HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 05-08-2014 - 7bORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: May 8, 2014
Action Agenda
Item No. 7 -b
SUBJECT: Central and Rural Orange County Five -Year Bus Service Expansion Concepts
— Orange Public Transportation and Triangle Transit
DEPARTMENT: Planning and Inspections PUBLIC HEARING: (Y /N) No
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
1. Staff - Recommended Program Craig Benedict, Planning Director, 919 - 245 -2592
Summary, Map and Notes Bret Martin, Transportation Planner, 919 - 245 -2582
2. Health Department Public Transit Tom Altieri, Comprehensive Planning Supervisor,
Access Resolution 919 - 245 -2579
3. Department on Aging Bus Service Erik Landfried, Triangle Transit Service Planning
Recommendations Supervisor, 919 - 485 -7508
PURPOSE: To receive a presentation on concepts for expanding Orange Public Transit (OPT)
and Triangle Transit (TTA) bus operations in central and rural Orange County over the next five
years.
BACKGROUND: The Orange County Bus and Rail Investment Plan ( OCBRIP) was approved
by the BOCC in June 2012. The OCBRIP provides local and regional transit opportunities
including expanded bus service and proposed light rail. Voters in November 2012 approved a
one -half cent sales tax to fund the local portion of the Plan, and collection of the sales tax began
on April 1, 2013.
Additional background documents such as the adopted OCBRIP can be found via the following
link, listed under Transportation Documents:
http: / /www.co. orange. nc .us /planning /transportation.asp
At its February 4, 2014 meeting, the BOCC received an update from TTA on the implementation
of the OCBRIP including:
• FY13 annual progress report
• Draft amendments to the adopted financial assumptions
• Status of Central and Rural Orange Bus Service Expansion Program
• Hillsborough Train Station
• Durham - Orange Light Rail Transit project
Tonight's focus is on presenting concepts for expanding Orange Public Transit (OPT) and
Triangle Transit (TTA) bus operations in central and rural Orange County over the next five
years. Concepts to be included in the presentation have been developed by Orange County
and TTA staff based on the OCBRIP, goals of the transit agencies, public input collected during
outreach meetings last summer, input collected from inter - departmental collaboration,
2
demographic data, and survey data. A summary of the staff - recommended service expansion
concepts is included as Attachment 1.
Throughout the service concept development process, Orange County planning staff collected
input regarding the proposed bus service expansion concepts from other County departments
and advisory boards to consider the interests of human and public service needs within the
County and their intersection with public transit. This input was received in the form of a
resolution from the Orange County Board of Health (Attachment 2) and the Orange County
Department on Aging in the form of a letter and ancillary comments (Attachment 3).
Staff will also be conducting a series of outreach meetings later this month to present service
concepts and to help market new services. Input received at these meetings, as well as BOCC
input tonight, will be used to fine tune proposed bus operations before a final report is presented
to the BOCC for approval and service is initiated.
The schedule for upcoming outreach meetings is as follows:
May 19 — Northern Human Services Center; 5 :30- 7 :OOpm
May 21 — Mebane City Council Chambers; 5:30- 7:OOpm
May 22 — Town of Hillsborough, Town Barn, 5 :00- 6 :30pm
May 28 — Efland- Cheeks Community Center; 5 :30- 7 :OOpm
Next BOCC Steps:
June 3, 2014: Consider adoption of 5 -Year Bus Service Expansion Program (to include a
Program document)
June 3 and /or
June 17, 2014: Consider approval of OCBRIP amendments, including financial
assumptions
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Although this item does not have an immediate financial impact, the
associated activity relates to the process to expend half -cent transit sales tax revenue and the
$7 county vehicle registration fees. The $3 increase to the TTA regional tag fee will not be
imposed until January 2015.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board:
1. Receive the presentation; and
2. Provide feedback as appropriate.
ATTACHMENT 1
3
OLUTI- Kecommenaea vran a county 5 -Year pus Service Expansion Program Summarv*
Notes
*See attached map depicting locations of service concepts and attached notes for more information on service concepts
* *Assumes no leveraging of Federal or State grants for operations and assumes operational cost of $44 /hour in FY 2013 dollars with cost escalation of 3.1 % per year
** *Exact schedule of route concept implementation depends on availability of eligible bus capital and staffing
Estimated
Route /Service Concept
Map
Start
Weekday
Estimated
Estimated
Estimated
ID*
Date * **
Service
Annual
Annual Service
Total Annual
Hours
Weekdays
Hours
Operating Cost
FY2014
$88350
No service implementation programmed for FY 2014
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Made Available
N/A
NE Zonal Route 1 day/week)
1A
7/1/2014
5
52
,$12,160
260
NW Zonal Route 1 day/week)
1B
7/1/2014
5
52
260
$12,160
Later Senior Center Routes
2
7/1/2014
3
250
750
$35,078
U.S. 70 Midday Route
3
8/1/2014
5
230
1,150
$53,786
Efland - Hillsborough Commuter Loo
4
1/1/2015
5
125
625
$29,231
Route 420 expansion
5
1/1/2015
6
125
750
$35,078
FY 2015 Anticipated Ogeratin Expenditures *"
--
--
-
-
3,795
$177,493
NE Zonal route 1 day/week)
1A
7/1/2014
5
52
260
$12,537
NW Zonal Route Ida /week
1B
7/1/2014
5
52
260
$12,537
Later Senior Center Routes
2
7/1/2014
3
250
750
$36,165
US 70 Midday Route
3
8/1/2014
5
250
1,250
$60,275
Efland - Hillsborough Commuter Loo
4
1/112015
5
250
1,250
$60,275
Route 420 expansion
5
1/1/2015
6
250
1,500
$72,330
Hillsborou h Circulator add 1 hour /da
6
7/1/2015
9
250
2,250
$108,495
FY 2016 Antic! ated O eratin Ex enditures **
--
--
7,520
$362,614
/ -=
NE Zonal route 1 da /week
7717r
5
52
260
$12,926
NW Zonal Route (1 da /week
5
52
260
$12,926
Later Senior Center Routes
3
250
750
$37,286
US 70 Midda Route
5
250
1,250
$62,144
Efland - Hillsborough Commuter Loo
4
1/112015
5
250
1,250
$62,144
Route 420 expansion
5
1/1/2015
6
250
1,500
$74,572
Hillsborough Circulator add 1 hour/day)
6
7/1/2015
9
250
2,250
$111,859
FY 2017 Anticipated O eratin Ex enditures **
-
- --
-
-
7,520
$372,597
000
NE Zonal Route (1 day/week)
1A
7/1/2014
5
52
260
.- .
$13,327 ,
NW Zonal Route 1 day/week)
1B
7/1/2014
5
52
260
$13,327
Later Senior Center Routes
2
7/1/2014
3
250
750
$38,442
US 70 Midday Route
3
8/1/2014
5
250
1,250
$64,070
Efland - Hillsborough Commuter Loo
4
1/1/2015
5
250
1,250
$64,070
Route 420 expansion
5
1/1/2015
6
250
1,500
$76,884
Hillsborough Circulator (add 1 hour/day)
6
711/2015
9
250
2,250
$115,326
FY 2018 Antici ated O eratin Ex enditures **
-
-
--
-
7,520
$385,446
FY 2019 and Beyond
$388,000 Made
previously implemented services carried forward
--
-
-
--
7,520
Available
$397,395
Notes
*See attached map depicting locations of service concepts and attached notes for more information on service concepts
* *Assumes no leveraging of Federal or State grants for operations and assumes operational cost of $44 /hour in FY 2013 dollars with cost escalation of 3.1 % per year
** *Exact schedule of route concept implementation depends on availability of eligible bus capital and staffing
ATTACHMENT1
Staff- Recommended Orange County 5 -Year Bus Service Expansion Program Summary
Recommended Unfunded Service Concepts In Priority Order
Route
Estimated
Weekday
Estimated
Estimated
Annual
Estimated
Total Annual
Service
Annual
Weekdays
Service
Operating Cost in
Hours
Hours
FY 2014 Dollars
Expand Route 420 service to a total of 12 service hours
3
250
750
$35,078
Hillsborough Circulator early morning/evening morning/evening service
3
250
750
$35,078
Southern Orange County Door to Door Demand
Response Service
variable
250
variable
Variable
Hillsborough Circulator Weekend Service
6
52
312
$14,592
Expansion of Route 420 Peak Service to Cedar Grove
4
250
1,000
$46,770
ATTACHMENT 1
Five -Year Bus Service Expansion Recommendations Map
ATTACHMENT 1 6
OPT 5 -Year Bus Service Expansion Recommendation Notes
1) Northeastern and Northwestern County Zonal Routes — Route would come online July 2014, would be
one (1) day per week on a Tuesday or Thursday running five (5) hours per day with one (1)- to two (2)-
hour headways during off -peak periods depending on run times, and would run a deviated fixed -route
or point- deviated demand response schedule. The route would connect residents in northern Orange
County to destinations and additional transit connections in Hillsborough. The service would be fare -
free.
2) Later Senior Center Service — Route would come online July 2014, would be a daily weekday service
running approximately three (3) hours per day (two, 1.5 -hour run time structured routes), and would run
a deviated fixed route or point- deviated demand response schedule. The route would provide earlier
and /or later service to and from Orange County senior centers (with an emphasis on the Central
Orange Senior Center) beyond times the service is currently provided. The service would be fare -free.
3) US 70 Midday Service — Route would come online August 2014, would be a daily weekday fixed -route
service running approximately five (5) hours per day during off -peak periods with two (2) -hour
headways per direction and a total two (2) -hour run time. The route would connect Mebane /Buckhorn
and Efland with destinations and additional transit connections in Hillsborough and Durham. The
service would be fare -free.
This service is being designed to correspond with Triangle Transit's proposed peak period Orange -
Durham Express (ODX) service. Phase I of that service is scheduled to come online in August 2014
and would connect only Hillsborough and Durham. During this period, OPT may begin providing peak
period service from Mebane to Efland to Hillsborough to link into Phase I of Triangle Transit's Orange -
Durham Express. Beginning January 2015, Phase II of Triangle Transit's Orange- Durham Express is
scheduled to come online completing the Mebane- Hillsborough- Durham connection. When Phase II
comes online, OPT will begin providing the midday (off -peak period) service connecting Mebane,
Efland, Hillsborough, and Durham.
4) Efland- Hillsborough Commuter Loop — When Phase II of Triangle Transit's Orange- Durham Express
commences in January 2015, OPT will run an Efland- Hillsborough commuter loop to provide peak -
period and peak- direction service from Efland to link into the Triangle Transit Orange- Durham Express
service in Hillsborough. After providing the short Efland to Hillsborough run, the route would then be run
to provide an employment commuting- oriented, pre - Hillsborough Circulator service to connect transit -
dependent residential origins in northern Hillsborough to service sector employment destinations in
southern Hillsborough before deadheading back to Efland to provide the next Efland to Hillsborough
commuter link service run. The service would be fare -free.
5) Route 420 Expansion — Route would come online January 2015, would be a daily weekday service
running up to an additional six (6) hours per day (three [3] hours each northbound and southbound)
with one (1) -hour headways, and would run a fixed -route schedule. This is in addition to the existing
three (3) service hours per day currently run by Route 420; the full service schedule would involve a
total of nine (9) midday service hours. This assumes a two (2) -hour run time each way. The existing
Route 420 would be expanded to connect Cedar Grove with destinations and additional transit
connections in Hillsborough and would continue on to destinations and additional transit connections in
Chapel Hill. The service would be fare -free.
6) Hillsborough Circulator with Additional Noon Hour Service — Route would begin using OPT OCBRIP
funding July 2015 and would continue the existing Hillsborough Circulator service with an additional
hour added for 12pm -1 pm. The route would continue to be fare -free.
ATTACHMENT 2: Health Department Public Transit Access Resolution
ORANGE COUNTY
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Improving health. Inspiring change.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT TRANSIT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, representatives from the county, municipalities, the University of North Carolina, and
Triangle Transit have worked collaboratively to develop the Orange County Bus and Rail
Investment Plan ( OCBRIP), a comprehensive bus service improvement plan that supports the
effort to improve public transit in Orange County; and
WHEREAS, the recently passed one -half (1/) cent sales tax and $7 county vehicle registration tax
are funding sources to support OCBRIP implementation; and
WHEREAS, The Local Government Public Transportation Sales Tax Act requires that the financial
plan for the OCBRIP provide for equitable use of the net funding proceeds and consider: (i) the
identified needs of local public transportation systems in the district, (ii) human service
transportation systems within the district, and (iii) expansion of public transportation systems to
underserved areas of the district; and
WHEREAS, reliable transportation is an important part of the ability to access employment,
medical services, and activities that generally promote quality of life; and
WHEREAS, 2010 Census data indicate high numbers of transit - dependent populations in Orange
County, of which many live in the northern, rural areas and local data estimate that at least 3,000
Orange County residents live more than one mile from a bus stop or medical facility and do not
own a car; and
WHEREAS, Orange County community members identified access to health care services and the
impact of transportation systems on quality of life among their top 10 health priorities in both the
2011 and 2007 Orange County Community Health Assessments; and
WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Health identified Access to Care in the 2012 -2014
Strategic Plan; and
WHEREAS, many Orange County Health Department clients are considered "transit- dependent"
populations at risk of lacking access to reliable, accessible transportation; and
WHEREAS, the mission of the Orange County Health Department is to enhance the quality of life,
promote the health, and preserve the environment for all people in Orange County, NC.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED on this 26th day of February, 2014, we the Orange County Board
of Health support improving and expanding public transit access for vulnerable Orange County
residents,,' especially in rural areas of the county with limited access to bus or other public transit.
N
Corey Davis, Chair Colleen Bridger, PH, PhD
Orange County Board of Health Orange County Health Director
919 245 2400 > 300 West Tryon Street ), Hillsborough, NC 27278 )�- orangecountync.gov
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ATTACHMENT 3: Department on Aging Comments
A. )t;_
'o
Orange County
Department on Aging
Janice Tyler, Director
Robert and Pearl Seymour Center Central Orange Senior Center
2551 Homestead Road 103 Meadowland Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27516 Hillsborough, NC 27278
Tel: 919.968.2070 Tel. 919.245.2015
Fax: 919.968.2093 Fax: 919.732.2239
To: Orange County Board of County Commissioners
From: Advisory Board on Aging
Date: 04/04/2014
Subject: Support for Expansion of Rural Public Transportation
Dear Commissioners,
The Work Group for Outlining Public Transit Needs, made up of various Human Service related
agencies including the Department on Aging, DSS, Library, Health, and Planning Departments, has
shared their transportation priorities with one another to provide their input into the goals of the Central
& Rural Bus Service Expansion Program. These goals will then be funded and implemented through the
Orange County Bus and Rail Investment Plan (OCBRIP). Each agency has highlighted its unmet needs
and provided recommendations for expanded public transportation services in rural and central Orange
County.
The Advisory Board on Aging fully supports this inter - departmental communication and collaboration,
especially with its vital focus on expanding public transportation to meet public service needs in rural
areas. The focuses of the Work Group's recommendations promote the County's goals of providing
geographic equity and align with objectives within the Master Aging Plan. However, the Advisory Board
would like to highlight underserved areas of concern that are not addressed in the proposed
recommendations. There is currently only one recommendation that directly relates to older adults
(Later Senior Center service), but there is a burgeoning rural older adult population.
Growing Rural Older Adult Population
The 60+ population is the fastest growing segment of the population in Orange County and is forecast to
continue on this strong growth path. From the 2000 to 2010 census, there was a 54% increase in the 60+
population in Orange County. Not only is the older adult population growing, but a significant portion
of this population lives in rural areas. As of 2010, approximately 57% of Orange County's adults age
65+ live in Chapel Hill Township, 12.5% in Hillsborough Township, and 30.5% in the remaining five
other Townships.
The rural population of Orange County approaches 50% of Orange County's total population when the
underserved rural areas of Chapel Hill Township are considered. The burgeoning older adult population
is increasingly in need of transportation service, and is especially vulnerable and isolated in rural
An Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer
E
locations. Meeting the transportation needs of older adults in rural areas is of primary concern of the 9
Advisory Board on Aging.
The Advisory Board on Aging requests the Board of County Commissioners consider the Department on
Aging's recommendations (Exhibit A).
Thank you again for your service and commitment,
Orange County's Advisory Board on Aging
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Exhibit A: The Department on Agina's OPT Bus Expansion Recommendations:
1. Northern and Central Orange Door to Door/Point Deviated Demand Response
A van or small bus is needed for older adult essential services. Rural adults in Northern and
Central Orange have no public transportation options that can facilitate running errands, non-
medical appointments, shopping, and purchasing groceries on a convenient basis. Older
populations often have difficulties walking and waiting at a bus stop, getting on a traditional
bus, or sitting long periods on a fixed route bus. Older adults would be able to call the day
before they need a ride or have the option of a subscription service to travel consistently on a
set day and time. They would be picked up at their door and taken directly to their location.
Populations in Cedar Grove, Mebane, and Efland would especially make use of this service
and would not feel isolated, but empowered to be social and more independent.
Start Date
Est. Weekday Hrs
Est. Annual Weekdays
Est. Annual Hours
Total Annual Operating Cost
7/1/2014
1 12
104 Mon & Wed)
1,248
1,248 x $46.7/hr= $58,282
*OPT's FY2015 Estimated Operating Costs are $46.70 per hour (estimates are very
conservative figures)
2. Southern Orange Door to Door/Point Deviated Demand Response
In Southern Orange County, there are a lack of services for rural elderly populations that are West
and South of the city of Chapel Hill and in Bingham Township. These populations fall outside of
Chapel Hill Transit and EZ Rider's service areas. Currently, EZ Rider operates transportation
services only 3/4 of a mile outside of Chapel Hill Transit's fixed routes. This parameter leaves many
older adults living on the fringe of the city of Chapel Hill left without an efficient option to travel to
the Senior Center, appointments, and run errands. It is inefficient and not cost effective for Orange
Public Transportation to travel from Hillsborough to the south or west of Chapel Hill to bring a
rider to an errand or appointment in Chapel Hill. A Southern Orange door to door demand response
or point deviated route could serve the areas outside of CHT's service area in Chapel Hill and
Bingham townships. Over 10% of Chapel Hill Township's population is 60+ with and of these
roughly 10,000 individuals many need access to public transportation and live outside of an
efficient and reliable option. A pilot program can be created to serve locations including Dogwood
Acres, Heritage Hills, Damascus Church Rd., Mt Carmel Church Rd., and White Cross.
Start Date
Est. Weekday Hrs
Est. Annual Weekdays
Est. Annual Hours
Total Annual Operating Cost
7/1/2014
1 12
104 Tues & Thurs
1,248
1,248 x $46.7Aw -- $58,282
3. Extend Central Orange Senior Center Lunch
This recommendation was initially #5 in priority on OPT's expansion recommendations, but
was moved upward in priority per OUTBoard's suggestion. Its previous date of
implementation was July 2016 and is to be implemented sooner. The route would provide
older adults from rural areas with an extra hour stay at the Senior Center. Currently, a rider
from Cedar Grove may ride for up to an hour each way to arrive at the Senior Center and then
only have time for lunch. The limited time prevents riders from participating in classes,
shopping, health checks and connecting to the Hillsborough Circulator.
Start Date
Est. Weekday Hrs
Est. Annual Weekdays
Est. Annual Hours
Total Annual Operating Cost
1/1/2015
4.5
250
1,125
1 1,125 x $46.7/hr= $52,538