AGENDA DATE: 9/20/2023
TITLE:
Title
Albemarle County Micro-Transit Program Update
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Receive an update on the Albemarle County Micro-Transit Pilot Program
ITEM TYPE: Regular Information Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Rosenberg, Herrick, Henry, Filardo, McDermott
PRESENTER (S): Kevin McDermott
LEGAL REVIEW: Not Required
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: Micro-transit is a relatively new transit mode being implemented across the country. The service is an on-demand, technology-enabled solution that offers real-time trip requests and dynamically routed vehicles. Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT) received a demonstration grant from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) regarding a CAT micro-transit implementation for two zones: US 29 North and Pantops. The zones were determined through a previous study: the Albemarle County Transit Expansion Study, facilitated by the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission (TJPDC). Attachment A provides an excerpt from a presentation on the Transit Expansion Study, which describes the proposed service.
Following a competitive procurement process, the contract was awarded to VIA (River North Transit LCC) to operate the service.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Infrastructure & Placemaking - Invest in infrastructure and amenities that create connection, opportunity, and well-being.
DISCUSSION: The Director of CAT, Garland Williams, and representatives from VIA will present an update on the Albemarle County Micro-Transit Program, including information on how the service will operate, the proposed marketing plan for the service, and general timelines for implementation.
BUDGET IMPACT: The Board of Supervisors previously committed funding to support this micro-transit demonstration grant. No additional funding from Albemarle County is requested currently.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends the Board receive the update and provide feedback to the presentation team.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Transit Expansion Study Recommended Scenarios