July 2008

Lee County Transit AuthorityConcept: An Update

Lee County Transit AuthorityConcept: An Update

Presentation OverviewPresentation Overview

• Purpose

• Project History

• Transit Authority Concept

• Action Plan Process

• Interlocal Agreement

• Existing & Future Service

• Benefits

• Options & Considerations

PurposePurpose

• Provide update on implementation of a Transit Authority in Lee County

• Get consensus on final interlocal agreement

Project HistoryProject History

• Funding & Governing Study (May 2002)

• MSTU Study (June 2003)

• Short-Term Solutions Study (July 2003)

• Transit Authority Action Plan (January 2006)

• Draft Interlocal Agreement (June 2007)

• Need Dedicated $ Source

• Must With Inflation

• Municipalities Should Participate

• Long-Term Solution Transit Authority

Primary FindingsPrimary Findings

What is a Transit Authority?

What is a Transit Authority?

• Single Governmental Entity

• Multi-Jurisdictional Representation

• Authority to Levy Taxes

Transit Authority TypesTransit Authority Types

• Regional Transit Authority

• Independent Transit Authority

Transit Authority Structure

Transit Authority Structure

• Special Region

• State Statutes

• Formula Board Representation– Population-Based

• Ad Valorem Funding

• Special District

• State Enabling Legislation

• More Flexibility– Funding Source

– Board Composition

Regional

Independent

Why a Transit Authority?Why a Transit Authority?

• Governing Structure

• Dedicated Funding Source

• Support for Transit & Existing Success

Action Plan ProcessAction Plan Process

• Governing Board Presentations– October 2005

• Public Involvement– Policy & Advisory Committees

– Public Workshop

• Transit Authority Summit– December 14, 2005

• Develop Action Plan

Transit Summit GoalsTransit Summit Goals

• Educate– Importance of Transit– Need for Authority

• Gain Consensus– Action Plan– Next Steps

• Recruit Champions

The formation of a Transit Authority in Lee County . . . . . The formation of a Transit Authority in Lee County . . . . .

. . . should allow for flexibility in how it is established and funded. . . . should allow for flexibility in how it is established and funded.

. . . should be prescribed by state statute. . . . should be prescribed by state statute.

. . . is not necessary at this time. . . . is not necessary at this time.

0 0%

86%

14%

Lee County Transit AuthorityLee County Transit Authority

Which funding source makes the most sense for transit in Lee County?Which funding source makes the most sense for transit in Lee County?

Ad ValoremAd Valorem Sales TaxSales Tax

Not SureNot Sure

3

19

0 OtherOther

1

83%

4%

13%

0%

Lee County Transit AuthorityLee County Transit Authority

Would you consider an interlocal agreement indicating participation in an Authority?

Would you consider an interlocal agreement indicating participation in an Authority?

YesYes NoNo

Not SureNot Sure

14

0

2

87%

13%

0%

Lee County Transit AuthorityLee County Transit Authority

Would you be willing to participate on a committee to draft an interlocal agreement?

Would you be willing to participate on a committee to draft an interlocal agreement?

YesYes NoNo

Not SureNot Sure

14

0

2

82%

18%

0%

Lee County Transit AuthorityLee County Transit Authority

Transit Summit ConclusionsTransit Summit Conclusions

• Agreement on Need for Authority

• Sales Tax

• Interlocal Agreement

• Transit Authority Oversight Committee

• Education = Marketing

Transit Authority Action Plan

Transit Authority Action Plan

Action Plan OverviewAction Plan Overview

• Action Plan Organization

– Major public outreach tasks

– Required legislative & administrative tasks

– Action Plan milestones

• Step-by-step process for establishing a transit authority.

Interlocal AgreementInterlocal Agreement

• Developed by Transit Authority Oversight Committee

• Not the Authority Charter

• Agreement to Participate in Remaining Action Plan Steps

• 17 Routes

• 30- to 60-Minute Service

• 49 Peak Vehicles

• 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

• Limited Sunday Service

• Complementary ADA Service (Passport)

• Commuter Assistance Program (Connexus)

Existing Bus ServiceExisting Bus Service

Existing Bus ServiceExisting Bus Service

LeeTran Ridership Trend

2,000,000

2,200,000

2,400,000

2,600,000

2,800,000

3,000,000

3,200,000

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

2,271,5742,318,340 2,320,758

2,205,604

3,037,194

2,508,407

Existing Bus ServiceExisting Bus Service

2,821,1302,891,968

Previous Projected Demand

Previous Projected Demand

2.0

2.3

2.5

2.8

3.0

2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Mill

ions

of R

ider

s

Today Status Quo Moderate Growth

Possible Future Transit Service

Possible Future Transit Service

2030 LRTP Improvements2030 LRTP Improvements

• Expanded Service Frequency on Existing Routes

• New Express Service

• Bus Rapid Transit

• Passenger Ferry Service

• New Park-and-Ride Lots

Benefits of TransitBenefits of Transit

• Social– Mobility

– Alternative

– Environment

– Reduced Congestion

• Economic– Expanded Work

Force

– Reduced Congestion

Benefits to MunicipalityBenefits to Municipality

•Voice in Transit Decisions

•Customize Your Service

•Support Existing Service Success

Lee County’s OptionsLee County’s Options

•Support Regional Transportation Solution

•Maintain Status Quo

• Support Transit Service?

• Support Authority Governing Structure?

• Support Dedicated Funding Source?

• Support Interlocal Agreement?

Your ConsiderationsYour Considerations

Comments

&

Questions