Title
Status Update on the City Commission Strategic Initiative to Implement Premium Transit Service (B)
This item is to provide follow up information to the City Commission regarding Strategic Initiative 5.5: Implement improved transit as described in the Regional Transit System (RTS) Premium Transit Service Report
Explanation
This Strategic Initiative was first introduced by the City Commission in June 2010, at a Strategic Planning Retreat. The Initiative was later adopted and added to the Strategic Plan on August 5, 2010.
RTS has requested Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) funds to conduct a study to provide technical support and guidance to address this City Commission goal. The study will consist of a two-phase effort that will help RTS 1) enhance and finalize its current Premium Transit Service report so that it will illustrate the most appropriate vision for an enhanced transit system network for Gainesville, 2) examine existing available funding sources and identify those that will be most feasible to pursue in the near and long term to fulfill the identified vision, and 3) assess potential transit agency governance structures and determine the most suitable institutional arrangement for RTS to possibly pursue as it seeks to implement its vision.
Phase 1 will include 8 tasks: 1) Conduct Project Kick-Off Meeting, 2) Coordinate with Project Review Committee, 3) Review Existing System Plans & Establish Initial Premium Network, 4) Facilitate Stakeholder & Public Involvement, 5) Build Upon Initial Premium Network, 6) Develop Transit Funding & Governance Alternatives, 7) Evaluate Transit Funding & Governance Alternatives, and 8) Prepare Draft Summary Documentation. The estimated completion date for Phase 1 is Summer 2011.
Phase 2 will include 3 tasks: 1) Conduct Coordination Meeting, 2) Prepare Executive Summary & Conduct Presentations, and 3) Prepare Transit Authority Action Plan. The estimated completion date for Phase 2 is Fall 2011.
Fiscal Note
The total cost for this project is $125,000. Phase 1 funds will be provided by FDOT in the amount of $75,000 and funds for phase 2, in the amount of $50,000, is identified in RTS planning grant but with the possibility of obtaining additional FDOT funds.
Recommendation
The Recreation, Cultural Affairs and Public Works Committee receive an update on the progress of the Strategic Initiative 5.5: Implement improved transit as described in the Regional Transit System (RTS) Premium Transit Service Report.