According to the agenda item, the purpose of this service is to promote safety, and help alleviate parking and congestion during the weekend.
Guin said during the meeting, the pilot program partners with an external operation provider and will consist of one 21-passenger vehicle that is free and Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible. It will connect individuals with restaurants, shops and other storefronts.
The buses are to begin on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 p.m.-12:30 a.m. The route is a one-way, 10-minute loop that will stop at the North San Jacinto area, Honor Cafe area, Owen Theater area, Metcalf and North Main streets, Dragonball Z cafe area, and First Baptist Church area. If the program is picked up beyond a pilot stage, the contract would be for three years, and the total shuttle cost will be $156,791.75, according to the city.
“I’ve spoken with many of the downtown vendors, and there’s a lot of excitement around it,” Council Member Howard Wood said. “They’re appreciative we are trying to address the parking issues.”
Director of Finance Colin Boothe said if the program is successful, this will become an amended budgeted item. Guin said another way to help alleviate cost is to reach out to advertisers and change it to an in-house operation.
A special meeting was called for Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. where council will consider voting on launching the pilot program.
