HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 05-21-2013 - 8a1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: May 21, 2013
Action Agenda
Item No. 8 -a
SUBJECT: Orange County Bus and Rail Investment Plan Implementation
DEPARTMENT: Planning and Inspections PUBLIC HEARING: (Y /N) No
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
1. Durham /Orange BRIP Overview David King, General Manager, TT, 919 - 485 -7424
2. Implementation Plan Process Frank Clifton, Orange County Manager, 919 - 245 -2300
3. Annual Review and Reporting Craig Benedict, Planning Director, 919 - 245 -2575
4. April 29, 2013 Meeting With TT
Staff - Agenda and Meeting Notes
PURPOSE: To receive an update from Triangle Transit (TT) on the status of the Orange
County Bus and Rail Investment Plan ( OCBRIP) and its implementation.
BACKGROUND: The Orange County Bus and Rail Investment Plan ( OCBRIP) was approved
by the BOCC in June 2012. The half -cent sales tax to implement the Plan was approved by
Orange County voters last November and went into effect April 1St of this year.
The financial model used to create the OCBRIP has been updated where possible, replacing
assumptions with actual County revenue data and adjusting the dates of revenue
implementation. This has caused moderate adjustments in the numbers for the Plan, while
keeping the overall project delivery schedule intact.
After these adjustments, TT remains on track to (as noted in March 15, 2013 letter from TT):
• Deliver the equivalent of 34,000 bus hours (we are stating "the equivalent of because
any use of funds for existing services will diminish the number of new hours able to be
funded) in the first 5 years of the plan
• Purchase new buses to provide some of these bus hours
• Build the Hillsborough Train Station (local share)
• Advance the development of the MLK Bus Lanes
• Advance the development of the Durham - Orange Light Rail Project
• Build an appropriate cash balance in early years of the plan
TTA staff will present the following materials:
Attachment 1 — FY14 Durham /Orange BRIP Overview;
Attachment 2 — Implementation Plan Process for New Transit Service in Hillsborough,
Mebane, and Rural Orange County; and
Attachment 3 — Annual Review and Reporting Schedule
Attachment 4 — Orange County Planning Staff has attached the agenda and meeting notes
from an April 29, 2013 meeting with TT. Planning Staff will also be
available to answer questions.
Triangle Transit, Orange Public Transit (OPT), and Planning Staff will be meeting regularly
over the next several months to work towards orderly implementation of the previously
mentioned OCBRIP elements.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Although this early initialization report of the OCBRIP does not have an
immediate financial impact, the associated activity begins a process to expend approximately:
• $6 Million per year of half -cent transit sales tax revenue;
• $7 County vehicle registration fees;
• Future $3 regional /TT vehicle registration fees; and
• Existing regional /TT rental car tax revenues.
The Countywide bus program (i.e. Chapel Hill Transit, TT and OPT) builds from approximately
$850,000 in year one to approximately $3.7 Million in year five. Other monies are being
reserved for an Amtrak station and other park and ride facilities. However, continued
development of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) component over the next two years has been
estimated by TT as between $30 -$36 Million. The Board may wish to seek a more definitive
understanding of how these expenses will be incurred and any residual expenses that could be
associated with expanded TT staffing relative to the Orange County Transit Plan.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board-
1 . Receive the update from TT staff; and
2. Provide feedback.
C
ATTACHMENT 1
tpam
FY14 Durham /Orange Bus and Rail Investment Plan Overview
Total Collections $31.1M (Orange - $7.3M; Durham $23.8M)
Total Expenditures $16.3M (Orange - $4.2M; $12.1M)
Reserve Funds are maintained to fund an operating reserve and support future capital needs
Revenue Available for Bus Services (per County Plans):
Orange $736K Durham $673K
Revenue includes 1/2 Cent Sales Tax, Vehicle Rental Tax and Vehicle Registration Tax, Grants
Expenditures include Administration, Personnel, Consultants, Capital and Transit Services
FY14 Proposed Budget meets criteria in County Plans and Implementation Agreements
FY14 new revenue draft 4 050813_ Assumptions for orange
FY14 Draft Budget - Durham /Orange Bus and Rail Investment Plan
FY14 Forecast
Orange Durham Total
a
Expenses:
4,211,6311
12,127,739
16,339,370
(Received July 1, 2013 - June 30, 2014) FY14
7,317,0661
23 805 747
31,122.813
Balance Remaining
Fcst based on FY 13 yr end estimate - 4%
1/2 Cent Sales Tax
6,283,620
21,730,640
28,014,259
increase in Orange; 3% in Durham
Consultants`
3,206,115
10,763,885
13,970,000
TReceived July 1, 2013 - June 30, 2014); 50%
Communications Outreach (Bus)
20,000
20,000
of total collections =$4.5M
Orange- 10.1 %; Durham- 20.7% based on 2012
Capital
25,000
97,000
122,000
census data; FY14 assumed at 2% growth over
Rental Tax
456,375
935,343
1,391,719
FY13 yrend estimate
(Received October 1, 2013 - June 30, 2014);
Orange Public Transit (OPT)
88,350
88,350
FY14 assumed at 2.0% growth in Orange and
$7 County Registration Tax
577,071
1,139,764
1,716,835
2.5% in Durham over FY13 year end estimate
$3 Regional Registration Tax increase
0
0
0
Pending legislative action
Grants /Other
0
0
0
Total Collections
7,317,066
23,805,747
31,122,813
Admin Costs
( "75,000
( 75,000
(1�)o,000t
Per Orange Plan TTA is 24% of Orange
Triangle Transit Authority (TTA)
176,700
118,620
295,320
Operating and capital reserve (50% of sales
Reserve
(3,193,4E2y
(10,969,075
(14,162,557y
tax; 5% of registration and rental tax)
pp��������gqppppggggNN
736,250
673,180
1,409,430
Revenue Available for Bus Svcs
736,250
673,180
1,409,430
Per County plans
Expenses:
4,211,6311
12,127,739
16,339,370
Total Revenue
7,317,0661
23 805 747
31,122.813
Balance Remaining
Pro -rated based on hire date includes benefits
Personnel `
169,266
568,276
737,542
and employee related expenses
Consultants`
3,206,115
10,763,885
13,970,000
Communications Outreach (Bus)
20,000
20,000
Capital dollars are remaining local costs after
Capital
25,000
97,000
122,000
grants
Transit Services
Per Orange Plan OPT is 12% of Orange revenue
Orange Public Transit (OPT)
88,350
88,350
available for bus
Per Orange Plan CHT is 64% of Orange revenue
Chapel Hill Transit (CHT)
471,200
471,200
for bus
Durham County
33,658
33,658
Durham Area Transit Authority (DATA)
451,300
451,300
Per Orange Plan TTA is 24% of Orange
Triangle Transit Authority (TTA)
176,700
118,620
295,320
revenue available for bus
Total Bus Svc Expenses:
736,250
603,578
1,339,828
Bus Revenue Available
736,250
673,180
1,409,430
Remaining
0
69,602
69,602
Total Expenses (incl Admin costs)
4,211,6311
12,127,739
16,339,370
Total Revenue
7,317,0661
23 805 747
31,122.813
Balance Remaining
3,105,435
11,678,009
14,783,444
Remaining (unreserved)
(88,047)
708,933
620,886
Reserve (Operating and Capital)
3,193,482
10,969,075
14,162,557
3,105,435
11,678,009
14,783,444
Light Rail expenses split by county:
Durham 77.05%
Orange 22.95%
FY14 new revenue draft 4 050813 orange meeti ng format
ATTACHMENT 2
Implementation Plan Process for New Transit Service in Hillsborough, Mebane, and Rural
Orange County
The goal of this planning process is to create a more detailed Implementation Plan for new
regional and local /county transit services and bus capital facilities that serve Hillsborough,
Mebane, and rural Orange County, based on the projects and estimated revenues identified in
the Orange County Bus and Rail Investment Plan ( OCBRIP). The OCBRIP currently identifies
the following projects in this study area:
Regional Services
• A new Mebane - Hillsborough- Durham Express route ($195,000 per year — $97,000 of
which are allocated in Orange County)
• Route 420 — Hillsborough - Chapel Hill frequency increase (this service was implemented
in 2012).
Local Services
• Continued operation of the Hillsborough Circulator ($116,000 per year)
• Expansion of Hillsborough Circulator to Saturdays ($29,000 per year)
• Improve capacity of demand response service to rural areas ($254,000 per year)
Capital Projects
The total amount for bus capital projects (such as Park - and -Ride lots, bus shelters, and
accessibility improvements at bus stops) in the OCBRIP is $6.7M. Local revenue only covers
10% of the capital project costs; the rest would be covered by other sources, including state and
federal grants. Specific projects were not identified in the plan. Discussions will need to take
place with other stakeholders in Orange County, including Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and UNC, to
determine how these capital dollars should be allocated.
It will take approximately five years to roll out all of these new transit services and capital
projects in Orange County. For FY14, Triangle Transit is authorized to spend up to $177,000 in
Orange County on regional service. $110,000 of this is programmed to be spent to improve the
frequency of a route between Southpoint and UNC in the NC -54 corridor that is currently
experiencing standing room only conditions. $67,000 of this could be spent to begin a route
between Hillsborough and Durham. OPT is authorized to spend up to $88,350 in FY14.
We believe that the following steps are important to a successful outcome. Coordination with
TARPO and KFH Group will need to take place to avoid duplication on similar efforts.
Public Involvement
Robust public involvement for the Implementation Plan will be conducted in four ways in June
and July 2013. First, a survey of current Orange Public Transit riders will be conducted through
either paper surveys distributed by drivers or by staff ride -a- longs. These surveys will gather
input on improvements or additions that can be made to the system regarding service times,
destinations, trip purposes and service types.
Second, a series of public meetings will be held in five areas of the county: Hillsborough, White
Cross /Bingham Township, Mebane, Cedar Grove Township and the Little River /Eno Townships
These meetings will also collect input on the transportation needs of Orange County citizens.
Third, the Orange Unified Transportation Board (OUTBoard) will be given a presentation at one
of their regular meetings and asked for their feedback and suggestions.
Finally, meetings with Orange County Commissioners and other key stakeholders will be held to
better understand how transit can aid their goals and priorities for the county.
Current Conditions and Needs
Fred Fravel of the KFH Group is currently under contract with NCDOT to prepare a Community
Transportation Service Plan and a Consolidation Study for OPT and CHT. The first Technical
Memorandum in this study includes detailed analysis of the county and regional demographics,
a transit dependence index percentage (TDIP) for the county, and an evaluation of major trip
generators. This data will be used to help development specific transit services within Orange
County.
Triangle Transit staff will perform a more detailed analysis of the commuter market between
northern Orange County and Durham, including an analysis of the commute sheds of various
Park - and -Ride lot options. This analysis will help shape recommendations for the regional route
proposed between Mebane, Hillsborough, and Durham.
Performance Standards
The Implementation Plan will review existing performance standards for the different types of
transit service proposed for the service area (regional fixed - route, local fixed - route, demand
response, etc.) and recommend appropriate changes to these standards. The plan will also
establish timelines for the evaluation of the transit services proposed, including any minimum
operation periods to allow these services to get established before changes or potential
elimination is explored.
Recommendations and Implementation
Using the information gathered from current conditions and needs, public involvement, and field
work (such as bus timings), specific transit services will be proposed. For both regional and
local service, this will include a proposed routing (or service area if demand response),
frequency and span of service, associated capital facilities and locations, estimated costs of
operations and capital projects, and a timeline for implementing each service.
The first draft of the Implementation Plan will be presented to the Orange County Board of
County Commissioners and the Triangle Transit Board of Trustees for feedback and guidance.
A memo on the draft will also be sent to the Durham County Commissioners, Hillsborough Town
Council, and Mebane City Council. The first draft will also be presented during a second round
of public meetings to gather further input on the service proposals to ensure that they meet the
needs of the residents of Orange County. When a final draft has been completed, it will be
presented for approval to the Orange County BOCC and the TTA Board.
7
Timeline of Implementation Plan Events
Date
Event(s)
Stakeholders Involved
May 2013
Creation of survey tools and public
Triangle Transit planning staff,
meeting materials, selection of public
OPT staff, OC planning staff,
meeting locations, evaluation of current
Hillsborough planning staff,
conditions
Fred Fravel
June -July 2013
Public meetings, customer surveys,
All three planning staffs, OPT
OUTBoard presentation, meetings with
staff, OPT customers, Orange
BOCC and other stakeholders
County citizens, OUTBoard,
Orange ounty BOCC
August 2013
Preparation of first draft
All three planning staffs, OPT
staff
September- October
First draft of Implementation Plan
Orange County BOCC,
2013
presented to associated Boards.
Triangle Transit BOT, Orange
Second round of public involvement
County Manager, Durham
events. Bus capital projects discussion.
County BOCC, Mebane City
Council, Hillsborough Town
Council, Chapel Hill, Carrboro,
UNC, same stakeholders as 1St
round of public meetings
November 2013
Preparation of final draft
Both planning staffs, OPT staff
December 2013
Presentation of Final Draft to
Same stakeholders as first draft
associated boards for approval
of Implementation Plan
? ??
Implementation of first services /bus
OPT, Triangle Transit
capital projects
In addition to these events, we'd like to discuss the creation of a project management team
consisting of members of Triangle Transit, Orange County Planning, Hillsborough Planning, and
OPT that would meet regularly throughout the process.
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ATTACHMENT 4
AGENDA
Orange County Meeting with Triangle Transit
Discussion of Routes and Costs for New and Expanded Bus Services
Link Government Services Center
April 29, 2013
9:00 a.m. — 11:00 a.m.
1. Creation of a Full Report to BOCC Regarding Implementation of OCBRIP
2. Enhanced Bus Service
3. Route Selection
4. Funding Allocations / Revenue and Cost Changes
5. Light Rail Planning
6. Park and Ride Lot Siting
7. Ongoing Status Report and Transparency with BOCC and Public
8. Other Topics
10
ATTACHMENT 4 CONTINUED
Craig Benedict
MEETING NOTES
Orange County Meeting with Triangle Transit
Discussion of Routes and Costs for New and Expanded Bus Services
and other Orange County Bus and Rail Investment Plan
Link Government Services Center
April 29, 2013
9:00 a.m. — 11:00 a.m.
Attendees
Wib Gulley
David King
Patrick McDonoug
Erik Landfried
Damien Graham
John Talmadge
1. Durham County Bus and F
Orange County Bus and R
Status Report May 2013
Full Report November 201
2. $3 TTA Tag Fee (D
• Problem with IE
• Missing revenu
3. TTA is working on c
aside
4. TTA is hiring a fina
revenues and exr)e
lang
Jacobs
Bernadette Pelissier
Craig Benedict
Michael Talbert
Clarence Grier
lent Plan (DCBRIP) &
ent Plan ( OCBRIP) Reporting Systems
'A fund balance
surplus using a 5% fiscally conservative set
racial analyst with OCBRIP / DCBRIP monies to track
nditures ($75,000 a year each for Administrative Cost)
5. Bus Services in Year 1 (7/1/2013 — 6/30/2014)
• Partial Year Service
• Support of Existing Service
• Monies for new and expanded service
• Monies will escalate for new service each of 4 -5 years of about 20%
per year
• Difficult to phase in service
• TTA, OPT and CHT are analyzing the best use of scheduled bus
transit allocations.
11
6. Discussion of what type / purpose of bus system in rural / central Orange
County
• Commuter Market
• Local Services (Aging / DSS / Health / ADA)
• Cross - county route to include Durham City / Duke involvement for land -
use and transit and long term consideration of commuter rail.
7. Need to simplify what the OCBRIP is providing;
What do `bus hours equate to'?
Example: 347650 Bus hours in first 5 years
Less 87000 Bus hours to support existing service
26,650
37500 Equates to 1 bus 14 hours 'a day 250 days
8 Approximate new buses for service
8. What areas should new buses serve in Rural Central Orange County:
• Move forward with outreach program,
• East -West Mebane- Efland- Hillsborough- Durham Express,
• Based on years of cooperative planning with Mebane and
Hillsborough and more recently City of Durham,
• A major element of the OCBRIP'for rural /central Orange County
voters,
• Serves lower income transit dependent populations, social justice.
9. Light Rail Transit (LRT) application of August 2012:
• Application to be `restructured' as asked by Federal Transit Agency
(FTA) New Starts Program (resubmit under new federal rules MAP21
vs. old SAFETEA -LU) (New application submittal timeline ?)
• What will be the expense of ongoing LRT application development
before formal commitment from Federal and State agencies?
plain status of
• State Fun
• Federal F
11. Need visual,tim
a
of LRT project schedule
12. Hillsborough Amtrak Status
• Need is established
• Norfolk Southern Review may add costs
• Phase I Short Term vs. Long Term Facilities