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OUTBOARD ORIENTATION <br /> June 5, 2025 <br /> TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY SERVICES <br /> (TAS) <br /> 'dole ,chnical Fxpertisr <br /> Federal Compliance Requirement for Section 5311 Funds <br /> Orange County serves as a sub-recipient of Federal Section 5311 funds administered by the <br /> State of North Carolina to support Orange County Public Transportation (OCPT), providing <br /> transit service in the County's non-urbanized areas. To maintain eligibility for these funds, the <br /> County is required to establish a Transportation advisory board, for Orange County it is the <br /> Transportation Advisory Services (TAS). Initially the County's TAS consisted of: <br /> • Department of Social Services (DSS) <br /> • Department on Aging <br /> • Housing <br /> • Human Rights and <br /> • Community Development <br /> The TAS is a locally includes representation from public human service agencies, transportation <br /> providers, the business community, government entities, transit riders, and stakeholders from <br /> key populations such as seniors, minorities, and individuals with limited English proficiency. The <br /> requirements for establishing a TAB are outlined in specific guidance related to the Section 5311 <br /> Non-Urbanized Area Formula Program. <br /> Historical Context <br /> Orange County's transportation advisory function dates to the early 1990s. In June 2010, the <br /> administration of the board was transitioned from the Department on Aging to the Planning <br /> Department, and the advisory function was integrated into the Orange Unified Transportation <br /> Board (OUTBoard). County staff representing the required stakeholder groups were <br /> incorporated into the advisory structure. The TAS and OUTBoard meet quarterly together in <br /> advocating for and advance all transportation modes focusing on rural Orange County. <br /> Expansion During OCBRIP Implementation <br /> During the development and implementation of the 2012 Orange County Bus and Rail <br /> Investment Plan (OCBRIP), the County engaged in extensive community outreach and <br /> interdepartmental coordination, supported by regular OUTBoard meetings. These efforts were <br /> instrumental in satisfying NCDOT's advisory participation requirements. However, they also <br /> underscored the need for sustained engagement with human service agencies to improve public <br /> transit accessibility and service delivery. <br /> In 2022, the TAS was expanded by incorporating other departments specializing in key areas <br /> necessary to meet the needs and improve the County's multimodal transportation network <br /> including: <br /> • Human Resources <br /> 36 <br />