HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES-2003-044 Resolution in Support of Continued Regional Bus Service to Rural Orange CountyDRAFT PROPOSED BY Commissioner Barry Jacobs
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Orange County Board of Commissioners
RESOLUTION
In Support of
"Triangle Transit Authority's Continued Regional Bus Service
to Rural Orange County"
WHEREAS, according to the latest population figures, more than 52,000 persons
reside in Orange County outside the Chapel HilUCarrboro city limits,
representing 46% of the county population, with these numbers
expected to rise at a rate of 2.5% per year; and
WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners strives to provide the
residents of Orange County outside the Chapel Hi1UGarrboro city limits
with access to needed services and opportunities to access transit programs
inside and beyond the county; and
WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners established the Orange Public
Transportation (OPT) to serve the rural residents of the county with para-
transit and public mobility services, and are in the process of updating the
Community Transportation Improvement Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners supported the creation of the
Triangle Transit Authority (TTA) to improve regional transportation for
all of Durham County, Orange County, and Wake County, and has
appointed a Commissioner to represent Orange County on the TTA Board of
Trustees, and
WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners also supported the collection
of a $5.00 annual vehicle registration tax from county residents to support
regional transit service, as well as a rental vehicle tax to support public
transit in the region, and
WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners supported a Triangle Transit
Authority route to connect Hillsborough to Durharn/Duke in August 2001
and opposes the elimination of this route byTTA, and
WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners believes that the goals of
regional service equity, improved route performance, and increased
interagency planning and coordination can all be achieved by allowing
-- sufficient time for evaluation by TTA and OPT of the potential for
reconfiguration of the Hillsborough to Durham/Duke route, and the possible
operation of a Hillsborough to Chapel Hi1UCarrboro route, currently being
operated by OPT but seen as a regional responsibility of TTA, and
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WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners supports the goal of
continuing provision of rural transit services by TTA and wishes to promote the
benefits that could be derived as part of ari overall regional strategy, by urging
TTA to enter into discussion with OPT concerning the operation of the
Hillsborough to Durhaml Duke route as well as the Hillsborough to Chapel
HilUCarrboro route.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the ORANGE COUNTY BOARD
OF COMIYIISSIONERS reaffirms support for the mission of Triangle Transit Authority
to provide regional transportation services, including continuing regional transit service
in Orange County, and requests the following:
1. That the Hillsborough-DurhamlDuke route not be eliminated;
2. That the TTA staff work with OPT to figure out potential arrangements by
which TTA could improve regional access for Hillsborough residents in a
more cost effective manner. This could include TTA contracting with
OPT to run additional services that would feed TTA routes in Chapel Hill;
3. That as part of the discussions between TTA and OPT, there be an
opportunity to pursue development of a contract between TTA and OPT
to continue and enhance the quality and viability of rural transit service in
Orange County,. following the general constructs of a proposal which will
be forthcoming from OPT after consultation with the Orange County
Board of Commissioners.
This the 17~' day of June, 2003.
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Margaret Brown, Chair