Title
Public Transit Grant Award Agreements for Florida Department of Transportation Service Development Grant Funds for Regional Transit System (RTS) Projects (B)
This item requests that the City Commission adopt a resolution authorizing the City of Gainesville dba Regional Transit System to enter into Public Transportation Grant Agreements (PTGAs) for the acceptance of grant funds and authorizes the City Manager to execute PTGAs with Florida Department of Transportation for Service Development Grants for RTS projects.
Explanation
The Florida Department of Transportation (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. These funds require a 50% match from the agency. RTS utilizes service development grants to offset operational costs for provision of fixed route services, or for capital projects deemed essential for improved transit services. RTS regularly submits proposals and receives grant awards for service development projects, which assist in offsetting operating expenses for City bus routes.
Recently the FDOT transitioned from its previous award agreement system (Joint Participation Agreement, “JPAs,” and Supplementary JPAs, “SJPAs”) to a new system which utilizes PTGAs. RTS projects eligible for continuation are still being funded by FDOT, but are now transitioned to the new PTGAs which may, at the discretion of FDOT and if eligible, be amended with either increased funding and/or time extensions.
FDOT requires the governing board of each public transit system to adopt a Resolution authorizing the agency to enter into a PTGA for the acceptance of grant funds. Many projects are eligible to receive additional funding from FDOT in future years, so the Resolution provides authorization for the City to execute any PTGA Amendments for the purpose of scope changes and/or funding adjustments in support of the project.
Route 33: On September 21, 2017, the City adopted Resolution #170324, and approved a JPA authorizing RTS to receive FDOT SDG project funds for Route 33 in the amount of $407,371 (Year 1 total of $814,742). For Year 2 funding, FDOT is providing PTGA funding in the amount of $407,371 (Year 2 total of $814,742). The Santa Fe College Student Transportation Fee provides the 50% local match funds for this project.
Route 300: on October 20, 2016, the City adopted Resolution #160409 and approved a JPA authorizing RTS to receive FDOT SDG project funds for Route 300 in the amount of $51,820 (Year 1 total of $103,640). FDOT amended the JPA and provided Year 2 funding for Route 300 for the same amount of $51,820 (Year 2 total of $103,640). For Year 3 funding, FDOT is providing PTGA funding in the amount of $51,820 (Year 3 total of $103,640). The University of Florida Student Transportation Fee provides the 50% local match funds for this project.
Route 800X: On September 21, 2017, the City adopted Resolution #170324, and approved a JPA authorizing RTS to receive FDOT SDG project funds for Route 800 in the amount of $69,746 (Year 1 total of $139,492). For Year 2 funding, FDOT is providing PTGA funding in the amount of $69,746 (Year 2 total of $139,492). The Santa Fe College Student Transportation Fee provides the 50% local match funds for this project.
Routes 600 and 601: Micro-transit project (formerly known as Microbus or Project Connect) is a new service providing on-demand transit service in a demonstration zone (Eastwood Meadows area), where transit service is limited. This project (phase II) includes the implementation of automatic dispatch and routing. First year FDOT funding for the service is in the amount of $274,000 (Year 1 total of $548,000). Smaller vehicles are used for this service to pick up passengers in areas where regular 40’ buses can’t serve and take them to stop locations and transfer stations, to transfer and complete trips using public transit. Local Option Gas Tax funds and other RTS funds provide the 50% match for this project.
Holiday Service: on October 20, 2016, the City adopted Resolution #160409 and approved a JPA authorizing RTS to receive FDOT SDG project funds for Holiday Service in the amount of $58,006 (Year 1 total of $116,012). FDOT amended the JPA and provided Year 2 funding for Holiday Service for the same amount of $58,006 (Year 2 total of $116,012). For Year 3 funding, FDOT is providing PTGA funding in the amount of $58,006 (Year 3 total of $116,012). RTS general funds provide the 50% local match funds for this project.
Capital Project: FDOT is providing capital assistance for the acquisition of equipment to improve the transit experience for riders and streamline work for RTS employees. Passenger information technology allows RTS to communicate with its passengers by providing real-time bus location and status updates; schedule data; and timely announcements. RTS intends to purchase and install wayside signs at bus stops and transfer stations. Additionally, RTS intends to purchase and install ticket vending machines (TVM). At the TVMs, riders can purchase single fares, add value to cards, and generate proof-of-payment tickets from passes. First year FDOT funding for the project is in the amount of $112,359 (Year 1 total of $224,718). RTS general funds provide the 50% local match funds for this project.
Fiscal Note
Matching funds for each PTGA are identified in the RTS FY18-19 operating budget as noted above.
Recommendation
The City Commission 1) adopt the resolution authorizing the City of Gainesville dba Regional Transit System to enter into Public Transportation Grant Agreement for the acceptance of grant funds, and 2) authorize the Interim City Manager or designee to execute the PTGAs for the aforementioned projects, subject to review and approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.