Title
Conduct a Public Hearing and Consider/Discuss/Act on Project #17-02, Submitted by McKinney Main Street in an Amount not to Exceed Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000) for the Purchase of a Polaris GEM, to Provide Downtown Shuttle Service between Remote Parking Areas and the Commercial Core; Total Estimated Project Cost is $55,000 Including Vehicle Purchase and Operating Costs; the Amount Requested for Vehicle Purchase Represents 46% of Total Project Cost
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Enhance the Quality of Life in McKinney
Direction for Strategic and Economic Growth
MEETING DATE: January 26, 2017
DEPARTMENT: McKinney Community Development Corporation
CONTACT: Cindy Schneible, President
ITEM SUMMARY:
• McKinney Main Street is requesting a grant, in an amount not to exceed $25,000 for the purchase of a Polaris 6-passenger GEM vehicle to shuttle visitors from remote parking areas to the core commercial district in downtown McKinney.
• With construction of the nine-acre site south of the Downtown Square on the horizon, downtown will lose a significant portion of its free, unlimited remote parking spaces.
• With the elimination of the option for parking at the nine-acre site, other remote parking areas, primarily north of the square, will be publicized and utilized by downtown visitors - which will lead to the need for creation of transportation from parking sites to downtown destinations, while the City continues to negotiate/ create additional parking options to increase parking inventory.
• The shuttle service is planned as a “no cost” option to riders.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• The Polaris GEM is a uniquely styled, electric, minimal maintenance, six-seat vehicle that has been successfully deployed as a shuttle option in areas like the Dallas Arts District, downtown San Diego, Aspen, CO, Tampa, FL and Newport Beach, CA.
• Following the practices of other established GEM shuttle operations, the McKinney GEM would not operate on a fixed route - but would circulate through high pedestrian areas and remote parking lots to actively promote services to potential riders.
• McKinney GEM would be “on call” and accessed through a phone number advertised on the vehicle.
• Additional promotion would be initiated through McKinney Main Street, the City of McKinney and Downtown Merchants.
• McKinney Main Street will identify and recruit sponsors to fund operation and maintenance costs.
• A wide variety of sponsor opportunities/branding visibility will be created.
• The schedule of operations would include 20 hours per week:
o Friday - 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
o Saturday - 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
o Sunday - Noon to 4:00 p.m.
• Passenger load is estimated at 20-30 passengers per hour x 20 hours per week = goal of 2,000 riders per month.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• Total project cost is estimated at $55,000 - $25,000 for vehicle purchase; $30,000 for operations, maintenance and marketing costs.
• Sponsorship sales are planned to fund operations, marketing and maintenance costs.
• Project success will be evaluated based on:
o Total number of hours operated
o Number of riders
o Number of calls placed to McKinney GEM phone number
o Number of promotional materials distributed
o Tracking of social media posts to calculate number and reach regarding McKinney GEM