Abstract for Assembly of Governments Meeting Discussion Items

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4 pandemic has created a new context for Chapel Hill Transit and the response will continue to evolve. Staffing shortages and absenteeism challenges related to COVID protocols and illness continue to have impacts on CHT's ability to deliver services. • The Chapel Hill Transit Short Range Plan (https://www.townofchapelhill.org/home/showpublisheddocument?id=45520) was adopted in early 2020 and despite challenges from COVID, implementation was started in August of 2020, including providing Sunday service, funded through the Orange County Transit Plan, for the first time in over 40 years. CHT has taken delivery of three (3) electric buses and secured funding for an additional seven (7) electric buses. • North-South Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) The North-South BRT project (https://nsbrt.org/) has completed 30% design and continues to move forward through the Federal environmental review process (NEPA). CHT anticipates the NEPA process being completed in calendar year 2022. A firm is also being selected to complete final design. Unfortunately, changes to the State's funding cycle has required an adjustment to the project's schedule and budget. • Bus Stop Improvements Despite supply chain and other challenges, CHT continues to make progress on Bus Stop Improvement Projects (https://www.townofchapelhill.org/government/departments-services/transit/bus- stop-upgrades), some of which are funded through the Orange County Transit Plan. Additional information is also available in the CHT Business Plan (https://www.townofchapelhill.org/home/showpublisheddocument/50396/63773347107960 0000). Orange County Public Transportation (OCPT) Update Orange County Public Transportation continues to meet the needs of its community while also expanding service and improving access with customer-focused technology. In addition to launching the Mobility on Demand pilot program, which created a new travel option on Fridays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., OCPT also rolled out mobile ticketing with Umo/TouchPass, providing riders a touchless, cashless option to pay bus fare. OCPT is also proud to have collaborated with the Orange County Health Department to provide rides to vaccination sites throughout the county, using the MOD vans to provide an accessible, distanced and safe transportation option. Orange County launched its mobility on demand service in March 2021 and in FY2023 will be replacing up to 10 of its existing buses. • Bus Infrastructure Completed design and obtained N.C. Department of Transportation approval for four Orange County Public Transit bus stops with three in Hillsborough and one in Chapel Hill. Continued to advance the Hillsborough Park-and-Ride lot through the approval process including coordination with Orange County, NCDOT, utilities and surrounding property owners. OCPT also procured seven buses, including two electric buses.