SPC Committee on Transportation Decisions in Brief
March 8, 2016 Meeting
7.1.3 Update on Railway Delays
Decision
*Administration will look into the cost of a feasibility study of rail line relocations and report back to the 2017 Business Plan and Budget deliberations for consideration and action.
*Administration will continue the course of action with the Railway Working Group.
*A presentation from CN and CP on rail safety, proximity guidelines, and the rail mobile app will be provided to the Committee at a future meeting.
Background
*Transport Canada has been engaged to regulate Canadian National Railway’s (CNR) operations in the southwest portion of the City.
*Transport Canada has confirmed that the spur line rail crossing into the Viterra Grain terminal is federal jurisdiction and has subsequently pursued a formal investigation into the concerns.
*The Administration is continuing to collect data and document incidents of excessive delays and will be meeting with CNR and Transport Canada in the near future to discuss possible solutions to the ongoing concerns.
*Criteria for prioritizing the locations for further investigation include impact on emergency response, impacts of public transit, vehicular delays and benefit to railway operations.
*An investigation into the feasibility and cost of relocating railway operations outside of city limits is estimated to cost between $300,000 and $400,000 depending on scope and whether relocation of both railways is included.
7.1.4 Transportation Network Companies (i.e. Uber)
Decision
*Administration will report back to the Committee on the possibility of implementing consistent standards with respect to training, medical reporting, etc. should Saskatoon proceed with introduction of Transportation Network Companies.
*Administration will engage with industries, including taxi and limousine drivers and companies, to hear their concerns and issues regarding the matter.
*Correspondence from Uber will be joined to the file and the City Solicitor has been encouraged to reach out to the representatives of Transportation Network Companies.
*Administration will report back on the Edmonton model, as presented in the report, including information on the fee structure and feedback from taxi drivers and companies.
Background
*On October 22, 2015, a letter was sent out at City Council’s request to Don McMorris advising of the City’s support for the provincial regulation of Transportation Network Companies (TNCs).
*In response, the Province has advised it is not in a position to regulate TNCs at a provincial level and that further consultation is required.
*The Province poses that “municipalities really are in the best position to ascertain how companies like Uber best fit into their community” and that, once this is determined, municipalities may petition the government for any provincial regulatory changes required.
*In the past few months, there have been significant developments in TNCs’ regulation across Canada. These developments bear consideration for the potential regulation of TNCs in Saskatoon.
7.2.6 Protected Bike Lane Demonstration Project Update
Decision
*The committee will recommend to City Council that the 2016 contract for snow clearing in the protected bike lanes and transit terminal be increased by $48,114 to $125,000 (including taxes).
*Administration will bring forward a report on other options for the maintenance of bike lanes to provide additional information for 2017 Business Plan and Budget deliberations, as well as future budget deliberations.
Background
*The protected bike lane demonstration project is underway, with the first phase (23rd Street) implemented in 2015.
*Design, installation, and communications (capital) costs for the first phase are as expected and there is sufficient funding to proceed with the second phase (4th Avenue).
*Street maintenance costs (operating) are higher than anticipated and will be included in the 2017 operating budget.