Agenda 12/02/2008 Item #16B15
Agenda Item No. 16B 15
December 2, 2008
Page 1 of 20
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Authorization to secure a State Transit Grant for the addition of Transit Service
lnto Lee County and authorize staff to work with Florida Department of
Transportation and LeeTran staff on tbe development of a Public Transit Service
Development Program Joint Participation Agreement
OBJECTIVE: To obtain approval from the Board of County Commissioners to secure a
State Transit Grant to add transit service into Lee County and authorize County staff to
work with Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and LeeTran staff on the
development of a Public Transit Service Development Program Joint Participation
Agreement.
-,
CONSIDERATIONS: There is strong community interest in developing a public transit
link between Collier Area Transit in Collier County and LeeTran in Lee County. A
Lee/Collier Transit Connection project was identified in the 2008 Transit Development
Plan Annual Report as the Number One priority project through public outreach efforts
and the MPO process. Public Transit Service Development funds are made available
each year through an application process administered by the Florida Department of
Transportation (FDOT). On May 22, 2007, the Board of County Commissioners
approved Item #1685 which authorized the submittal of a Service Development
Application for a new route that would provide regional transit connection service into
Lee County. The project proposal was to establish a new Collier Area Transit route that
would connect Collier County and Lee County and requested a three-year 100% project
funded award in the amount of $816,512 with no local match. LeeTran also submitted a
project proposal for a Public Transit Service Development Grant that year for a similar
project with 100% State funding.
County staff received a letter dated December 12, 2007 from FDOT's District Modal
Development Administrator that stated that the FDOT draft work program included a
three-year Service Development Program award to Collier County in the amount of
$267,511 for the first year of the Program with a 50% local match for FY07-08. Staff
responded to FDOT that the award funding was insufficient to operate this new service
and that we needed 100% State funding. LeeTran responded with the same comments
concerning their FDOT Service Development Program award.
During the following months, COWlty staff has worked with FDOT and LeeTran to figure
out a way to accomplish the new service within the fiscal constraints of both cOWlties,
FDOT has programmed an additional $223,778 for the second year of the Service
Development Program funding for FY 09-10 but will not commit to 100% funding of this
project. Therefore, alternative funding will be required, including a local match, in order
to implement this route.
.-
Staff would apply for federal funding through the Job Access and Reverse Commute
Program (JARC), 5316 funding. The Federal Transit Administration has appropriated
Collier COWlty funding in the total amount of $234,318 from 2006-2008. While recently
Agenda Item No. 16615
December 2, 2008
Page 2 of 20
awarded, these funds are available over the next 3 years and Collier Area Transit will
have to apply for these funds in order to utilize them for this proposed project.
Indications are that these funds will be available for part of the required match. Decision
on acceptance of the FOOT Service Development Funding and the local match is
required before the County can apply these funds as match for the JARC funding.
Additionally, Transportation Concurrency Management Area (TCMA) funding for the
northwest TCMA in the amount of $70,000 is available to offset the cost to operate for
the first year.
Funding to purchase a bus for this route has been awarded with Congestion Management
System (CMS) box funds. The vehicle will not be delivered until FY 09-10 but a spare
bus can be used to operate this route in the interim, if approved by the Board.
Discussion with LeeTran and FOOT continues in order to fmalize the project and to
coordinate the details of the final service connection. Most recent discussions agree that
both jurisdictions would run their own bus with the combined frequency priority of
thirty-minute frequencies. A proposal for route alignment and the estimated cost to
operate have been developed. The proposed route would nm south along US 41 from Coconut
Point Mall to Immokalee Road/North Collier Hospital with the following provisions.
. The proposed Route could connect with Routes IA & IB providing an alternative transfer
localion for riders coming from or going to Lee County. LeeTran will adjust schedule
acrordingly.
. The proposed Route will operate days and times when coooections between systems are
possible including limited Sunday service.
. Both Lee and Collier transit systems will be responsible for the development, operation and
maintenance of bus shelters and passenger amenities within their jurisdiction.
YEAR FY 08-09 FY09-10 Total Project
FOOT Funding $267,511 $223,778 $491,289
Potential Funding (JARC) $73,314 $77,282 $150,596
TCMAFunding $70,000 $0 $70,000
Total Local Match Required $124,197 $146,496 $270,693
The above chart indicates potential funding to operate the Lee/Collier Coooection
service. Operating costs for the service in Collier County has been estimated at $370,000
per year. This estimated operating cost is the bare bones cost to put the bus on the road.
It does not include system-wide marketing or any of the associated printing costs that will
be needed to successfully launch this new service. Therefore, staff is estimating that the
total cost of the project will run much closer to $535,022 for the first year's operation -
utilizing the entire FOOT award of $267,511. The following table identifies total
estimated costs, including capital expenses, to operate the proposed transit connection in
Lee County.
Agenda Item No. 16B 15
December 2, 2008
Page 3 of 20
Estimated Program Costs FY 2008-09 FY 2009-10 FY 2010-11
Ooeratinl! Cost $370,000 $382,210 $394,822
Bus Stoo/Sbelter Amenities $50,000 $20,000 $20,000
Marketiol! $115,022 $45,346 $32,734
Total $535,022 $447,556 $447,s56
The estimated expenses for the second year's operation would be less since less
marketing would be needed. Therefore, staff is estimating the total cost should be
$447,556 and would again require the FDOT commitment of $223,778 plus a 50% local
match. This match could once again include appropriated JARC funding as part of the
match and would need a local commitment of $146,496. The third year has not been
programmed by FDOT, but staff would expect to see a similar funding commitment to
the second year's award from FDOT. The acceptance of the Service Development Grant
indicates our intent to continue the service, but does not obligate the County to continue
this service if funding is not available for the third year or beyond.
A letter has been drafted addressed to Lee County to express Collier County's interest in
establishing a transit connection between Collier and Lee Counties.
FISCAL IMPACT: Execution of this FDOT Joint Participation Agreement
would commit the County to a local match totaling $194,197 in FY09 with $70,000 of
this local match coming from TCMA funding, currently in Gas Tax Fund (313) Project
60064. The remaining $124,197 in new FY 09 match dollars would come from General
Fund (001) reserves and a budget amendment will be necessary to transfer the
dollars. For FY 2010, a local match of $146,496 would be budgeted in Collier Area
Transit Fund (426). The local match in FY 11 would be predicated on available grant
dollars. The Florida Department of Transportation Public Transit Service Development
Program awards funding for transit service projects for a period of three years. At the
end of the third year funding cycle, transit service is expected to continue and be fully
funded by Collier County, as funding allows.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item has been reviewed and approved by the
County Attorney's Office, is not quasi-judicial and requires no ex parte disclosure,
requires only a majority vote for approval, and is otherwise legally sufficient for Board
action.-SRT
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: Consistent with Objective 10 and 12 of the
Transportation Element of the Growth Management Plan.
RECOMMENDATION: That the Board approve the addition of transit service into Lee
County and authorize staff to work with Florida Department of Transportation and
LeeTran staff on the development of a PubHc Transit Service Development Program Joint
Participation Agreement. Additionally authorize the Chairman to sign a letter to Lee
County expressing Collier County's interest in establishing a transit service connection
between Lee and Collier County
Agenda Item No. 16815
December 2, 2008
Page 4 of 20
Prepared By: Sue Faulkner, Principal Planner, Alternative Transportation Modes
Department
Attachment: (1) FDOT Award Letter dated December 12, 2007; (2) Executive Summary
and Application from May 22, 2007, Item 16B5; (3) FOOT Award Letter dated October
16,2008
I
Page 10f2
Agenda Item No. 16615
December 2, 2008
Page 5 of 20
COLLIER COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Item Number:
Item Summary:
16815
Recommendation to secure a State Transit Grant for the addition of Transit Service into Lee
County and authorize staff to work with Florida Department of Transportation and LeeTran
staff on the development of a Public Transit Service Development Program Joint Participation
Agreement.
Meeting Date:
12121200890000 AM
Prepared By
Sue Faulkner
Principal Planner
Date
Transportation Services
Alternative Transportation Modes
11/20/20089:40:00 AM
Approved By
Norm E. Feder, AICP
Transportation Division Administrator
Date
Transportation Services
Transportation Services Admin.
11/20/200810:05 AM
Approved By
Michelle Edwards Arnold
Alternative Transportation Modes
Director
Date
Transportation Services
Alternative Transportation Modes
11120/200810:07 AM
Approved By
Brian Hancock
Operations Support Manager
Date
Transportation Division
Transportation Administration
11/20/200810:58 AM
Approved By
Scott R. Teach
Assistant County Attorney
Date
County Attorney
County Attorney Office
11/20/200812:21 PM
Approved By
Barbara LaPierre
Management/Budget Analyst
Date
Transportation Services
Traffic Operations
11/20/20083:12 PM
Approved By
Pat Lehnhard
Executive Secretary
Date
Transportation Services
Transportation Services Admin
11/20/20083:25 PM
Approved By
OMS Coordinator
OMS Coordinator
Date
County Manager's Office
Office of Management & Budget
11/20/20084:24 PM
Approved By
Mc:lrk IS;.lck:;or;
8udget Analyst
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"""(:Il<;;
County Manager's Office
Office of Management & Budget
11/21/20084:06 PM
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Page 2 of2
Agenda Item No. 16B 15
December 2, 2008
Page 6 of 20
Approved By
Leo E. Ochs. Jr.
Deputy County Manager
Date
Board of County
Commissioners
County Manager's Office
11124/200B 3:50 PM
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Agenda Item No. 16B 15
December 2. 2008
Page 7 of 20
Service Development Proiect Proposal
1:. Recipient Name:
Collier County Board of County Commissioners
Department of Alternative Transportation Modes
Transportation Services Division
2885 South Horseshoe Drive
Naples, FI 34104
Attn: Diane B. Flagg, Director
Phone. (239) 252-8192 Fax. (239) 252-5899
2. Proiect Tvpe:
Collier Area Transit is requesting a Florida Department of Transportation Service
Development Grant to implement a route that connects Collier County's Collier Area
Transit routes with Lee County's Lee Tran routes. Due to the project's significant
regional benefit, Collier Area Transit is seeking 100% funding from the Florida
Department of Transportation.
3. Maximum Duration:
Weare requesting a Three (3) year Service Development JP A.
4. Proiect Location:
Collier County, FL
District: I
5. Proiect Initiation/Completion dates:
The project is proposed to start on January I, 2009 to coincide with the County budget
timeframes.
6. Proiect Obiectives:
Collier Area Transit is proposing a Fixed Route that connects Collier Area Transit to Lee
Tran transit.
This project has significant regional benefits. This connection route will provide public
transportation service improvements for both Collier and Lee County.
This project improves employment opportunities of both counties.
The proposed routing would commence from North Collier Hospital, northbound on
Tamiami Trail to a connection point with Lee Tran at Coconut Point MalL The Collier
Area Transit route would depart the Coconut Point Mall and proceed south on Tamiami
to Immokalee Road to North Collier HospitaL
Agenda Item No. 16815
December 2, 2008
Page 8 of 20
This Routing achieves the following objectives.
1. Connection between Collier Area Transit and Lee Tran routes.
2. Serve areas not currently served by public transportation.
These objectives improve transportation options for both the citizens of Collier and Lee
Counties.
7. Ooerational Resoonsibilities:
Collier Area Transit will manage the project and provide recommendation on the route
timing. They will also alert the public through media, take-one flyers, and update the
route schedules. Collier Area Transit will implement the improved routing through a
courteous, reliable, cost effective, and safe team commitment. Collier Area Transit will
partner with Lee Tran staff on marketing this Route to both the citizens of Collier and
Lee Counties
8. Criteria For Success:
Collier Area Transit will monitor this route for efficiencies using proven performance
measures. The performance measures will include passenger per mile and ridership.
Th
I D h.
fi II
e goa s or t IS proJect are as o ows:
GOALS
Route ~onthlvFtidershio Passenl!er Per ~ile
10 2,500 1.05
9. Yearlv Proiect Budl!et:
Cost Item Total Project Revenues and Net Project State Share
Cost Federal Funds Cost Per Year
CAPITAL
Cavital ~ 1 - 35 foot, low floor Gilliv Transit Bus - $220,000 from Coneesnon ManaKement Funds
Capital $395,000 $220,000 $175,000 $58,334
Equipment
OPERATING
Ooeratinf! Costs based on 7 davs a week, ODeran1I2 over three vears
Total Project Fare Revenues Net Project State Share
and Federal
Cost Funds Cost Per Year
YEAR 1 332,150 27,600 304,550 304,550
YEAR 2 348,757 27 600 321,157 321,157
YEAR 3 366,195 27,600 338,595 338,595
TOTAL 1,047,102 82,800 964,302
OPER4. TING
Agenda Item No. 16615
December 2, 2008
Page 9 of 20
9 A. Financial Responsibilities:
Collier Area Transit's Yearly Project Budget contains an assessment offederal funds, and
revenues from fares.
Collier County / Collier Area Transit are seeking Florida Department of Transportation
funds for 100% of the project costs. This project will have significant regional, and
statewide positive impacts as a connection service between Collier County and Lee
County. This project provides access to Greyhound, and helps mitigate traffic congestion
from Instate 75. This project is timely, and has a demonstrated need.
10. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction:
Collier County / Collier Area Transit supports Governor Crist's Executive Order Number
07-127 and is committed to working to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. Offering
new transit service to meet citizens' requests reduces greenhouse gas emissions by
decreasing the total number of vehicles traveling the roadways. Collier County staff has
received many requests for this service, which would enable them to travel to Lee County
without driving their own vehicle. Last year Collier Area Transit transported more than
1.2 million passenger trips - reducing the number of single occupancy vehicles
significantly.
In addition to working to reduce emissions by reducing the demand for single occupancy
vehicles, Collier Area Transit is also exploring options for alternative fuel buses and
hybrid buses. Collier County is currently exploring their options on how to best purchase
and operate our first alternative fuel or hybrid bus.
l!:. Benefit to Other Svstems:
Collier Area Transit and Lee Tran provide public bus transportation to the citizens and
visitors of Collier County.
Collier Area Transit and Lee Tran provide an attractive alternative to automobiles,
thereby reducing traffic congestion. Reduced traffic congestion may lead to benefits for
the road system in Collier County and Lee County.
This project has significant regional benefits, and national significance as it allows the
use of public transit for Greyhound passengers from Collier County to Lee County.
Greyhound Facts And Figures
Corporate
. Intercity bus, like Greyhound, is the safest mode of transportation over cars, trucks, trains, planes and
other commercial vehicles, according to the U,S, Department of Transportation, Bureau of Transportation
Statistics.
. The Greyhound fleet consists of about 1,250 buses, with an average age of 7.2 years. One Greyhound
bus takes an average of 20 cars off the road, and achieves 162 passenger miles per gallon of fuel.
Agenda Item No. 16B15
December 2, 2008
Page 10 of 20
The Greyhound Bus Station located on Davis Blvd. in Naples, Florida is served by
Collier Area Transit. Lee Tran bus routes serve Greyhound routes through their shared
Intennodal Facility located in Fort Myers, Florida.
This project has interregional significance for Southwest Florida, Collier Area Transit
serves the Community of Immokalee Florida. Immokalee Florida is a State of Florida
with the designation of "rural area of critical economic concern." The Community of
Immokalee is no longer served by Greyhound Bus lines, This project will enhance the
population of the Community of Immokalee ability to travel to Lee County for
employment, medical care, and other life sustaining services and / or opportunities,
.'
Agenda Item No. 16615
December 2, 2008
Page 11 of 20
CHARLIE CRIST
GOVERNOR
FLorida Department of Transportation
STEPHANIE c. KOPELOIISOS
SECRETARY
October 16, 2008
Ms. Michelle Arnold, Director
Collier County Alternative Modes Department
Transportation Services Division
2885 South Horseshoe Drive
Naples, Florida 34104
RE: State Discretionary Transit Service Development Grant Program:
Collier Area Transit Proposal for Fiscal Year 2009/10
Selected for Funding
Dear Ms. Arnold,
Congratulations! We are pleased to inform you that we have been able to obtain funding, and we
have programmed grant funds in State Fiscal Year 2009/10 in the District One Draft Tentative Work
Program for Fiscal Years 2009/10-13/14, for the following State Discretionary Transit Service
Development Grant Program project proposal. Collier Area Transit filed this funding request with the
Florida Department of Transportation, District One, Modal Development Office in late May 2008:
Project Description:
Amount Awarded:
Project Duration:
State and Local shares:
Linking Collier Area Transit with Lee County's LeeTran
$223,778
Three years
50% State I 50% Local
Notes:
. According to State Statute (Chapter 341.051) and Department Procedure, this
proposed service is eligible for this funding for a period of up to three years.
. This funding for State Fiscal Year 2009/10 is in addition to the $267,511 the
Department awarded to Collier Area Transit for State Fiscal Year 2008/09.
. As we have stated previously, District One represented this project to the Department's
Central Office as a project priority combined with Lee County's complementary grant
application to this Department for funding for both years for this same project, that is,
for the State Fiscal Year 2008/09 and 2009/1 0 grant award processes.
. We understand that:
o Both Collier and Lee Counties are nearing the project development point of an
Interlocal Agreement that may identify which of the two Counties will operate
the transit service linkage segment We are pleased to support, to the
maximum extent possible, Collier and Lee Counties in their operational
decisions, including any realignment of grant funding that Collier and Lee
County may request of the Department in order to achieve successful
implementation of this very important transit service linkage.
o US 41 is the central (trunk) linkage corridor.
District One, Modal Developmenl Office
801 North Broadway Avenue * Posl Office Box 1249 * Bartow, FL 33831-1249
(863)519-2388* (863)534-7172 (Fax) * MS 1-39
,
Agenda Item No. 16615
December 2, 2008
Page 12 of 20
Ms. Michelle Arnold, Director
Collier County Alternative Modes Department
October 16, 2008
Page 2
During this grant application cycle, District One received fourteen grant applications for a total of
$10,038,704. The Department's allocation to District One for State Fiscal Year 2009/10 is $1,785,895.
Department staff encountered a challenging task ranking applications and recommending grant
awards, and was constrained by limited funding.
We appreciate your support of the improvements we implemented through our administration of this
important State transit funding program. We integrated the program more smoothly with the
Department's new draft District Tentative Work Program development process, and moved the
program to be more "green," by associating it with Office of the Governor, Executive Order Number
07-127, "Establishing Immediate Actions to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions within Florida," of
July 13, 2007.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Richard P. Shine, District Public Transit
Administrator, at 239-461-4300 or at Richard.Shine@dotstate.f1.us.
Sincerely,
-r~~
Terry Beacham
District Modal Development Administrator
TWB:RPS:sbs
Cc: Norman E. Feder, AICP, Administrator, Collier County Transportation Services Division
Sue Faulkner, Principal Planner, Collier County Transportation Services Division
Phillip R. Tindall, Manager, Collier County Metropolitan Planning Organization
Ken Heatherington, AICP, Executive Director, Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council
Ben Walker, P.E., Manager, Florida Department of Transportation, District One, Intermodal
Systems Development
Johnny Limbaugh, Manager, Florida Department of Transportation, District One, Southwest Area
Office
Trinity Caudill-Scott, Intergovernmental Liaison, Florida Department of Transportation, District
One, Southwest Area Office
Richard P. Shine, District Public Transit Administrator, Florida Department of Transportation,
District One, Modal Development Office
Julia B. Davis, AICP, Transit Projects Coordinator, Florida Department of Transportation, District
One, Modal Development Office
%!ladaatijen1\fl\joJ tlBIJ5
Dec~e2, 200~
P~ag1Sbb12f1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recommendation to approve the suhmission of the attached Florida Department of
Transportation (FDOT) Public Transit Service Development Grant project proposal
request for 100% grant funding in the amount of $816,512.
OBJECTIVE: To obtain approval for the submission of a Florida Department of
Transportation Public Transit Service Development Project Grant project proposal
request for the amount of $816,512.
CONSIDERATIONS: Public Transit Service Development funds are made available
each year through an application process administered by the Florida Department of
Transportation (FDOT). This grant application consists of a project proposal for 100%
grant funding of a new route to provide regional transit connection service from Collier
Area Transit to LeeTran in Lee County. This route will connect at Bonita Beach Road on
Tamiami Trail (US 41) in Lee County and to other Collier Area Transit routes at North
Collier Hospital. This will give new mobility to people wishing to use public transit to
travel between Collier County and Lee County.
FISCAL IMPACT: The total project cost for the proposed project is $928,512. Should
Collier County receive funding from FDOT for the proposed Public Transit Service
Development Project, funding would be awarded in the amount of the total cost of the
project minus the estimated fare revenues over three years. The fare revenues generated
by the new route are estimated at $ 1 12,000. The total requested amount of funding with
this FDOT Public Transit Service Development Grant project proposal is for $816,512.
Public Transit Service Development Grants are awarded and dispersed over three start-up
years of service, after which general fund funding from Fund 426 would be needed to
cover operating expenses.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: Consistent with Objectives 10 and 12 in the
Transportation Element of the Growth Management Plan.
RECOMMENDATION: The Board of County Commissioners approves the attached
FDOT Public Transit Service Development Grant Project Proposal for submission.
Prepared By: Sue Faulkner, Principal Planner, Alternative Transportation Modes Dept.
Attachments: FDOT Service Development Project Application
ltemNumber:
Item Summary:
Meeting Date:
COLLIER COUNTY
Page I of I
Aqenda Item No. 1665
- M'y1\b~i<Wa Item No. 16815
P'ge'2 of December 2, 2008
Page 14 of 20
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
1585
Recornmendation to approvE'tne submission 01 the attached Florida Department 01
Transportation (FOOT) PublIC TranSIt Service Development Grant prOJeCI proposal requesl
tor 1GO',':granttunjlng.n!heamountofS816.512
5/22/20079.00 00 AM
Date
Prepared By
Sue Faulkner
Transportation Services
Principal Planner
AltemativeTransportlltion Modes
SI7i"l0073:07:59PM
Date
Approved By
ScottR Teach
County Attomey
AsslstantCownty Anorney
CowntyAtloml."yOfflce
5/8/"l0073:09PM
Date
Approved By
Debra Eurom
Adm,nistrat;veServices
Assistant Grant CoordInator
Admin;slraliveServlces
5/81"l0073:i7PM
Date
Appro\'ed By
M~rlene J_ Foard
Adm;"'strJliveServices
Grar1l~ Coordinalo'
AdmlnistraliveServiccsAdm;n.
5181"l0073;25PM
Date
Approved By
Diane e Flagg
TrJn~portation Services
D;reclorATM Dlreclor
Alternative TrJnSportal;on Modes
51B120073:56PM
Date
Approved By
Barbara LaPierre
Trilr1sportatior1Services
ManagementlBudgelAnalyst
TrilfflcOperations
518120074:17 PM
Dale
Approved 8~'
Lisa Taylor
TransportationServ;ces
M"""gemenl/BL!dgetAnslyst
Transportation Adminislratlon
519/20078:57 AM
Dale
Appro,'ed Dr
No,m E. Feder, AiCP
T,ansportatior1Services
TransportatIOn Divis;on Adrnimstrator
Trar1Sportatlon Services Admin
5191200710:1"lAM
Dale
Appro\'ed B~'
Pal Lehnllard
T,ansport<lllOnServices
ExecUliveSecretary
TransportationSe,v;cesAdmlrl
519i20071037AM
Dale
Approved By
OMBCoo,d;l-,alor
County Manager's Office
AdminislrativeASSlstanl
Olfl(".eof Man"llemer11 & Budget
51~:200; 343 PM
Date
Approved B~
Mark Isackson
County Manager's Office
BudgelAnalysl
Office Of Managemer1t & Budget
5i11:200711:30AM
Date
Approved By
Mlchae! Smykow~ki
Coullly Mnna0er'sOff;cQ
Managemer11 & Buriget D,rector
Ofitce of Managemen~ & Bud!,!et
5114120079;54AM
Dnte
ApprlJv.,d By
James V. MurJJ
80JrdoiC.olJmy
Cumm'$s:O"',rs
C(,Ur1t,' Malla(j('r
Ccuntl' Mana~er's Offlc"
5114/2007 1~:S3 PM
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Service Development Proiect Proposal
Submitted June 2007
h Recipient Name:
Collier County Board of County Commissioners
Department of Alternative Transportation Modes
Transportation Services Division
2885 South Horseshoe Drive
Naples, Fl 34104
Attn: Diane B. Flagg, Director
Phone. (239) 774-8192 Fax. (239) 213-5899
2. Proiect Tvpe:
Collier Area Transit is requesting a Florida Department of Transportation Service Development Grant to
implement a route that connects Collier County's Collier Area Transit routes with Lee County's Lee Tran
routes.
3. Maximum Duration:
V./e are requesting a Three (3) year Service Development JPA.
4. Proiect Location:
Collier County, FL
District: 1
5. Proiect Initiation/Completion dates:
The project will start on October 1, 2008 to coincide with the County budget timeframes.
6. Proiect Obiectives:
Collier Area Transit is proposing a Fixed Route that connects Collier Area Transit to Lee Tran transit.
This project has significant regional benefits, This connection route will provide public transportation
service between Collier and Lee County.
This project provides employment opportunities on a regional basis.
The proposed routing would commence from North Collier Hospital, northbound on Tamiami Trail to a
connection point with Lee Tran at the Kmart Shopping Plaza on Tamiami Trail, north of Bonita Beach Rd.
The Collier Area Transit route would depart the Kmart Plaza and proceed south on Tamiami Trail south to
North Collier Hospital. This route would make a connection to CAT routes already serving the North
Collier Hospital wherein passengers could transfer to other routes. This route is a 60 minute frequency.
This Routing achieves the following objectives.
1. Connection between Collier Area Transit and Lee Tran routes.
2. Serve areas not cun.ently served by public transportation.
%gadsattlantJt\loJ aSI'!5
Dec~e2, 200B
P~agi64)bQg
These objectives improve transportation options for both the citizens of Collier and Lee Counties.
7. Operational Responsibilities:
Collier Area Transit will manage the project and provide recommendation on the route timing. They will
also alert the public through media, take-one flyers, and update the route schedules. Collier Area Transit
will implement the improved routing through a courteous, reliable, cost effective, and safe team
commitment. Collier Area Transit will partner with Lee Tran staff on marketing this Route to both the
citizens of Collier and Lee Counties
8. Criteria For Success:
Collier Area Transit will monitor this route for efficiencies using proven performance measures. The
performance measures will include passenger per mile and ridership.
The goals for this project are as follows:
GOALS
Route ~onthlvlUder,hiD Passen!!:er Per Mile
10 2,500 1.05
9. Yearlv Proiect Bud!!et:
Co,t Item Total Project Revenues and Net Project Co,t State Share
Co,t Federal Fnnd, Per Year
Operating Costs $928.512 $928.512
Minus Farebox Revenue $112,000
Total $928.512 $112,000 $816,512 $272,171
10. Benefit to Other Systems:
Collier Area Transit and Lee Tran provide public bus transportation to the citizens and visitors of Collier
County.
Collier Area Transit and Lee Iran provide an attractive alternative to automobiles, thereby reducing traffic
congestion, Reduced traffic congestion may lead to benefits for the road system in Collier County and Lee
County.
This Project has Significant Regional Benefits,
J"
,
Agenda Item No. 16B15
December 2. 2008
Page 17 of 20
CHARLIE CRIST
GOVERNOR .
Florida Department of Transportation
STEPHANIE c. KOPELOllSOS
SECRETARY
December 12, 2007
Ms. Diane Flagg, Director
Alternative Modes Department
Transportation Services Division
2885 South Horseshoe Drive
Naples, Florida 34104
RE: State Transit Discretionary Grant Programs: Public Transit Service Development Program
Collier County Proposal for F~cal Year 2008/09
Dear Ms. Flagg,
Congratulations! We are pleased to inform you that we have been able to obtain and we have programmed in
the District One Draft Tentative Work PTogram for Fiscal Years 2008/09 - 20012/13, in Fiscal Year 2008/09,
$267,511 to assist Collier County to serVe north Collier County and to link Collier Area Transit with LeeTran.
Please refer to Financial Management Ninnber 423833-1 in the Draft Tentative Work Program.
This letter pertains to the following request for State transit program discretionary funding Collier County filed
previously this year with the Florida Department of Transportation, District One, Modal Development Office for
Fiscal Year 2008/09 funding:
Proiect Descriotion: A route segment to connect Collier Area Transit with LeeTran services
PrOl!fllIIl Funding Reauested: State Public Transit Service Development Program
Duration: Three Years
Amount Reauested: $408,256 *
C* According to State Public Transit Service Development Program state/local, 50% / 50%, share ratio.)
Amount Awarded: $267,511.
This year, we listed in our request to the Department's Central Office / Transit Office Collier County's proposed
project as combined Priority Number One in association with Lee County's complementary project proposal for
service in south Lee County with linkage to Collier Area Transit services. We requested full funding for Collier
County at the 50% State / 50% local shate ratios, and in reference to Collier County's grant application.
The $267,511 we are able to grant Collier County for this project is based on, in direct proportion, the amount
District One received from the Central Office this year. This award represents 65.5% of Collier County's
funding request according to state/1ocal share ratio program requirements referenced above, after consideration
oflocal revenue(s). We are not able at this time to provide 100% of Collier County's funding request for the
full three years of the eligible duration for State Service Development Program projects.
During this grant application cycle for Fiscal Year 2008/09 funding, District One received thirteen grant
applications for funding for the Park and Ride, Planning and Technical Studies and the State Service
Development Program projects. All applicants requested a total of $4,689,691 in all programs. Following
District One, Modal Development Office
801 North Broadway Avenue * Post Office Box 1249 . Bartow, FL 33831-1249
(8&3)519-2388* (863)534-7172 (Fax) * MS 1-39
Agenda Item No. 16B 15
December 2. 2008
Page 18 of 20
Ms. Diane Flagg, Director
December 12,2007
Page 2
The committee's deliberations, District One requested of the Central Office $2,129,671 and received
$1,004,671, or 47.2% of the District's request. Department staff encountered a challenging task ranking
applications and recommending grant awards, and was constrained by limited funding. We appreciate your
patience and understanding while we administered this process in hannony with the Department's new draft
District Tentative Work Program development process during which we strived to maximize opportunities to
secure funding for District One wherever possible.
We anticipate inaugurating the grant application process for Fiscal Year 2009/1 0 funding in the first calendar
quarter of 2008. There is no information at this time about the level of funding the District may receive for
Fiscal Year 2009/1 O. We welcome applicants' proposals for consideration for Fiscal Year 2009/1 0 funding,
subject to legislative appropriation of funds.
r understand, and am pleased to know, tIIat Ms. Julia B. Davis, AICP, of my staff has scheduled a meeting
among Collier County, Lee County, and District One Modal Development Office staffs to discuss
implementation of this very important bi-county transit service linkage project, one for which we have been
working with you and advocating on your behalf.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ms. Davis at 239-461-4300 or at
J ulia.Davis@dotstate.fl.us.
Sincerely,
-r: VlAi 1!v ... ~
Terry Beacham
District Modal Development Administrator
TWB:RPS:sbs
cc: Norman E. Feder, AICP, Administrator, Collier County Transportation Services Division
Sue Faulkner, Principal Planner, Collier County Transportation Services Division
Phillip R. Tindall, Manager, Collier County Metropolitan Planning Organization
Donald Scott, AlCP, Planning Director, Collier County Transportation Services Division
Ben Walker, P.E., Manager, Florida Department of Transportation, District One, Intermodal Systems Development
Johnny Limbaugh, Manager, Florida Department of Transportation, District One, Southwest Area Office
Richard P. Shine, District Public Transit Administrator, Florida Department of Transportation, District One,
Modal Development Office
Julia B. Davis, AICP, Transit Projects Coordinator, Florida Department of Transportation, District One, Modal
Development Office
Agenda Item No. 16B15
December 2. 2008
Page 19 of 20
December 2, 2008
Lee County Board of County Commissioners
Old Lee County Courthouse
2120 Main Street
Fort Myers, Florida 33901
Dear Commissioners:
This letter is to express our interest in working with your Transit Department to establish
a route connecting Lee and Collier County Transit systems. On December 2, 2008,
Collier County Board of County Commissioners took Board action to show their support
for a transit connection linking Collier County with Lee County.
Lee and Collier County Transit staff have had preliminary discussion regarding route
alignment and the estimated cost to operate. A proposed route nmning south along US 41
from Coconut Point Mall to Immokalee RoadINorth Collier Hospital, where the route could travel
east to Creekside Way following Creekside back to US 41, is being considered with the following
observations:
. The proposed Route could connect with Routes lA & IB providing an alternative transfer
location for riders coming fium or going to Lee Coilllty. LeeTran will adjust schedule
a=>rdingly.
. The proposed Route will operate days and times when connections between systems are
possible including limited SW1day service.
. Both Lee and Collier transit systems will be responsible for the development, operation and
maintenance of bus shel1ets and passenger amenities within their jurisdiction.
Coordination with both loca1 boards would be required to fina1ize this service connection. An inter-
local agreement would be required to operate the service which would include, but not be limited to,
the fullowing operational aspects:
. Vehicles - Agreement will identifY what vehicle type, including spares will be operated on
the route. Lee T ran agrees to operate a smaller vehicle with 00 advertisement when
possible.
. Funding - Capital and operating expenses will be identified, including sources of fimds.
i
Agenda Item No. 16B15
December 2. 2008
Page 20 of 20
· Shelters - Each trnnsit system will be responslble for the development, operation and
maintenance ofbus shelters and passenger amenities. Both systems will coordinate to post
bus stop infonnation along the route.
· Fal'l.'S - Establishment of fure slructures and passes. It is recommended that both
jurisdictiOllS chazge the same fure for this route. Additional coordination would be needed
on honoring passes.
· ADA Paratransit Service - Agreement that eachjurisdiction's system will be responsible
for trips based on where they originate.
· Performance Measures and Criteria for Success - Each jurisdiction will be required to
report on perfonnance measures for the established route in order to meet the service
development grant requirements.
· Branding/Outreach - Each jurisdiction should coordinate marl<eting of the established
route including developing infonnational ma1erials and branding the service in order to
promote ridership.
We recommend that both systems run an independent bus for this proposed route so that
each jurisdiction can begin the service on its own time frame. This will enable both
transit systems to report through the National Transit Database the passenger boardings
and vehicle revenue miles data to insure continued Federal funding. The community will
be better served with 2 buses running this proposed route.
Collier County looks forward to working with you on this Transit connection.
Sincerely,
Tom Henning, Chairman
Collier County Board of County Commissioners
cc: Commissioner Fiala, Vice Chairman
Commissioner Halas, District 2
Commissioner Coyle, District I
Commissioner Coletta, District 5
I