Two-minute impact
At a Sept. 26 workshop meeting, Transportation Manager Lua Saluone proposed the city develop a Transit on Demand program.
A Transit on Demand program provides a partnership with transportation network companies for a cost-effective and accessible transportation option geared toward residents who rely on public transit, according to city documents.
City staff is looking to publish a request for proposal, or RFP, to kick-start the development of the program; however, feedback from council was needed first.
Zooming in
Saluone outlined objectives staff is looking to include in the RFP:
- Provides vehicles with wheelchair access
- Max of $10 voucher per trip; rider pays the first $2, and the city covers up to the next $10
- Benefits of 24/7 service, including weekends and holidays, and is open to a wider age range
- Service area of city limits and urbanized areas
It would cost the city between $90,000-$100,000 to develop the Transit on Demand program, Saluone said. There would be an additional cost for the voucher program, which is $90,000 for a full year.
Quotes of note
A majority of the council was in favor of a one-year RFP for the proposed Transit on Demand program. Council was also in support of the program starting as soon as possible.
“Doing it as a one-year ... I think makes a whole lot more sense,” Council Member Kevin Pitts said at the workshop. “I think if we could get it started up sooner than later, I would be supportive of getting it started.”
“This is a great solution potentially for our community to reach more people in our community that need this type of service,” Council Member Amanda Parr said. “Absolutely ready to move forward sooner than later. I think one year is fair with all of the other things we have going on in the city.”
What happens next?
Saluone said the RFP is anticipated to be completed in October, and the contract could be awarded in March.
Advertising and outreach to develop the program would then begin, and it could take up to six months.
