Agenda - 02-15-2005-9a - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 course, it is also possible to request only a 6-month demonstration route. A key difference between a regular route and a demonstration project is the steps l-fA must take to eliminate the route. However, since a demonstration route is easier to eliminate, it might also be easier to convince the TTA Board to try it. The redesigned route would replace the existing OPT route and increase the number of round trips from 5 to 11 per day, Monday through Friday. The redesigned route focuses on providing general public service between Hillsborough and Southern Orange County for commuters to major employment centers such as UNC in Chapel Hill and Orange County government in Hillsborough. The new service concept responds to the clients needs of human service agencies (such as Orange Enterprises, OPC, Social Services, Health and Recreation and Parks) presently served on the existing OPT Public-Deviated route by moving those trips to OPT's demand -responsive Para-transit operations. Additionally, it allows rider access to North Hills Shopping Center and the entrance to Hampton Pointe shopping center with the new Super Wal Mart in Hillsborough. Connection to Chapel Hill Transit would be available at designated bus stops along the route. Annually, the route stops would be evaluated and future stops such as the Durham Technical Community College satellite campus could be added to the route. (The projected opening of the DTCC campus is Fall 2006) OPT recently completed its Community Transportation Improvement Plan (CTIP) which was prepared by the consulting group, Wilbur Smith and Associates, and accepted by the BOCC on January 24. The CTIP recognized an overall average OPT service cost per hour of $34.00. Triangle Transit Authority has a service cost of $78.00 per hour. OPT and TTA staff propose therefore that OPT operate the route if approved by the TTA Board. OPT would pay for Para- transit support services as mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act. As a result, OPT would experience a lower public fixed route cast but incur a higher Para- transit cost. However, cost savings in the amount of $ 16,367 (12- month estimate) are projected that would allow OPT to redirect these funds toward existing services (see Attachment B for financial detail). TTA leadership has expressed an interest in trying out new endeavors and seeing how the public responds. TTA management has also demonstrated good faith and the strong spirit of cooperation in collaborating this closely with OPT staff and the Transportation Services Board (TSB) to craft a workable alternative for serious evaluation. However, OPT and TTA staff have noted that funding to support new service is quite low at present within TTA. Therefore, in order to broaden the number of possibilities under which service could be initiated, the proposal offers a choice between a request for regular service or for a demonstration service. Cast estimates for a normal full year of operation are stated. Also included in the proposal is the possibility of OPT contributing a portion of the operating cost of the fixed route, in this case, a 25% share of operating cost for the fixed public route. This approach was included because of guidance received by OPT staff from NCDOT Public Transportation Division officials that agencies participating in regional funding partnerships would be looked upon favorably for state funding.. Also, NCDOT has said that OPT and TTA could share ridership credit for the Orange Express route if cost were shared. Orange Public Transportation is required by NCDOT to maintain a ridership of more then 100,000 per year to continue current level of Community Transportation Plan (CTP) grant funds. With the sharing of the ridership numbers, OPT would continue to provide more than 100,000 riders per year, therefore, no reduction in the CTP funding is anticipated.