TITLE
The Mayor and City Council shall hear a presentation of the Final Report, Maricopa Transit Study, by Wilson & Company, consultant for this project.
AGENDA ITEM DESCRIPTION
This study was conducted with two major objectives: (1) Determine transit demand within the city, and (2) determine demand for a commuter shuttle between Maricopa and the Phoenix metropolitan area and west central Pinal County.
The $75,000 study was conducted at no cost to Maricopa, other than staff time totaling $15,000. Arizona Department of Transportation provided $60,000 in FTA Section 5311 Transit Planning funds. The project was administered and co-managed by Maricopa Association of Governments.
An electronic survey of Maricopa residents yielded strong results. (473 responses) The study concluded that more transit service options are desired in Maricopa, and more commuter options are desired, particularly between Maricopa and the Phoenix metropolitan area. However, the costs of operating the commuter service are high, in addition to high capital costs with acquiring commuter-capable buses for this service. The high capital and operating costs dictate that much deeper study be done before starting commuter service. Sustainability is the top consideration to make sure that the costs of commuter service are sustainable without endangering continued operation the internal city transit service. (COMET)
The commuter route will be further studied as an element of the upcoming SR-347 Corridor Study to determine how much a commuter route would add to the capacity of the corridor. This study will be completed by the end of 2019. However, much deeper study and analyses are needed before starting commuter service.
This item is presented by Acting Director of Development Services Kazi Haque and David R. Maestas, Transportation Policy Manager.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Mayor and City Council hear and discuss presentation of the Final Report, Maricopa Transit Study...
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