AGENDA DATE: 12/11/2024
TITLE:
Title
Membership in the Charlottesville-Albemarle Regional Transit Authority
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Resolution approving Albemarle County’s membership in the Charlottesville - Albemarle Regional Transit Authority
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Wall, Herrick
PRESENTER (S): Ann Wall
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: In 2009, the General Assembly created the Charlottesville-Albemarle Regional Transit Authority (CARTA). CARTA’s powers include to prepare regional transit plans and execute these plans by means of entering into contracts and agreements for transit and other supporting services. The City of Charlotteville and Albemarle County are the initial members of CARTA, upon adoption of a resolution by their respective governing bodies. The counties of Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson may also join CARTA. Additionally, private nonprofit tourist-driven agencies, public transit agencies, and higher education agencies may join as members. The enabling legislation provides for CARTA to have a governing board comprised of two Charlottesville City Councilors, two Albemarle County Supervisors, and one commissioner from each additional joining county. Other members would have non-voting Board representation.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Infrastructure & Placemaking - Invest in infrastructure and amenities that create connection, opportunity and well-being. Implement long-range plans to embrace multimodal connectivity.
DISCUSSION: In 2022, the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission, working collaboratively with its members, developed a Transit Vision Plan that identifies a clear long-term vision to efficient, equitable, and effective transit services for the region. Building on the Transit Vision Plan, the Transit Governance Study, completed in 2024, recommended the activation of CARTA, both to function as a collaborative multi-jurisdictional entity identify and to solve regional transit issues. Other work of CARTA would include preparing a regional transit implementation plan, considering service expansions and alternatives, advocating for transit needs at both state and federal levels, and serving as grant applicants.
By focusing on regional efforts, CARTA would work to improve efficiency of transit operations by reducing duplication of services, improving connectivity and coordination of transit services; expanding transit coverage; reducing congestion to improve air quality; and promoting a more sustainable environment.
On August 22, 2024, the Regional Transit Partnership received a presentation on the formation of a regional transit authority and unanimously endorsed its formation. On September 17, 2024, the Charlottesville City Council and the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors met jointly, received a presentation, and indicated support for the formation of a regional transit authority.
BUDGET IMPACT: There is no budget impact associated with the adoption of the proposed resolution.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board adopt the proposed Resolution (Attachment A) to approve Albemarle County membership in the Charlottesville-Albemarle Regional Transit Authority.
ATTACHMENTS: A - Resolution