Lee%20County%20Transit%20Authority%20Concept:%20An%20Update

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Lee County Transit AuthorityConcept An Update
July 2008
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Presentation Overview

• Purpose
• Project History
• Transit Authority Concept
• Action Plan Process
• Interlocal Agreement
• Existing Future Service
• Benefits
• Options Considerations

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Purpose

• Provide update on implementation of a Transit
  Authority in Lee County
• Get consensus on final interlocal agreement

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Project History

• Funding Governing Study (May 2002)
• MSTU Study (June 2003)
• Short-Term Solutions Study (July 2003)
• Transit Authority Action Plan (January 2006)
• Draft Interlocal Agreement (June 2007)

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Primary Findings

• Need Dedicated Source
• Must ? With Inflation
• Municipalities Should Participate
• Long-Term Solution ? Transit Authority

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What is a Transit Authority?

• Single Governmental Entity
• Multi-Jurisdictional Representation
• Authority to Levy Taxes

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Transit Authority Types

• Regional Transit Authority
• Independent Transit Authority

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Transit Authority Structure
Regional
Independent

• Special Region
• State Statutes
• Formula Board Representation
• Population-Based
• Ad Valorem Funding

• Special District
• State Enabling Legislation
• More Flexibility
• Funding Source
• Board Composition

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Why a Transit Authority?

• Governing Structure
• Dedicated Funding Source
• Support for Transit Existing Success

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Action Plan Process

• Governing Board Presentations
• October 2005
• Public Involvement
• Policy Advisory Committees
• Public Workshop
• Transit Authority Summit
• December 14, 2005
• Develop Action Plan

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Transit Summit Goals

• Educate
• Importance of Transit
• Need for Authority
• Gain Consensus
• Action Plan
• Next Steps
• Recruit Champions

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Lee County Transit Authority
The formation of a Transit Authority in Lee
County . . . . .

. . . should be prescribed by state statute.
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. . . should allow for flexibility in how it is
established and funded.
86
0
0
. . . is not necessary at this time.
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Lee County Transit Authority
Which funding source makes the most sense for
transit in Lee County?
3
19
Sales Tax
83
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Ad Valorem
0
1
Not Sure
Other
4
0
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Lee County Transit Authority
Would you consider an interlocal agreement
indicating participation in an Authority?
14
0
Yes
No
87
0
2
Not Sure
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15
Lee County Transit Authority
Would you be willing to participate on a
committee to draft an interlocal agreement?
14
0
Yes
No
82
0
2
Not Sure
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Transit Summit Conclusions

• Agreement on Need for Authority
• Sales Tax
• Interlocal Agreement
• Transit Authority Oversight Committee
• Education Marketing

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Transit Authority Action Plan
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Action Plan Overview

• Step-by-step process for establishing a
  transit authority.

• Action Plan Organization
• Major public outreach tasks
• Required legislative administrative tasks
• Action Plan milestones

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Interlocal Agreement

• Developed by Transit Authority Oversight
  Committee
• Not the Authority Charter
• Agreement to Participate in Remaining Action Plan
  Steps

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Existing Bus Service

• 17 Routes
• 30- to 60-Minute
  Service
• 49 Peak Vehicles
• 500 a.m. to 1000 p.m.
• Limited Sunday Service
• Complementary ADA Service (Passport)
• Commuter Assistance Program (Connexus)

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Existing Bus Service
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Existing Bus Service
LeeTran Ridership Trend
3,037,194
2,891,968
2,821,130
2,508,407
2,318,340
2,320,758
2,271,574
2,205,604
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Previous Projected Demand
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Possible Future Transit Service
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2030 LRTP Improvements

• Expanded Service Frequency on Existing Routes
• New Express Service
• Bus Rapid Transit
• Passenger Ferry Service
• New Park-and-Ride Lots

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Benefits of Transit

• Social
• Mobility
• Alternative
• Environment
• Reduced Congestion
• Economic
• Expanded Work Force
• Reduced Congestion

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Benefits to Municipality

• Voice in Transit Decisions
• Customize Your Service
• Support Existing Service Success

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Lee Countys Options

• Support Regional Transportation Solution
• Maintain Status Quo

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Your Considerations

• Support Transit Service?
• Support Authority Governing Structure?
• Support Dedicated Funding Source?
• Support Interlocal Agreement?

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• Comments
• Questions