PUBLIC TRANSIT PLAN 2019
January 2019
PREPARED BY THE EASTERN SHORE METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION FOR LOCAL MEMBER GOVERNMENTS EASTERN SHORE LAN
METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION P
PUBLIC TRANSIT PLAN RANSIT T
This document is posted on the Internet at http://easternshorempo.org
For information regarding this document, please contact:
Sarah Hart Sislak, MPO Coordinator Phone: 251-990-4643 Mobile: 251-753-9269 UBLIC [email protected] P Katrina Taylor, MPO Technician Phone: 251-990-4640 Mobile: 251-423-0015 [email protected]
i Policy Board, Advisory Committees, and MPO Staff
Policy Board
Voting Members
Mayor Dane Haygood, City of Daphne, Chairperson LAN Councilmember Jack Burrell, Fairhope City Council, Vice Chairperson P LAN Mayor Karin Wilson, City of Fairhope
Councilmember Ron Scott, Daphne City Council P
Commissioner Joe Davis, Baldwin County Commission District 2
Commissioner Billie Jo Underwood, Baldwin County Commission District 3
Mayor Michael McMillan, City of Spanish Fort
Councilmember Richard Teal, Town of Loxley RANSIT Vince Calametti, P.E., Southwest Region, Alabama Department of T
Transportation RANSIT T
Non-Voting Members Mark Bartlett, Division Administrator, Federal Highway Administration Nicole Spivey, Federal Transit Administration Region 4
Ed Phillips, Local Transportation Bureau Chief, Alabama Department of UBLIC Transportation P UBLIC Mr. Richard Johnson, Chairperson of the Technical Advisory Committee
Mr. Andrew James, Chairperson of the Citizens Advisory Committee P
ii Policy Board, Advisory Committees, and MPO Staff
Technical Advisory Committee
Voting Members
Richard Johnson, P.E., Public Works Director, City of Fairhope
Adrienne Jones, Director of Public Development, City of Daphne LAN
Wayne Dyess, Planning & Building Director, City of Fairhope P
Jeremy Sasser, Public Works Director, City of Daphne
Carl Nelson, Planning Commission Chairman, City of Spanish Fort
Robert Davis, Superintendent of Utilities, Town of Loxley
Joey Nunnally, P.E., County Engineer, Baldwin County Commission
Taylor Rider, Director of Transportation, Baldwin County Regional Transportation RANSIT
Edwin Perry, P.E., Southwest Pre-Construction Engineer, ALDOT T Southwest Region
Bill Harbour, Baldwin County Board of Education
Non-Voting Members
Michael Hora, P.E, Assistant Local Transportation Bureau Chief, ALDOT UBLIC Casey Gay Williams, Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce Patrick
Northcutt, Central Baldwin Chamber of Commerce P
Pam Caudill, City of Fairhope Airport Authority
Clint Andrews, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Greg Smith, City of Robertsdale
iii Policy Board, Advisory Committees, and MPO Staff
Citizens Advisory Committee Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee Donald Ouellette, City of Daphne Payton Rogers, City of Daphne
Stephen Pierce, City of Daphne David Ringler, City of Daphne Mark Wetzel, City of Daphne Rick Davis, City of Daphne LAN Phil Wilbourn, City of Daphne
Richard Jaehne, City of Daphne P Molly Peterson, City of Fairhope David Stejskal, City of Fairhope Jeff Hudson, City of Fairhope Tom Granger, City of Fairhope Katie Bolton, City of Fairhope Sherry Sullivan, City of Fairhope David Wells, City of Fairhope Tedson Meyers, City of Fairhope Karen Dees, Baldwin County
Johnny Chaney, Baldwin County Mike Henriksen, Baldwin County Dewane Hayes, Baldwin County
Greg Walker, Baldwin County RANSIT Gail Yongue, Baldwin County
Andrew James, Baldwin County T Jeff Sheldon, City of Spanish Fort Lawrence Wilson, Baldwin County Kathie LaRose, City of Spanish Fort Kevin Morgan, City of Spanish Fort Raymond Lovell, Town of Loxley Richard Ullo, City of Spanish Fort Vacant, Town of Loxley Bethany Johnston, Town of Loxley
Diane Burnett, Town of Loxley
UBLIC P
MPO Staff
Sarah Hart Sislak, ESMPO Coordinator
Katrina Taylor, ESMPO Technician
iv
Table of Contents
Title/Contacts ...... i Membership ...... ii Resolution Adopting Transit Plan...... v
Table of Contents ...... vi LAN
SECTION 1.0: PURPOSE AND SUMMARY ...... 1 P 1.1 Eastern Shore Metropolitan Planning Organization (ESMPO) Urbanized , Metropolitan Planning Area, Study Area ...... 2 1.2 Metropolitan Planning Organization Background ...... 4 1.3 Overview, Purpose , Goals and Objectives...... 5
SECTION 2.0: BRATS – GENERAL INFORMATION ...... 7 2.1 Type of Routes ...... 9
2.2 Existing Routes...... 12 RANSIT
2.3 Routes Fares ...... 24 T 2.4 Funding & Budget...... 25 2.5 Ridership...... 28
SECTION 3.0 TRANSIT NEEDS ...... 36 3.1 Public Outreach ...... 37
3.2 Interpretation of Transit Survey Results ...... 38 UBLIC SECTION 4.0: RECOMMENDATIONS...... 42
4.1 Short Term Recommendations ...... 42 P 4.2 Long Term Recommendations...... 42
vi Table of Contents
APPENDIX A – Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms ...... 45 APPENDIX B – Resources ...... 46
APPENDIX C – Previous Transit Related Studies ...... 48 LAN APPENDIX D – BRATS Transit Stops and Sidewalks with Buffers...... 51
APPENDIX E – BRATS FY 19 Budget ...... 52 P APPENDIX F – Public Transit Survey...... 53
APPENDIX G – Interview: BRATS Director & Staff ...... 84
RANSIT
T
UBLIC P
vii Section 1.0 Eastern Shore Metropolitan Planning Organization (ESMPO) Urbanized Area, Metropolitan Planning and Study Area
Small Urbanized Area
Smoothed Urban Area
MPO Planning Area
1.0
ECTION S
1 Section 1.1 About the MPO
The Eastern Shore MPO was formed in 2012 to assist with transportation planning in the newly defined urbanized area in Baldwin County which includes the City of Spanish Fort, the City of Fairhope, the City of Daphne, and the Town of Loxley. The primary purpose of the MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) is to encourage and facilitate team work among local governments on the Eastern Shore in matters relating to transportation planning. The MPO’s work includes planning for highways, public transit, bicycles and pedestrians, freight, and other modes of transportation.
The MPO acts as a liaison between the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal
Transit Administration (FTA), Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), and local 1.1 municipalities within the MPO planning area. The governing body of the MPO is the Policy Board whose membership includes two County Commissioners as well as Mayors and/or Councilmembers from Spanish Fort, Daphne, Fairhope, and Loxley. The Policy Board receives input from three advisory committees as they address transportation issues and identify potential needs and projects.
MPO staff have completed or are currently working on several transportation planning
documents including the Long Range Transportation Plan (20+ year transportation ECTION
improvement plan), Transportation Improvement Program (short-term 4 year transportation S plan) , Bike/Ped Concept, and the Public Participation Plan (outlines how citizens can be involved in the transportation planning process). MPO staff is also tasked with maintaining the MPO financial records and ensuring compliance with all requirements of FHWA, FTA, and ALDOT.
2 Section 1.1 About the MPO
The Eastern Shore Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) ensures compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 49 CFR, part 21, and related statutes and regulations. The Act states: No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or socioeconomic status, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under a program or activity receiving federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
It is the overall goal of the MPO that the transportation planning process be open, accessible, transparent, inclusive and responsive. To accomplish this goal, the MPO uses several 1.1 methods. • An Open Process –All MPO and committee meetings are open to the public. • Easy Information Access –All MPO meeting announcements, documents, maps and plans can be viewed at www.easternshorempo.org • Notice of Activities – To provide timely and adequate public notice of hearings, meetings, reviews and availability of documents.
• Public Input and Organizational Response – To demonstrate consideration and ECTION recognition of public input and comments and to provide appropriate responses to public
input. S • An Inclusive Process – To encourage participation in the planning process by traditionally under represented segments of the community.
The MPO current Title VI plan can be viewed at www.easternshore.org under the ‘other planning documents’ tab. It includes a language assistance plan, Complaint form and procedures, additional regulatory laws and circulars, demographic data, and signed resolution.
3 Section 1.2 ESMPO Transit Plan Goals and Objectives
Goals: o Reduce traffic congestion o Provide transportation for the disabled or for those that are in temporary or permanent need o Help move people conveniently, efficiently, reliably, and safely
o Increase Ridership 1.2
Objectives: o Identify reasons citizens are not using public transit o Identify ways to encourage ridership o Identify transportation needs of under served populations o Include ideas from public input regarding transportation
improvements ECTION o Develop Public Outreach campaign to increase ridership S
4 Section 1.3 Why Plan?
Why plan? Planning is a crucial element in the success of any endeavor. The Eastern Shore MPO is tasked with planning for future transportation needs within the Metropolitan Planning Area. Transportation is the action of moving someone or something from point A to point B with the aim of accomplishing a specific purpose at point B. The ability to move goods and services around a region is necessary for the existence of a healthy economy.
Increased congestion limits the ability of goods and services to flow freely
from one use to another and ultimately puts a strain on the economy. A weak 1.3 economy has far reaching effects, nearly all of which reduce the quality of life. A sound transportation planning process allows local elected officials to foresee problems in the transportation network and proactively address those problems. This proactive approach will reduce or minimalize future transportation problems while simultaneously maintaining a strong local
economy and good quality of life.
ECTION S + Population = + Travelers = + Congestion
More Congestion = Strain on Economy
5 Section 1.3 Why Plan?
Where does public transit planning fit into the transportation planning process? Under Federal law, public transportation impacts transportation in two areas: 1) public transit has the capability of removing vehicles from congested roadways by consolidating many passenger vehicles in a single transit vehicle, and 2) public transit provides a means of transportation for seniors, the disabled, or low-income passengers who may not be able to afford transportation.
The Public Transit Plan seeks to outline a concept for a future transit system 1.3 with the Eastern Shore MPO Urbanized Area, that will both remove vehicles from the congested roadways while also providing safe and accommodating transportation to seniors and other individuals underserved by traditional private transportation. Proper planning allows elected officials and the public to vet potential ideas and concepts to identify appropriate avenues for
accomplish the tasks set forth above.
ECTION S
6 Section 2.0 BRATS - General Information
In 2012, the MPO designated the Baldwin Regional Area Transit System (BRATS) as the public transit provider for the Metropolitan Planning Area.
BRATS services affect, influence, or intersect with the MPO Planning Area. All BRATS services were evaluated as part of this plan.
BRATS transportation currently runs Monday through Friday year round and serve all areas of Baldwin County using the resources listed below:
• Fleet: Over 52 buses
• Staff: 41 Drivers, 2 Driver Schedulers, 4 Dispatch/ Schedulers, 2 2.0 Bookkeepers, 2 administrative office staff, 2 mechanics
The Baldwin Regional Area Transit System’s funds are administered through the State Department of Transportation.
Fiscal Year 2019 budget = $3,923,142 $3,173,142 of it being revenue funded and $750,000 funds from the Baldwin
County Commission.
ECTION S
7 Section 2.0 BRATS - General Information
Director of Transportation: Taylor Rider Email: [email protected]
Assistant Director of Transportation: Chandra Middleton Email: [email protected]
Mailing Address: BRATS P.O. Box 907 Robertsdale, Alabama 36567 Scheduling Hours: Monday through Friday 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM • Eastern Shore: 251.990.4636 • Central & South Baldwin: 251.972.6817 • North Baldwin: 251.937.0355
Office Hours: Monday through Friday
6:30 AM - 5:00 PM 2.0 Holiday closings: as deemed by the Baldwin County Commission
Additional Training Days Closed: Saturday, February 16, 2019, and the fourth Friday in July.
Facility locations: There are two BRATS facility locations in the MPA.
Fairhope Transit Hub 918 Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope
BRATS Main Office in Robertsdale
18100 County Road 54, Robertsdale ECTION
Other Locations: Foley and Bay Minette S
The BRATS transit system currently serves Baldwin County through a variety of routes. An overview of each route in the MPA is categorized in the following section. Routes can fall into more than one category. For example, an education route can be considered a subscription route, but is classified as a deviated fixed. The BayLinc, BeachLinc, and NorthLinc are also considered work routes.
8 Section 2.1 Type of Routes
Deviated Fixed Routes 1. Education or Subscription Routes 2. BayLinc Route 3. BeachLinc Route 4. NorthLinc Route 5. Seasonal Routes 6. Festival Routes
Deviated Fixed Routes: allow on-request, limited-distance deviation (usually not more than ¼ mile) off of a fixed bus route for those who experience difficulty getting to bus stops. On the routes listed below drivers can deviate from the main route to pick up patrons from their homes 2.1 or other locations if requested. Patrons must call and arrange pickup 24-48 hours in advance. Fare is based on Mileage. Operates Monday – Friday. Saturday and Sundays are seasonal. Routes include: • Education Routes or Subscription Routes: Routes contracted by schools, businesses or organizations. Because these routes may also be used by the general public, they are classified as a ‘Deviated’ Fixed Route. • BayLinc Route: The Baylinc route connects Eastern Shore commuters to downtown Mobile
and Austil Manufacturing Plant. Route. Operates Monday- Friday. It is generally categorized ECTION
as a ‘ride to work’ route. S • BeachLinc Route: The BeachLinc connects Bay Minette commuters along Highway 59 to the Beach in Gulf Shores. It is also generally categorized as a ‘Ride to Work’ Route. Operates Monday - Friday. Saturday and Sunday are considered seasonal. • NorthLinc Route: The Route connects Bay Minette to Fairhope. It also has a route connecting Foley to Bay Minette. It is generally categorized as a ‘Ride to Work’ Route. Operates Monday – Friday. • Seasonal Routes: Routes set up for events and festivals.
9 Section 2.1 Type of Routes
Demand Response Routes 1. City Zone 2. Eastern Shore Express 3. Central Transfer 4. Express Routes
Demand Response Routes: allow riders to call ahead and schedule a pick up by a BRATS transportation vehicle. The BRATS transportation system operates a demand response service called “Dial-a-Ride” or “Schedule a Ride”. Demand Response is a door-to-door service and passengers are not limited to designated bus stops. BRATS uses several different
schedules to operate and coordinate the demand response system. The schedules are as 2.1 follows:
• City Zones: The cities of Bay Minette, Daphne, Fairhope, and Foley are all part of the City Zone Demand Response system. Citizens are transported within city limits, with the city limits being divided into north and south zones. Three different departure and return times are available to accommodate passengers and their schedules. Fare rates for City Zones are dependent on miles traveled, and a pick-up must be scheduled with a BRATS
scheduler at least 24 hours in advance. City Zones are door-to-door routes, which do not ECTION
have set stopping places. S • Central Transfer: Citizens who wish to travel from one corner of the county to another are able to do so using Central Transfer. Passengers are transported from their pick-up location to the Central BRATS Hub in Robertsdale. Buses from all sections of the county meet at the hub, where riders are transferred to appropriate buses and transported to their desired destination. Transportation vehicles are assigned to designated areas of the county, only servicing the area assigned. The Central Transfer schedule allows citizens to travel farther distances, while maintaining the highest level of cost efficiency. Fare rates for the Central Transfer schedule do not vary based on mileage, unlike the other Demand Response services offered by BRATS. The rate is $7 flat for both round-trip and one-way.
10 Section 2.1 Type of Routes
• Express Routes: Citizens who would like to travel outside of their city limits may do so using the Express Demand Response Route. The buses travel to certain cities on set days. Passengers must schedule a ride at least 24 hours in advance. Express Routes can connect to the Central Transfer if needed. Citizens are able to be picked up at their door, and fare rates are dependent on mileage. The Eastern Shore Express Route was started to accommodate the large number of travel requests along the Eastern Shore. For most cities along the Eastern Shore, there are three departure and return times available and it operates five days a week. Contract Routes 1. Nutritional Routes
2. Council on Aging 2.1 3. Alta Point Health Systems
Contract Routes: • Nutritional Routes: BRATS, along with the Baldwin County Council on Aging Program, has developed nutritional routes to provide Senior Citizens with opportunities to participate in fellowship and receive nutritional meals at local Senior Citizen Centers. Citizens within city zones will be transported to the center in their area for free through Council on Aging.
Seniors have the opportunity to spend a minimum of two hours a day, Monday through ECTION Friday, at the centers
• Education Routes: BRATS has teamed up with several organizations and schools to provide S transportation for students and teachers of schools with contracts who need rides to school. Education Routes are paid for by the school, providing students transportation at no cost. Although these routes are labeled education routes, citizens of the general public are able to travel these routes with appropriate scheduling. Route is open to the public, and can therefore also be categorized as a ‘deviated fixed route’.
11 Section 2.2 Existing Routes
BayLinc: The BayLinc route connects Eastern Shore commuters to downtown Mobile and Austil Manufacturing Plant. This route offers three departure times from the Eastern Shore in the morning, and three departure times from Mobile in the afternoon. Rates for Baylinc routes range from $2.00 to $3.00 one-way.
BayLinc 2 - Eastern Shore to Bienville Square in Mobile Monday – Friday; Morning & Afternoon Schedules Morning Schedule 6:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 7:30 AM-Leaves Fairhope Transit Hub 6:15 AM, 7:15 AM, 7:45 AM - Stops at Daphne Library
6:25 AM, 7:25 AM, 7:55 AM- Stops at Town Centre Across from Bass Pro Shop 2.2 6:45 AM, 7:45 AM, 8:15 AM- Arrives at Bienville Square 6:55 AM, 7:55 AM, 8:25 AM - Austal Mobile, Alabama Addsco Road
Afternoon Schedule 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM –Leaves Fairhope Transit Hub 2:15 PM, 3:15 PM, 4:15 PM- Stops at Daphne Library 2:25 PM, 3:25 PM, 4:25 PM - Stops at Town Centre Across from Bass Pro Shop 3:10 PM, 4:10 PM, 5:10 PM- arrives in Bienville Square
3:00 PM, 4:15 PM - Austal Mobile, Alabama Addsco Road
ECTION S BayLinc 2 -From Bienville Square in Mobile to the Eastern Shore Monday – Friday, Afternoon Schedule
3:10 PM, 4:10 PM, 5:10 PM – Leaves Bienville Square 3:00 PM, 4:15 PM, 5:15 PM – Leaves Austal – Addsco Road 3:25 PM, 4:25 PM, 5:25 PM – Stops at Town Centre across from Bass Pro Shops 3:35PM, 4:35 PM, 5:35 PM – Stops at Daphne Library, North Side 3:50 PM, 4:50 PM, 5:50 PM – End of Route at Fairhope/ BRATS Hub
12 Section 2.2 Existing Routes
BeachLinc: BeachLinc is a Deviated route that connects the northern part of the county to the beaches of Gulf Shores. Citizens traveling from Bay Minette along highway 59 to the south end of the county may board at one BeachLinc’s nine listed stops. Door-to-door stops that run along highway 59 may be scheduled 24-48 hours in advanced if riders are not able to make it to a pick-up location listed below. Fare charges for the BeachLinc route are dependent on mileage,
and can be calculated using the Demand Response Mileage Rates.
2.2
ECTION S
13 Section 2.2 Existing Routes
BeachLinc: BeachLinc is a Deviated route that connects the North (Bay Minette) and South (Gulf Shores) of Baldwin County. Citizens interested in traveling from Gulf Shores along highway 59 to the North may board at one BeachLinc’s nine listed stops. Door-to-door stops that run along highway 59 may be scheduled 24-48 hours in advance. Fare charges for the BeachLinc route are dependent on mileage, and can be calculated using the Demand Response Mileage Rates. Routes are Monday – Friday and Seasonally on Saturdays and
Sundays.
2.2
ECTION S
14 Section 2.2 Existing Routes
BeachLinc: BeachLinc is a Deviated route that connects the northern part of the county to the beaches of Gulf Shores. Citizens interested in traveling from Bay Minette along highway 59 to the south end of the county may board at one BeachLinc’s nine listed stops. Door-to-door stops that run along highway 59 may be scheduled 24-48 hours in advanced if riders are not able to make it to a pick-up location listed below. Fare charges for the BeachLinc route are dependent on mileage, and can be calculated using the Demand Response Mileage Rates. Routes are Monday – Friday and Seasonally run on Saturdays and Sundays.
BeachLinc Daily Schedule
South Bound 2.2 Stops for Pickup or Drop-off South Bound Stops for Pickup or Drop-off
2:05 PM McDonald’s Bay Minette 3:30 Tanger- Nike outlet, Foley 2:10 PM M& V Express Station, SR 59 3:35 Office Depot, Foley
2:15 PM Coastal Community College 3:40 PM Old Time Pottery, Foley
2:20 PM Tom Thumb, SR 59 & SR 31 3:45 PM Pelican Place, West of Bed Bath & Beyond; Gulf Shores 2:25 Exxon, Flag Ship Loxley 3:50 PM Coastal Community College, Gulf
Shores ECTION 2:30 Burris Farm Market, Loxley 3:55 PM Rouses, Gulf Shores
2:35 BP Station, SR 59 & SR 55 Loxley 4:00 PM Desotos Kitchen, Gulf Shores S 2:40 PM Motor sports Freaks, Robertsdale 4:00 PM Beach Blvd 2:45 PM BRATS Main Office, Robertsdale
2:50 PM Winn Dixie, Robertsdale
2:55 PM Texaco, SR 59 & Fairground Road 3:00 Wal Mart Robertsdale
3:05 PM Dollar General Store, Summerdale
3:10 PM Citgo Station, SR 59 and SR 32 3:15 PM Palm Plaza, Subway; Foley 3:20 PM Piggly Wiggly, Foley 3:25 PM Wal-Mart, Foley
15 Section 2.2 Existing Routes
NorthLinc 1 : NorthLinc 1 is a deviated route that stays on Highway 59, making stops along the way, from Foley to Bay Minette. This route runs 1 round trip per day. NorthLinc routes will deviate off of the route if the requested stop is within a mile off of the route. Fare rates for the NorthLinc are $3.00 to and from Foley and/or Bay Minette.
NorthLinc 1 – Connecting Bay Minette and Foley 2.2 Monday - Friday Schedule
Morning Schedule – Foley to Bay Minette 6:25- Departs from Foley Piggly Wiggly 6:30-Stops at Foley Courthouse- East side 6:45-Stops at Regions Bank/ Baldwin County Central Annex II in Robertsdale 7:00-Stops at Loxley Municipal Park Civic Center 7:20-Stops at Coastal Alabama Community College 7:25-Stops at Standard Furniture – Highway 59
7:40-Stops at Bay Minette Courthouse Square- Administration Building ECTION
Afternoon Schedule – Bay Minette to Foley S 4:35- Stops at Bay Minette Courthouse Square 4:40-Stops at Standard Furniture Highway 59 5:05- Stops at Loxley Municipal Park 5:20- Stops at Regions Bank / Baldwin County Central Annex II Robertsdale 5:35- Stops at Foley Courthouse East Side 5:40- Arrives at Foley Piggly Wiggly
16 Section 2.2 Existing Routes
NorthLinc 2: The Eastern Shore Commuter Route operates similarly to the South Baldwin route. The bus begins the route in Fairhope and runs along Highway 98, making stops along the way, before passengers disembark on Bay Minette. Passengers may return to the Eastern Shore in the afternoon on this route, which runs each way once a day. Citizens who live along this route may call and schedule a door-to-door pick up if they are not able to make it to a stop listed below. Fare rates are $3.00 from Fairhope, $2.50 from Daphne, and $2.00 from Spanish Fort and Loxley.
NorthLinc 2 – Connecting Fairhope & Bay Minette
Monday – Friday Schedule 2.2 Morning Schedule – Fairhope to Bay Minette 6:40- Departs from Fairhope BRATS Hub 6:55-Stops at Daphne Library – North Side 7:05-Stops at Spanish Fort Town Centre – Across from Bass Pro Shop 7:40-Stops at Coastal Alabama Community College (Bay Minette Campus) 7:45-Stops at Standard Furniture – Highway 59 7:50-Stops at Bay Minette Courthouse Square – in front of Probate office 7:55-Arrives at Baldwin County Board of Education – Hand Avenue
Afternoon Schedule – Bay Minette to Fairhope ECTION 4:30- Stops at Baldwin County Board of Education – Hand Avenue
4:35- Stops at Bay Minette Courthouse Square – Probate Office S 4:40-Stops at Standard Furniture – Highway 59 4:45 - Stops at Coastal Alabama College 5:20- Stops at Spanish Fort Town Centre- Across from Bass Pro Shop 5:30 - Stops at Daphne Library – North Side 5:45- Arrives at Fairhope BRATS Hub
17 Section 2.2 Existing Routes
Demand Response Routes: City Zone Routes
The Dial a Ride/Schedule a Ride Program which has been established to accommodate your individual travel trips within the cities of Bay Minette, Daphne, Fairhope, Foley, Loxley, Robertsdale and Spanish Fort and are charged by mileage. The decision to establish these routes was based on customer need for individual trips to the retail and grocery stores for shopping, various appointments including doctor and dialysis, bank, and/or pharmacy trips. Once scheduled, with the BRATS Scheduler (972-6817, 937-0355 or 990-4636), passengers have the option to schedule multiple stops daily. Each of these city zone routes operate Monday through Friday plus you have a choice of pick up at your home and return pick up at
the stop you choose. For example you can be picked up at your home in Bay Minette; North 2.2 of Railroad Street between 7:30 AM-8:30 AM (depends on where you live) and your return pick up time from the destination stop (you have prescheduled with the scheduler) can be 9:15 AM, 11:15 AM or 1:15 PM, your choice.
Bay Minette – North (North of Railroad Street)
Departure Time from your home or pick up Arrive at your Return Pick up Time from your location Destination Scheduled Stop
7:30 AM -8:30 AM 8:15 AM 9:15 AM ECTION
9:30 AM -10:00 AM 10:15 AM 11:15 AM S
11:30 AM -12:00 PM 12:15 PM 1:15 PM
Bay Minette – South (South of Railroad Street)
Departure Time from your home or pick up Arrive at your Return Pick up Time from your location Destination Scheduled Stop 7:30 AM -8:30 AM 8:15 AM 9:15 AM
9:30 AM -10:00 AM 10:15 AM 11:15 AM
11:30 AM -12:00 PM 12:15 PM 1:15 PM
18 Section 2.2 Existing Routes
Daphne– North (North of Park Drive)
Departure Time from your home or pick Arrive at your Return Pick up Time from up location Destination your Scheduled Stop 9:30 AM -10:00 AM 10:15 AM 11:15 AM
11:30 AM -12:00 PM 12:15 PM 1:15 PM
1:30 PM -2:00 PM 2:00 PM 4:00 PM
Daphne– South (South of Park Drive)
Departure Time from your home or pick Arrive at your Return Pick up Time from up location Destination your Scheduled Stop
8:30 AM -9:00 AM 9:15 AM 10:15 AM 2.2 10:30 AM -11:00 AM 11:15 AM 12:15 PM
12:30 PM -1:00 PM 1:15 PM 2:00 PM
Fairhope– North (North of Fairhope Avenue)
Departure Time from your home or pick Arrive at your Return Pick up Time from up location Destination your Scheduled Stop
8:30 AM -9:00 AM 9:15 AM 10:15 AM ECTION
10:30 AM -11:00 AM 11:15 AM 12:15 PM S
12:30 PM -1:00 PM 1:15 PM 2:00 PM
Fairhope– South (South of Fairhope Avenue)
Departure Time from your home or pick Arrive at your Return Pick up Time from up location Destination your Scheduled Stop
9:30 AM -10:00 AM 10:15 AM 11:15 AM
11:30 AM -12:00 PM 12:15 PM 1:15 PM
1:30 PM -2:00 PM 2:00 PM 4:00 PM
19 Section 2.2
Existing Routes ILVERHILL
S -
Spanish Fort Departure Time from your home or pick Arrive at your Return Pick up Time from
up location Destination your Scheduled Stop OBERTSDALE
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM 10:45 AM 11:30 AM R
11:30 AM 11:45 AM 1:00 PM –
Loxley
OXLEY L
Departure Time from your home or pick Arrive at your Return Pick up Time from – up location Destination your Scheduled Stop 10:30 AM 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM ORT
9:45 AM -10:15 AM F
Robertsdale - Silverhill
PANISH
2.2 S
Departure Time from your home or pick Arrive at your Return Pick up Time from – up location Destination your Scheduled Stop 10:30 AM 12:00 P – 1:30 PM
9:45 AM - 10:15 AM ONE Z
Loxley To Robertsdale ITY
Monday - Friday C Departure Time from your home or pick up Return Pick up Time (estimated time you : location will be picked p) 11:30 AM 9:45 AM OUTE
10:45 AM 1:00 PM R ECTION Robertsdale To Loxley
Monday - Friday S
Departure Time from your home or pick up Return Pick up Time (estimated time you XISTING location will be picked up) 9:45 AM 11:30 AM
10:45 AM 1:00 PM 2.2 E 2.2 E Robertsdale To Loxley Monday - Friday Departure Time from your home or pick up Return Pick up Time (estimated time you location will be picked up)
9:45 AM 11:30 AM ECTION S
10:45 AM 1:00 PM
20 Section 2.2 Existing Routes
Festival Routes
There are two annual festivals BRATS provides transit for in the MPA.
The Fairhope annual Arts and Crafts Festival the third weekend of March. The BRATS Service is provided from: Friday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Loxley Annual Baldwin County Strawberry Festival is held on the 2nd weekend in April 2.2 annually and supports Baldwin County ARC and Loxley Elementary School. Service is provided: Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Education Routes
The following schools currently have transportation agreements with BRATS in the ECTION
Metropolitan Planning Area and are included in the ridership: S
• St. Michael’s • St. Paul’s • Bayside Academy • UMS Wright School • St. Patrick's • Escambia Academy • Eastern Shore Bay Camp • Coastal Community College
21 Section 2.2 Existing Routes
Demand Response: Eastern Shore Express
Available Monday-Friday by calling BRATS scheduler by calling the Baldwin County Citizen Service Center at 972-6817, 937-0355 or 990-4636 and ask for a BRATS scheduler.
• If pre-scheduled, you may be picked up at your home or a desired location, travel north or sound bound and stop as many times as you want along the way. For Example, If I lived in Spanish Fort and wanted to travel to downtown Fairhope, I would first call the BRATS scheduler at 972-6817, 937-0355 or 990-4636. BRATS would pick me up at my house around 8:00 AM (or a time in the South Bound column below). I want to go to the post office, library,
museum, meet a friend for lunch, shop and pick up a sandwich to go. I think it may take me 2.2 all day, so I schedule my pick up at McSherry’s (my end location) at 4:00 PM (which is in the North bound column below).
• Rates are based on mileage as explained in Section 2.3.
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22 Section 2.2 Existing Routes
Demand Response: Central Transfer
Service is available Monday – Friday and serves many needs for traveling end-to-end, or across the county, by allowing us to bring passengers from the "four corners" into Robertsdale to transfer to another bus going in another direction. Origin to destination/door-to-door pick-ups (aka Demand Response, Dial a Ride, Schedule a Ride) for this Central Transfer begins at 8:00 AM (pick-up time at your home is dependent upon the number of people scheduled from that area), arriving at the BRATS office at approximately 9:00 AM. Destinations in other parts of the county are then reached by 9:30-10:00 AM. Return trip pick up time is between 12:00-12:30 PM. Citizens should call
and ask for the BRATS scheduler at 972-6817, 937-0355 or 990-4636, a minimum of 24 2.2 hours advance notice. Same Day Trips are based on availability and will be the normal fare plus a additional $2.00 fee. Cost is $7.00 round trip or $3.50 one way trip if combined with a different return route. Central Transfer 1 Central Baldwin Area Departure Time from your home or pick up location Arrive at central Transfer (BRATS in Robertsdale) to further connect 8:45 AM Loxley area Approximately 9:00 AM
9:05 AM Robertsdale Area Approximately 9:00 AM
ECTION S
Central Transfer 3 Eastern Shore Departure Time from your home or pick up location Arrive at Central Transfer (BRATS Robertsdale) to connect
7:45 AM Spanish Fort area Approximately 9:00 AM 8:00 AM Daphne area Approximately 9:00 AM 8:15 AM Fairhope area Approximately 9:00 AM 8:45 AM Silverhill area Approximately 9:00 AM
23 Section 2.3
Route Fares
2.3
ECTION S
24 Section 2.4 Funding & Budget
Funding for BRATS public transportation service comes from several sources including federal funding, private funding, and the Baldwin County Commission.
Federal Funding 5307 Funds: The Urbanized Area Formula Funding program (49 U.S.C. 5307) makes federal resources available to urbanized areas and to governors for transit capital and operating assistance in urbanized areas and for transportation-related planning. An urbanized area is an incorporated area with a population of 50,000 or more that is designated as such by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census.
BRATS is the designated transit provider for the urbanized area and authorized to 2.4 receive the 5307 federal funding. 5307 funds pay 80% of eligible activities including: planning, engineering, design and evaluation of transit projects and other technical transportation-related studies; capital investments in bus and bus-related activities such as replacement, overhaul and rebuilding of buses, crime prevention and security equipment and construction of maintenance and passenger facilities; and capital investments in new and existing fixed guideway systems including rolling stock, overhaul and rebuilding of vehicles, track, signals, communications, and computer
hardware and software. In addition, associated transit improvements and certain ECTION expenses associated with mobility management programs are eligible under the program. All preventive maintenance and some Americans with Disabilities Act S complementary paratransit service costs are considered capital costs. For urbanized areas with populations less than 200,000, operating assistance is an eligible expense. Urbanized areas of 200,000 or more may not use funds for operating assistance unless identified by FTA as eligible under the Special Rule. The federal share may be 90% for the cost of vehicle-related equipment attributable to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Clean Air Act. (Federal Transit Administration - 49 U.S.C. 5307)
25 Section 2.4 Funding & Budget
5311 Funds: BRATS receives federal funding for capital, planning, and operating assistance to support public transportation in rural areas. The federal share is 80% for capital projects, 50% for operating assistance, and 80% for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) non-fixed route paratransit service. Section 5311 funds are available to the States during the fiscal year of apportionment plus two additional years (total of three years). Funds are apportioned to States based on a formula that includes land area, population, revenue vehicle miles, and low-income individuals in rural areas (Federal Transit Administration-49 U.S.C. 5311).
Asset Management Plans: During hurricane season, FTA remains prepared to help transit agencies in affected areas provide rescue, recovery and transport services. In addition, FTA can waive certain regulations following any presidential emergency declaration. 2.4
5310 Funds: Enhanced Mobility of Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities - This program provides formula funding to states for the purpose of assisting private nonprofit groups in meeting the transportation needs of older adults and people with disabilities when the transportation service provided is unavailable, insufficient, or inappropriate to meeting these needs. Funds are apportioned based on each state’s share of the population for these two groups. FTA apportions 60% of the funds to large urbanized areas, 20% to States for areas under 200,000 in population (small urbanized areas) and 20% to States for areas under 50,000 ECTION
in population. For small urbanized areas, the funds will be apportioned to the States, who are S responsible for the grant and for any further sub allocation of funds to the small urbanized areas. For the large urbanized areas, FTA apportions the funds to designated recipients, who are responsible for any further sub allocation within the large urbanized area. Direct recipients have flexibility in how they select subrecipient projects for funding, but their decision process must be clearly noted in a state/program management plan. The selection process may be formula-based, competitive or discretionary, and subrecipients can include states or local government authorities, private non-profit organizations, and/or operators of public transportation. BRATS does not currently utilize 5310 funds.
26 Section 2.4 Funding & Budget
Private Funding: • Contract Routes (Grant purpose routes) include 5301 C, Social Service, COA, Alta Health, or ARC programs. • Subscription routes (money is collected in the fare box but is not able to be used for a federal grant match) are paid through private, not for profit organizations such as schools, other County agencies, or ride to work programs. • Fare Collections: Fare collections from riders make up 13.5% of revenue generated. • Advertisements: Business buy advertisement that are displayed in buses or transit areas.
Baldwin County: The Baldwin County Commission provides the additional funding for 2.4 public transportation services throughout Baldwin County. The chart in Appendix E is the BRATS FY 19 Budget approved by the County Commission in September of 2018.
FY 2018 Revenues
Grant Funding $1,928,792.50 54.1% ECTION S Local Funding $727,769.50 20.4%
Contract Funding $428,163.00 12.0%
Farebox Funding $480,000.00 13.5%
Total: $3,564,725.00 100%
27 Section 2.5 Ridership
This section focuses on ridership for individual routes from fiscal year 2011 to fiscal year 2018. By comparing the individual routes we can see the number of riders that utilize each route. The ridership numbers reflect all riders, and not those exclusively in the Metropolitan Planning Area.
The chart below reflects the actual dollars received from fares, dollars received through
Contracted rides and the ridership numbers per fiscal year. 2.5
Year 47700 Farebox Actual 45610 Contract Actual Ridership
FY18 $482,451.93 $388,873.75 205,759
FY17 $418,735.96 $432,688.75 365,783
FY16 $492,070.85 $422,310.00 406,060
FY15 $457,304.72 $424,842.08 331,209 ECTION
FY14 $509,464.06 $438,165.96 325,004 S
FY13 $434,202.52 $434,652.38 312,235
FY12 $410,500.47 $416,892.96 302,248
FY11 $312,834.68 $414,009.24 326,992
28 Section 2.5 Ridership
The ridership for Education Routes for fiscal years 2011-2018 can be seen below:
Education FY 11 FY 12 FY 13 FY 14 FY 15 FY 16 FY 17 FY 18 October 5,175 7,103 9,626 9,653 9,543 14,693 8,390 5,530 November 4,641 6,332 7,412 7,070 6,558 12,657 7,958 4,538 1st QTR December 3,270 3,911 5,271 6,243 5,986 11,488 6,683 3,064 January 4,750 6,713 8,437 7,044 7,750 13,435 8,722 4,770 February 4,891 6,229 7,328 8,387 7,294 13,415 8,197 4,404 2nd QTR March 4,767 5,552 6,960 7,486 8,487 13,165 8,480 5,010 April 4,080 6,168 7,758 6,783 6,620 14,218 7,408 4,600
May 4,535 5,806 6,882 6,703 6,000 7,096 3,749 4,109 2.5 3rd QTR June 0 110 212 183 133 205 103 131 July 0 96 147 244 121 133 69 125 August 4,785 3,158 4,479 5,308 10,992 8,983 7,393 3,517 4th QTR September 7,378 8,078 8,622 9,037 14,922 8,931 9,432 4,703
TOTAL 48,272 59,256 73,134 74,141 84,406 118,419 76,584 44,501
ECTION S
29 Section 2.5 Ridership
The ridership for BayLinc for fiscal years 2011-2018 can be seen below:
BayLinc FY 11 FY 12 FY 13 FY 14 FY 15 FY 16 FY 17 FY 18 October 1,305 1,397 1,541 1,593 1,268 1,025 778 682 November 1,188 1,196 996 1,297 897 863 809 689 1st QTR December 988 1,071 893 1,241 1,053 903 744 511 January 1,448 1,405 1,401 1,283 1,198 942 907 750 February 1,358 1,287 1,228 1,367 1,196 862 739 698 2nd QTR March 1,678 1,443 1,426 1,295 1,488 1,071 936 759 April 1,686 1,325 1,592 1,185 1,297 880 791 853
May 1,650 1,301 1,527 1,334 1,071 818 877 928 2.5 3rd QTR June 1,598 1,465 1,348 1,287 1,136 818 762 875 July 1,296 1,263 1,466 1,315 1,066 720 750 860 August 1,752 1,269 1,557 1,415 1,273 1,000 900 955 4th QTR September 1,512 1,319 1,496 1,350 1,060 823 829 723
TOTAL 17,459 15,741 16,471 15,962 14,003 10,725 9,822 9,283
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30 Section 2.5 Ridership
The ridership for BeachLinc for fiscal years 2011-2018 can be seen below:
BeachLinc FY 11 FY 12 FY 13 FY 14 FY 15 FY 16 FY 17 FY 18 October 222 502 329 280 389 555 358 245 November 207 502 207 209 365 432 351 189 1st QTR December 191 498 202 194 342 423 328 181 January 273 549 447 239 227 417 340 202 February 280 488 429 134 324 375 281 218 2nd QTR March 378 664 576 198 366 449 286 347 April 437 545 341 298 402 482 205 256 May 455 549 392 290 573 447 239 283 3rd QTR June 727 532 367 260 604 379 509 356
July 704 522 356 353 538 365 669 342 2.5 August 697 503 305 435 513 388 495 317 4th QTR September 535 539 321 432 568 377 235 134
TOTAL 5,106 6,393 4,272 3,322 5,211 5,089 4,296 3,070
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31 Section 2.5 Ridership
The ridership for NorthLinc for fiscal year 2011-2018 can be seen below:
NorthLinc
FY 11 FY 12 FY 13 FY 14 FY 15 FY 16 FY 17 FY 18 October 583 599 521 395 329 282 183 209 November 560 532 419 304 217 241 184 204 1st QTR December 502 412 331 268 223 205 154 148 January 792 492 451 243 253 211 200 208 February 770 513 355 276 233 197 184 176 2nd QTR March 829 597 360 232 326 238 217 206 April 749 531 404 263 232 242 190 196 May 792 576 400 258 195 224 218 196
3rd QTR June 778 386 318 237 212 223 175 166 2.5 July 656 416 285 217 218 171 143 139 August 835 447 336 253 295 215 251 259 4th QTR September 810 453 370 372 259 185 216 209
TOTAL 8,656 5,954 4,550 3,318 2,992 2,634 2,315 2,316
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32 Section 2.5 Ridership
The ridership for Demand Response for fiscal year 2011-2018 can be seen below:
Demand Response FY 11 FY 12 FY 13 FY 14 FY 15 FY 16 FY 17 FY 18 1st QTR October 4,187 3,228 3,836 4,809 3,621 3,674 3,558 3,027 November 3,805 3,377 3,329 3,325 3,115 2,586 3,050 3,275 December 3,586 3,404 3,537 3,330 3,496 3,166 2,789 2,476 2nd QTR January 3,001 3,947 3,545 2,953 3,291 2,693 2,512 2,427 February 3,031 3,646 3,314 3,338 2,906 2,631 2,375 3,020 March 3,234 4,602 3,892 3,339 3,500 3,045 3,041 3,081 3rd QTR April 5,455 5,171 4,568 5,740 5,718 4,949 5,009 4,323 May 5,083 4,199 4,472 4,537 3,588 3,630 3,595 3,864
June 6,685 4,603 3,970 3,979 3,680 3,081 3,273 3,407 2.5 July 4,158 3,807 3,869 3,887 3,553 2,667 2,692 2,841 August 4,025 4,154 3,838 3,510 3,642 3,662 3,272 3,607 4th QTR September 3,859 3,818 3,662 3,577 3,211 3,331 2,880 3,018
TOTAL 50,109 47,956 45,832 46,324 43,321 39,115 38,046 38,366
ECTION S
33 Section 2.5 Ridership
The ridership for festivals for fiscal years 2011-2018 can be seen below:
Festivals FY 11 FY 12 FY 13 FY 14 FY 15 FY 16 FY 17 FY 18 October 52,205 30,804 28,001 29,521 30,167 37,436 34,132 32,586 November 1st QTR December January February 2nd QTR March 13,009 10,384 12,184 12,507 11,612 8,499 14,701 10,061 April 591 1,045 1,587 938 600 888 780 May
3rd QTR June 5,131 958 2.5 July August 783 1,647 16,086 4th QTR September 491
TOTAL 70,345 43,520 43,368 59,701 42,717 46,535 49,721 43,427
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34 Section 2.5 Ridership
A breakdown of ridership for festivals for fiscal years 2011-2018 can be seen below:
2011: October: Concerts - 16,312, Shrimp Fest - 35,753, Sausage Festival - 140 March: Arts and Crafts Festival June: Balloon Festival
2012: October: Shrimp festival March: Arts & Crafts - 10,320, Elberta Sausage Festival - 64 April: Strawberry Festival June: Balloon Festival and SEC Beach Festival
2013:
October: Shrimp Festival 2.5 March: Arts and Crafts – 9,067, Orange Beach Festival of Art - 3,117 April: Strawberry Festival
2014: October: Shrimp Festival- 29,521 March: Fairhope Arts & Crafts - 8,109, Orange Beach Festival of Art and Sausage Festival- 4,398; April: Strawberry Fest - 1,587 August: Fort Morgan Event - 5,031, Kenny Chesney Event - 10,990, Fort Mims Event - 65
2015: October: Shrimp Festival - 30,167
March: Fairhope Arts & Crafts - 8,421, Orange Beach Festival of Art - 3,191 ECTION
April: Strawberry Festival - 938 S 2016: October: Shrimp Festival - 37,436 March: Fairhope Arts & Crafts - 6611, Orange Beach Festival of Art – 1840 April: Strawberry Festival - 600
2017: October: Shrimp Festival 34,132 March: Fairhope Arts & Crafts- 12,163, Orange Beach Festival of Art- 2,538 April: Strawberry Festival – 888 August: Fort Mims Event- 132
2018: October: Shrimp Fest 32,586 March: Fairhope Arts & Crafts - 7,596; Orange Beach Festival of Art - 2,465; April: Strawberry Fest – 780 August: Fort Mims Event - 186 35 Section 3.0 Transit Needs
Transit Needs: Section 1.2 set forth the ESMPO transit plan goals that were identified in the 2018 Public Transit Survey conducted throughout the Metropolitan Planning Area. The transit needs identified factors and reasons riders are not using Public Transit and identified the ways to encourage ridership.
Transit Survey: Public input was solicited through a Public Transit Survey for the Metropolitan Planning Area (MPA). The survey was conducted and was available between May 8, 2018 – July 11, 2018. A detailed view of the survey can be found in Appendix F along with a detailed view of the survey responses. There were 303 responses received. 232 electronic surveys were 3.0 submitted to the MPO and 71 paper surveys were received by postal mail, interdepartmental mail (most were BRATS riders), and by personal contact. A detailed
compilation of all results can be found in Appendix F.
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36 Section 3.1 Public Outreach
• Public Notice: (Appendix F) instructed the public on how to submit a survey, along with flyers being posted advertising the survey. Public Notice regarding the survey and box locations were listed via the Baldwin County website, Gulf Coast News Media, WABF Radio, the Eastern Shore Metropolitan Planning Organization Website. • Survey Boxes: Ballot boxes advertising the survey were distributed in the Metropolitan Planning Area at the following locations the Baldwin County Satellite Courthouse, Public Library, Chamber of Commerce, and BRATS Hub in Fairhope. In Daphne, Loxley, Spanish Fort, and Silverhill the boxes were located at City or Town Halls. In Robertsdale at the BRATS Central Office, and Baldwin County Central Annex • Direct Mail: Letters that included a number of surveys were sent to community groups, apartment complexes, schools, churches, and foundations. This list includes: the Kensley and Annandale Park Apartments, Fairhope Public Library, Westminster Village, Bayside Academy, Christ the King, 3.1 Bayshore Christian School, Central Christian School, St. Patrick Catholic School, Baldwin Rural Area Transportation System, Robertsdale Public Library, the Baldwin County Library Cooperative, The Brennity at Fairhope, The Blake at Malbis, The Gardens of Daphne, The Brennity at Daphne, Homestead Village of Fairhope, Central Baldwin Middle School, Daphne High, Middle and Elementary School, Fairhope Elementary, Intermediate and High Schools, Spanish Fort Middle and High Schools, Alabama Coastal Foundation, Fairhope/ Point Clear Rotary Youth Club, Community Action Agency of South Alabama , ACT-II, US Sports Academy, Baldwin County
Trailblazers, Spanish Fort Town Center and East Bay Apartments. ECTION
• Public Outreach to Community Groups: MPO Staff and advisory board members spoke directly to S community groups about the survey and solicited responses. These groups include: ACT II Community Group in Fairhope and at the Robertsdale Senior Center. • Electronic Distribution: The survey was posted to the Eastern Shore MPO website and posted on local social media sites including: ‘What’s happening in Fairhope’ and ‘What’s happening in Daphne’. The Survey link was sent to all MPO policy and advisory board members, to all electronic subscribers, and to multiple civic groups. ESMPO staff requested members to share the electronic survey and post on municipal websites. • Baldwin Regional Area Transit System (BRATS) Distribution: BRATS drivers were given surveys so that riders could participate. BRATS buses in Fairhope were equipped with surveys for rider distribution.
37 Section 3.2 Transit Survey Results
Question One: What is your Primary Means of Transportation? Interestingly, when analyzing Day 9 of survey data (survey respondents between May 8, 2018 and May 17, 2018) of the electronically submitted responses, personal automobiles were at 97%, walking ranked second at 14%, Biking at 7% and BRATS at 0%. When analyzing all data at the end of the study when all responses were tallied, we found that 90% of respondents use a personal automobile, 8% of respondents use BRATS, Riding with someone or walking came in at 13%. A Friend, relative or Neighbor was used by 7% and biking by 6%.
Question Two: Were you aware that Baldwin County residents have access to Public
Transportation? (check all that apply) 45% of respondents had heard of BRATS and would 3.2 consider riding again. Over 13% had not heard of BRATS and 15% do not know how to ride public transportation.
Question Three: What town or city of the Eastern Shore do you reside? 92% of the respondents lived within the MPA.
Question Four: Would you consider using Public Transportation? 56% of survey respondents
said yes, they would, if they did not have access to a car. 45% said yes they would ride, if cost ECTION
effective. 50% said yes, if it fit my schedule. One respondent did the math for us: 50 miles S round trip @ .54 a mile = $27/day = $540/month. This may be considered a high monthly cost, especially if you already own a vehicle.
38 Section 3.2 Transit Survey Results
Question Five: What times would you MOST want to use transportation service, such as BRATS? 55% to 56% of the respondents said they would use BRATS during early morning and late afternoon. 10% to 17% said they would use it at night between 7 pm to 6 am.
Question Six: In an average week, how many vehicle trips (count a round trip as two trips) do you take? (check all that apply) 28% of respondents said they get in their car and drive 6-10 times a week. 18% said they are in their car more than 20 times a day.
Question Seven: Would you consider yourself (check one that most applies) 295 respondents were White—Caucasian, 7 African American, 1 Hispanic, 2 Asian, 3 were other minority and 19 people preferred not to answer. 3.2
Question Eight: What days of the week would you most likely travel locally using a transportation service, such as BRATS? 62% to 67% of the respondents would use BRATS Monday through Friday. 34% on Saturday and 24% on Sunday.
Question Nine: Where would you go? 47% would go shopping, 42% to work, 38% of
respondents would go to medical appointments and 16% would go to church. ECTION
Question Ten: How far away do you live from your place of employment? 40% work over 10 S miles from home. 35% live less than 10 miles and 28% are not working. 19 % live less than five miles.
Question Eleven: How much would you pay a transportation service, such as BRATS, each way? 37% of respondents said that would pay the national mileage rate which is currently .54 cents a mile. Over 30% said that it should be free or at a reduced rate for the elderly and/ or disabled.
39 Section 3.2 Transit Survey Results
Question Twelve: How important would each of the following characteristics be in your decision to use a transportation service, such as cab or bus? Guaranteed ride home was the most important with 63% of respondents saying it was ‘very important’. Friendly service was second ‘very important’ at 55%, Cleanliness ranked ‘very important’ to 53% of the respondents. Ease to arrange ranked ‘very important’ to 51% of respondents. Flexibility was very important to 44%, Same day Scheduling was ‘very important’ to 41%. Cost was very important to 37% of respondents. Service from home to work was very important to 33% of respondents. Least important to respondents was wheelchair
accessible by 35% of respondents, and service from home to work by 3% of respondents. 3.2 Question Thirteen: How old are you? 49% of respondents were between 36-59 years of age. 42% of the respondents were over the age of 60.
Question Fourteen: What is your gender? 64% of the survey respondents were Female and 35% were male. One respondent identified themselves as transgender.
Question Fifteen: What types of transportation improvements would address your
current needs? 82 of all the respondents said public transit improvements should be ECTION considered. These transit related improvements ranged from scheduled loops, fixed routes, Saturday services, college shuttle, small van service, hospital shuttle, convenient, S accessible, flexible, and affordable service, additional shelters, better scheduling (not have to call 24 hours in advance), a bus to connect to airports, and mass transit in other various forms was suggested.
40 Section 3.2 Transit Survey Results
Some respondents did not know that public transportation was available in the area. 23 respondents said that infrastructure improvements such as larger bridges, synced traffic lights, additional roadways and more roundabouts were important. 16 respondents stated that safer and more pedestrian paths, bicycle lanes, and walkable paths is what they would need most.
Question Sixteen: How would you spend or utilize Federal Transportation funds in Baldwin County? 192 answered this question. 62 of these respondents suggested increasing public transit by better scheduling, fixed routes, increase efficiency and
mentioned various types of public transit and scheduling that should be available. 48 of the 3.2 respondents stated that increasing hard and soft infrastructure such as adding or widening roads, adding bridges, or technology which keeps traffic flowing would be most helpful. 32 of these responses included needs for bicycle, sidewalk or trail paths.
Question Seventeen: Would you like to receive transportation updates from the Eastern Shore MPO? 79 email addresses were added to the ESMPO Chimp Mail account and will
receive transportation updates in the future.
ECTION S
41 Section 4.0 Recommendations: Short Term
Possible short-term (immediate) solutions have been identified by analyzing survey responses, conducting one-on-one interviews, reviewing previous studies, and considering local, state and federal law.
Short-Term Recommendations:
• Update the website: o The BRATS scheduling contact information should be easily accessible on the website and transit stations. o Every route should be in the same format. o Have co-workers, advisory members, and citizens view and critique the web page to ensure ease of use. o Ensure users can correctly locate route pick-up and drop-off locations via google maps. o Provide a map for each route. Make sure the map includes at least one 4.0 picture of each stop location. The individualized route map should be located on each route page. o Use a more descriptive term for Routes. The terms ‘Deviated Route’ and ‘Demand Response’ are not terms that are easily understood by the general public. Consider ‘Dial-A-Ride’ instead of the federal transit term ‘Demand Response’. Provide Definitions of Deviated Fixed Route, Demand Response.
• Update the BRATS booklet o Simplify the wordage within the booklet for easier comprehension. o Create pamphlets and handouts for each route that citizens can print or
pick-up at transit stations regarding their specific needs. ECTION S • Implement a ‘Ride BRATS for Free Day’ in the Public Outreach Campaign
• Establish quarterly milestones and goals
• Send out informational pamphlets to citizens located within ½ mile from transit stops regarding public transit services.
• Offer a first-time free ride to citizens.
42 Section 4.1 Recommendations: Long Term
Long-term Recommendations: • Utilize global positioning system applications for smart phones to identify bus locations. • Coordinate with other transit systems (WAVE, Mobile and Pensacola Airports). • Research costs of installation of electronic kiosks depicting bus arrival times. • Identify additional resources needed to improve BRATS technology. • Ensure a convenient method of payment: o Create a pre-loaded card or mobile application that accepts payments. o Generate a method where each pre-loaded card can be automatically credited from riders’ bank accounts.
• Reduce Overhead Costs in areas of low ridership: 4.1 o Use alternative vehicles in rural areas such as mini buses or vans that will provide a reduction in maintenance, fuel and labor costs. o Research various rideshare programs that could be implemented (CDTLS Report) to include vanpools and carpools. • Develop a Transit Research Analysis Committee to view data and ensure goals are met • Offer complimentary added services to guarantee effective and satisfying rides: o WIFI hotspot and capability
o Complimentary newspaper, magazine or book share ECTION o Clean and friendly environment
o Soft music, drowning out transit noises S o TV monitors, displaying local news and tied to upcoming transit stops
43 Section 4.1 Recommendations: Long Term
• Connect All BRATS Hubs with sidewalks, multi-modal paths or trails o Request MPO funding with local assistance for phased implementation of sidewalks, trails or multi modal paths within ¼, ½, ¾ and one mile of all BRATS transit hubs locations. o Inventory BRATS permanent pickup locations and map all missing sidewalks within ¼, ½, and ¾ mile, connecting housing complexes, multi home subdivisions, shopping and service centers (some of this work has been completed and submitted into the ESMPO Bicycle and Pedestrian Concept).
• Attract and retain friendly and safety conscious BRATS Drivers. Offer incentives/rewards 4.1
for drivers that receive positive comments.
ECTION S
44 Appendix A – Glossary of Abbreviations & Acronyms
3-C Comprehensive, Cooperative, and Continuing ADA Americans with Disabilities Act ALDOT Alabama Department of Transportation APA American Planning Association BPAC Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee CAC Citizens Advisory Committee CDTLS Community Development Transportation Lending Services COOP Continuity of Operations Plan CTAA Community Transportation Association of America DBE Disadvantaged Business Enterprise DOT Department of Transportation EPA Environmental Protection Agency ESMPO Eastern Shore Metropolitan Planning Organization FAST ACT Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act FHWA Federal Highway Administration FTA Federal Transit Administration FY Fiscal Year GIS Geographic Information System HSIP Highway Safety Improvement Program ITS Intelligent Transportation System LRTP Long Range Transportation Plan MAP-21 Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century MPA Metropolitan Planning Area MPO Metropolitan Planning Organization NEPA National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 NHS National Highway System PPP Public Participation Plan SAFETEA-LU Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users SARPC South Alabama Regional Planning Commission STIP Statewide Transportation Improvement Program TAC Technical Advisory Committee TAP Transportation Alternatives Program TATEA-21 Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century TIP Transportation Improvement Program UPWP Unified Planning Work Program USC United States Code
45 Appendix B - Resources
• Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce, Public Transportation Plan ‘Moving the Blueprint for Tomorrow Forward’ By: Gresham, Smith and Partners and McDonald Transit Associates, Inc. • FY 2016-2019 Human Services Coordinated Transportation Plan for the Alabama Counties of Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia By: The South Alabama Regional Planning Commission and in cooperation with the Alabama Department of Transportation and the Alabama Association of Regional Councils • Central Baldwin County: Tying Transportation to Economic Success ‘Technical Assistance Final Report’ Presented to the Central Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, Astern Shore MPO and Baldwin Regional Transit System Prepared by the Community Development Transportation Lending Services (CDTLS) February 2016 • Economic Opportunity Assessment part one, executive summary. By the Coastal Alabama Partnership • Transit Study Prepared for Baldwin Regional Area Transit System September 2009, prepared by Skipper Consulting, Inc • Section 5.0 Public Transportation’ Document, Mobile MPO, pg.s 43-60 • Orange Beach Transit Feasibility Study, March 2017 prepared for the Florida- Alabama Transportation Planning Organization, prepared by ATKINS • An Assessment of transportation Needs in Baldwin County, Prepared by the Alabama Department of Transportation, March 31, 2015 • Transportation Needs Questionnaire, Jefferson County Transit, Port Townsend, Washington, 2016 • Corpus Christi Metropolitan Planning Organization ‘Understanding your Transportation Needs Survey’ by the Corpus Christi MPO • Virginia Department of Transportation Employee Transportation Survey • Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, North Dakota State University, 20th National Conference for Rural Public And Intercity Bus Transportation 10/12/2012 presentation. By Del Peterson & Jeremy Mattson, Small Urban & Rural Transit Center • Rural Transit Fact Book 2017 Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, Small Urban and Rural Transit Center, prepared by Jeremy Mattson, Associate Research Fellow, Fargo North Dakota • Exploring Transit’s Contribution to livability in Rural Communities: Case Study of Valley City , ND and Dickinson, ND; SURTC research Summary; Prepared by Ranjit Godavarthy and Jeremy Mattson, November 2016 • Evaluation Study of the Bike Share Program in Fargo, North Dakota: Executive Summary June 2017, SURTC Research Summer by Ranjit Godavarthy, Jeremy Mattson, and Ali Rahim Taleqani • University of North Dakota Campus Shuttle Study Final Report, Prepared by Small and Rural Transit Center, Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute March 2011
46 Appendix B - Resources
• Transportation, Distance, and Health Care Utilization for older Adults in Rural and Small Urban Areas by Jeremy Mattson for the Small Urban & Rural Transit Center, Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, North Dakota State University, Fargo • Rainbow Rider Transportation Services, Survey For Rainbow Rider Passengers, May 2012 • Wyandotte County Community – Based Transportation Survey • Public Transports Questionnaire- Market Research Survey- Marketest 2018 • BRATS Director and Assistant Director interviews • A transit study of the BRATS ride to Fairhope Arts and Crafts, personal observations by Jennifer Fidler, ESMPO Tech 3/16/2018 • Transit Study to Coordinate a Ride for an Individual, Lower Socio-economic Group, Conducted by Sarah Sislak, ESMPO Coordinator3/15/18 • 2014 Public Transportation Plan for the ESMPA – Not published • Fairhope and Central Annex II County Courthouse employees • Federal Transportation Administration, https://www.transit.dot.gov/ • ‘Riding Public Transportation Becomes an easier choice when cities provide better data’ article. WWW.curbed.com 2017-05-24 by Alissa Walker. • ‘4 Big-Deal Plans for the Future of LA Transit’ article. https://la.curbed.com 2016-03-01 by Elijah Chiland. • Texas Department of Transportation. https://www.txtag.org./en/about/basics_howitworks.shtml • American Public Transportation Association, www.apta.com ; ‘Federal Public Transportation Law’ Chapter 53 of Title 49, United States Code, as amended by MAP-21, The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, Public Law 112-141 • In-house Transit Study including one-on-one interviews with Baldwin County employees; Elizabeth Stowe, Betty Curry. • ESMPO Transit Survey responses from 305 respondents • ESMPO Planning Documents including the Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Concept, February 2015; The UPWP FY 19; and The LRTP
47 Appendix C - Previous Transit Related Studies
FY 2016-2019 Human Services Coordinated Transportation Plan for the Alabama Counties of Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia: Prepared by the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission (SARPC) In cooperation with the Alabama Department of Transportation and the Alabama Association of Regional Councils. The Federal Transportation Authorization Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act or “FAST ACT” requires that specialized transit projects for the elderly, the disabled and people with low incomes be included in a locally developed, coordinated human service transportation plan and that the plan be developed and approved through a process that includes participation by seniors, individuals with disabilities, people with low incomes, and private and nonprofit transportation providers. According to the plan, for transit programs to receive Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding Section 5310 Elderly Persons and Persons with Disabilities, Sections 5316 Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC), and Sections 5317 New Freedom program funds, the projects they propose must be consistent with the strategies and recommendations contained in this document. The plan can be viewed at https://mobilempo.org/Documents/Planning/HSCTP%20for%20SARPC%202017.pdf
Central Baldwin County: Tying Transportation to Economic Success – 2016: The Community Development Transportation Development Lending Services (CDTLS) provided technical assistance to the Central Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, Eastern Shore MPO, and BRATS. There were two goals of the assistance and study. The first was to improve the economic vitality of Central Baldwin County by increasing the amount of shared-ride and /or transit commuting between central Baldwin County origins and Mobile-area destinations. The second was to improve the capacity to move workers through central Baldwin County to and from their employment locations on the Gulf Coast. CDTLS utilized a set of six steps. These steps and results are summarized throughout the document. Three specific Transportation strategies were considered as a result of the assistance. They include improvement of BRATS daily bus service connecting Baldwin County origins to downtown Mobile and Mobile Aeroplex, improve daily service along SR 59 between Bay Minette and South Baldwin County and the establishment of a vanpool program to facilitate the commuting of Mobile County residents to employment destinations in Central Baldwin County. (pg. 3-4) It is, by the author’s review, one of the most informative documents or studies completed and provided regarding transit along the Eastern Shore and Baldwin County and deserves a read. There is much reference in the plan to the Eastern Shore MPO member governments. Following this plan, BRATS implemented a route from Foley to Mobile, a BeachLinc service back to the North and additional routes to Fairhope from Robertsdale. The document can be viewed on the BRATS website and or by clicking: http://baldwincountyal.gov/docs/default-source/brats/brats-publications-downloads/ctaa-technical- assistance.pdf?sfvrsn=dddd620b_2
48 Appendix C: Previous Transit Related Studies
Eastern Shore Metropolitan Planning Organization Bicycle and Pedestrian Concept: The Bicycle and Pedestrian concept was prepared and passed in 2015 as a cooperative effort between the USDOT, FHWA, FTA, ALDOT and the ESMPO. It was to partially fulfill task 6.7 of the FY 14 UPWP and requirements of Title 23 USC 134 and 135 (amended by MAP-21). The vision for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Concept is to improve the quality of life for the citizens liven along the Eastern Shore of Baldwin County while supporting a robust transportation system and economy. The concept focused on cycling and walking as means of transportation (moving people or goods from point A to point B with the aim of accomplishing a specific purpose at point B). It examined the relationship between cyclists and walkers and the average motorist with the an aim of increasing bicycle and pedestrian safety while not hindering the ability of motorist to move through the transportation network. To view the full Concept visit the Eastern Shore MPO website: http://easternshorempo.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/2014-11-21-Final-Bike-Ped-Plan-v21.pdf
BRATS Transit Study 2009: A Transit Study prepared for BRATS, by Skipper Consulting in Birmingham, Alabama. The purpose was to assess the effectiveness of the existing transit system, and to make recommendations that will increase the efficiency of the transit system and increase ridership without significantly effecting cost. There was a ridership survey conducted with 182 respondents. The results concluded: emergency ride homes should be provided for Bay Linc riders; the commuter routes including BayLinc are the most popular routes; and the majority of the ridership was satisfied with the service currently offered by BRATS (pg. 10). Transit improvement strategies included: BRATS driver supervisors should discontinue performing driver duties, administrative staff should be increased to 3 and emergency ride home should be guaranteed for BayLinc and commuter routes. (pg. 14) New stations were recommended and of these suggestions; Fairhope and Foley were built. Several routes were recommended for the Eastern Shore area (pg. 14-15). The study concluded that BRATS was running efficiently, minor adjustments were recommended, (pg. 26). Lastly, a marketing effort advertising BRATS was encouraged. To read the transit study, you may visit the BRATS website http://baldwincountyal.gov/docs/default- source/brats/brats-publications-downloads/brats-transit-study-2009.pdf?sfvrsn=2
49 Appendix C: Previous Transit Related Studies
Eastern Shore Public Transportation Plan, 2008: The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce hired Gresham Smith and Partners, and McDonald Transit Associates, Inc to conduct a Public Transportation Survey in 2008. The Eastern shore Transportation Committee (ESTC) of the Eastern shore Chamber of Commerce Blueprint for Tomorrow oversaw the process and served as the Visionary Advisory Committee for the plan. The project goals were to address mass transit goals and objectives of the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay in order to protect and preserve the quality of life along the Eastern Shore. It includes a description of the study area, review of previous studies, and examination of existing routes; examination of the existing transportation system, current transit need identification by interviewing community members who were political, business, and civic leader stakeholders. There was also a public outreach effort to help identify transit needs. An Identification of travel patterns, congested areas, economic development and safety issues was included. Finally, a peer review and summary of the purpose and need of the transit system – based on the stakeholder consensus, and an analysis of connection with existing routes to surrounding areas. (Eastern Shore Public Transportation Plan) The Plan called for a ‘Crawl, Walk, Run’ plan implementation. To view the full document visit: http://baldwincountyal.gov/docs/default-source/brats/brats-publications-downloads/es-public-transportation- plan.pdf?sfvrsn=2
50 Appendix D: BRATS Transit Stops and Sidewalks with Buffers
51 Appendix E - BRATS FY 19 Budget
52 Appendix F: Public Transit Survey
53 Appendix F: Public Transit Survey
54 Appendix F: Public Transit Survey
55 Appendix F: Public Transit Survey
56 Appendix F: Public Transit Survey
57 Appendix F: Public Transit Survey
58 Appendix F: Public Transit Survey
59 Appendix F: Public Transit Survey
60 Appendix F: Public Transit Survey
61 Appendix F: Public Transit Survey
62 Appendix F: Public Transit Survey
63 Appendix F: Public Transit Survey
64 Appendix K: Public Transit Survey
65 Appendix F: Public Transit Survey
66 Appendix F: Public Transit Survey
67 Appendix F: Public Transit Survey
68 Appendix F: Public Transit Survey
69 Appendix F: Public Transit Survey
70 Appendix F: Public Transit Survey
71 Appendix F: Public Transit Survey
72 Appendix F: Public Transit Survey
73 Appendix F: Public Transit Survey
74 Appendix F: Public Transit Survey
75 Appendix F: Public Transit Survey
76 Appendix F: Public Transit Survey
77 Appendix F: Public Transit Survey
Q16 How would you spend or utilize Federal Transportation funds in Baldwin County?
78 Appendix F: Public Transit Survey
79 Appendix F: Public Transit Survey
80 Appendix F: Public Transit Survey
81 Appendix F: Public Transit Survey
82 Appendix F: Public Transit Survey
83 Appendix G: Interview BRATS Director & Staff
An interview of the BRATS Director and the assistant BRATS Director was conducted. The interviews were conducted separately from each other. The purpose of the interviews was to obtain insight from the employees and the management who actually operate the services on a day-to-day basis. There is a high value placed on the insight, and knowledge of long term employees that have been part of a successful team. questions are noted below with answers from the Director in red and the Assistant Director in Blue. A dashed line indicates that there was not an answer given for that question.
1. Did you fill out a transportation survey? No; Yes Why or why not? I am not a rider, I am more interested in what the people say…; Because its transit related. 2. What is your primary means of transportation? Auto; Car 3. Have you seen the survey results? No; Yes. 4. Did you think the number of walkers were high? Yes What about the number of bikers? Yes, high. The number of bikers were reasonable. ; Yes, I was surprised at that. 5. Do you feel like the current infrastructure is sufficient for bikers and walkers? No, not the whole area. More sidewalks, and more bike lanes are needed. There is a long ways to go on number of roads and highways that have bike lanes. There have been too many deaths on the roadways in our area. No; A bike Lane is needed on Highway 90. 6. In the first week of the survey, our respondents filled out electronic surveys mostly by social media pg.s. During that first week, walking ranked at 14% and they said they used it as their primary means of transportation. Why do you think the number is so high? Respondents most likely lived in the downtown areas and in downtown Fairhope; No idea. 7. How do you think we could encourage more walkers and Bikers, given your background? Increase number of bike lanes, sidewalks and bike racks; bike and trail areas need to be more pleasant and not just concrete; trees, flowers, shaded areas, aesthetically pleasing, and benches would make me walk more. 8. How far do you think someone would walk or bike to a BRATS hub or to a destination for pickup? 3-4 miles for biking, up to a mile for walking; ¼ mile for walkers. ¾ mile for bikers? 9. Would you consider Public Transportation? Yes. Yes. Could it work for you in your job? No. Why would it not work? Timing of what's available to get to work. Nothing goes to Robertsdale from Fairhope on needed time. Why would it work? If the infrastructure was in place, but there is not any work routes in Loxley. 10. What times would you MOST want to use transportation service? Monday through Friday. AM and PM; to and from work. Early morning, late afternoon.
84 Appendix G: Interview BRATS Director & Staff
11. How do you think we could make BRATS more convenient? For riders: offer more routes, but its really not cost effective right now with the current level of participation. App so we can see where the bus is located, call or text notification for arrival. 12. Do you think there is a need for a night time service? No. No, not at this time. 13. How do you feel the survey respondent’s answers lined up with what you already knew? The survey responses have not been shared with me yet. Some expected, some were different than expected. 14. 13% of respondents had not heard of BRATS, 15% said they don’t know how to ride. How do you think we can educate the public more about public transportation? A marketing campaign. Reduce the stigma of public transportation. If we do more public education, maybe it would increase. Continue Marketing. Nobody knows about BRATS until we are needed. Public outreach may be done, but they don’t ‘log’ the information until we are needed. 15. Do you think transit stops should be near shopping areas to be more successful? Absolutely. Yes. 16. Why or Why not? Not if you have too many groceries, but yes, it’s a good idea. Those are normal, high traffic destinations. 17. What could make BRATS more efficient in your opinion? If Demand was up, then we could provide more efficient service. This county is so large and providing services to rural areas is costly. Improved technology could which notifies for passengers of arrival and scheduled time of pick up, improved discount passes which are managed online, as well as scheduling software improvement resulting in better efficiency in each area. 18. Do you think the fare rate is fair for all? Yes, we try and keep it as low as possible for demand response. Yes. 19. Do you see a need to change the current rate? No No, Average with all other transport agencies in the state. 20. What type of feedback from customers do you receive, regarding fare cost? Favorable. No complaints whatsoever. 21. In an average week, how many vehicle trips (count a round trip as two trips) do you take? 30 9-10 22. What days of the week would you most likely travel locally using a transportation service, such as BRATS? Monday through Friday. Monday- Friday. 23. Where would you go? Work Work 24. How far do you live from work? 12 miles 5 miles 25. Given your behind the scenes knowledge about BRATS, how much is a fair cost to pay a transportation service, such as BRATS, each way? Same as what we have, a fee structure based on mileage. What we are doing now. 26. Would you be ok with the current fares if you took BRATS every day for public transportation? Yes Yes.
85 Appendix G: Interview BRATS Director & Staff
27. What would help you transportation wise? Personally, I am not riding so there would not be anything I can think of to help me, individually. What needs do you see that should be considered? A more timely route. Given your position, what needs do you see that the general public has? I feel like we meet the needs of the elderly, and the disable. In my professional position, and depending on the future of transportation; a farebox ticketing, or smartcard mobile ticketing, a canopy as part of the building, a notification system and we need to look at a First time rider program which would help market BRATS. 28. How would you spend or utilize Federal Transportation funds in Baldwin County? Continue how we are doing. With projections that are already place, additional services, transit shelters/stops in Fairhope and Daphne, and transit hub/park I & ride in Spanish Fort & Foley. Future: would be a new transit hub in Bay Minette (better location on main highway). If we are projecting growth: a Spanish Fort Park and Ride area is needed, notification system. 29. Do you think a smaller van or bus would work during portions of the route? Something that does not require a CDL? A few, not many. We do use modified vans on some rural routes. 30. What are your ideas that would increase ridership? Marketing, providing wifi, provide an environment where riders can continue working. Additional partnerships. 31. What do you feel like is the main hindrance for public transportation in Baldwin County? Lack of education about transit. People want security/ control/ independence and people feel like they get that in their own vehicle. Culture. 32. What would it take to have a BRATS app, an electronic sign at each stop or some way to let people know where and when the next bus will be at stop? We do not have fixed routes, so its not relevant at this point. Money. 33. What other metro systems or transportation systems have you visited, rode or utilized in the USA? Atlanta, Washington D.C, New York, Austin, San Antonio, New Orleans, Boston, Detroit, Alaska, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, L.A., Portland. About 14-18 different locations. 34. What did you like about them? What did you find useful? Portland: the various means and modes of public transit; trains, buses, trolleys, and trams. The subways are good in the big cities for getting you to Point A to Point B. Air conditioning specifications and other vehicle specifications. Some of the facilities. 35. What didn’t you like? Encountering unpleasantries with passengers. There were some odd people, some passengers acting ‘crazy’. Some unpleasant smells. None. 36. What transportation systems have you used outside the country? Vancouver, Victoria, British Columbia. None 37. What did you like, or find to be useful? Pleasant, Clean. N/A 38. What did you not like? No. N/A
86 Appendix G: Interview BRATS Director & Staff
39. In the transportation survey, there were many factors that were given as very important, important, somewhat important, or not important. Given your knowledge, how do you rank: •Service from home to work- Important; 10 •Flexibility- Important; 2 •Evening service- somewhat important; -- •Friendly service – very important; 4 •Weekend service - somewhat important; 11 •Guaranteed ride home - somewhat important; 8 •Very few stops – Important; 9 •Cost – Important; 1 •Easy to arrange – Important; 6 •Same day scheduling – Important; 7 •Wheelchair accessible – Important; 5 •Cleanliness – Important; 3 Any other factors that are important, in your opinion, that should be listed? ---; Safety. 40. What do you think would be more convenient for our riders? Multiple things like more timely service but it is not cost effective, who would pay? ----- 41. Do BRATS buses have tracking devices on them or GIS capability? Yes; Yes 42. Do we have more female or male riders typically? A few more females. Not sure. 43. What is the average age of your riders? 55; 60-70 What are your personal goals for BRATS and the public transportation system? Fastest growing county in the state, there are many challenges with congestion, etc. Emphasize the need to educate people about public transit- get ridership up in order to provide more service. Growth of the program with improved flexibility . Anything else that you would like to add? No. -----
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