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B. Recommendation from the Regional Transportation Committee Concerning Ferry Service and Shuttle Bus Services; Port Commissioner Chairperson Larry Aikens stated that the Commission has been impacted by the study of ferries and it is anticipated there could be long term impact. He began with a brief update on the status of some key items. The draft Peninsula Transportation Plan 2010 includes ferries among the transit options in response to gridlock. Secondly, the S.F. Bay Transit Authority recently was formed and received $12 million in funding to prepare a regionally wide ferry plan for San Francisco Bay. He stated the significance of inclusion in the 2010 Plan is that it preserves the possibility of funding prior to regional plan implementation. He continued his explanation of a possible pilot program working with the private sector prior to any regional plan implementation. He stated the Port would continue to work with all entities relative to the regional plan and encouraged Council endorsement of the 2010 Plan and inclusion of ferries with the plan. Public Comment: Jim Bigelow, representing the Redwood City/San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce, referred to the Chamber's letter and commended Rich Napier and staff for addressing points made in the letter. He stated the most important point is the bar graph on page 1.22 which shows the transportation status in San Mateo County and that the highways and local roads are where the largest shortfalls exist. He supported the 2010 Plan and stated it appears that C/CAG would be receptive to the reauthorization discussion of Measure A as a key goal under the financial section, added into the current draft by CMAC. He stated that regarding the businesses, there are tax provisions where an employee is able to take a $65.00 pre-tax benefit through the employer for transit expenses. Additionally, employers are able to take an additional $65.00 pre-tax benefit for employees. He stated the Plan brings all the parties to the table to negotiate with good communication. Peter Brandon, Project Manager of Pacific Shores Center, updated the Council on the status of the project. He stated the Center is 90% leased and 100% is being built at this point with tenants taking occupancy beginning April and fully occupied by September 2001. He stated that a traffic consultant is working on a management plan that involves a survey of all the employees. The results of the survey are expected within 2-3 weeks and the survey focuses on alternatives to automobiles focusing on shuttle buses, train and potential use of future ferry. Discussion returned to Item A above: Council Member Howard explained the subcommittee's charge was to study different transportation issues, in particular ferry and shuttle services. She stated the Water Transit Board has been charged with creating a plan for region wide ferry service for the San Francisco Bay Area. Since the regional plan will take time, simultaneously, STUDY SESSION MINUTES November 6, 2000 PAGE 5 :~_. .'-T..