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12 <br /> implement shields for Operators and UV and air purification systems on all public vehicles. The <br /> COVID pandemic has created a new context for Chapel Hill Transit and the response will <br /> continue to evolve. Staffing shortages and absenteeism challenges related to COVID protocols <br /> and illness continue to have impacts on CHT's ability to deliver services. <br /> • The Chapel Hill Transit Short Range Plan <br /> (https://www.townofchapelhill.org/home/showpublisheddocument?id=45520) was adopted in <br /> early 2020 and despite challenges from COVID, implementation was started in August of 2020, <br /> including providing Sunday service, funded through the Orange County Transit Plan, for the first <br /> time in over 40 years. CHT has taken delivery of three (3) electric buses and secured funding <br /> for an additional seven (7) electric buses. <br /> North-South Bus Rapid Transit(BRT) <br /> The North-South BRT project (https://nsbrt.org/) has completed 30% design and continues to <br /> move forward through the Federal environmental review process (NEPA). CHT anticipates the <br /> NEPA process being completed in calendar year 2022. A firm is also being selected to <br /> complete final design. Unfortunately, changes to the State's funding cycle has required an <br /> adjustment to the project's schedule and budget. <br /> • Bus Stop Improvements <br /> Despite supply chain and other challenges, CHT continues to make progress on Bus Stop <br /> Improvement Projects <br /> (https://www.townofchapelhill.org/government/departments-services/transit/bus-stop-upgrades), <br /> some of which are funded through the Orange County Transit Plan. <br /> Additional information is also available in the CHT Business Plan <br /> (https://www.townofchapelhill.org/home/showpublisheddocument/50396/637733471079600000) <br /> Orange County Public Transportation (OCPT) Update <br /> Orange County Public Transportation continues to meet the needs of its community while also <br /> expanding service and improving access with customer-focused technology. In addition to <br /> launching the Mobility on Demand pilot program, which created a new travel option on Fridays <br /> from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., OCPT also rolled out mobile <br /> ticketing with Umo/TouchPass, providing riders a touchless, cashless option to pay bus fare. <br /> OCPT is also proud to have collaborated with the Orange County Health Department to provide <br /> rides to vaccination sites throughout the county, using the MOD vans to provide an accessible, <br /> distanced and safe transportation option. Orange County launched its mobility on demand <br /> service in March 2021 and in FY2023 will be replacing up to ten of its existing buses. <br /> • Bus Infrastructure <br /> Completed design and obtained N.C. Department of Transportation approval for four Orange <br /> County Public Transit bus stops with three in Hillsborough and one in Chapel Hill. Continued to <br /> advance the Hillsborough Park-and-Ride lot through the approval process including <br /> coordination with Orange County, NCDOT, utilities and surrounding property owners. OCPT <br /> also procured seven buses, including two electric buses. <br />