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Home My WebLink AboutAgenda - 04-15-2025; 4-a - Presentation on the GoTriangle Transit Ambassador Program 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: April 15, 2025 Action Agenda Item No. 4-a SUBJECT: Presentation on the GoTriangle Transit Ambassador Program DEPARTMENT: Transportation Services ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: PowerPoint Presentation Jimmy Price, GoTriangle, Director of Safety and Security, 919-485-7492 Tasha Hargrove, Transit Ambassador and Outreach Specialist, 919-485-7433 Nishith Trivedi, Transportation Director, 919-245-2007 PURPOSE: To receive a presentation from GoTriangle on its Transit Ambassador Program. BACKGROUND: GoTriangle's Ambassador Program is a community-focused initiative modeled after similar programs across the country, such as those operated by Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), and LA Metro. The program serves as a vital connection between the transit agency and community services, providing support in areas such as: • Mental health crisis response through local professional teams • Resources and assistance for community leaders • Emergency and criminal incident response by law enforcement • Contracted security services and outreach to unsheltered populations Since its inception, the program has expanded from a collaboration of eight (8) local governments, transit agencies, and nonprofit organizations to over fifteen (15) partners, and continues to grow through new community-based partnerships. The Program's success is measured by its ability to: • Effectively serve, communicate with, and engage customers • Collect and share data with stakeholders • Ensure a safe and secure transit environment • Strengthen community engagement Highlights of the program's goals include: • Building trust with riders and the broader community • Expanding partnerships • Encouraging stakeholder commitment and shared responsibility • Sustaining the program's growth and securing continued funding 2 Jimmy Price, Director of Safety and Security at GoTriangle, and Tasha Hargrove, Transit Ambassador, provide a brief presentation on the program. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with receiving the presentation. ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports: • GOAL 4: MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION OBJECTIVE 1. Identify priorities and resources necessary to implement the Orange County Transit Plan. OBJECTIVE 2. Increase community awareness of all modes of transportation including transit, bike and pedestrian, vehicle, and all other modes. OBJECTIVE 6. Update transportation related plans to provide more multi-modal options including rural Orange County. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board receive the presentation and provide any comments and questions. 3 Boo; NO .. Transit Ambassador Program ,4 + .� Orange JIMMY PRICE, DIRECTOR OF SAFETY AND SECURITY mbassador Program ORANGE COUNTY GO Triangle NORTH CAROLINA 4 Agenda 1 . Transit and public safety 2 . How success is measured 3 . Program testimonials 4. What's next? 5 Developing Community-Based Public Safety Programs Nationwide 1194 r QD L ,r Metrci B A R T SEPTA 6 Crisis ➢ Respond to mental • ➢ Response to emergencies health crisis incidents _ sporig Enforcement and crime ➢ Patrol and secure ➢ Customer information ! facilities Triangle ➢ Rider interventions Transit •. - Contracted ➢ Support emergencies and security incidents ➢ Facilitates connection Ambassador ➢ to servicesEmployees Code of Conduct ➢ Visible presence awareness ,, ➢ Customer service ➢ Visual deterrence • ➢ Outreach to riders ➢ Support and resources Leaders ➢ Connect riders with resources and services GoTriangle"s Public Safety Eco-System Spring into Action Event • Non destination : LIG� riders AW • Community and Outreach Services • Developing s, q I ■ '` ; { Partnerships LL 8 !NOW APPROACH W!b Durham Tna► e GO Triangle11'w-n i k� Set-it ices Orange County Partnership to ACAC u-Ly.Inc j Jr ^ End Homelessnes ►+nusFnA we h-MMISss,F"dh g me HEAR OLISTIC EMPATNETIC ASSISTANCE RESPONSE TEAM OAK CITYGO RaleighCary • kyo j CARES 7chfunlo I�IIIURBANMIN�STRIEsHaven House trunsif OF DURHAnn INTRY POINT Services MO-W I I = R` DURHAM VITAOUSING E ORANGE COUNTY ��%��i��{i FAO R N E W COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA MISSION � HOPE NORTH CAROLINA . �^ • • u �islfJ fc AC4RNS PEN TABL j .., ,.. .. 9 How well we care for, How we gather data and communicate with, and communicate information engage our customers. to stakeholders. AM How safe and secure is How we engage the 14W our bus system. community. f TRANSIT AMBASSADOR - Donyasha (Tasha) Hargrove, Transit � Ambassador and Outreach Specialist Joined the Team: May 19, 2024 • Eighteen years experience in customer service • Two years at GoTriangle as a Customer Information Specialist • History of community outreach service Customer _ I Service I ' ` • f ; 9 12 HEART Crisis HOLISTIC EMPATHETIC ASSISTANCE RESPONSE TEAM Pro rams Intervention FrA _ CAFE 10 13 Having someone onboard your buses provides a sense of safety while offering assistance and resource information to youth and young adults who are unhoused or living in an unsafe environment, helps get the ball rolling in the right direction . " Kelsey Mosley Director,Crisis and Homeless Services 14 • Build trust with riders and the community Increase a diverse network of regional partners within GoTriangle's service area What's next? Foster commitment and ownership among stakeholders Grow M • • Grow and fund the Ambassador Program