AGENDA DATE: 1/22/2025
TITLE:
Title
Regional Transit Prioritization and Implementation Study
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Seeking a letter of support from Albemarle County for the MERIT Grant application for a Regional Transit Prioritization and Implementation Study
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Wall, Herrick
PRESENTER (S): Ann E. Wall
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: The newly-activated Charlottesville Albemarle Regional Transit Authority (CARTA), staffed by the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission (TJPDC), is working toward providing high quality transit services in the region. In November 2022, regional transit partners completed a study which developed a clear vision for the future of high-quality regional transit resulting in the Regional Transit Vision Plan. The Regional Transit Vision Plan identified transit service opportunities, recommended a review of governance structures to promote regional transit systems, recommended engagement with local governments on corridors and services to champion, supported work on transit orientated development principles, and recommended service extensions and frequency improvements in key corridors. As a next step, the regional transit partners considered governance structures and pursued the activation of the regional transit authority previously created by the General Assembly. At the end of 2024, both the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County joined CARTA, a key recommendation of both the Regional Transit Vision Plan and the Transit Governance Study.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Infrastructure & Placemaking - Invest in infrastructure and amenities that create connection, opportunity, and well-being.
DISCUSSION: Following the activation of CARTA, the next step is to develop priorities and strategies for the implementation of the Regional Transit Vision Plan. The TJPDC is making an application to the Virgina Department of Rail and Public Transportation for a MERIT (Making Efficient and Responsible Investments in Transit) Technical Assistance Grant on behalf of CARTA. The grant would be used to explore priorities and feasibility of transit service improvement. The Service Prioritization and Feasibility Study would guide regional transit planning and development in the region over the next ten years. As CARTA works with partners to meet existing riders and community goals for improved service, it is essential to generate a new term regional transit plan to prioritize and guide transit expansion.
BUDGET IMPACT: The local match from Albemarle required for the grant is $50,000. This funding is recommended to be provided from the FY 25 Reserve for Contingencies, which is a reserve budgeted for unanticipated priority needs that may arise during the fiscal year. If the grant were awarded, staff would request that the Board appropriate these funds at a future Board meeting.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board support the TJPDC’s application for the MERIT Grant by authorizing the County Executive to sign a letter of support substantially similar to Attachment A.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Letter of Support for MERIT Technical Grant