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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 25, 2000

CAPITAL METRO’S BUDGET EARNS TOP NATIONAL AWARD

Board Set to Authorize 2001 Budget and Business Plan Monday

An independent panel of financial experts awarded Capital Metro the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the agency’s 2000 budget document. It’s the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting. The award comes from the Government Finance Officers Association, an industry organization made up of financial experts from public agencies, cities, counties and states from around the country. According to the G.F.O.A., the award “represents a significant achievement” by Capital Metro.

“We’ve made great strides in improving our fiscal management of Capital Metro and now our peers are taking notice,” said Leslie Browder, Capital Metro’s Chief Financial Officer. “We believe this budget and business plan is proof the public can feel good about trusting us to spend their tax dollars wisely.”

Capital Metro’s Board of Directors will authorize the new 2001 budget Monday, August 28^th. Then, the public will have a chance to comment on the document. “This business plan continues our evolution from an efficient and effective bus company to a regional transportation manager,” said Karen Rae, General Manager at Capital Metro. “It sets the foundation for a higher quality transportation system that includes bus, rail, and high occupancy vehicle lanes.”

The proposed FY 2001 operating budget is $91.6 million dollars. Capital Metro’s Board only plans to spend 59.4% of its sales tax collections on operating expenses. That’s down from 67% in FY 2000. As a result, the board is setting aside more than $120 million dollars for future mass transportation improvements including rail (light rail and commuter rail), roads (high occupancy vehicle lanes), and bus (major bus/vanpool service improvements).

The budget also includes the initial commitment from the Board’s July 2000 resolution to invest $91 million to help Mayor Kirk Watson fund future transportation projects like HOV lanes, street and sidewalk improvements, and hike and bikeways. These projects were already part of Capital Metro’s long-range plan. The projects are also part of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s 2025 plan.

Customer service will again be a top priority under the new budget. CMTA is adding three customer call service representatives to the call center, which handled approximately 1 million calls last year. “Our 2001 budget continues to emphasize and expand customer service initiatives we started this year,” said Rae. “We’re striving to resolve all customer comments more consistently and quickly.” Also new in 2001, Capital Metro will replace outdated farebox equipment on buses with a magnetic-striped card system, similar to your ATM cards. This will streamline bus pass and ticket programs.

The 2001 budget also calls for expansion of the TOPS program (Transit Opportunity Partners). The program encourages businesses and agencies to encourage workers to commute to work using vanpools to help relieve traffic congestion, improve air quality, and save money on fuel.

In an on-going effort to improve employee and customer health and safety, the budget plan also pays for a safety specialist to help Capital Metro’s Safety Coordinator expand the agency’s program.