TITLE
The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and possibly take action on approving an Award of Contract to Total Transit, Inc., for continued operation of Demand Response transit services. The contract term would be one year, beginning October 1, 2013 and ending September 30, 2014, with an option to renew for one additional year. This contract, in an amount not to exceed $90,000.00, will be funded from the following line items: Not to exceed 58% ($52,200) from Grants Fund, Transportation, Technical, Section 5311 (22044146-53340-14402); and not to exceed 42% ($37,800) from General Fund, Transportation, Technical, Section 5311 (10044146-53340-14402). This Award of Contract is in compliance with City of Maricopa Purchasing Code Article IV, Sec. 3-215. Discussion and Action.
AGENDA ITEM DESCRIPTION
The Demand Response Service, known as the City Of Maricopa Express Transit (COMET), operates Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, the COMET provides curbside service anywhere within Maricopa city limits. On Tuesday, the COMET provides service to Chandler Regional Hospital and places riders in close proximity to the Valley Metro transit system. On Thursday, the COMET provides service to Casa Grande Regional Medical Center, where riders can connect to the Central Arizona Regional Transit System (CART). The Transportation Advisory Committee was fully briefed on the proposed continuation of the Demand Response Service and offered support for it in the June 2013 Quarterly Meeting. The service operates on a reservation basis by calling a dedicated reservation telephone number. The most recent weekly ridership for the week ending August 9, 2013 was 36 passengers and 46 trips. Transportation service to and from the Phoenix metropolitan area is provided by Valley Metro Vanpool, which currently operates approximately nine vans in and out of Maricopa. Community assessment is underway to determine which type of transit service is appropriate to best serve the long-term needs of the community. In addition, staff is currently developing a comprehensive marketing plan, using assistance provided by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).
On June 26, 2013, ADOT awarded Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5311 grant funding to the City of Maricopa totaling $162,928 to operate the Demand Response System for the period of October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2014. Of this amount, $59,317 is the required local fund match from the City of Maricopa General Fund which was approved by the Council on August 20, 2013.
This item will be presented by Robert Goodhue, Development Services Director and David R. Maestas, Transportation/Transit Planner.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Mayor and City Council approve the Award of Contract with Total Transit, Inc., for continued operation of Demand Response transit services.