MOBILITY &INNOVATIONSEPTEMBER 2021 | DRAFT FOR PUBLIC & STAKEHOLDER REVIEW

2045 TRANSIT SYSTEM PLAN

Nationwide, transit agencies like DART recognize that to be able to meet the changing mobility needs of the communities they serve, they must expand the services they offer and continually innovate.

DART is a national leader in mobility and innovation, highlighted by the GoPass® app, our all-in-one travel tool that gives customers mobile ticketing for transit throughout North Texas. Since its initial launch in September 2013, the DART GoPass® app has continued to evolve to serve the needs of riders. By 2018, new benefits included fare capping, cash-to-mobile payment option, Apple Pay, and GoPass® Wallet. In addition to GoPass®, new micromobility services like DART’s GoLinkSM service, are integral to provide customers on-demand, first- and last-mile solutions.

DART’s key opportunities related to mobility and innovation are to continue to leverage and expand GoPass® as a mobility management platform, reimagine and update our physical infrastructure to align with this technology using the shared use mobility hub concept, and continue to test new ideas through pilot programs. New fleet technology, automated vehicles, smart city infrastructure, and evolving service delivery models will also help guide innovation at our facilities and delivery of our services.

As we gradually recover from the pandemic and embrace a new normal, DART is focused on bringing service back better than ever before and delivering a more modern, technology enabled mobility experience.

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K E Y D E F I N I T I O N S

Mobility as a ServiceMobility as a Service (MaaS) is best defined as personalized journey planning and management through features such as hassle-free digital payment and ticketing, first/last mile transportation that combines public transit (bus, rail, GoLinkSM) with other on-demand and shared mobility services (Uber/Lyft, bike, scooter, short-term car rental, etc), and that incorporates optimization of data exchange to expand services. DART’s GoPass® app is a MaaS solution that provides travelers the ability to plan, book and pay for the mobility solution(s) that work best for their needs.

Microtransit A technology enabled transit service that operates smaller capacity vehicles and targets a limited rider base generally in locations or zones unable to be served efficiently with fixed route buses. This service can be publicly (DART GoLinkSM) or privately (UberPool) operated, connects to other services at mobility hubs or other anchor points, and provides on-demand or fixed schedule services.

Mobility Hub A facility intended to support transfers and connections to first and last mile solutions by providing multi-modal transportation options and services while also creating opportunities as a community gathering place. Multi-modal transportation options can range from all those listed above in the MaaS definition, while also incorporating services and amenities such as storage lockers, retail/pop-up space, electric vehicle charging stations, and delivery services. Hubs can also be considered a dedicated location for transferring between modes during a journey.

HUB

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Riders using the GoPass® app can seamlessly travel from our fixed bus and rail routes to the on-demand GoLinkSM shuttle service, which now covers 17 zones in our Service area.

GOAL 1Be a leader in Mobility as a Service (MaaS) innovations to support the transit system and enhance the customer experience.

DART continues to promote Mobility as a Service (MaaS) through its GoPass® app which includes services operated directly by DART, those operated by regional providers (Trinity Metro, Denton County Transportation Authority, and STAR Transit), as well as Uber.

Key opportunities:

» A new MaaS policy will be developed to guide and encourage partnerships that integrate technology and other modal options into the GoPass® app.

» DART will continue to add new features to GoPass® as the regional MaaS platform in order to build capabilities to benefit riders and promote transit.

» DART’s GoPass® app has been enhanced to operate across multiple regions, and is now being licensed to agencies across the country. Since beginning this initiative in 2020, DART has licensed GoPass® to Tulsa Transit, STAR Transit, Charlotte Area Transit System, and Citibus (Lubbock, TX), more than doubling the number of Agencies using the app.

M O B I L I T Y A S A S E R V I C E ( M A A S ) E X P L A I N E D

Open market for providers and users to buy/sell

transportation services

Transportation options are tailored to location

and personal needs

Single platform to plan, reserve and pay for service(s)

Seamless journey enables complete and

personalized trips

GoPass® App downloads1.4m+ tickets sold

through GoPass® app10m+

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G O P A S S ® S U B - L I C E N S I N GDART has pursued expansion of the GoPass® App to other transit agencies across the United States to increase revenue generation. Metropolitan Tulsa Transit Authority (MTTA), STAR Transit, and Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) have all recently signed sub-licensing agreements with DART.

S TA G E S O F M A A S I N T E G R AT I O N

No integration of transit, private services, and technology

Integration of booking and paying for transit services on smart phone appsGoPass® 2.0 introduced in 2018

Integration of transit information and services on smart phone appsand internetGoPass® 1.0 introduced in 2013

Integration of transit and private sector services (i.e. Uber, Lyft, Zipcar, bikes, scooters) offeredGoPass® 3.0 introduced in 2019

Integration of reward programs for users of transit and active transportation for more healthy living

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GOAL 2Advance pilot programs to test new ideas and technology to generate informative data and support decision making.

The Automated Bus Consortium (ABC) was formed to collaborate and investigate the feasibility of automated bus projects across the United States. DART’s Route 524 Love

Link was identified as a candidate project for automation during the Consortium’s Industry Forum in 2019.

In March 2021, DART applied for funding support to purchase four automated, electric buses and supporting infrastructure for Route 524 Love Link.

As technology continues to dramatically change the way in which transit services are delivered, it is vital for DART to balance the integration and capabilities of technology, investment, and future adoption with the goals of the agency and the needs of the community.

In just the last few years, the North Texas region has seen innovations in transportation that have brought about ride-hailing services, microtransit, autonomous vehicles, bike share, scooters, and more.

As DART looks to the future, understanding how these emerging mobility services and technologies influence our service delivery as well as the regional transportation network is important to building a cohesive, cost effective and cooperative mobility environment.

DART will continue to implement targeted pilot programs to test emerging technologies, create public-private partnerships, and adjust for changing conditions.

Key opportunities:

» DART continues to stay in the forefront of major industry-changing technological innovations such as adding electric buses to the fleet. DART will develop a policy framework to identify and prioritize testing of emerging technologies through flexible short-term pilot programs that improve and enhance our system.

» Across the country and world, transportation providers are identifying opportunities to pilot and/or implement projects and programs to solve common transportation issues such as those related to safety, energy consumption, and pollution; while at the same time improving mobility and accessibility. DART will continue monitoring, tracking, and learning from these efforts to better inform future undertakings.

» Continue evaluating ridership, on-time performance, vehicle capacity and location data directly from its vehicles. The abundance of data is regularly collected and analyzed to provide insight and context to challenges and opportunities for the agency.

Photo: Daimler AG

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As the North Texas region continues to grow and spread out, DART is focused on identifying places of connectivity where different travel options such as walking, biking, transit, and shared mobility come together.

This new approach to mobility begins with increasing options through our GoPass® app as well as evolving transit facilities and stations into 21st century “mobility hubs” to better match our infrastructure to our technology capabilities through integration of pick-up, drop-off, and transfers for expanding public and private travel options.

Key opportunities:

» DART will develop Mobility Hub guidelines to define the concept in more detail, including the range of mobility hub features. These guidelines will provide a framework for phased implementation of hubs throughout the DART Service Area.

» DART will develop conceptual plans to guide implementation of mobility hub pilot projects. These pilot projects will gather customer feedback, lessons learned, and other data to inform recommendations for future mobility hub implementation.

» DART will continue developing public-private agreements that integrate new travel options and allow data sharing to improve first and last mile mobility. These agreements will help integrate new services into our GoPass® app for seamless travel.

GOAL 3Integrate public and private mobility options at DART facilities to reduce reliance on the automobile and enhance connectivity.

LA Metro’s Mobility HubsLA Metro’s Willowbrook-Rosa Parks Station, where Metro’s Green and Blue rail lines meet, was recently renovated and include typical mobility hub amenities. The pedestrian access to the station is incorporated into a

retail center, and the new facilities feature a secure bicycle parking space and repair shop, a customer center, and a security center.

Best Practice

Photo: LA Metro

» DART will develop an implementation strategy to expand mobility hubs throughout the DART service area. Strategies for successful mobility hub placement and implementation include:

1. Developing hubs at strong rider activity transit stops or stations

2. Locating hubs in areas with parking pressure or limited vehicle availability

3. Locating hubs in close proximity to where riders live and work

4. Leveraging mobile technology like GoPass for wayfinding and fare integration

5. Encouraging multimodal living and car-free lifestyle opportunities

6. Using branding to increase visibility and accessibility

7. Marketing the hub as a convenience factor

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DART is committed to making its entire transit system flexible, reliable, affordable, and smart by integrating new technology into vehicles, payment systems, information centers, and through mobile devices.

Since its launch in 2013, GoPass® has changed the way customers plan and purchase transit, making travel across the region easier than ever.

Key opportunities:

» Through the GoPass® app’s trip planning tool, riders can choose from a variety of travel options based on their origin and destination and complete trip scheduling and payment all at the same time. DART also added two payment options to the app: Apple Pay® and a cash-to-mobile feature that allows customers to add value to their GoPass® account at participating retailers. DART is now testing contactless payment with credit cards. DART will continue extending digital capabilities across multiple platforms, including the GoPass® app and DART’s website.

» In 2020, DART began installing interactive kiosks at rail platforms, transit centers and other high foot-traffic sites throughout the DART system. With 300 kiosks across the service area, DART has new opportunities to share information beneficial to our riders.

» DART continues to introduce ways to support and reward our customer’s travel decisions. Our GoPass® app includes a fare-capping feature that tracks passes purchased and activated and ensures GoPass® users never spend more than the cost of a monthly pass. In February 2020, DART launched a two-year pilot program for low-income riders to qualify for a Discount GoPass® Tap Card, which charges half the fare.

» DART will continue to integrate user accounts and payment systems of our private partners and other transit agencies into the GoPass® platform so that users experience a more seamless and integrated journey now and in the future.

GOAL 4Continue to enhance GoPass® and other tools with innovative features to enhance customer information.

DART’s new interactive kiosks provide real time information, wayfinding and maps, free Wi-Fi, and

cameras for added security. Information on the kiosks can also be translated into nine languages and be integrated with GoPass® Tap.

By using the GoPass® mobile app or GoPass® Tap card, riders will never spend more than the total cost of a day pass in a single day, or the total cost of a monthly pass in a calendar month.

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Public transit is a critical component in the region’s transportation system.

DART supports the region’s efforts to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by providing lower-emission, higher capacity alternatives to driving, encouraging more people to use transit instead of driving alone, and minimizing the carbon footprint of DART’s transit operations and facilities. DART’s goal is to incrementally transform the agency’s infrastructure to promote environmental sustainability at our operating and passenger facilities. DART will also continue to advocate for environmentally sustainable transportation modes like transit, walking, and biking.

Key opportunities:

» DART staff will continue evaluating the transition to a zero emission, all-electric bus fleet by 2045 while considering other emerging technologies that offer environmental advantages. The agency will evaluate technical and operational requirements, including financing and procurement, vehicle charging systems, maintenance, and staff training.

» DART will continue to identify and apply sustainability and green building standards (such as LEED and Envision) for new transit projects and retrofitting existing facilities. Integrating solar panels , for example, onto DART facilities and stations could help offset a portion of the energy used at the transit centers and stations while reducing annual utility costs.

» DART will develop an implementation plan to incrementally add electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at mobility hubs and park-and-rides. EV charging stations at DART facilities can also increase EV accessibility while reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the region.

GOAL 5Explore fleet options and facility enhancements that support local and regional air quality and climate action goals.

Solar Panel BusParking Canopies

In the Summer of 2020, Valley Metro (AZ) activated 3,500 new

solar panels at their Mesa bus facility. The panels are expected to produce 2.1 million kilowatt-hours per year, equivalent to the power used by 171 homes in a single year. They are anticipated to save $35,000 a year in energy costs and more than $2 million throughout the term of the solar purchase agreement.

The canopies will offer shade to buses and provide as much as 40 degrees lower heat than direct sun so that buses will spend less time idling to cool down before service. The reduction in cool down time equates to approximately $67,000 in fuel savings/year.

Best Practice

Photo: Valley Metro

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For more information, please visit DART’s 2045 Transit System Plan website at:www.DART.org/2045