Hot Springs Intracity Transit has proposed an updated code of conduct for bus patrons, fleshing out the one adopted in 2002 to include offenses that warrant suspension of bus privileges.
Transit Director Kathleen Lambert of First Transit LLC, the company the city contracts to run the bus system, said making the code more comprehensive will improve the passenger experience. The Transportation Advisory Committee will meet July 9 at noon in Transportation Depot to discuss the changes and receive public comments.
Putting the new code into effect will ultimately require action from the Hot Springs Board of Directors, Lambert said.
"From the passenger perspective, we're all trying to get to where we need to go without a lot of fuss," said Lambert, who took over the transit system in October after serving as the senior transit planner for Rock Region Metro in central Arkansas. "If people understand what their options are, we feel like it makes a better environment for all of our riders."
Lambert said passenger and staff input shaped the proposed code, with much of the staff contributions relying on past interactions with passengers.
It lists three categories of offenses. The least egregious, including belligerent or disorderly conduct, results in a seven- to 30-day suspension of bus privileges.
Intermediate-level offenses, including terroristic acts, interfering with the safe operation of the bus or riding while under suspension, are grounds for a 14-day to six-month suspension.
Top-level offenses, including physical altercations, using a weapon or disembarking from a moving bus, trigger a minimum suspension of six months and a maximum penalty of permanent suspension.
Suspended riders will receive a certified letter from the city clerk's office containing a description of the offense and the length of their suspension. A reinstatement of privileges also sent by certified mail must be presented to the transit director before offenders will be allowed to use the system again.
The proposed code includes a fare schedule, which Lambert said will remain the same as it's been for 20 years. A monthly pass for adults is $41.25 and $22 for those 62 and older or disabled. A single fare is $1.25 for adults and minor passengers age 7 to 18, 50 cents for disabled passengers and those 62 and older, and free for those age 6 and younger.
Lambert said the system had a ridership of 175,000 last year and 15 passengers per hour on the three fixed routes running Monday through Friday from 6:10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Two to three paratransit vehicles also run during the week, with one on Saturdays.
"That's a good metric," she said of the 15 passengers per hour. "That means our system is well used."
According to the city's budget, the system's $1.54 million budget is supported by $396,903 from the General Fund, $827,792 in federal aid and $175,730 from the state's transit tax. The budget projects $85,000 in 2018 fare revenue and $45,000 in proceeds from pass sales.
Local on 06/18/2018