Title
Request Approval to Contract with vRide, Inc. to provide a Van Pool Program as Requested and Funded by the Florida Department of Transportation (B)
This item is to request that the City Commission authorize the Regional Transit System (RTS) to enter into a contract with vRide, Inc. to continue to provide a commuter van pool into the City of Gainesville and Alachua County per a request from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). **Estimated Staff Presentation 5 Minutes**
Explanation
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has requested that RTS act as a pass through for funding to allow the current Van Pool Program to continue to operate, otherwise the program will likely end in June of 2016. There are twelve vans currently in operation bringing workers into Gainesville to the VA Hospital and UF Health/Shands Medical Center. The vans currently originate in Lake City, Ocala, Jacksonville and Putman County. State funds are available through FDOT to fund the current Van Pool Program with vRide, Inc. FDOT has assured RTS that minimal staff time will be required to oversee this grant program. Staff believes this role is consistent with the mission of RTS and would like to avoid the potential loss of the services provided through the Commuter Assistance Program.
FDOT proposed a Joint Participation Agreement (JPA), discussed in agenda item #150897, to provide funding for this program and specified vRide, Inc. as a sole source provider of this service.
This contract is for a five year period.
Fiscal Note
The FDOT grant will fully fund this project in the amount of $201,000. No funding is required from the City. The City will not be responsible for managing day to day operations or maintenance/replacement of the vans used in the Van Pool Program. The administrative cost of RTS staff to oversee and monitor this project on behalf of FDOT is expected to be minimal and is proposed to be absorbed by RTS staff. If the staff time nec...
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