Title
Resolution for a Joint Participation Agreement - Service Development Funds for Regional Transit Service (RTS) Route 22 (B)
This item is a request for 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 Service Development Funds for the operations of new Route 22.
Explanation
FDOT allocates service development funds to transit agencies each year. The allocations are given at FDOT discretion on a competitive basis for agency projects that meet FDOT Service Development Grant (SDG) criteria.
This RTS project includes a new fixed route (Route 22) from the University of Florida to the Forest Park area. This route will provide transit service from a high density apartment complex area on SW 20th Avenue, SW 24th Avenue, and State Road 24 (Archer Road) to the University of Florida via State Road 121 (34th St.) and State Road 24 (Archer Road) relieving overcrowding on two routes in the same area (Routes 20 and 21).
The overcrowding conditions on Routes 20 and 21 have forced passengers to either wait at bus stops until a bus with capacity is available, or drive to campus, which creates parking problems on campus and worsens traffic congestion on roads that are already failing or approaching failure. By targeting the maximum load point along SW 20th Avenue, this new route will help alleviate these problems. Route 22 will operate weekdays during peak hours from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
FDOT requires the governing board of each public transit system to adopt a resolution authorizing the acceptance of these funds.
Fiscal Note
This Joint Participation Agreement requires the City of Gainesville to match the funding. Matching funds will be provided by the University of Florida.
Recommendation
The City Commission adopt the proposed Resolution.