ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: June 23, 1998

Author/Local: Peter Bremner - 7920

CC File No: 5558

TO:		Vancouver City Council
FROM:		General Manager of Engineering Services
SUBJECT:		Interurban Car Operating Agreement

RECOMMENDATION

A.THAT Council authorize the General Manager of Engineering Services to negotiate an agreement with the Transit Museum Society (TMS) to operate the City’s Interurban street car which will include without limitation the terms and conditions set out in Appendix 1 attached hereto; and

B.THAT Council authorize the General Manager of Engineering Services to execute the necessary documents to effect the above recommendation.

COUNCIL POLICY

Council has established transportation priorities which encourage transit.

Council has in the past supported projects preserving and promoting street car heritage.

PURPOSE

Council has authorized the General Manager of Engineering Services to negotiate an agreement with the Transit Museum Society (TMS) to operate on a volunteer basis the City’s Interurban street car. The purpose of this report is to seek Council approval of the terms and conditions for the agreement with TMS.

BACKGROUND

In the last two years, the City has made several important steps toward achieving an operating street car. Namely:

·purchased the False Creek South rail corridor from CP Rail in 1996;

·secured a lease of Interurban Car 1207 in July 1996;

·unveiled Interurban Car 1207 in February 1997;

·secured a lease of Interurban Car 1231 in March 1997;

·completed the restoration of Car 1231 in October 1997;

·March 1998, Council approved funding and the implementation of a demonstration street car line.

DISCUSSION

The Transit Museum Society is a nonprofit group with an interest in preserving and promoting BC’s transit heritage. TMS owns ten historic BC Electric buses (six operating) which it uses to promote transit at parades, festivals and special displays. The society is made up of BC Transit employees, retired transit employees and other interested individuals. The Society is incorporated under the Society Act and has nonprofit status.

TMS has shown a great interest in the street car and providing volunteers to operate it. It has also assisted in fund raising, promotion and preparation of the car for operation.

Safety is paramount. TMS will be responsible for preparing operating rules and procedures. These are to be approved by the General Manager of Engineering Services and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Engineering and Inspection Branch. Motormen will be certified by the Senior Railway Inspector, Ministry of Municipal Affairs.

Schedule

There is much work still to be completed; however, it is proposed that the street car will begin operation late in July. Council will be advised when the start date is finalized. The schedule for operation of the street car is to be approved by the General Manager of Engineering Services. At this time, it is proposed for daytime summer operation on weekends and holidays. This may be adjusted based on demand and availability of volunteers.

Work to Date

Work is well underway to put the car into operation this summer. The electrical power supply is complete, trolley pole and mast arm installation is in progress and minor track repairs are being completed.

Donations and Support

BC Transit continues to be a strong supporter of this project, not only with technical advice, but also from the personal donations of time and expertise. TMS, City staff and many others have all volunteered time to help make this project possible.

BC Hydro is our latest corporate sponsor (see appendix 2). BC Hydro is a major supporter of the street car project and has made a donation of all the trolley wire support poles needed for the job. This is a significant contribution which will make operation possible this summer.

CONCLUSION

The TMS has shown a strong interest in preserving and promoting the street car. It is recommended the City negotiate an agreement with TMS to operate the street car.

NOTE: ELECTRONIC COPIES OF APPENDICES NOT AVAILABLE - ON FILE IN THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE.

* * * * *

APPENDIX 1

1.Term:

four years subject to early termination rights; The City may terminate the agreement on three months notice for any reason whatsoever. TMS may terminate the agreement on 12 months notice.

2. Insurance:

TMS will be responsible for group accident insurance for their members.

The City will be responsible for insuring the cars for loss and damage.

The City will be responsible for insuring the cars for operation and third party liability. TMS will be a coinsured by the City.

3. Fee: No fee will be paid to TMS.

4. Car: Cars covered are Interurban Car 1207 and 1231.

5. Maintenance:

TMS will be responsible for maintenance, cleaning and general care of the cars. The City is still responsible to the owners of the cars under our existing lease agreements.

6. Display / Operation:

TMS will provide volunteers to display and operate the cars during times approved by the General Manager of Engineering Service. TMS will appoint a Street Car Superintendent who will be the City’s contact for TMS and will oversee and have conduct and control of the cars.

7. Safety:

TMS will prepare operating rules and procedures to the satisfaction of the General Manager of Engineering Services. Motormen will be certified by the Province.

8. Training:

All operators will be trained by TMS and approved by the Province.

9. Fares:

TMS will be responsible for collecting fares and remitting the fares to the City monthly with records of all revenues and expenditures. TMS will provide the City with an annual audited financial statement.

10. Nonexclusive right:

The City will retain the right of access and use of the cars at all times.

11 Additional Terms:

Such further and other terms and conditions as seem appropriate to the General Manager of Engineering Services and the Director of Legal Services.

(c) 1998 City of Vancouver