AGENDA DATE: 1/18/2023
TITLE:
Title
Charlottesville Area Transit Micro-transit Feasibility Analysis
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Presentation on the CAT Micro-transit Feasibility Analysis
ITEM TYPE: Regular Information Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Henry, Filardo, McDermott, Hersh-Ballering
PRESENTER (S): Garland Williams (CAT); Jessica Choi, Consultant Project Manager (Kimley-Horn)
LEGAL REVIEW: Not Required
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: Microtransit 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 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). The first steps in the implementation are to conduct a feasibility study to confirm a preferred micro-transit operating model and to develop corresponding language for a request-for-proposal (RFP), planned to be issued in Spring 2023. This effort is being led by a consultant to CAT. This micro-transit service (and operator) will operate under the CAT umbrella of services and not serve as a stand-alone entity.
The consulting team’s work is underway with staff from CAT, Albemarle County, and the TJPDC serving as the project management team and technical advisors.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Thriving Development Areas - Attract quality employment, commercial, and high density residential uses into development areas by providing services and infrastructure that encourage redevelopment and private investment while protecting the quality of neighborhoods.
DISCUSSION: While the feasibility study has not yet been finalized, the consulting team for the study has identified two preferred operating models for micro-transit based on a review of similar projects in Virginia and throughout the Country. Staff from the consultant team will provide an update on the progress of the study, share a preliminary timeline leading up to service implementation, and a preview of the components that will be procured as a part of the upcoming request-for-proposals.
CAT and the consulting team will return to the Board in late spring to share the results of the request-for-proposal and final recommendations regarding a specific micro-transit operator.
BUDGET IMPACT: The Board of Supervisors previously committed funding to support this micro-transit demonstration grant. No additional funding from Albemarle County is requested at this time.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends the Board receive the update and provide feedback to the presentation team.
ATTACHMENTS: None