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PTAC Agenda 01/19/2021 Public Transit Advisory Committee Collier Area Transit Hybrid Meeting Collier County Museum, Lecture Hall, 3331 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112 January 19, 2021 3:00 p.m. 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Agenda 4. Approval of Minutes a. October 20, 2020 Minutes b. November 17, 2020 Minutes 5. Committee Action 6. Reports and Presentations a. Beach Bus Service b. FDDC Grant Update 7. Member Comments 8. Public Comments 9. Next Meeting Date – February 16th, 2021 (Location TBD) 10. Adjournment Two or more members of the Board of County Commissioners may be present and may participate at the meeting. The subject matter of this meeting may be an item for discussion and action at a future BCC meeting. Collier Area Transit operates in compliance with Federal Transit Administration, (FTA) program requirements and ensures that transit services are made available and equitably distributed and provides equal AGENDA access and mobility to any person without regard to race, color, or national origin, disability, gender or age. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; FTA Circular 4702.1A, "Title VI and Title VI Dependent Guidelines for Federal Transit Administration Recipients. Anyone who required an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or other reasonable accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, should contact the Collier County Facilities Management Department located at 3335 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, Florida 34112 or 239-252-8380 as soon as possible, but no later than 48 hours before the scheduled event. Such reasonable accommodations will be provided at no cost to the individual. MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC TRANSIT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING October 20, 2020 LET IT BE REMEMBERED, the Public Transit Advisory Committee in and for the County of Collier, having conducted business herein, met on this date at 3:00 P.M. in REGULAR SESSION via hybrid video/teleconference/in-person at the Collier Area Transit Office, 8300 Radio Road, Naples FL 34104, with the following members present: ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman: Mr. John DiMarco Vice-Chairman: Mr. Arthur Dobberstein Mr. James Bennett Mr. Peter Berry Mr. Devon Browne Mr. James Caton Ms. Sonja Lee Samek ALSO PRESENT: Ms. Michelle Edwards-Arnold, Director, Public Transit and Neighborhood Enhancement Mr. Bill Gramer, Jacobs Engineering Group Mr. Omar DeLeon, Public Transit Manager, Collier Area Transit Mr. Zachary Karto, Senior Planner, Collier Area Transit Ms. Felicia Kirby, Jacobs Engineering Group Ms. Josephine Medina, Senior Planner, MPO, Collier County Mr. Braian Morales, General Manager, MV Transportation, Inc. Ms. Brandy Otero, Associate Project Manager, Collier County Ms. Elena Ortiz-Rosado, Events, Sales & Marketing Coordinator, Collier Area Transit Mr. Javier Ortiz-Velez, Jacobs Engineering Group Page 1 I. Call to Order Mr. DiMarco called the meeting to order at 3:00 P.M. II. Roll Call Roll call was taken, and a quorum established. III. Approval of Agenda Mr. Dobberstein requested that an update of the Transit Development Plan be added as an agenda item for discussion. This topic will be added as item VI (b) Status of the TDP. Mr. Dobberstein entered a motion to approve the agenda, with the noted addition. Mr. Bennett seconded the motion. All members were in favor. The motion was carried. IV. Approval of Minutes – September 15, 2020 Mr. Berry entered a motion to approve the September 15, 2020 meeting minutes, as presented. Mr. Bennett seconded the motion. All members were in favor. The motion was carried. V. Committee Action a. Final Park & Ride Study Report – Mr. Javier Ortiz-Velez Mr. Ortiz addressed PTAC to review the final Park-and-Ride study report. Jacobs Engineering Group provided consulting services to the Collier Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and to Collier Area Transit (CAT) for identification and development of a standardized methodology for locating, operating, and maintaining possible Park-and-Ride sites within Collier County. There is an approximate 2% population growth in Collier County, which results in traffic congestion on its arterial network. Park-and-Ride locations may help alleviate some of the congestion by providing areas where commuters may park their vehicles and utilize public transit to urbanized areas. A previous Park-and-Ride study was conducted for Collier County in 2005, the results of which indicated there were favorable conditions and locations where these sites could be successful. 32 sites were evaluated in the current study, which included 12 locations studied in 2005. A standardized methodology for locating, evaluating, and pursuing Park-and-Ride sites within Collier County was identified. Sites were identified and evaluated based on proximity to existing and planned Transit routes, commuter patterns and major employment locations, deficient roads, regional interconnectivity, tourist destinations, and educational facilities. Feedback from the public was solicited via an online survey, as well as stakeholder input, including the Chamber of Commerce, major employers, and other County agencies, all of which assisted in the identification of ultimate destinations throughout the County when using a Park-and-Ride, including Marco Island, Immokalee, and Everglades City. Criteria to evaluate the success of a site included various factors, such as visibility, transit linkage, location, access, and cost to develop the site. Page 2 10 of the 32 sites evaluated were identified as priority locations. The priority locations include both proposed partnerships with private organizations and newly developed lots, providing signage for existing spaces on shared-use lots such as the Government Campus, Coastland Center Mall, Freedom Square, Physicians Regional Hospital-Pine Ridge, New VA Hospital, and Railhead. Proposed new lots would be located at Creekside, with connection with LeeTran, Immokalee Health Department, Beach parking overflow lots at Pine Ridge Road and Vanderbilt Beach Road, as well as the Radio Road Transfer Station lot. Next steps for existing lots and spaces includes updating websites and maps, promotion of existing lots, installation of guide signs off main arterials, as well as replacement of existing signs. Partnerships with private organizations to utilize existing lots and parking spaces would be pursued. Funding would need to be identified and established, including grant applications to support the acquisition of property for the development of new lots, conceptual site plans, design and permitting. Service may then be established via CAT route, vanpool, express bus, or MOD, with promotion to the public of these services. Mr. Browne inquired as to the results of any follow up of the effectiveness/benefit of the Park-and-Ride locations which had been built following the 2005 study. Mr. Ortiz stated that the sites were reviewed with respect to how they were being used within the conditions of 2020, however no official tracking of use has been established. It was noted that promotion to the public has been suboptimal and the sites have not been used to capacity, but these issues would be taken into consideration if the County decided to move forward with this program. Mr. DeLeon clarified that several of the sites are comprised of a few parking spots at County libraries and are not standalone, dedicated lots. As such, greater visibility to the community of the dual purpose of the parking spots at these locations is needed. The parking lot of several of the locations is adjacent to a bus stop. Mr. Caton questioned whether the creation of overflow lots at Pine Ridge and Vanderbilt Beach roads was practical, given the already limited availability of beach parking. It was clarified that these sites were selected to relieve traffic congestion for all commuters, including those that may have a work or entertainment destination, particularly during tourist season, holidays, weekends, etc. It was also noted that the two sites designated for beach parking are not located at the beach, but are off-site. Riders would park their vehicles and then utilize transit to travel on to the beach or their desired destination. Mr. Browne inquired as to the anticipated capacity and target utilization times, season versus off-season at these two locations, and whether alternative uses during non-peak times are being considered. It was clarified that basic capacity and turnaround counts are tracked by the Parks and Recreation Division, which was studied by quarter in order to determine the suggested number of parking spaces needed to serve each location, as well as to adjust for population growth through 2040. Alternative use during non-peak times has been considered, such as parking overflow for the Mercato, other local shopping destinations, or to support other special entertainment or events. Page 3 Mr. Browne reiterated the benefit of private/public partnerships with businesses and possibly utilizing a portion of the parking lot on weekends only, which are typically peak days for beachgoers. Mr. Caton inquired as to incentives for private businesses to assign designated parking as a Park-and-Ride location, which may be taking spots from employees or visitors to the business. Mr. Gramer noted promotion to business owners of possible tax and/or zoning benefits, as well as trip-chaining benefits for riders who may access multiple local businesses. Mr. Caton also suggested potential pop-up Park-and-Rode locations associated with a specific activity, such as a weekend farmer’s market or flea market, which would not require zoning, construction, or infrastructure. Mr. Karto concurred and noted that existing parking garages in the City of Naples are an example of locations which would allow riders to park their vehicle and board a shuttle for access to downtown, the Pier, or other areas of local interest. Potential Park-and-Rode locations are evaluated for multiuse potential, including for commuters, tourism, as well as trade access, dependent upon location and target market. Mr. Browne recommended analysis for greatest community impact when considering ranking of the top ten locations. Mr. Dobberstein noted some complexity in accessing the Pine Ridge Road location, possibly impacting use. Mr. Gramer noted that to offer the most Park-and Ride locations, efficiency, cost of each location, as well as access management were evaluated and scored, and if deemed non-feasible, were not considered further. The limited availability of beach parking in Marco Island, as well as of available land for purchase by the County was acknowledged. Sites outside of Marco Island are being identified to transport riders onto the Island, as well as implementation of a trolley service for residents to utilize on the Island, which will also alleviate beach parking issues. Mr. DiMarco inquired whether fixed bike racks will be available at Park-and Ride locations. It was noted that serving all commuters is the goal, which would include pedestrians, bicyclists, as well as potentially offering charging stations for electric vehicles. Mr. Dobberstein commented upon the lack of plan development following the 2005 study and encouraged practical usage of the findings of the most recent study. Mr. Berry inquired whether a target date has been identified for the implementation of identified next steps. Mr. Graber stated that the promotion of existing lots via the website, as well as possible placement of guide signs onsite would be short-term, first steps towards functioning, usable park-and-ride locations, which could be used as a model for more park-and-ride locations to follow. It was further noted by Mr. Karto that a manual has been created for use by County staff which details criteria to follow in the evaluation of potential park-and-ride locations. Mr. Dobberstein commented upon the benefit to employers to market this amenity to their employees. Mr. DeLeon also noted the potential for partnerships with commercial developments where Park-and Ride locations may be appropriated as part of the project. Mr. Bennett suggested that a Park-and-Ride located near the Collier-Lee County border would be useful for the many people who travel into the county each day for work. Page 4 Mr. DeLeon stated that several potential locations have been identified along the county line corridor, including at Miromar Outlets. Ms. Arnold further stated that partnership with LeeTran is being considered, to share costs associated with the service. Ms. Arnold summarized by noting Advisory Committee suggestions to assign general target dates for next step items, as well as analysis for greatest community impact when considering ranking of the top ten locations. These suggestions may be incorporated into the Transit Development Plan and/or the manual created for use in planning upcoming Park-and-Ride projects; the evaluation of where sites may be located, as well as a reference tool in discussion with developers. Mr. DiMarco entered a motion to endorse the final Park-and-Ride Study, with the addition of the assignment of a schedule to identified next step items. Mr. Bennett seconded the motion. All members were in favor. The motion was carried. b. Florida Developmentally Disadvantaged Council Grant PTNE staff received an invitation by the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council to participate in a 12-month pilot transportation voucher project which utilizes $150K in grant funding. No matching funds are required. The project is designed to provide additional transportation options for residents with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities by making on-demand service available, in addition to scheduled paratransit rides. The pilot program is underway in both Hillsborough County and the City of Jacksonville, with funding available to support the program in eight additional counties and areas within Florida. Participation in the program will afford an opportunity to test partnerships with taxis and Transportation Network Companies (TNCs, including Uber and Lyft) and provide a greater level of service to the disabled members of the community. A decision to move forward with the pilot program has been made, with necessary approvals in place to begin. A Work Plan has been created, which identifies goals for the program, as well as the boundaries where the service will be provided. The service will be available 7 days a week, 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. A partnership with Uber has been established to provide this service to the community, currently in discussion for the use of wheelchair accessible vehicles. This may entail partnership with a third contractor, a local taxi company which provides wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAV). All eligible passengers currently in the CAT Connect system will be uploaded onto the Uber Central platform, allowing for booking same day service via a smartphone. No additional application will be required to utilize the new program. Transit will have access to Uber Central to run reports and evaluate the data. The trip cost will be $20, with the initial $4 paid for by the passenger and $16 subsidized by the grant. Any cost beyond $20 will be the responsibility of the passenger. The Agreement is planned to be presented to the Board of County Commissioners at the October 27, 2020 meeting, working thereafter with Uber to finalize the agreement, as well as for wheelchair access vehicles. The program is scheduled to begin in December 2020, running through September 2021, with monthly assessments done. Page 5 Finally, the completed pilot program will be evaluated, with a cost comparison with the current CAT Connect service. Mr. Dobberstein inquired whether drivers will be specially trained in the transport of developmentally disabled passengers, as well as whether passengers may request the service using methods other than online. It was clarified by Mr. DeLeon that specialized training for drivers is a requirement of the grant funding; clarification will be sought regarding methods available for riders to request the service. Mr. Dobberstein inquired whether this program may divert riders from utilizing CAT Connect and whether this will affect revenue. It was noted that feedback from the program in Hillsborough County reflected use of both the on-demand service and the traditional scheduled service, as needed. The program is being offered by CAT as a benefit to the local community by providing greater mobility options. The service will be multi-load; however, it will be clarified whether an additional fee will be required if a guest joins an eligible rider. Mr. Dobberstein noted the possibility for more partnership opportunities with Uber following the use of this program. Mr. DeLeon concurred, stating that Uber now has personnel dedicated to managing Transit contracts. As well, Uber has been utilized as a link to facilitate the movement of people to bus stops or transit stations, utilizing a voucher or credit system. An update on the program will be provided to PTAC following presentation to the BCC. VI. Reports and Presentations a. CAT Performance Measures Annual CAT performance measures were shared with PTAC. In comparison of FY19 to FY20, a decrease in ridership of 20% was seen. An uptick in ridership was seen at the beginning of the year, November to February 2019, pre-COVID, which significantly impacted ridership beginning in February. Ridership for the past several months has maintained at a 33% decrease from the previous year. No revenue was reported during the months of free service to the community, and lower revenue is noted in August 2020 when fares were reinstituted, attributed to the lower ridership. Despite decreased ridership in September, the increase in revenue is attributed to $58K in passes purchased by a developer for their employees. There has been a slight increase in revenue miles and hours from the year before, attributed to the use of additional vehicles to accommodate social distancing for riders. On-time performance was 90% during the time of suspended fares, which decreased slightly with the reinstitution of fares. b. Status of the TDP The draft TDP was released to the public for 30 days for review and comment, however with no feedback received. The TDP is scheduled to be presented to the BCC at the October 27, 2020 meeting. VII. Member Comments +Mr. DiMarco requested an update on the potential use of electric shuttles along Bayshore Drive. Page 6 Mr. Karto clarified that discussions with the Bayshore CRA are ongoing, currently with two electric shuttles under consideration for use on Bayshore Drive. A public survey is planned to solicit feedback on services of interest in that area. A copy of the survey will be shared with PTAC when released. +Mr. Dobberstein suggested that a brief, descriptive summary be provided to PTAC of consultants chosen for Transit projects. +Mr. DiMarco noted that the Advisory Committee members have not been updated on the Government website and requested that this be amended. VIII. Public Comments There were no additional comments from members of the public. IX. Next Meeting Date – November 17, 2020 X. Adjournment There being no further business for the good of the County, the meeting was adjourned. Public Transit Advisory Committee ___________________________________ John DiMarco, Chairman These minutes approved by the Committee on _________________as presented ___ or as amended___. Page 7 MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC TRANSIT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING November 17, 2020 LET IT BE REMEMBERED, the Public Transit Advisory Committee in and for the County of Collier, having conducted business herein, met on this date at 3:00 P.M. in REGULAR SESSION via hybrid video/teleconference/in-person at the Collier Area Transit Office, 8300 Radio Road, Naples FL 34104, with the following members present: ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Vice-Chairman: Mr. Arthur Dobberstein - Zoom Mr. James Bennett - Zoom Mr. Peter Berry – In person Mr. Devon Browne - Zoom Mr. James Caton – In person Ms. Sonja Lee Samek - Zoom Absent: Chairman: Mr. John DiMarco ALSO PRESENT: Ms. Michelle Edwards-Arnold, Director, Public Transit and Neighborhood Enhancement Mr. Omar DeLeon, Public Transit Manager, Collier Area Transit Mr. Zachary Karto, Senior Planner, Collier Area Transit Marirka Maldonado, ParaTransit Manager, MV Transit Ms. Brandy Otero, Associate Project Manager, Collier County Ms. Elisabeth Schuck, Senior Associate, Tindale Oliver Page 1 I. Call to Order Mr. Dobberstein called the meeting to order at 3:00 P.M. II. Roll Call Roll call was taken, and a quorum established. III. Approval of Agenda A vote on approval of the meeting agenda could not be done due to a lack of an in-person quorum. IV. Approval of Minutes – October 20, 2020 A vote on approval of the October 20, 2020 meeting minutes could not be done due to a lack of an in-person quorum. V. Committee Action a. Transit Impact Analysis Study: Collier County and Collier Area Transit (CAT), in partnership with the Collier Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) initiated a Transit Impact Analysis Study to determine how Transit can best be integrated into the Development Review process to mitigate impacts on the transit system from development projects. The current development process requires CAT to reactively respond to impacts of development on transit infrastructure and service; in many instances, necessitating accommodation of the demand the development project places on the transit system, without the financial resources to help mitigate the costs. The appropriateness of developer contribution to the Transit infrastructure for a new development project was also studied. The study process considered two tracts, technical analysis and review of data information, demographics, development patterns, comparison in operations with select peer transit systems, as well as an in-depth study of the current Development Review process. Secondly, engagement with Agency Staff, working closely with the Project Advisory team, including MPO staff, CAT staff, and Collier County Transportation and Growth Management staff, as well as senior County leadership. The key findings of demographics and Transit reflect a high annual average growth rate in Collier County, with growth shifting eastward. Seasonal peak ridership averages 10% higher than non-peak, with increasing operating costs per rider, which is consistent with state and national trends. The key findings of Peer Review among five comparable peers reveal that CAT has the lowest passenger trips and trips per revenue mile, the second lowest revenue hours per capita/operating expense per capita, and the second highest trip length. Substantial service sector economy is seen; high journey to work mode share despite relatively low overall ridership. Page 2 The key findings of review of the Development Review process reveal no formal system to consider development impacts to the transit system and no transit related mitigation required of developers. Transportation Demand Management (TDM) is a defined set of strategies aimed at maximizing traveler choices. Development is often scaled back to avoid TDM requirements and some TDM strategies may be chosen based on cost or ease of implementation, not necessarily effectiveness. Modification of inconsistent regulatory language and policies on TDM implementation, monitoring, and evaluation is necessary. There are many limitations within the County in terms of density and challenges to provide transit in specific areas, as well as in funding of operations. The County is currently not eligible for funding of operations via a sales tax, with a focus then on general funds for increasing revenue for the Transit system. Developer funded mitigation is a short-term solution, requiring eventual necessity of a new revenue source. One potential approach studied was transit site access improvements. There is currently no requirement for site-related transit infrastructure, as there is for sidewalks, bike lanes, and pathways. The establishment of transit site access regulations is recommended, proportional to the scale of development, apply to development along existing/planned transit routes, consistent with the scale and design of typical CAT facilities and which are similar to other site access requirements. Mr. Dobberstein inquired as to whether accommodations in routing would add time to the route. It was noted that an “in lieu of’ payment option has been suggested if the addition of transit infrastructure directly on the site being developed is impractical, with mutual agreement that the bus stop may be located in close proximity. Early discussions with developers are key to incorporation of improvements during site development. Longer-term strategies were studied which would modify some areas into more transit oriented development areas, with area specific redevelopment goals, districts and corridors, and modification of the development review process accordingly. Transportation Demand Management strategies were explored, which are ways developers can have exception to concurrency in specific areas, with the goal to shift from single occupant vehicle trips to alternative modes, shifting trips out of the peak travel periods to reduce congestion. Post-Covid, higher telework levels will likely continue. Best practices findings applicable to Collier County revealed that TDM programs can be more challenging in the suburban settings than higher density urban areas. Commuter benefit transit programs, such as personal transit pass systems are often deeply discounted and generate increased ridership; however, do not generate additional revenue for the transit system. Parking pricing and supply limitations were seen to increase TDM effectiveness in the suburban context, however this concept would be more applicable to employees required to pay for employer parking in Collier County, where the majority of parking is free and other strategies would likely be pursued. More robust programs will require greater staffing resources in management and administration. Evaluation and monitoring of programs would be necessary to gauge effectiveness over time. Page 3 Recommendations resulting from the study include looking at implementing transit site access requirements and refreshing the TDM program and strategies which currently exist. Draft regulatory language was provided which requires various types of infrastructure for development projects located on existing routes or planned routes in the ten-year Transit Development Plan or the first five years of the Long Range Transportation Plan. The noted requirements per the type of infrastructure were based on the size of the development in terms of traffic generation. All construction would remain consistent with CAT guidelines, the scale of the development, and ADA accessible. Additionally, adjustment of the TDM strategies in the Growth Management Plan and the Land Development Code is recommended, with creation of a tiered approach of existing strategies, so that developers would be required to choose complementary strategies from each tier, as opposed to choosing cheaper or easier options. Strategies for newer technologies such as electric vehicles, charging stations, and preferential parking were given, as well as a recommendation that park and ride spaces be provided as an option for transit riders, including within a development if the site can support it. Language has been provided which requires any development on an existing or planned transit route to include at least one transit related strategy, as well as adding additional support for bicycle facilities, on-site storage, and amenities if the development project is located near pathways or bicycle lanes. Language also includes enhanced reporting and monitoring requirements, as well as provided streamlined language between the Growth Management Plan and the Land Development Code. A recommendation was made by Mr. Caton for flexibility within the TDP to adjust the larger strategy in response to developer choices. Regarding impact fees, Collier County currently has a roadway impact fee, which does not include Transit, bicycle traffic, sidewalks, etc., and has not moved to a multimodal impact fee. Next steps include presentation of recommendations to the CAC, TAC, and MPO Board in December 2020. Draft language will ultimately be reviewed by the County Attorney, who will finalize regulatory language prior to presentation to the Board of County Commissioners. Consensus in support of study recommendations was received from all PTAC members in attendance. b. 5310, 5311, 5339 Grant Applications: The 5310, 5311, and 5339 are competitive grant applications which are submitted annually to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), and which identify specific projects associated with each grant. The grants are specific to rural areas. 5310 and 5311 have local match requirements, utilizing either State funds, a combination of State and local funding, or just local funds. The final submission date is December 14, 2020. Page 4 5310: Funds are being requested for the purchase of three paratransit vehicles and associated technology. The vehicles are approximately $83K each, utilizing FDOT contract pricing, with 3 wheelchair capacity. All vehicles in the fleet are purchased with grant funds, with need evaluated on a yearly basis. 5310 funding is specific to paratransit. 5311: This grant is being requested for operational expenditures associated with providing service to rural areas, including Immokalee, Golden Gate Estates, as well as other outlying areas of Collier County. 5339: Funds are being requested for improvements to nine bus stops in rural locations, including adding bus shelters, benches, trash cans, bike racks, and ADA compliance. While there is ongoing discussion with LeeTran regarding funding of regional routes, there is currently no pursuit of grant funding in partnership with surrounding counties. Exploration of regional/partnership grants to test new transportation technologies and modalities is a viable option for consideration. Consensus in support of the submission of grant applications as presented was received from all PTAC members in attendance. VI. Reports and Presentations There were no additional reports and presentations. VII. Member Comments +It was noted by Ms. Arnold that an amendment change to the by-laws to adjust the number of in-person quorum from 4 to 3 is under consideration, and will be discussed with the County Attorney. Any new information related to this item will be discussed at the next meeting. VIII. Public Comments There were no comments from members of the public. IX. Next Meeting Date – December 15, 2020 X. Adjournment There being no further business for the good of the County, the meeting was adjourned. Public Transit Advisory Committee ___________________________________ Arthur Dobberstein, Vice-Chairman These minutes approved by the Committee on _________________as presented ___ or as amended___. Page 5 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Reports/Presentations Item 6a Collier Area Transit Beach Bus Objective: To provide Beach Bus service to Collier County residents and visitors. Considerations: Collier Area Transit (CAT), after its third successful year of the Beach Bus service and a successful kick off to its fourth is again offering the Beach Bus to Collier County residents and visitors. The fourth season was unfortunately cut short due to COVID49 but started out with the highest ridership of all seasonal starts. The Beach Bus season will be from February 4th until May 30th3 2021. The service will consist of a free shuttle traveling on Immokalee Rd from Creekside to Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park stopping at Conner Park in between. The route is the same alignment used for previous seasons which has seen continuous growth. A change for this season is the utilization of a gasoline powered trolley. (See attached Photo) The Beach Bus service will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., then again from 4:30 p.m. to 7:10 p.m., Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays with a 30-minute frequency. The Beach Bus will offer a `flag down' service, so riders can catch a free ride anywhere along the route. Anyone using the trolley to enter Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park will be required to pay the Park entrance fee of $2. Collier County has an agreement with the State Park to collect the fees on their behalf and to honor the State Park issued passes. Overall, CAT has had great success in growing the Beach Bus service in previous 4 years and plans continue to provide the service for the foreseeable future. Recommendation: This item is information only. No approval required. Prepared by: I Date: 1 jrJ ' ZUZI ac Karto, Senior Planner Approved by: Date: Michelle Arnold, PINE ivision Director Kim lot dloo Ad a-,- sop, EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Repo rts/Presentations Item 6b FDDC Grant Update Objective: To update the committee on the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council grant and service. Considerations: On August 6, 2020, Public Transit &Neighborhood Enhancement (PTNE) staff received an invitation from Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC) to take part in a 12-month pilot grant transportation voucher project for $150,000. Funding is originated from the Department of Health and Human Services and passed thru to the FDDC. The project is designed to provide increased transportation options for residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It is the intent of this project to meet those transportation needs that are currently not being met through Collier Area Transit's (CAT) paratransit system. The proposed voucher project in Collier County is expected to serve a113,260 passengers actively using the County's ADA paratransit system and is projected to provide an additional 8,125 annual trips. The existing paratransit system provides approximately 79,000 annual trips. With the implementation of the voucher program, an increase of 10.3% in the annual trip volume is expected. Staff is working on completing the agreement with Uber Technologies, Inc. (Uber) to provide users with increased accessibility to life -sustaining and quality of life activities under a same -day demand response platform that includes ADA accessible vehicles. Uber will provide a safe and convenient on -demand shared rides service to supplement the CAT paratransit system. Passengers will pay a minimum of $4 fare for the trip. The grant will support a per -trip cost up to $16. If the cost of the trip is over $20, passengers will be responsible for paying that amount in addition to the $4 fare previously described. As an example, a trip costing $27.50 would result in the grant paying $16 and the passenger paying $11.50 ($4 + $7.50). The service will be available from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. seven (7) days a week. Eligible passengers will be able to access the service through a mobile app. The voucher pilot program will run through September 2021. RECOMMENDATION: This item is info ation o No approval re uired. Prepared by: Date: �5 Omar De Leon, TransiZ`1 er Approved by: Date: i [ S %[ Michelle Arnold, PTNE Division Director