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IV. SCOPE OF SERVICES <br /> We propose a study design that includes four separate tasks. This <br /> section describes each of these work tasks. <br /> Task 1: Analysis of Current and Future Transportation Trends. <br /> Working with the steering committee, we shall assemble all the available <br /> travel data for the Triangle area. Most of this information we already have <br /> in hand, so this part of the task should require primarily that we verify <br /> with the cities and with the N.C. Department of Transportation that our data <br /> are complete and up-to-date. As part of this task we shall also collect <br /> information from the jurisdictions within the Triangle area regarding their <br /> transportation decision making. We shall interview the transportation staff <br /> members in each jurisdiction as well as the Research Triangle Foundation. <br /> We shall collect all documents describing the organizational structures as <br /> they pertain to transportation in their jurisdiction. We shall meet with <br /> the Metropolitian Planning Organizations (MPO) in the two urbanized areas. <br /> We shall collect and review all planning documents for these jurisdictions. <br /> We shall also interview the primary private transportation providers in the <br /> region, including Raleigh Transportation Services, Carolina Trailways, and <br /> Southern Coach. Finally, during the Task 1 we shall prepare a detailed plan <br /> for conducting the interviews and meetings in Task 3. <br /> Task 2: Analysis of Alternative Service and TSM Strategies. We shall <br /> then identify approximately six public transportation service options for <br /> further analysis. These options shall include fixed-route transit services, <br /> carpool and vanpool approaches and light rail and other more exotic <br /> technologies, as well as TSM actions, including development of commuter <br /> lanes. They shall be selected with the advice of the steering committee. <br /> We shall examine each one at the level of detail sufficient to identify the <br /> capital and operating costs, the ease of implementation, the required <br /> management structure, any pertinent legal constraints, and the overall <br /> impact on the regional travel problems. This analysis will be a first-cut <br /> feasibility analysis and shall identify which options warrant further <br /> consideration. <br /> The analysis in Task 2 will provide particular emphasis on the <br /> involvement of private operators in the transportation service options. For <br /> each option, we shall identify the opportunities for contracts with private <br /> providors of services, and other actions by local governments that will <br /> promote private sector participation. One of the criteria to be used in <br /> evaluating the service options is the extent to which the service option <br /> encourages private participation. <br /> Task 3: Analysis of Alternative Organizational Structures. <br /> An essential component of the proposed study is close liaison with local <br /> officials throughout the Triangle region. This liaison will begin at the <br /> outset of the study. We propose that the Secretary of Transportation send a <br /> letter. to local public officials, including elected officials and managers, <br /> describing the study and notifying the officials that the study team will be <br /> contacting them during the study. We propose that this initial letter not <br /> ask the officials for any information but simply inform them that the study <br /> effort is beginning. <br />