Ames City Council Special Meeting
The special meeting focused primarily on budget presentations, specifically the CyRide budget, which was previously approved by the transit board in December. Key discussion points included maintaining strong ridership, which ties to over $2.4 million in funding through the Small Transit Intensive Cities (STIC) funding formula based on efficiency. The presentation detailed efforts to reduce emissions by replacing diesel buses with battery electric and articulated buses, and ongoing fire safety improvements at the facility. The B100 pilot project using biodiesel was highlighted, along with planned technology investments like onboard passenger information monitors (infotainments) and a website redesign. Operational costs, including increased electricity usage from new electric buses, were discussed. The DiALRIDE paratransit service budget was reviewed, noting its specialized nature results in a higher cost per revenue hour compared to fixed routes. Questions arose regarding the lifecycle and funding plan for expensive electric bus batteries, which are being addressed through a dedicated reserve fund and staggered procurement, supported by a six-year warranty guaranteeing 80% capacity at that point. The council also discussed the reliance on federal funding formulas and the stability of the STIC funding. Furthermore, the successful implementation and increased usage of the Token Transit mobile pass system, which offers more flexible monthly pass durations, was reported. A positive anomaly noted was a decrease in insurance costs following a facility evaluation.