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3 T:\Advisory Boards\Orange Unified Transportation Board\Minutes\2006\OUTBoard Minutes 10-18-06.doc 3 through coordinating with the City bus service, and there were additional benefits related to transportation availability for extra-curricular activities or work-study opportunities. Peterson asked about the collaborative efforts between Orange Public Transportation (OPT), Chapel Hill Transit and Triangle Transit Authority (TTA). Terry responded that while they have similar coverage areas, the three systems provide three different transit services funded by different sources under the jurisdiction of different governmental entities. OPT provide rural public transportation and is the contracted agency for county human service agency transportation needs; Chapel Hill Transit provides public transit within its municipal limits; OPT provides regional transit service between urban areas. There is some collaboration in purchasing vehicles. Al Terry said that the various transit providers have an interest in collaborative efforts, when possible. The Hillsborough to Chapel Hill (Orange Express Route) is an example. The service is funded 75% by TTA, which contracts with Orange Public Transportation to provide the service. John Tallmadge reported that TTA, Capital Area Transit (CAT, Raleigh) and Durham Area Transit Authority (DATA) are looking at coordination/consolidation, and CHT is at the table. One of the cooperative efforts is for a regional call center that may be operative within the next year. The center would connect callers to the appropriate agency. The systems are looking at technology to provide “seamless” service in the region using the three systems. Benedict asked if there were regular meetings scheduled with business entities to continue strong efforts for synergy. Tallmadge responded that the Seamless Transit Project integrated approximately 9-10 working groups. Spade said that it was more of an informal process, and that the policy bodies are willing to participate. IV. Presentation by Orange Public Transportation Terry distributed handouts showing the FY2006 OPSTATS Report Form and NCDOT ROAP Report. The operating statistics report, OPSTATS, is a requirement of NCDOT. It reflects transit vital signs, and serves as a report card for the agency. The Rural Operating Assistance Program (ROAP) Report shows how allocated funds from the Elderly and Disabled Transportation Assistance Program (EDTAP), the Workfirst – Employment Transportation Program, and the Rural General Public Transportation Program are expended through OPT services. There is a budget contribution by the County (from county taxes). The County contributes approximately $3.29 of OPT’s average cost per trip. NCDOT has requested that public transportation providers coordinate into regional systems. The Rural Regional Transit Providers meet on a regular basis to provide a network for coordinated efforts. Currently, there is an ongoing study to recommend potential coordination/consolidation implementation actions for the Human Service Transportation Systems for Durham, Orange and Wake Counties.