Title
Resolution for a Commuter Assistance Grant providing for Oversight of an Existing Van Pool Program (currently provided by vRide) to Transition From the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to the Regional Transit System (RTS) (B)
This is a request for the City Commission to adopt a resolution to allow the Regional Transit System (RTS) to apply for and accept a grant to oversee the Van Pool Program currently overseen by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
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.
A resolution passed by the City Commission authorizing the City Manager to execute and file applications is needed to obtain the grant for the Van Pool Program. RTS is requesting that the City Commission adopt a resolution thereby allowing the grant application to go forward enabling RTS to oversee the program. RTS oversight of the Van Pool Program may potentially provide future opportunities to develop additional van pools.
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 Prog...
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