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94 <br /> Chapter 5: Organizational Options <br /> study one option briefly considered was combining OPT's demand-response services with <br /> those of Triangle Transit, but the OPT cost per service hour was significantly lower, there <br /> would be much higher deadhead, and the Triangle Transit paratransit service did not <br /> provide client transportation but only ADA, so this option was not pursued. Mr. <br /> Talmadge pointed out that there are potentially many joint efforts that could prove <br /> beneficial, ranging from production of joint schedules and information for the ODX, <br /> Route 42o and OPT fixed-route services, to leasing of storage space at the OPT facility to <br /> reduce GoTriangle deadhead miles, or even OPT operation of some services on behalf of <br /> GoTriangle (similar to Cary's operation of Saturday service from Cary to Raleigh on behalf <br /> of GoTriangle). <br /> So, both potential regional partners are open to working with Orange County on regional <br /> collaboration, and it is up to Orange County whether to initiate such conversations. OPT <br /> is not currently in any sort of crisis that requires consolidation or a partnership, and is <br /> working effectively on a regional level to obtain funding and implement appropriate <br /> services. Consolidation may have the effect of raising the operating costs of the least <br /> costly operator as wages and benefits are made uniform at the higher levels of the larger <br /> partners—and if this is not offset by administrative savings there may be no financial <br /> benefit. Combined with a potential loss of control, Orange County may want to focus <br /> collaboration efforts on particular functions. <br /> There may be several functional areas in which OPT could benefit from working with <br /> regional partners, one of which is marketing. OPT currently does not have any staff <br /> devoted to marketing, and does not participate in the regional GoSmart marketing and <br /> information program'.As OPT initiates fixed-route services that wrap around those <br /> provided by GoTriangle (and CHT), it would make sense to work with the region's joint <br /> transit marketing and information effort, GoSmart (formerly GoTriangle), to make sure <br /> that OPT's services are known to anybody looking for transit information in the region. <br /> More specific collaborative efforts with Triangle Transit (GoTriangle) and CHT might be <br /> useful as well to ensure that riders on those systems are aware of the complementary OPT <br /> services. Collaboration in other functional areas might also benefit OPT, and would be a <br /> good place to begin, considering major consolidation options later only if needed to <br /> maintain funding or spread costs. <br /> 'GoSmart is a partnership of public transportation agencies and organizations funded to promote commuter <br /> alternatives in the Triangle region,including transit, ridesharing, bicycling/walking,and teleworking. Participating <br /> transit systems include Cary Transit,Chapel Hill Transit, Duke Transit,GoDurham,GoRaleigh,GoTriangle, NCSU <br /> Wolfline,and Wake County's TRACS system—but not OPT.Services offered include employer outreach,emergency <br /> ride home, ridesharing incentives, regional marketing, regional passes,transit information,social media outreach, <br /> and a real-time arrival information system (GoLive). <br /> KFH <br /> NCDOT Orange County 78 <br /> Transit Assessment Study <br />