(Center Identification Number: 79050-02 A)
Principal Investigators
Jill Hough, Ph.D.
Small Urban and Rural Transit Center
Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute
North Dakota State University
Fargo, North Dakota
jill.hough@ndsu.edu
Jeremy Mattson
Small Urban and Rural Transit Center
Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute
North Dakota State University
Fargo, North Dakota
jeremy.w.mattson@ndsu.edu
Tasks/Deliverables
Phase I: Project Initiation
Task I-1 . Perform review of regionalized transit systems that are operating elsewhere in the country to identify potential operating models and related strengths and shortcomings; this review will focus on systems with demographics and needs that are similar to the focus of North Dakota’s prescribed studies.
- Conduct a literature review and contact transit industry personnel (operators, government officials, researchers, etc.) around the country to identify existing systems that should be included in the review
- Compile information on selected systems and conduct a review of their operations
- Prepare a summary analysis which highlights alternatives that may have merit for implementation in the selected region in North Dakota
- Identify data required from NDDOT for completion of subsequent tasks
Task 1-2. Hold the initial “kick off ‘ meeting with NDDOT and its designates, hereafter referred to as Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)
- Review possible coordination options identified in Task I- I
- Discuss rationale for selection of regions chosen for pilot studies
- Review available findings from ongoing NDDOT Statewide Transit Needs Analysis Study
- Review study goals, draft work plan, key responsibilities, and timelines
- Identify key stakeholder groups to include on a Regional Steering Committee (RSC) for both regional pilot studies (it is envisioned that the RSC will include no more than nine members.)
- Finalize project work plan and timeline
Task I-3. Hold initial meeting with each RSC
- Review legislative mandate and goa ls and NDDOT approach to implementation
- Outline role of TAC
- Review work plan adopted by TAC and solicit related suggestions
- Review possible coordination options being investigated in Task I- I and solicit related input
- Identify best approaches to gather information and to encourage participation in the study process by transit operators, clients (users and contracting entities), and the public; factors to discuss regarding public input meetings include potential meeting sites, meeting times, invitation lists, related promotions
Phase II: Information Gathering
Task II-1. Regional Transit Service Inventory & Interviews
- Identify all public transit agencies providing service in each region
- Review available NDDOT records concerning funded services
- Conduct interviews with all funded transit services in each region
- Information to be gathered as a part of this task will include:
- Organizational structure (non-profit, for profit, )
- Types of operation
- Service area, clients, and perceived client needs (origins, destinations, trip purposes, etc.)
- Hours of operation
- Routes/schedules
- Number of passengers and passenger trips/segment
- Budgets, funding sources, and financial program
- Equipment and facilities
- Dispatching capabilities, systems, and services
- Coordinated efforts with other providers or agencies
- Organization, management, administrative structure(s)
- Staffing
- Maintenance and maintenance agreements
- Marketing efforts
- Contracts to provide service5. Compile county-by-county demographic information to identify potential mobility-dependent populations
Task 11-2. Hold first briefing session with NDDOT Executive Management Team
- Meet with TAC to review presentation to NDDOT Executive Management Team
- Meet with NDDOT Executive Management Team:
- Present regionalization options identified in Phase I
- Review findings of regional transit service inventory
- Discuss involvement and activities of TAC and RSCs
- Discuss goals and details associated with upcoming public input meetings
- Discuss time-frame for completion of regional coordination pilot projectsTask II-3. Host initial set of public input meetings
- Discuss legislative mandate and goals for regionalization
- Present information on approaches to regional coordination used elsewhere in the county and associated benefits
- Describe existing public transportation services that are available in the region
- Solicit input from attendees concerning existing services – adequacy, cost, opportunity for improvement
Phase III: System Design and Initial Review
Task III- I . Analyze information collected in Phases I and II to identity potential benefits associated with various approaches to regionalization
- Prepare an inventory of all available public transit vehicles in each region, including capacity, accessibility features, age, mileage,
- Prepare budget summaries for all public transit services in each region, including funding sources
- Analyze existing schedules, routes, and performance measures for each public transit service in each region to identify deficiencies, overlaps, and opportunities for synergies
- Identify operator strengths and weakness, service deficiencies and overlaps, funding sources and opportunities, etc.
Task III-2. Develop draft regional coordination alternatives based on information compiled in previous tasks
Each alternative review will include:
- Coordination strategies
- Organizational framework
- Administrative structure
- Job functions of a regional coordinator
- Optimal use of resources
- Projected capital needs and related costs
- Anticipated efficiencies to be gained
- Potential benefits
Task III-3. Review and refine alternatives with TAC and then with RSCs
Task Ill-4. Present preliminary findings and alternatives to NDDOT Executive Management Team
Task III-5. Host public information meetings to review identified alternatives and to solicit final input; work with TAC and RSCs to identify target audience and best means to promote attendance
Phase IV: Develop Interim Report
Task IV-1. Prepare detailed plan for regional coordination in the selected regions Plan components will include:
- Coordination strategies
- Organizational framework
- Administrative structure
- Operating schedules and routes
- Projected operational and capital costs
- Projected funding sources
- Anticipated efficiencies to be gained
- Potential benefits of regionalization
- Implementation recommendations
Task IV-2. Review interim report with TAC and RSCs
Task IV-3. Present interim report to NDDOT Executive Management Team
Phase V: Prepare Final Report
Task V-1 . Monitor legislative reactions and activities concerning interim report
Task V-2. Prepare final report and recommendations for regional coordination in the selected regions
Project Schedule
January 2010 – June 2011
Project Budget
$250,000
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