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From page 34... ... 34 Introduction Based on the rationale provided in the previous chapter, the following states and services were chosen for regional rural case studies: 1. California: Lake Transit Authority 2. Read the entire page →
From page 35... ... Case Studies 35 of services, including routes that it describes as regional and intercity, that provide connectivity between local services in Lake County and larger destinations (and transit hubs) like Napa (Calistoga, Deer Park) Read the entire page →
From page 36... ... 36 Best practices in rural regional Mobility Route 7 Lakeport–Ukiah operates four times per day between Lakeport (Lake County) and Ukiah (Mendocino County) Read the entire page →
From page 37... ... Case Studies 37 Transfers are accepted each way between the two systems. This route offers four daily roundtrips, with two of them extending to St. Read the entire page →
From page 38... ... 38 Best practices in rural regional Mobility is the initial source for operating funding, but that leaves a significant net operating deficit. In California, there are a number of potential sources of transit funding for such systems. Read the entire page →
From page 39... ... Case Studies 39 Caltrans requires that routes funded under this program be 50 miles or longer, and has set a ceiling of $300,000 per year per operating grant. Federal guidance for Section 5311(f) Read the entire page →
From page 40... ... 40 Best practices in rural regional Mobility in planning for and then implementing such service. Local initiatives to develop projects that would result in a statewide network often run into institutional issues which the state has helped to overcome. Read the entire page →
From page 41... ... Case Studies 41 was limited to capital funding and was provided to local systems under a competitive discretionary grant program. It also provided a basis for future transit program development. Read the entire page →
From page 42... ... 42 Best practices in rural regional Mobility Following these studies, CDOT moved to implement the commuter bus recommendations, using state FASTER funding now available for operating assistance. The service, under the "Bustang" brand, is operated under contract to CDOT and has been well received. Read the entire page →
From page 43... ... Case Studies 43 network. It demonstrates the important role of human service agency transportation funding in supporting a rural regional service. Read the entire page →
From page 44... ... 44 Best practices in rural regional Mobility The route between Trinidad, Walsenburg, and Pueblo on I-25 is also served by Greyhound Lines, though the service has been substantially reduced and now consists of two northbound departures from Trinidad at 7:05 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., with the second bus stopping in Walsenburg at 2:40 p.m. Read the entire page →
From page 45... ... Case Studies 45 base. Recognizing that there is already some service in this corridor, and that there are issues to be resolved, CDOT has listed this route to be considered for inclusion in the branded Rural Regional network in FY2017–2018 or the following year. Read the entire page →
From page 46... ... 46 Best practices in rural regional Mobility Organizational Structure The Region XII Council of Governments (COG) was organized in 1973 to assist local governments in Audubon, Carroll, Crawford, Greene, Guthrie, and Sac Counties in western Iowa (see Figure 4–5) Read the entire page →
From page 47... ... Case Studies 47 State Context and Policy Development Iowa has a long history of regionalizing its transit services, beginning in 1976. Today, Iowa has 99 counties divided into 16 regions. Read the entire page →
From page 48... ... 48 Best practices in rural regional Mobility The new shuttle service to the Monogram plant has three departure times, serving the three shifts, 5:00 a.m., 6:00 a.m., and 2:30 p.m. The return trips depart at 3:45 p.m., and 12:45 a.m. Read the entire page →
From page 49... ... Case Studies 49 The Career Link program provides grants to non-entitlement cities (populations under 50,000) or counties. Read the entire page →
From page 50... ... 50 Best practices in rural regional Mobility Case Study: Kansas Statewide Regional Transit Model -- Flint Hills Implementation and Transportation Works for Kansas Introduction The Transportation Works for Kansas (T-WORKS) transportation program is state legislation that supports and encourages a regional approach to transportation across sectors. Read the entire page →
From page 51... ... Case Studies 51 • Regional routes. Allow multiple providers to coordinate, combine, and share trips, while preventing duplication. Read the entire page →
From page 52... ... 52 Best practices in rural regional Mobility transit agencies to share knowledge, information, and resources. Reveal was implemented as the centralized paratransit scheduling and dispatching system. Read the entire page →
From page 53... ... Case Studies 53 Transit funding formulas are recalculated annually. Figure 4–10 illustrates the new transit funding allocations. Read the entire page →
From page 54... ... 54 Best practices in rural regional Mobility area became eligible to receive Section 5307 funds. As a result, the Flint Hills Regional Transit Administration was established to serve as the designated recipient of Section 5307 funds. Read the entire page →
From page 55... ... Case Studies 55 The KDOT Office of Public Transit procured coordinated dispatch software for the lead agencies in each CTD. This software can be utilized by all providers in a region to enhance coordination and scheduling. Read the entire page →
From page 56... ... 56 Best practices in rural regional Mobility Dodge City Fixed Route Bus Schedule, April 27, 2015. Fixed Bus Route System Coming to Dodge City. Read the entire page →
From page 57... ... Case Studies 57 State Context and Policy Development State law, Title 23 M.R.S.A. Section 4209, requires the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) Read the entire page →
From page 58... ... 58 Best practices in rural regional Mobility UNE Nor'easter Express. Since September 2007, ShuttleBus has operated the Nor'easter Express route between University of New England's Hills Beach campus and downtown Biddeford and Saco. Read the entire page →
From page 59... ... Case Studies 59 intercity route. ShuttleBus-Zoom's Portland intercity route costs are determined by zones. Read the entire page →
From page 60... ... 60 Best practices in rural regional Mobility ShuttleBus-Zoom's Executive Director estimates that approximately 40 percent of trips on the Portland intercity service are for local errands and transferring to Portland local metro service, 30 percent are for employment, and the remaining 30 percent are uncategorized. Funding ShuttleBus-Zoom's $2.9 million annual operation is supported by state and federal funds, advertising and contract services, fares, and funding from four municipalities. Read the entire page →
From page 61... ... Case Studies 61 complementing that with a common sense business attitude in operating services. Go out and take risks and make gains." Maine Case Study Bibliography and Selected Sources Gallagher, N Read the entire page →
From page 62... ... 62 Best practices in rural regional Mobility State Context and Policy Development The ALTRAN Munising to Marquette route evolved from service that was started under an MDOT demonstration program that provided funding to establish and demonstrate regional routes. In the past, MDOT had programs aimed at creating and supporting regional services; however, over the past decade, these have not been continued. Read the entire page →
From page 63... ... Case Studies 63 Source: Michigan Department of Transportation. Figure 4–14. Read the entire page →
From page 64... ... 64 Best practices in rural regional Mobility ALTRAN provides several types of service, including local countywide dial-a-ride service (branded as Ride to Work service) to 350 to 400 people daily in the 915 square mile Alger County; a weekday rural regional route from Munising in Alger County, 45 miles west to the regional center of Marquette, located in the neighboring county; local demand response service on Friday/Saturday evenings; and seasonal "Backpacker Transportation" from Munising and Grand Sable to stops in the National Lakeshore Park. Read the entire page →
From page 65... ... Case Studies 65 Marquette County. The Marquette County transit system does not cover that area, so the ALTRAN service is not duplicative or competitive, but complementary. Read the entire page →
From page 66... ... 66 Best practices in rural regional Mobility ALTRAN services. The former Section 5316 (Job Access and Reverse Commute [JARC] Read the entire page →
From page 67... ... Case Studies 67 Case Study: Minnesota Minnesota Department of Transportation, Central Community Transit Implementation -- Transit for Our Future Initiative Introduction This state case study involves policies and programs to encourage rural and small urban transit systems to regionalize and meet multiple goals, including the provision of regional services. The state program is discretionary, providing planning support and transition funding, but dependent on local initiative to develop projects and apply for funding. Read the entire page →
From page 68... ... 68 Best practices in rural regional Mobility service. Examples might include a joint mobility manager, joint purchasing, and sharing of resources such as technology or facilities. Read the entire page →
From page 69... ... Case Studies 69 Technical Memorandum #2 reported on a statewide Wikimap and online destination survey. It reports that both transit users and non-users "identified a need for trips crossing county lines and connections to cities in other Districts." Travel patterns include connections from Greater Minnesota to the Twin Cities (addressed by the intercity network for non-work trips, and growing commuter services for work trips) Read the entire page →
From page 70... ... 70 Best practices in rural regional Mobility In 2015, continued work on regional restructuring led to the addition of adjacent Meeker County to the CCT JPA. The board expanded to 16 members with the addition of 4 Meeker County representatives. Read the entire page →
From page 71... ... Case Studies 71 regional routes are to be deviated fixed route services. The Willmar–Litchfield route is to operate Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday; and the Willmar–Olivia route Monday through Saturday. Read the entire page →
From page 72... ... 72 Best practices in rural regional Mobility Case Study: Montana Flathead Transit and North Central Montana Transit and Regional Connections Fostered Through Community Organizations Introduction Flathead Transit in northwest Montana and North Central Montana Transit (NCMT) in north central Montana have engineered a way to meet the need for intercity and regional connections. Read the entire page →
From page 73... ... Case Studies 73 Flathead Transit The Flathead Reservation has a little over 1.2 million acres of land in four counties: Lake, Sanders, Missoula, and Flathead. The reservation is unusual in many ways. Read the entire page →
From page 74... ... 74 Best Practices in Rural Regional Mobility tribal residents were spread over a large geographic area with limited transportation options. As part of the DHRD program, the services were combined in one location, creating a one-stop center and removing the burden of travel to different locations to access services. Read the entire page →
From page 75... ... Case Studies 75 10:00 a.m., arrives in Missoula at 11:30 a.m., and then continues to Whitefish, arriving at 3:10 p.m. There are 10 stops (Missoula, Evaro, Arlee, Ravalli, Saint Ignatius, Pablo, Polson, Lakeside, Kalispell, and Whitefish) Read the entire page →
From page 76... ... 76 Best Practices in Rural Regional Mobility Thursday) Read the entire page →
From page 77... ... Case Studies 77 Town of Havre (population density 2,543.05) is located in this county. Read the entire page →
From page 78... ... 78 Best practices in rural regional Mobility The Great Falls Transfer Center is on the corner of 4th Street and 1st Avenue South, downtown Great Falls, Montana (see Figure 4–19) Read the entire page →
From page 79... ... Case Studies 79 In north central Montana, OL -- committed to assisting 11 counties and 3 reservations achieve and sustain independence, prosperity, and a better way of life -- also took on the role of public transportation provider. OL was able to leverage community partners and state and federal support to connect its rural community with resources 100 miles south in Great Falls, Montana. Read the entire page →
From page 80... ... 80 Best practices in rural regional Mobility Case Study: New Mexico New Mexico Regional Transit Districts, North Central Regional Transit District Introduction The state of New Mexico allows Regional Transit Districts (RTDs) to hold referendums to increase local taxes to help fund transit. Read the entire page →
From page 81... ... Case Studies 81 responsible for administration of transit services for north central New Mexico. NCRTD covers a service area of 10,079 square miles with a fleet of 43 buses. Read the entire page →
From page 82... ... 82 Best practices in rural regional Mobility Source: NCRTD Website http://www.ncrtd.org/ncrtd-routes.aspx. Figure 4–21. Read the entire page →
From page 83... ... Case Studies 83 NCRTD also operates a reservation-based dial-a-ride service in the Pojoaque and Nambé Pueblos. Mountain Trail Route is a premium service to ski and tourist attractions. Read the entire page →
From page 84... ... Source: NCRTD website, 2016 Ridership Reports. http://ncrtd.org/ridership-reports.aspx. Read the entire page →
From page 85... ... Case Studies 85 coordinated directly with the five other systems in the NCRTD service area. This resulted in changing competing routes into complementary routes. Read the entire page →
From page 86... ... 86 Best practices in rural regional Mobility additional connectivity provided by other agencies. This example demonstrates the role of the regional taxation authority in enabling the creation of a largely rural regional transit system. Read the entire page →
From page 87... ... Case Studies 87 It has a number of strategic partners including two tribal confederations, an urbanized area transit system, Greyhound, Amtrak Thruway bus, and local towns that are supporting improved pedestrian access and stops. The five county transit agencies listed below form a multi-county regional transit network, the Northwest Oregon Transit Alliance (NWOTA) Read the entire page →
From page 88... ... 88 Best practices in rural regional Mobility The North by Northwest Connector coordinates and co-markets Columbia County Rider, Sunset Empire Transportation District, Tillamook County Transportation District, Benton County Transit, and Lincoln County Transit. It combines the resources of the partner transit agencies to provide seamless transit services along the northwest Oregon coast from Astoria to Newport with connections to inland population centers including Albany, Salem, and Portland, and transit connections in Rainier. Read the entire page →
From page 89... ... Case Studies 89 routes between counties existed before the project; however, except for one route from Portland to Tillamook, all other inter-county transit travel required a transfer, usually in a remote area near a county line. Also, while inter-county trips can be made using the regional visitor pass, transferring to the next county still requires passengers to pay a new fare. Read the entire page →
From page 90... ... 90 Best practices in rural regional Mobility and travelled inland (east) , and the BCRT bus started in Corvallis and travelled west. Read the entire page →
From page 91... ... Case Studies 91 Currently, the transfer point is at the Rainier Transit Center, and this trip takes approximately 3.5 hours. Plans call for the transit center site (formerly a gas station) Read the entire page →
From page 92... ... 92 Best practices in rural regional Mobility The NWOTA developed a marketing and branding strategy that incorporated the Northwest Connector name into existing individual agency brands and identities. This helped connect the five diverse counties and attract multiple types of riders. Read the entire page →
From page 93... ... Case Studies 93 The coordinating council meets monthly to collaborate and monitor progress on major tasks. Read the entire page →
From page 94... ... 94 Best practices in rural regional Mobility • SETD identified a need for Amtrak Thruway bus service from the train station in Longview/ Kelso to Astoria, and is working to incorporate new intercity service on that route into the Connector system. Performance measures gathered during the DOE grant period showed that on the whole, regional ridership increased. Read the entire page →
From page 95... ... Case Studies 95 Oregon Case Study Bibliography and Selected Sources Davis Evans and Associates, Inc. North by Northwest Connector Successes and Lessons Learned. Read the entire page →
From page 96... ... 96 Best practices in rural regional Mobility The state has only one urbanized area, Burlington, and transit service in that area is provided by the state's only public transit authority, Chittenden County Transportation Authority (CCTA) Read the entire page →
From page 97... ... Case Studies 97 Source: Vermont Agency of Transportation PPID Division, Systems Planning Unit. Figure 4–27. Read the entire page →
From page 98... ... 98 Best practices in rural regional Mobility Success of these routes and support of the VTrans funding program led other transportation providers across Vermont to implement regional commuter routes, and connect rural, nonurbanized places to each other. Many services were entirely within the service area of a particular provider, but operators (most of them private non-profit organizations) Read the entire page →
From page 99... ... Case Studies 99 Source: KFH Group from data provided by VTrans provider websites, ESRI Data. Figure 4–28. Read the entire page →
From page 100... ... 100 Best practices in rural regional Mobility Deerfield Valley Transit Association (DVTA) Read the entire page →
From page 101... ... Case Studies 101 Both operators agreed to follow the DVTA fare-free policy on this route (even though GMCN has fares on its other routes) Read the entire page →
From page 102... ... 102 Best practices in rural regional Mobility regional routes across the state are compared with each other, rather than with other types of services. Nevertheless, the process does not treat joint operations as a single project, which can mean that the performance of operators in a joint service can appear to differ. Read the entire page →
From page 103... ... Case Studies 103 There is no particular program designed to support rural regional transit services; however, the state has provided funding through its normal programs to support service such as that provided by SMRT. In addition to SMRT, there are several other regional services in the state, such as the Ozaukee County Express, the Washington County Commuter Express, Bay Area Rural Transit, and the Beloit-Janesville Express. Read the entire page →
From page 104... ... 104 Best practices in rural regional Mobility Source: Courtesy of the City of Prairie du Chien. Figure 4–30. Read the entire page →
From page 105... ... Case Studies 105 • The Yellow Route serves the same towns as the Blue Route, but has alternative stops, and complementary schedules, with two morning services, a mid-day service, and an afternoon return trip. • The Red Route is in a different corridor, starting in Prairie du Chien and linking Lynxville, Ferryville, De Soto, Genoa, Stoddard, and La Crosse. Read the entire page →
From page 106... ... 106 Best practices in rural regional Mobility over the previous year. Revisions to routes and schedules in October 2015 led to an upturn in ridership, and the first quarter of 2016 showed continued increases. Read the entire page →
From page 107... ... Case Studies 107 service under a separate contract. The city provides a limited amount of funding to MRRPC for staff time to oversee the contractor and work with regional partners. Read the entire page →
From page 108... ... 108 Best practices in rural regional Mobility Fletcher, Peter. Transportation Planner, Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission, email communication and telephone interview, June 8, 2016. Read the entire page →

From page 34...

... 34 Introduction Based on the rationale provided in the previous chapter, the following states and services were chosen for regional rural case studies: 1. California: Lake Transit Authority 2.