PRESENTER: Presenter
Garry Ford, Transportation and Capital Improvements Director
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SUBJECT: Title
Discuss and consider the approval of an Interlocal Agreement with the Alamo Area Council of Governments to continue demand-response transit services and authorize the City Manager to execute all contract documents associated with the agreement.
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation and Capital Improvements
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On January 13, 2014, the New Braunfels City Council approved an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) for demand-response transit services. This agreement included local and federal funds through VIA Metropolitan Transit as part of New Braunfels's designation in the San Antonio Large Urban Area in the 2010 Census. This agreement has been renewed annually since its implementation.
As a result of the 2020 census, the City of New Braunfels was designated as a Small Urban Area. As a result, the City has taken steps to become a recipient of federal and state funds to provide transit services within the newly established New Braunfels Urban Transit District. The City has submitted the required documents to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for review and anticipates receiving pre-award authority to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for new transit services. The authorization for the RFP and procurement process will not be accomplished before the expiration of the existing ILA for service with AACOG on September 30, 2024. A new agreement with AACOG will continue demand-response transit service on a month-to-month basis starting October 1, 2024. The cost for the services will be $98.18 per revenue hour of services (less collected passenger fares), with a maximum not to exceed of $85,000 per month.
As part of the FY 2025 budget process, a new special revenue fund was created to support the implementation and operations of the new microstransit service. The fund included funding for the continuation of service through AACOG until the new service is fully operational.
The current AACOG services are essential for maintaining the quality of life for residents who rely on public transit. Continuation of AACOG service during the initial startup of the New Braunfels microtransit service is crucial to ensure that no lapse in transit service occurs.
ISSUE:
Continuation of transit services during the initial startup of the New Braunfels microtransit transit service.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
☐Economic Mobility ☒Enhanced Connectivity ☐Community Identity
☐Organizational Excellence ☒Community Well-Being ☐N/A
• Implement improved local and regional public transportation service to connect the community to employment, education, healthcare, recreation and other destinations.
• Begin citywide microtransit service by the end of FY 2025
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds are allocated in the FY 2025 budget for the continuation of AACOG service.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Approval of the ILA for the continuation of transit services with AACOG.