To ~ Members of Council Page ~ 2 - May 26th, 1972 From Mayor Scott-cont'd. . The use of the service is increasing rapidly. Fares were 25¢ each or 5 for $1.00, but have now increased to 30¢ each or 4 for a $1.00. Most commuters are on time, all buses are marked by zones and zone maps are very prominently displayed in all areas of the Community. The vast majority of trips were in the “Many~to-one" category. The average passenger time on this dial-a-bus service is six minutes and is much faster than the private auto in many cases. The first year of operating showed an operating deficit of $40,000.00. It was felt that this could be decreased to $30,000.00 by reducing the hours of service to 12-14 hours daily. It was stressed that it is no longer possible to operate a local bus ser- viee “out of the fare box". | ‘This study group felt that local bus service was exactly that, "a service", and must come out of taxes in the same vein as one pays for streets and sidewalks. Operating costs were approximated to be $11.00 per hour. Small equipment | “ts used, particularly for manipulation in the many cul-de-sacs in the heavy residential areas. | . | : a, in conclusion, I would point out that a manual is being prepared containing — details on the dial-a-bus experiment in Bay Ridges and should be available soon for perusal by those interested. : . Respectfully submitted, Mayor L. B. Scott.