City Council Minutes 2002 08 06 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Louisville City Council Meeting August 6, 2002 Page 5 Ken Wilson, 261 Wilson Place, Louisville, CO, stated that he is a frequent bus user and was looking forward to using the DASH bus service. He explained that his son would start at Casey Middle School, and they planned to utilize the bus service together. He voiced his disappointment that the service has been delayed until January. He stated that South Boulder Road, Pine Street and Via Appia were all made to be main arterials and can accommodate buses. He asked Council not to withdraw Louisville from advocating improvements to the mass transit service. David Clabots, 725 Lincoln Avenue, Louisville, CO, stated that he was a member of the roundtable committee. He voiced his belief that a compromise could be reached between the 228 and the DASH. He pointed out that the Downtown Business Association is interested in the transit opportunities, as parking in downtown has been a problem. He stated his preference that more tax funds be spent on public transportation than on parking garages. He noted that the 227 services only 10% of Louisville and that there is no RTD service in Ward 3, other than the Call-in-Ride. He voiced his belief that solutions could be reached at the August 22, roundtable discussion. John Leary, 1116 LaFarge Avenue, Louisville, CO, stated that he is a frequent bus rider and supports the DASH service. He explained that twenty-five years ago, many Louisville residents opposed the Centennial Valley annexation, which would double the population. However, proponents of the development were successful and as a result, today Pine Street functions as a major arterial street. He cited his concerns with the impact of automobile traffic and the increase of carbon dioxide emissions. He addressed the express service along South Boulder Road and stated that the service has to be convenient to be successful and that the transit is being expanded to attract new riders and to give better service to existing riders. With respect to the arguments that empty buses pollute, Leary stated that there are many more empty seats in cars that collectively pollute many time more than buses. He stated the DASH route is used by residents going to work and by children going to school and many of these people board on the Pine Street corridor. He urged Council to proceed with the September DASH service. He explained that RTD makes changes every quarter and if the route needs to be modified, it can be done within the next quarter. Andrea Robbins, 358 Troon Court, Louisville, CO, stated that she is an eight-year resident and has worked for the City of Boulder's Go Boulder Department for ten years. She stressed that she has experience working with community transit network systems, known as frequent bus service. She stated that she worked to better public transportation in the City of Boulder, and with DASH, was able to put her time and effort for the community of Louisville. She expressed the gratification of working on a service that benefits transportation options and brings mobility to a community. She explained that transit services are created for the community, by the community and benefit businesses as well. She urged Council to proceed with the DASH service. Buddy Day, 701 Grant Avenue, Louisville, CO, stated that the existing service is adequate and increasing buses would be a disservice to the community. He stressed that