Madison County Transit Open House

April 15, 2015

Madison County Health Resource Center

Brazos Valley Council of Governments

•Seven County Agency providing regional services

•Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Robertson, Washington

•Provides Transit Coordination through TxDOT Grant and Brazos Valley Transportation Partnership

BVCOG Transportation Staff•Michael Parks Assistant

Executive Director

•Travis Halm Transportation Planner

•Jeffrey English Transportation/ ECD Intern

Why are we here today?

•BVCOG coordinates Health and Human Services Transit Planning through the Brazos Valley Transportation Partnership (BVTP)

•BVCOG leads the discussion on improving transit and mobility within the region.

• This discussion continues here, today.

•The importance of transit will only continue to rise in coming years

Population is Changing•Baby boomers reaching retirement age

•“Aging in place” becoming far more common

•How do Baby Boomers stay mobile if driving is no longer an option?

•Discussion must begin now.

Madison County Population Distribution

Source: Census 2010JE

Under 5 years

5 to 9 years

10 to 14 years

15 to 19 years

20 to 24 years

25 to 29 years

30 to 34 years35 to 39 years

40 to 44 years

45 to 49 years

50 to 54 years55 to 59 years

60 to 64 years

65 to 69 years

70 to 74 years

75 to 79 years80 to 84 years 85 to 89 years 90 years and over

Future Need (15-20 yrs)Current Baby Boomers of Madison Co.

JESource: Census 2010

Under 5 years5 to 9 years

10 to 14 years

15 to 19 years

20 to 24 years

25 to 29 years30 to 34 years

35 to 39 years

40 to 44 years

45 to 49 years

50 to 54 years

55 to 59 years

60 to 64 years 65 to 69 years

Household Income

Source: ACS 5 Year 2009-2013

JE

Less than $10,000

$10,000 to $14,999

$15,000 to $24,999

$25,000 to $34,999

$35,000 to $49,999

$50,000 to $74,999

$75,000 to $99,999

$100,000 to $149,999

$150,000 to $199,999$200,000 or more

Household Income•More than 60% of Madison County households make less than $50k/year

•Transportation availability, especially below the poverty line, can become very challenging in vehicular-oriented communities.

•Not only an elderly issue

Why now?

•Transit is a key priority of BVCOG and the entire Brazos Valley region

•Need for transit is growing rapidly

•Requires community and region-wide support

Improving Transit•Funding and support must come from all levels • Private and Public; Local, Regional, State,

Federal

• Amount of money needed is not at one level; will need assistance from many locations

•Accessible Transit Stops• Stops near places of residence and

destinations

• City Ordinances

Planning begins now!•Pursuing grants, both local and regional

•Encourage local governments to make pedestrian and transit-oriented standards which improve mobility and connections

•Continue promoting current transit programs

2016- 2017 Planning Grant

•BVCOG has signed Letter of Intent to participate in next Fiscal Year Grant Cycle for Coordinated Transit

•Applications due May 7; Awards given July 30

•If granted funding, will be carrying out a 5 year transportation plan for the region.

•Your input will be needed, and appreciated.

Moving Forward•Clear line of communication regarding transit

•Continued brainstorming and dialogue regarding the future of transit in the region.

•Enhanced partnership between agencies, BVCOG, and other communities

•A unified effort led at the regional level can help local communities

Remaining Open Houses

•Today(3-5) Leon Co Annex III, Centerville

•April 22 (9-11) Calvert Senior Center