CITY AND ASI APPROVE MULTI-YEAR TRANSIT FUNDING AGREEMENT

​On Tuesday the Turlock City Council (City) approved a multi-year transit funding agreement with Associated Students Incorporated (ASI) of Stanislaus State that allows unlimited use of the City’s fixed-route bus system to ASI students in exchange for tiered, discounted fares paid quarterly to the City by ASI.  The agreement is the first of its kind for public transit within the City and will take effect immediately upon execution.

The agreement coincides with the enhanced transit service implemented on January 2, 2017, under the newly re-branded Turlock Transit.  The enhanced services include new routes, more frequent service, extended operating hours and bi-directional service along most routes.  The increase in service and connectivity to key points of interest, such as the Monte Vista Crossings shopping center and Downtown Turlock, was a primary factor in ASI’s decision to participate.
 
“This partnership demonstrates Turlock's commitment to welcoming students into all parts of the city, from Monte Vista Crossings to our historic downtown," said Mayor Gary Soiseth. “It will now be easier for students to hop on the bus, explore Turlock, and get back to campus for class. It's my hope that this agreement proves to Stanislaus State students that Turlock is not just our city, but it's their city as well."

“The revenues received from ASI under this agreement directly help Turlock Transit meet the State-required fare box recovery ratio, which is a requirement for receiving federal and state transit funds, while also opening the door to future service enhancements to better meet the transportation needs of local passengers,” said Wayne York, the City's Transportation Engineering Supervisor.  The City will receive quarterly payments from ASI totaling: $26,750 for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2016/17; $71,350 for Fiscal Year 2017/18; and $90,000 annually for Fiscal Years 2018-2021.  The tiered rates represent a substantial discount over regular fares and equate to approximately $6, $8 and $10 per student, per year respectively based on current enrollment figures.
 
Turlock Transit provides transit services on multiple fixed routes throughout the City and the Dial-A-Ride Turlock service for door-to-door transportation in Turlock and Denair. Schedules and hours of operation can be found on the City of Turlock website at www.turlocktransit.com.