Agenda 05-21-19 6-b - Comments on the Draft FY20 Work Plan for Orange County Transit Services and Approval of Participation in a Commuter Rail Feasibility Study

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3 GoTriangle has requested $75,000 in dedicated transit revenues to expand the scope of the feasibility study to include Orange County. As a feasibility study, the study elements are intended to provide policy makers with information to assess whether the project should proceed and, if so, at what size and scope. These elements would include establishing the purpose and need for the project, modelling ridership, analyzing capacity, developing initial capital and operating and maintenance cost estimates, developing a stakeholder and public outreach plan, assessing project delivery methods, and evaluating existing conditions. The study would evaluate a total of six (6) commuter rail scenarios. Three of these scenarios would include service extensions into Orange, Johnston and Alamance counties. If any of these counties elect to participate, each County would be asked to contribute to the cost of the study. The study is expected to be completed during the 2019 calendar year. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The Draft FY20 Work Plan recommends a total of $5.8 million in public transportation investments to be funded with Dedicated Transit Revenues. The Board is being asked to provide comments on these recommendations and to recommend the addition of $75,000 in Dedicated Transit Revenues to participate in a Commuter Rail Feasibility Study. Sufficient dedicated transit revenues are available to fund this addition. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable to this item: • GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND INEQUITY The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color; religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or ethnic background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential or economic status. • GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding necessary for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their dependents. Public Transportation provides opportunity for access to jobs and services to many individuals. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board provide comments on the Draft FY20 Work Plan for transit services in Orange County and consider adding $75,000 in dedicated transit revenues to participate in a feasibility study for commuter rail in the Triangle region.