the parade route, Citilink’s Superior Street facility will be CLOSED and buses will stage in the parking lot west of the old train station on Baker Street.
Citilink – Connecting you to the Arts!
* * *
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
* * *
May 30, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact:
Betsy Kachmar, 432-4977, bek@fwcitilink
Downtown Citiloop Returns!
This summer Star Financial Bank, the Downtown Improvement District and Citilink are providing a FREE Citiloop downtown lunch trolley. This service will circulate around the downtown during lunchtime (11:15 am – 1:15 pm) each weekday. The trolley service will run from June 2th to August 15st.
Travel to downtown restaurants and attractions or the summer festivals at Headwaters Park. You can hop on the trolley at any of the sponsored trolley stop locations or any safe intersection. Two trolleys will run the loop continuously for two hours during lunchtime; offering service every 7-8 minutes.
For more information, call 432-4546
Download a Citiloop schedule/timetable and map of the trolley route.
The Citiloop downtown summer lunchtime trolley service is provided FREE courtesy of the following sponsors:
Download
a Citiloop schedule/timetable and map of the trolley route.
The
Citiloop downtown summer lunchtime trolley service is provided
FREE courtesy of the following sponsors:
Service
Sponsor:
Major
Sponsors:
Trolley
Stop Sponsors:
No. |
Location* |
Sponsors |
1. |
Superior & Barr |
Club
Soda / Halls Gas House |
2. |
Superior & Clinton |
Citilink
/ Three Rivers Festival |
3. |
Calhoun & Columbia |
Downtown Improvement District / Cinema Center |
4. |
Berry & Harrison |
Star
Financial Bank |
5. |
Wayne & Webster |
Allen Co. Public Library |
6. |
Douglas & Calhoun |
Lincoln
Financial Services |
7. |
Calhoun & Jefferson |
Hilton Hotel/Grand
Wayne Convention Center |
8. |
Calhoun & Washington |
Dash
In / Loaf ‘n’ Ladle / 816 Pint & Slice |
9. |
Calhoun & Wayne |
Dash
In / Loaf ‘n’ Ladle / 816 Pint & Slice |
*
Location description is approximate, see map for
detail.
Hop
on board & help us spread the word – download, post & e-mail this flier!
* * *
May 20, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact:
Betsy Kachmar, 432-4977, bek@fwcitilink
CITILINK REQUESTS COMMENTS ON PROPOSED SERVICE CHANGES
In response to loss of an anticipated $500,000 in local property tax revenue and higher than anticipated fuel expenses to date, Citilink is exploring revenue enhancement and cost containment options. A fare increase of $0.25 per one way passenger trip and other adjustments in the fare structure may be proposed – the first in 17 years. Service reductions may include, but are not limited to; elimination of Route 5, reducing Route 7 to hourly service on Saturday, reducing Route 1, 2 & 3 to hourly service weekdays and restricting the service area for Citilink ACCESS trips to within ¾ mile of the fixed route service.
The Fort Wayne Public Transportation Corporation/Citilink will host the following community information sessions:
Monday, June 2, 6:45-8:30am & 3:45-5:30pm Citilink Superior Street Transfer Facility
Tuesday, June 3, 4:30 – 6:30pm, Fort Wayne Urban League, 2135 S. Hanna Street
Wednesday, June 4, 10:30-Noon, Citilink Administrative Offices, 801 Leesburg Road
Thursday, June 19, 4:30-5:30, Public Hearing, Citilink Administrative Offices, 801 Leesburg Road
In addition to these sessions the public is invited to attend Citilink Board Meetings on May 29th and June 19th at 5:30pm, Citilink Administrative Offices, 801 Leesburg Road.
It is anticipated that service and fare changes will be made July 7, 2008.
Input and suggestions on these issues of immediate concern are invited at the meetings or can be addressed to Betsy Kachmar, Assistant General Manager, 432-4977, bek@fwcitilink by June 19, 2008. Comments on other issues are also welcome at the meetings or at any time.
* * *
Citilink's Youth Summer Fun Pass is back!
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 - only $25.00 (it normally costs $0.75/trip for youth to ride the bus) for the whole Summer (pass is valid June 2 through August 22).
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.
Please download, print out this 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!
* * *
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.
* * *
BEST BARGAIN IN FORT WAYNE—CITILINK BUS
1/17/08
The Citilink bus public transit system serves all of Fort Wayne and New Haven for just $1.00 per ride! Compare that cost to over $3.00 for a gallon of gas plus insurance, car payment, maintenance and repairs for operating your personal vehicle. Riding Citilink buses in Fort Wayne and New Haven truly is an outstanding bargain!
In calendar year 2007 Citilink provided 2 million passenger trips; our 7th straight year of passenger ridership increases. We operate 12 bus routes Monday-Friday from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM and reduced service on Saturdays from 8AM to 6PM. Citilink also offers transport for disabled people to use our regular route service via our Citilink Access service. Our hard working management and staff provide all of this service to the people of Fort Wayne and New Haven on a very limited budget of $10 million annually. The budget is a blend of federal, state and local funds; including a small property tax levy and passenger fare revenue. We are governed by a seven member board appointed by the Mayor and Fort Wayne City Council.
Over the past three years Citilink has implemented a number of service and facility improvements. In 2007 we added new service to Southtown Centre down South Anthony Boulevard. A new transit sub-station was opened in concert with the Fort Wayne Urban League, Pontiac Library branch and the CANI services at Creighton and Hanna Streets. Bus service has been added on several of our main routes to provide service every 30 minutes and we plan to make these improvements on several additional routes. New service to the relocated Social Security office in Waynedale has also been put into place; as the new facility was not built on a bus route.
So what is in the future for Citilink and our passengers? We plan to continue incremental expansion of bus service as our budget will allow. There is a beautiful new central transit station in the works on Barr Street between Washington and Jefferson Boulevards in downtown Fort Wayne. The new station will be only one block from the Greyhound Bus station for ease of transfer from Citilink to intercity bus service.
One of the great benefits of riding Citilink buses is the reduction in air pollution. We use bio diesel fuel in all of our buses and keep thousands of cars off the road by providing 2 million passenger trips each year. We plan to purchase new hybrid bus engine technology over the next couple of years for even greater savings in fuel and further reduction in air pollution in Fort Wayne and New Haven.
Our surveys indicate that the majority of riders using Citilink buses are doing so to get to and from work. Therefore our bus fleet and service is a critically important piece of local infrastructure for the Fort Wayne area economy and is an important asset for area workers and employers.
And we plan to draw more riders of choice—people with their own vehicles who choose to save money, reduce air pollution and gas use by riding Citilink buses instead of driving one person to a car or truck. A little known benefit is that money spent on public transit bus passes is tax deductible. Employers can purchase passes on behalf of their workers or individuals can claim the money they spend as a transit commuter benefit.
Citilink hopes that people concerned with high costs of gas for cars and those desiring reductions in air pollution will consider taking the bus to work, shop, or entertainment.
Bus route information is available to anyone by either using the Citilink website (www.fwcitilink.com) or by calling our office at 432-4546.
To encourage first time riders to give transit a try for the next 30 days Citilink will provide one free round trip to any new rider. Send an Email request by going to our website at www.fwcitilink.com then click on “contact us” and in the customer service comment section mention the “New Rider Free Bus Ticket Promotion”. Feel free to include any questions or concerns regarding your first trip and Citilink will provide travel information with you bus tickets. Now that is a bargain!
Fred Lanahan
Chairman, Citilink Board of Directors
* * *
- 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 board meetings here: (January '08, February '08, March '08, April '08). 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!
