Title
Resolution for a Joint Participation Agreement (JPA) to Conduct a Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA) (B)
This item is a request to adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Joint Participation Agreement between the City of Gainesville and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to receive funds to conduct a Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA) to evaluate RTS operations.
Explanation
The Regional Transit System (RTS) has undergone a transformation over the past 14 years, from a small urban system with declining ridership and support, to a growing, heavily used and widely supported transit service. This growth has provided unprecedented ridership increases and placed tremendous strain on the system's funding and infrastructure. RTS' success has also created expectations among the community with regard to continued expansion of existing fixed route service, implementation of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) express bus service, as well as a Streetcar system.
The Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA) will provide an evaluation of RTS operations, equipment and facility requirements for three time horizons: near-term (1-3 years), short range (4-9 years) and long range (10-15 years). The COA will recommend route changes designed to improve service efficiency, apply resources where they are most needed, and modernize the route network based on current and projected conditions within the service area. The COA will also provide short and long range recommendations in terms of service expansion, equipment requirements, and facility needs based on analysis of existing and future plans such as the Transit Development Plan (TDP), RTS Premium Transit Service Report, Metropolitan Planning Organization (MTPO) 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), the University of Florida (UF) Campus Master Plan, and other transit related plans.
FDOT requires the governing board of each public transit system to adopt a resolution authorizing the acceptance of these funds.
Fiscal Note
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will provide funding through a Joint Participation Agreement (JPA) in the amount of $145,000. No local funds are required to match FDOT funds.
Recommendation
The City Commission adopt the Resolution.