VMOCC Meeting Packet
MEETING OF THE Valley Metro Operations and Capital Committee
MEETING DATE September 16, 2008
TIME 10:00 a.m.
LOCATION MAG Saguaro Room 302 N. 1st Avenue Suite 200
Regional Public Transportation Authority 302 N. First Avenue, Suite 700, Phoenix, Arizona 85003 602-262-7433, Fax 602-495-0411
September 9, 2008
TO: Members of the Valley Metro Operations and Capital Committee
FROM: Bryan Jungwirth, Chief of Staff
RE: Meeting Notification and Transmittal of Agenda
Valley Metro Operations and Capital Committee (VMOCC) MAG – Saguaro Room 302 N. 1st Avenue, Suite 200 Tuesday, September 16, 2008 10:00 a.m.
Action Recommended
1. Summary Minutes 1. For action
Summary minutes from the August 19, 2008 VMOCC meeting are presented for approval.
2. Farebox Update 2. For information
Nancy Steptoe from the City of Phoenix Public Transit Department will update the VMOCC on the farebox project.
3. Maricopa County Emergency Evacuation Plan 3. For information
Mike DeBennedetto from the City of Phoenix Emergency Management Department, will brief the VMOCC on an emergency evacuation plan for Maricopa County.
4. Management Services Audit Update 4. For information
Jim Wright, Acting Deputy Executive Director of Operations, will provide an update on the Management Services Audit project and the relationship between RPTA, City of Phoenix, and Booz Allen Hamilton in regards to the project.
The supporting information for this agenda can now be found on our website at 1 www.ValleyMetro.org.
5. Valley Metro Advanced Web Consulting and 5. For action Programming Projects Request for Proposals (RFP)
Mario Diaz, Chief Marketing Officer, will request that the VMOCC approve the issuance of a solicitation to provide advanced web consulting and programming services for RPTA and forward this item to the TMC for consideration.
6. Fare Policy Enhancement Program Update 6. For information
Mario Diaz, Chief Marketing Manager, will update the VMOCC on the Fare Policy projects including: 1. Potential Fare Increase and Process 2. Phase II a) Ticketing Program for sports/cultural events b) Large Volume User Discount 3. Phase III a) Free Youth Fare Program b) Smart Cards
7. Valley Metro Transit System Identity Program 7. For information Update
Mario Diaz, Chief Marketing Manager, will update the VMOCC on the Valley Metro Transit System Identity Program.
8. Bus Stop Improvements Program Update 8. For information
Carol Ketcherside, Deputy Executive Director of Planning, will update the VMOCC on the Bus Stop Improvements Program.
9. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Grant Requests Update 9. For information
Carol Ketcherside, Deputy Executive Director of Planning, will provide an update on the BRT Grant Requests.
10. Short Range Transit Planning Study Status 10. For information Report
Carol Ketcherside, Deputy Executive Director of Planning, will provide an update on the Short Range Transit Planning Study Report.
The supporting information for this agenda can now be found on our website at 2 www.ValleyMetro.org.
11. Bus Stop Inventory Request for Proposals (RFP) 11. For information
Reed Caldwell with the City of Phoenix Public Transit Department will provide an update on a Bus Stop Inventory RFP.
12. Future VMOCC Agenda Items 12. For information
Chairman Greg Jordan will request future VMOCC agenda items from the committee members.
13. Member Agency Updates 13. For information
An opportunity will be provided for VMOCC members to provide an update on projects in their jurisdictions.
14. Public Comment 14. For information
An opportunity for general public comment on issues related to Valley Metro RPTA. Up to three (3) minutes will be provided for each speaker.
15. Next Meeting 15. For information
The next meeting of the VMOCC is scheduled for October 21, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at MAG in the Saguaro Room.
To attend this meeting via teleconference, contact Rosalia Lopez for the dial-in information.
Qualified sign language interpreters are available with 72 hours notice. Materials in alternative formats (large print, audio cassette or computer diskette) are available upon request. For further information, please call Nichole Myers, Valley Metro at 602-262- 7433 or TDD at 602-495-0936.
The supporting information for this agenda can now be found on our website at 3 www.ValleyMetro.org.
Regional Public Transportation Authority 302 N. First Avenue, Suite 700, Phoenix, Arizona 85003 602-262-7433, Fax 602-495-0411
Valley Metro Operations and Capital Committee Information Summary
Agenda Item #1
Date September 9, 2008
Subject Summary Minutes
Summary Summary minutes from the August 19, 2008 meeting of the VMOCC are presented for review and approval.
Fiscal Impact None
Considerations None
Prior Committee Action None
Recommendation Approve the summary meeting minutes from the August 19, 2008 meeting of the VMOCC.
Contact Person Bryan Jungwirth Chief of Staff 602-534-1803
Attachments Summary Minutes
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Regional Public Transportation Authority 302 N. First Avenue, Suite 700, Phoenix, Arizona 85003 602-262-7433, Fax 602-495-0411
Summary Minutes Valley Metro Operations and Capital Committee (VMOCC) August 19, 2008 Valley Metro RPTA – 7th Floor Conference Rooms Phoenix, AZ 10:00 a.m.
Members Present Greg Jordan, City of Tempe, Chair Cathy Colbath, City of Glendale, Vice Chair Kristen Taylor, City of Avondale Mike Normand, City of Chandler Ken Maruyama, Town of Gilbert Matt Dudley, City of Glendale Christine McMurdy, City of Goodyear Jodi Sorrell, City of Mesa Reed Caldwell, City of Phoenix Al Villaverde, City of Phoenix Madeline Clemann, City of Scottsdale John Kelley, City of Scottsdale Dave Golder, City of Surprise Arleen Schenck, Maricopa County
Members Not Present City of El Mirage City of Peoria Town of Queen Creek
Chairman Greg Jordan called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m.
1. Summary Minutes
Summary minutes from the June 25, 2008 meeting of the VMOCC were presented for review and approval.
IT WAS MOVED BY AL VILLAVERDE, SECONDED BY CHRISTINE MCMURDY AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE JUNE 25, 2008 MEETING OF THE VMOCC.
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2. Ridership Data Reports Jeff Dolfini from the City of Phoenix Public Transit Department said the Ridership Data Reports are updated through the month of June and July will be updated soon. He said that Sue Waetje from Valley Metro RPTA did the work.
The committee raised questions regarding the methodology of getting the reports from the fareboxes and a quality control plan.
Mr. Dolfini said the fareboxes are working and the data comes from the fareboxes.
Nancy Steptoe from the City of Phoenix Public Transit Department said she is leading the ridership functions and has a team in place, which consists of RPTA, METRO Rail, and City of Tempe. The team is analyzing the data and working with the consultant to verify that reports are working the way they are supposed to.
3. AzTECH Proposal
Scott Miller of HDR/SR Beard gave a presentation to the committee which included:
¾ AZTech System Diagram ¾ AZTech ATIS Concept ¾ Committee Questions: Why are we considering this and why now? Started this project a year ago and will provide advance traveler information. This project is detailed to consider federal grants. What are the benefits to current passengers? The system will give real time data, passenger information, and provide projected travel time for various bus routes. Will project compete with 700 Mhz project for funding? The funding is not allocated in the Transit Life Cycle Program (TLCP). How will system work with existing and future services (LRT and BRT)? What about light rail participation? METRO Rail is postponing until the beginning of next year. What is the timeframe for implementation? Six months to identify the funding source and possibly 1-2 years to implement. ¾ What’s Next $50,000 is necessary to complete a detailed Concept of Operations Plan Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) has invested funds for initial system concept and will provide project management services for the Concept of Operations Plan
Mr. Miller said Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will be the project manager under an agreement with RPTA.
The committee raised questions regarding the amount of resources needed to implement this project and regarding the scope of work having the bus routes in the
3 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) capture all the data. Mr. Miller said the project needs the City of Phoenix in order to get the Vehicle Management System (VMS) and technical support. He said the data is connected to the VMS and to the Regional Archive Data Server (RADS) and every bus route is in the system.
The committee raised questions about this item going to the Board of Directors and about the funding source. Mr. Jungwirth said this item is not required to go to the Board since it is within the limits for the Executive Director to take action. He said the funding source is from Prop. 400 for ITS.
IT WAS MOVED BY AL VILLAVERDE, SECONDED BY JOHN KELLEY AND UNANIMOUSLY AGREED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF $50,000 FROM THE ITS/VMS TECHNOLOGY FUNDS TO COMPLETE THE PLANNING PHASE OF THE STUDY AND FORWARD TO THE TRANSIT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
4. Management Audit Services Recommendation
Jon Medwin, Procurement Manager, gave a brief overview of the Management Services Audit recommendation for a contract with Booz Allen Hamilton. He said eleven firms were solicited and only one responded. Mr. Medwin said it is important to prepare for the Prop. 400 audit.
The committee raised questions regarding conducting the audit internally versus hiring a consultant, and asked about the funding source. Mr. Jungwirth said RPTA doesn’t have the staff or expertise to conduct the audit. Chris Curcio, Deputy Executive Director of Finance, said the funds are coming out of PTF under the Operations Department.
The committee suggested the meeting memos include the funding source for all projects. They requested that this item be tabled and come back to the VMOCC after RPTA meets with Russ Stevens from the City of Phoenix Public Transit Department to determine what, if any, level of assistance he may be able to provide.
5. RFP for an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System for the East Valley Dial-a- Ride Program
Jim Wright, Acting Deputy Executive Director of Operations, said the IVR is funded 80% from the Federal New Freedom Grant and 20% will be funded by the cities of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, and Scottsdale. He said there will be no TLCP impact and RPTA has already received the grant.
IT WAS MOVED BY MIKE NORMAND, SECONDED BY KEN MARUYAMA AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ISSUE A SOLICITATION FOR AN IVR AND WEB ACCESS SYSTEM AND FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE TMC FOR CONSIDERATION.
4 6. Automatic Fuel Management System (FMS) and WEB Access System Procurement
Mr. Wright said the funding for this procurement is through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant which will cover 80% of the cost and the remaining 20% will be covered by the jurisdictions that receive service from routes operated from the Valley Metro East Valley facility. He said installation would begin in the spring of 2009.
Ms. Clemann requested that all memos should have more information like this memo and identify what the problems/issues are that we are trying to solve.
The committee asked questions regarding the type of fuel that would be involved, would there be an increase in fuel efficiency, and the goals for the system. Mr. Wright said it would have all three types of fuel: diesel, CNG, and LNG. He said the system would create better data, pricing, and accuracy of miles per gallon by sub-fleet and fuel expense and utilization.
IT WAS MOVED BY MIKE NORMAND, SECONDED BY MATT DUDLEY AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED TO APPROVE THE ISSUANCE OF AN RFP FOR AN AUTOMATIC FUEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (FMS) AND WEB ACCESS SYSTEM AND FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE TMC FOR CONSIDERATION.
7. Potential Volunteer Driver Mileage Reimbursement Procurement Mr. Wright said the funding for this item is through the Federal New Freedom Grant approved for Chandler and Gilbert. He said this is part of the RideChoice program and Mesa’s mileage reimbursement program is separate for now.
Mr. Dudley asked about the marketing approach for this. Mr. Wright said it is included in the RideChoice outreach. It will start with the dial-a-ride user to get the word out.
Mr. Normand added that these are non-profit agencies and they will carry their own insurance.
IT WAS MOVED BY CHRISTINE MCMURDY, SECONDED BY MADELINE CLEMANN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED TO APPROVE THE ISSUANCE OF AN RFP FOR A PILOT VOLUNTEER DRIVER MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM IN CHANDLER AND GILBERT AND FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE TMC FOR CONSIDERATION.
The committee requested that this item come back to the VMOCC in six to twelve months for an update, along with a presentation.
8. Vanpool Vans Procurement
Gary Roberts, Vanpool Coordinator, said the procurement is for a contract to purchase new vans and the funding source is programmed through Public Transportation Funds (PTF) from Prop. 400, FTA Section 5307 funds, and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Surface Transportation program (STP) funds.
5 Ms. Clemann asked if staff has looked at increasing mileage requirements. Mr. Roberts said the economics is dictating that we do so and there is a shortage of vanpool vans. Currently the FTA requirements are four years or 100,000 miles, and RPTA is looking into keeping vans up to six years.
IT WAS MOVED BY MADELINE CLEMANN, SECONDED BY KRISTEN TAYLOR AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED TO APPROVE THE ISSUANCE OF AN RFP FOR THE PURCHASE OF VANS TO BE USED IN THE REGIONAL VANPOOL PROGRAM AND FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE TMC FOR CONSIDERATION.
9. Phoenix Police Transit Bureau (PTB) Overview
Lt. Adrian Ruiz of the Phoenix Police Transit Bureau (PTB) gave a presentation on the formation and implementation of the PTB, jurisdictional responsibilities, and roles and duties for providing security to the transit system within the City of Phoenix. For further information, she can be reached at 602-534-5887.
This item was presented for information only.
10. Bus Stop Inventory Request for Proposals
Reed Caldwell from the City of Phoenix Public Transit Department provided a memo regarding the City of Phoenix RFP for a Bus Stop Management System. He said the system will track all the bus stops in Microsoft Excel and the information will feed into the VMS. Mr. Caldwell said Trapeze was the only proposer and RPTA is on the panel of judges. He said that Phoenix will take the lead on this project with help from RPTA.
Mr. Jordan asked how to proceed going forward given the regional nature and importance of this project. Mr. Caldwell said Phoenix is getting what they need and will be funding the project. He said they are opening it up to the members for their use.
Scott Wisner, Customer Service Manager, asked if the system will be compatible with the other jurisdictions’ database. Nancy Steptoe, City of Phoenix Public Transit Department, said the database has to upload to VMS and other jurisdictions may have to input the data manually.
Mr. Dudley asked if the bus stop boardings will tie into the database. Mr. Caldwell said that information comes from the fareboxes.
The committee requested this item come back to the VMOCC next month for further information.
This item was presented for information only.
11. Future VMOCC Agenda Items
9 Bus Stop Improvement Workshop 9 Outstanding agenda item requests 9 Management Audit Services Recommendation
6 9 City of Phoenix RFP for Bus Stop Management System
This item was presented for information only.
12. Member Agency Update
Bryan Jungwirth informed the committee that the Regional Paratransit Study Final Report is now available; contact Carol Ketcherside (602-534-0733) for a copy.
Christine McMurdy (City of Goodyear) thanked RPTA staff for their hard work and efforts in making the Goodyear new transit service kick off on July 28th a huge success. She also thanked Jim Wright, Acting Deputy Executive Director of Operations for his rapid responses on all questions and issues regarding operations.
13. Public Comment
None
With no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 12:15 p.m.
7 Regional Public Transportation Authority 302 N. First Avenue, Suite 700, Phoenix, Arizona 85003 602-262-7433, Fax 602-495-0411
Valley Metro Operations and Capital Committee Information Summary
Agenda Item #2
Date September 9, 2008
Subject Farebox Update
Summary Jeff Dolfini with the City of Phoenix Public Transit Department will update the Committee on the farebox project.
Fiscal Impact None
Considerations None
Committee Action Process None
Recommendation None
Contact Person Bryan Jungwirth Chief of Staff 602-534-1803
Attachments None
1 Regional Public Transportation Authority 302 N. First Avenue, Suite 700, Phoenix, Arizona 85003 602-262-7433, Fax 602-495-0411
Valley Metro Operations and Capital Committee Information Summary
Agenda Item #3
Date September 9, 2008
Subject Maricopa County Emergency Evacuation Plan
Summary Mike DeBennedetto from the City of Phoenix Emergency Management Department will brief the VMOCC on an emergency evacuation plan for Maricopa County.
Fiscal Impact None
Considerations None
Committee Action Process None
Recommendation None
Contact Person Bryan Jungwirth Chief of Staff 602-534-1803
Attachments None
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Regional Public Transportation Authority 302 N. First Avenue, Suite 700, Phoenix, Arizona 85003 602-262-7433, Fax 602-495-0411
Valley Metro Operations and Capital Committee Information Summary
Agenda Item #4
Date September 9, 2008
Subject Management Services Audit Update
Summary At the August 19, 2008 VMOCC meeting a recommendation from staff was brought forward to hire Booz Allen Hamilton to perform various management and compliance process evaluations and audits including: Vanpool vehicle procurement; Contractor Administration; Contract Administration; FTA Drug and Alcohol Testing; and other FTA contract related issues.
VMOCC requested staff to re-evaluate the need for a consultant. It was suggested that the City of Phoenix’s FTA Compliance staff may be used in assessing the items originally identified for the consultant. The original scope of work for the Management Audit Services project is attached.
In response to VMOCC’s request, staff has identified areas that will be reviewed internally by RPTA staff and externally through a combination of efforts by either the City of Phoenix FTA Compliance staff or Booz Allen Hamilton staff.
The RPTA internal review will cover: • Triennial and Compliance Review Items • Contractor Management Oversight o Document how contractor oversight is performed o Review oversight procedures, processes and protocols that RPTA undertakes in managing its contractors (Ajo Transit, Veolia, VPSI, and Valu Trans) • Capital Cost of Contracting o Evaluate its use in financing transit operations
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The external review of RPTA will cover: • Reviewing how RPTA performs contractor oversight – evaluate and critique the results of the internal Contractor Management Oversight item described above, including: o Contractor’s FTA compliance responsibilities o Frequency of oversight activities o Comparison to other contracting agencies and how they address contract management o Financial review of RPTA’s contractors to determine if profit margins are within industry norms o Review VPSI contract for preventive maintenance compliance and overhead cost elements • Drug & Alcohol compliance o Drug & Alcohol program review and audit to ensure compliance with FTA D&A regulations for all RPTA contractors o Conduct a 1-day D&A training program for all RPTA contractors
Fiscal Impact In total, the project will require 268 consultant hours. In addition to the consultant hours, staff estimates that the project will require approximately 200 hours of staff time for the City of Phoenix FTA Compliance staff. The fee for the project will not exceed $37,000. The proposed project funds will be transferred from budgeted consultants for Regional Capital Facilities to Operations. This will be funded with Public Transportation Funds (PTF).
Considerations The modified approach to the Management Services Audit project will provide RPTA an opportunity to work closely with the City of Phoenix FTA Compliance staff ensuring a successful triennial review in 2009. In addition, the evaluation performed by Booz Allen Hamilton will provide an independent assessment of RPTA’s contract management and FTA compliance programs.
Prior Committee Action This item was tabled at the August 19 VMOCC meeting.
Recommendation This item is for information only. Based on previous VMOCC discussions, RPTA staff will work with City of Phoenix FTA Compliance staff and Booz Allen Hamilton, for a fee not to exceed $37,000, to perform Management Audit Services.
Contact Person Jon Medwin Contracts & Procurement Manager 602-262-7433
Attachments Operations Scope of Work for Audit Services
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Operations Scope of Work for Audit Services June 2008 RFQ08400013S
Background
In November, 2004, Proposition 400 was approved by the voters of Maricopa County. With this passage comes a substantial increase in the level of accountability and fiscal responsibility on the part of the agencies responsible for its implementation. Valley Metro RPTA is the designated agency responsible and accountable for implementing the transit portion, including light rail, of Proposition 400. Also, with the passage of Proposition 400, the RPTA’s funding was extended through December 2025 and RPTA was legislatively mandated to implement the transit element of the Regional Transportation Plan including bus operating, bus capital and rail capital. With increased funding, RPTA has taken a more prominent role in the delivery of regional transit services. To ensure compliance with Federal regulations and policy, so that we can continue to receive Federal funding, RPTA is seeking the assistance of a consultant to audit certain practices contained herein, as well as to provide recommendations for remaining compliant in the future.
The Regional Public Transportation Authority (RPTA) was established under the laws of the State of Arizona in 1985 along with the passage of a one-half of one percent sales tax increase to fund regional highway and public transportation improvements. RPTA was charged with developing a regional transit plan and developing and operating a regional transit system for Maricopa County.
The RPTA is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of a member of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and the mayors (or their designees) of member municipalities. A municipality may have one elected official serve on the RPTA’s Board of Directors by committing a specified portion of their local transportation assistance funds to local public transportation. There are currently 14 member agencies.
In 1993, the RPTA’s Board of Directors adopted Valley Metro as the identity for the regional transit system. Valley Metro was chosen to give the region’s buses a more recognizable identity and to help unify public transit systems in the County. This step was also taken to heighten public awareness of the system in advance of a regional referendum in 1994.
Although the regional referendum in 1994 failed, funding for public transportation services throughout the region increased through local initiatives to provide revenues for transit. Following the example of Tempe, which passed a local sales tax referendum for transit in 1995, the cities of Phoenix (2000), Glendale (2001) and Mesa (2000) passed initiatives that provide funds for the improvement of transit services within their municipalities.
Phoenix, Tempe and the RPTA operate the majority of bus service and use contractors to manage and staff transit operations. Other cities purchase service from Phoenix, Tempe and the RPTA or directly operate service. Services include local, Express and bus rapid transit (BRT) commuter service; neighborhood and business circulators; and Paratransit service. RPTA also promotes the use of alternative modes of transportation and provides a vanpool service, an online carpool matching service and trip reduction program assistance.
In 2002, Valley Metro Rail, Inc., a nonprofit corporation, was created for the purpose of planning, designing, constructing and operating the 20-mile Central Phoenix/East Valley Light Rail Transit Project. The members of Valley Metro Rail, Inc. include the cities of Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, and Glendale. With the passage of local referenda and Proposition 400, the
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responsibilities of Valley Metro Rail, Inc. have grown to encompass an expanded 57-mile light rail system. RPTA has designated Valley Metro Rail, Inc., as the Lead Agency responsible for implementing the rail segments approved in Proposition 400. Valley Metro Rail, Inc. has adopted the name METRO for the rail service which is scheduled to open its first line a twenty mile line on December 27, 2008.
With the passage of Proposition 400 the RPTA is now a true regional agency with a dedicated funding source through December 2025.
Evaluation Questions
• Please state your experience in performing procurement audits that must comply with FTA policies on transit agency contractors over the last three years. Include at least three reference contacts. Please provide contact information as well as an idea of the size/magnitude of the audit, and the specific areas that were targeted. • What is your time frame for completing a procurement audit on our four (4) operational contractors? • Please state your experience in performing drug and alcohol audits that must comply with FTA policies on transit agency contractors over the last three years. Include at least three reference contacts, including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses. Please provide contact information as well as an idea of the size/magnitude of the audit, and the specific areas that were targeted. How many audit contractors would be involved in the process? • What is your time frame for completing a drug and alcohol program audit on our four (4) operational contractors and on the RPTA program? • The consultant shall prepare a timeline, flow chart, and identify the staff resources required for the above referenced processes. • Consultant shall outline a process for the RPTA to maintain these processes on an annual basis in future fiscal years to ensure compliance with federal regulations and requirements. This process should include a timeline, flow chart, and identify the staff resources that would be required to complete this process.
Vanpool Vehicle Procurement
Consultant shall review the processes and procedures for the preparation, and the administration of RPTA Vanpool van procurement to determine whether all federal regulations and requirements have been followed and achieved. Consultant shall: • identify all FTA policies and guidelines that RPTA is required to meet; and • provide a process for the RPTA to evaluate future vanpool van procurement strategies; and • recommend a detailed plan that would outline appropriate oversight and administration of RPTA’s contract with VPSI for the administration of vanpool service specifically related to vehicle maintenance, monitoring new vehicle warranties that RPTA procures, and overall compliance with vehicle maintenance practices to ensure that the vendor complies with all federal requirements.
Contractor Oversight
Consultant shall review the administrative oversight, practices, procedures, and protocol that RPTA currently undertakes in the administration of contracts for provision of fixed route and paratransit services with the following providers, Veolia and ValuTrans. The consultant shall evaluate the above referenced
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contracts and current RPTA practices to ensure that they meet federal regulations and requirements. This shall include: • identifying all FTA policies and guidelines that RPTA is required to meet • auditing of procurement of services and parts including any third party contractual agreements associated with these procurements by contractors; • fleet and facilities maintenance plans and procedures; • drug and alcohol testing compliance; and • ADA compliance
Contract Administration
The successful consultant shall analyze the following issues as they pertain to contract administration: • Identify the requirements that RPTA must follow to be in compliance with FTA policy regarding contract administration of our contractors, particularly those contractors that expend funds on RPTA’s behalf. • What frequency should “process audits” follow? • What is the recourse for non-compliance with RPTA/FTA policy for a contractor who has violated these policies? • What dollar thresholds should be scrutinized to ensure FTA procurement policy is adhered to by a contractor, and what sample size is appropriate? • How do other transit agencies address contract administration/procurement audit issues with their contractors? • If selected, what action plan would be performed for this procurement audit on RPTA operation contracts? There are four operations contracts currently in effect with Veolia, Valu Trans, VPSI, and Ajo Transit. • Contractor is to conduct a financial review of each contract to determine if profit margins are within industry standards or norms. • Determine the accuracy of payment computation to RPTA with contracts that have a RPTA revenue component. • Consultant to review administrative services contract for VPSI, including: Preventive maintenance Profit Overhead Revenue Sharing
Drug and Alcohol Testing
• Since RPTA uses Federal funds, we must ensure compliance with the FTA Drug and Alcohol policy. The successful consultant is requested to perform on both employees and contract employees a Drug and Alcohol audit to ensure compliance with FTA. What would be your plan of action, if selected, to perform this drug and alcohol audit on RPTA operations contracts and RPTA itself? There are four operations contracts currently in effect as stated previously.
Other Issues
• Evaluate the capital cost of contracting and when it is appropriate to use this methodology.
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Pricing
The price to address the entire scope herein is based on current RPTA contract pricing which is
$______per hour for (position or title)______@_____hours $______per hour for (position or title)______@_____hours $______per hour for (position or title)______@_____hours $______per hour for (position or title)______@_____hours $______per hour for (position or title)______@_____hours_
The total price for this project is not to exceed $______.
It is understood and agreed that a final report is due to RPTA no later than November 1, 2008.
RESPONSES ARE TO BE SUBMITTED TO RPTA PRIOR TO 2:00 PM ON TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2008.
PROPOSERS ARE TO LIMIT THEIR RESPONSES TO NO MORE THAN 15 PAGES
RPTA reserves the right to make an award for this project that is in the best interests of the agency and in accordance with the terms and conditions of RFP 0640008S, Public Transportation Planning Services and corresponding contracts, as applicable.
The terms and conditions of RFP 0640008S, Public Transportation Planning Services and corresponding contracts are incorporated by reference.
Submitted by: (print)______
Signature______
Company______
Date______
Telephone Number______
E-Mail address______
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Regional Public Transportation Authority 302 N. First Avenue, Suite 700, Phoenix, Arizona 85003 602-262-7433, Fax 602-495-0411
Valley Metro Operations and Capital Committee Information Summary
Agenda Item #5
Date September 9, 2008
Subject Valley Metro Advanced Web Consulting and Programming Projects Request for Proposals (RFP)
Summary Valley Metro RPTA plans to implement a number of advanced web consulting and programming projects that will run on ValleyMetro.org. The goal is to streamline this process by implementing “master programming agreements” with a number of vendors. This will ensure timely delivery of projects and reduce the need to quote each smaller job individually. Having a multiple award will allow RPTA to benefit from specific expertise and specialties of the web programming community and at the same time insure that no one vendor is taking on too much work, and also that deadlines are consistently met.
Fiscal Impact The estimated value of the contract is up to $200,000. The proposed project funds are included in the RPTA Marketing Regional Services Website Development budget, which is funded with Public Transportation Funds (PTF).
Considerations An RFP for advanced web consulting and programming services would likely generate 5-10 proposals from web consultants. Projects under consideration include: implementing an improved system for publishing bus route schedules and maps; expanding e-commerce functionality; adding the ability for users to customize the site to include their personal informational needs; pushing real-time bus route information and detours to web, email, text message and cell phone subscribers; producing how-to-ride videos; upgrading the trip planner; and other projects. Over one million pages are viewed at ValleyMetro.org on a monthly basis. A contract of this nature will allow ValleyMetro.org information to more efficiently provide the information our users need.
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Committee Action Process VMOCC – September 16, 2008 TMC – November 5, 2008 Board – November 20, 2008 Issue RFP – November 21, 2008 Proposals Due - December 22, 2008 VMOCC considers contract award - January 20, 2009 TMC considers contract award - February 4, 2009 Board considers contract award - February 19, 2009
Recommendation It is recommended that the VMOCC approve the request to issue a solicitation to provide advanced web consulting and programming services for RPTA as described in this memo and forward this item to the TMC for consideration.
Contact Person Mario Diaz, Chief Marketing Officer Mike Brady, Web Developer 602-262-7433
Attachments None
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Regional Public Transportation Authority 302 N. First Avenue, Suite 700, Phoenix, Arizona 85003 602-262-7433, Fax 602-495-0411
Valley Metro Operations and Capital Committee Information Summary
Agenda Item #6
Date September 9, 2008
Subject Fare Policy Enhancement Program Update (Phase II)
Summary In 2007, Valley Metro conducted a fare policy study which resulted in a recommended fare structure that was adopted by the City of Phoenix and the RPTA. The new fare structure was implemented in December 2007. With the launch of light rail and the expansion of many bus routes and new Bus Rapid Transit service, RPTA is launching a study to consider fare policy enhancements in anticipation of the introduction of light rail and additional bus service in 2008 and 2009.
The new rail service presents opportunities to consider fare policies to attract additional riders to both bus and rail while providing benefits for Valley Metro and METRO light rail operations. Valley Metro/RPTA’s purpose in undertaking this study is to evaluate and recommend fare policies (including pricing) to encourage transit use by developing: A discount policy for large volume users (e.g., universities/colleges/technical schools, and employers) A ticketing program for major sports/cultural events along the rail line.
Booz Allen Hamilton has been contracted to work with Valley Metro to identify and recommend fare policies that achieve these objectives. This proposal provides Booz Allen’s proposed scope of work, staffing, schedule and budget.
Fiscal Impact The investment to conduct the study by Booz Allen Hamilton is $49,999 which is to be paid equally by METRO and RPTA. The RPTA budgeted funds will be transferred from the remaining consultant funds for the financial system to Regional Marketing. This will be funded with Regional Area Road Funds (RARF).
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The implementation of the fare policy enhancements would have significant positive revenue impacts due to new ridership opportunities which should result in increased fare revenues to the transit system.
Considerations Booz Allen & Hamilton is a RPTA approved vendor from the on-call consulting list. They are uniquely qualified to conduct this study due to their intimate familiarity and creation of the regional fare model. Soliciting new proposals from other on-call consultants would lengthen an already aggressive timeline to receive the study findings prior to October 30, 2008. This coupled with the learning curve of a different firm, and the added expense for model inputs, positions Booz Allen Hamilton as the most appropriate consulting firm to conduct the study.
The study must be completed prior to October 30, 2008 to receive committee and Board approvals for implementation near the start-up of light rail and new bus services in December.
Prior Committee Action A proposal was submitted by Booz Allen Hamilton and was distributed to member agencies along the light rail alignment for input. This includes Mesa, Phoenix, Tempe, and METRO. Input was received and the proposal has been revised accordingly.
VMOCC tabled the original proposal on June 25, 2008
Recommendation This item is for information only. The Executive Director has executed a contract with Booz Allen Hamilton to implement the Fare Policy enhancements at a cost not to exceed $49,999.
Contact Person Mario Diaz Chief Marketing Officer 602-534-7391
Attachments Booz Allen Hamilton proposal to provide fare policy support PowerPoint Presentation
2
Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. Suite 3300 101 California Street San Francisco, CA 94111
Tel 1-415-391-1900 Fax 1-415-627-4283
www.boozallen.com
August 11, 2008
Mr. Mario Diaz Chief Marketing Officer Valley Metro / RPTA 302 North First Avenue, Suite 640 Phoenix AZ 85003
Subject: Proposal to Provide Fare Policy Support
Dear Mr. Diaz:
Booz Allen Hamilton is pleased to submit this proposal to provide fare policy consulting services for Valley Metro bus and METRO light rail services. The new rail service presents opportunities to consider fare policies to attract additional riders to both bus and rail while providing benefits for Valley Metro and METRO light rail operations. Valley Metro/RPTA’s purpose in undertaking this study is to evaluate and recommend fare policies (including pricing) to encourage transit use by developing:
• A discount policy for large volume users (e.g., universities/colleges/technical schools, employers) • A ticketing program for major sports/cultural events along the rail line.
Booz Allen proposes to work with Valley Metro to identify and recommend fare policies that achieve these objectives. This proposal provides Booz Allen’s proposed scope of work, staffing, schedule and budget.
Booz Allen provides fare policy support to transit agencies throughout the U.S. and supported the Valley Metro fare study that resulted in the fare policies that were implemented last December. Booz Allen also works with transit agencies to develop and implement fare collection strategies and assisted the City of Phoenix in 2004 in developing the business plan that led to the new fare collection equipment. Our firm is an industry leader in developing innovative approaches to address clients’ fare system needs and objectives. The project team proposed here has provided fare policy support for multi-modal transit agencies in cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Chicago, Miami, Cleveland, San Jose and Newark.
1 August 11, 2008 SCOPE OF WORK
This section discusses Booz Allen’s approach to the three tasks that comprise the development of fare policy recommendations to meet Valley Metro’s objectives.
Task 1 – Initiate Project
Activities included in this task include a kick-off meeting and refinement of the project timeline and objectives.
Booz Allen will meet by telephone with the Valley Metro/RPTA project manager and a point of contact from METRO light rail to review the project tasks and schedule, identify desired outcomes, goals and objectives, and initiate discussion of possible strategies. Following the meeting, we will provide a final version of the work program and schedule.
Deliverables: Kick-off meeting and final work program and schedule.
Task 2 – Define Alternatives
This task will result in the identification of fare policies for further analysis in Task 3.
Peer Benchmarking – Booz Allen will work with the Valley Metro project manager and the METRO light rail contact to identify up to five peer transit agencies who have ticketing policies for major events. Booz Allen previously conducted analyses and provided peer reviews for Valley Metro on university and employer passes and that work will be reviewed and updated. The peer information will assist in identifying alternative fare policies for Valley Metro.
Data Collection – Data collected in this task will be used to recalibrate the FARES model that Booz Allen uses to evaluate ridership and revenue impacts of alternative fare policies, and the model that was developed and used to evaluate alternative pricing strategies for the ASU pass. We will look to Valley Metro/RPTA for the following: • 2008 bus ridership and fare revenue data, including travel patterns (e.g., linked and unlinked trips, origin/destination patterns, travel frequency, and travel by time of day and day of week), fare revenues by fare type, ridership by fare type and rider category, pass sales and if available, elasticities calculated following the last fare change; • Data on current sales and use of the ASU pass; • Regional economic and demographic trends and forecasts from MAG; and • Updates to METRO light rail ridership and revenue assumptions, to recalibrate the rail portion of the FARES model.
Additional data requirements will include ticket sales, attendance and (to the extent available) origin/destination patterns for ASU and professional (e.g., Diamond Backs, Suns) sports and cultural events along the rail alignment. Booz Allen will work with Valley Metro and METRO light rail staff to identify data sources and collect the information.
We will summarize the peer review and suggest possible fare policies to achieve study objectives. Following delivery of the report, we will meet with the Valley Metro project
2 August 11, 2008 manager, the METRO light rail contact and the Fare Policy Committee to review the findings, confirm study objectives, and agree on fare policies for evaluation in the next task.
Deliverables: Report in Powerpoint format summarizing results of peer review and outlining potential fare policies. Meeting and discussion with Valley Metro project manager, METRO light rail contact and Fare Policy Committee on peer review and fare policies for further analysis.
Task 3 – Evaluate and Recommend Fare Policy Alternatives
This task will include the evaluation of alternative fare policies designed to achieve the study objectives defined in Task 1.
Our approach to the evaluation process is iterative. We will work with the Valley Metro project manager and the METRO light rail contact at the conclusion of Task 2 to clarify the parameters for alternatives for modeling and further analysis, so that as many as five policy and pricing alternatives can be evaluated for each program (i.e., ticketing programs and volume user discounts). The evaluation process will include model runs to estimate ridership and revenue for pass/ticketing and pricing strategies as well as assessments against fare study goals and objectives, providing pros and cons of each alternative or strategy.
Once the initial analysis is complete, we will provide a summary of the results and meet by telephone with the Valley Metro project manager, the METRO light rail contact and the Fare Policy Committee to discuss the preliminary results and narrow or re-define the alternatives prior to finalizing the results (e.g., to reflect the results of on-going negotiations with ASU and the sports teams). When the evaluation is complete, Booz Allen will provide a report summarizing the alternatives and meet again by telephone with the Valley Metro project manager and the METRO light rail contact to review and discuss the results and recommend policies that best meet study objectives. The results of this discussion will be reflected in the final report.
During this task, Booz Allen will also be available to meet with the Transit Management Advisory Committee by telephone to discuss policy recommendations.
Deliverables: Report in Powerpoint format summarizing evaluation results and recommendations. Presentation and discussion of results and recommendations with the Transit Management Advisory Committee.
PROPOSED STAFF
Booz Allen's proposed team offers substantial experience in planning and evaluating fare policies and strategies related to smart card implementations. Our proposed team for this assignment includes Cyndy Pollan, who will have overall technical project management responsibility and will act as the point of contact for the Valley Metro/RPTA Project Manager, and Mark Chang, an Associate with Booz Allen who will support the definition and evaluation of alternatives, including modeling to estimate the ridership and revenue impacts. Mr. Chang provided similar support for the 2004 City of Phoenix fare study that led to recently-introduced fare strategy and policies. Resumes for proposed staff are provided as an attachment to this proposal.
3 August 11, 2008 PROJECT SCHEDULE
The Booz Allen staff proposed here are available upon notice to proceed to conduct the tasks described here in support of Valley Metro’s fare strategies and policies. Assuming notice to proceed early in August 2008, we anticipate completing the tasks described in this proposal by the end of October 2008, as shown in Exhibit 1. This schedule assumes that Valley Metro/RPTA is successful in negotiating agreements with ASU, the Phoenix Suns and the Diamond Backs in the September/early October timeframe.
Exhibit 1 – Proposed Schedule
August September October TASK 4 1118251 8 1522296 132027
Notice to Proceed
Project Management
1. Initiate Project Kick-off Meeting Refine Work Program, Timeline
2 Define Alternatives Peer Review Data Coillection Study Goals & Objectives Meeting
3 Evaluate and Recommend Alternatives Preliminary / Final Results Meetings (telephone) Final Report Presentation (Transit Management Advisory Committee)
Notice to Proceed Deliverable Meeting
PROJECT BUDGET
We propose to perform the scope of work through our existing Public Transportation Planning Services contract with Valley Metro/RPTA, under a time and materials task order for a not-to- exceed amount of $49,999, as shown in Exhibit 2.
4 August 11, 2008 Exhibit 2 – Project Budget Travel/ Other Cyndy Mark Support Total Labor Direct Pollan Chang Staff Hours Cost Costs Total Cost Labor Rates$ 228.67 $ 160.07 $ 106.71 Tasks 1 Initiate Project 8 10 18 $3,430 $0 $3,430 2 Define Alternatives 44 80 124 $22,867 $1,475 $24,342 3 Evaluate/Recomend Alternatives 44 74 3 121 $22,227 $0 $22,227 Total 96 164 3 263 $48,524 $1,475 $49,999
The budget shown in Exhibit 2 assumes that Booz Allen staff would not participate in negotiations with Valley Metro’s partners (i.e., ASU, the Phoenix Suns, the Diamond Backs, etc.). Should Booz Allen be asked to participate in these discussions, Valley Metro/RPTA would be billed for actual costs incurred at the following rates:
Cyndy Mark Pollan Chang Hourly rate$ 228.67 $ 160.07 Travel (with overnight stay)$ 794 $ 681 Travel (without overnight stay)$ 622 $ 509
At these rates, the cost of a one-day trip would be approximately $2,450 for Ms. Pollan and $1,790 for Mr. Chang.
GENERAL ASSUMPTIONS
All findings, conclusions, and recommendations will represent our best judgment based on the information available.
Our proposal is based on the following assumptions:
1) Valley Metro/RPTA will identify a Project Manager to be the primary point of contact for the Booz Allen task leader and project team.
2) Valley Metro/RPTA will facilitate the performance of the work identified in this proposal by making staff available and scheduling and coordinating meetings as required.
3) Valley Metro/RPTA will provide the data required to perform the market segment analyses. Booz Allen staff will not participate in any field data collection efforts.
4) Booz Allen will recalibrate the FARES model to and use it to estimate the ridership and revenue impacts of up to five policy and pricing alternatives for each program (i.e., ticketing programs and volume user discounts).
5) Support for negotiations with ASU and the sports teams is limited to evaluation of alternative fare products and prices. Should additional support for the discussions be requested that cannot be accomplished under the scope of work and budget proposed here, Booz Allen will provide an estimate of the time and cost to provide that support, based on the information provided above in the Project Budget.
5 August 11, 2008 6) At the conclusion of the study, Booz Allen will provide a final report and a presentation by telephone to the Transit Management Advisory Committee.
7) Acceptance by Booz Allen to perform the work represented by this proposal does not limit or preclude Booz Allen from bidding on or performing follow-on work associated with these tasks.
8) No equipment purchases are planned in support of this project.
9) Booz Allen will invoice Valley Metro/RPTA for actual costs incurred at the end of each month. Payment is due within 15 days. Honest differences of professional opinion shall not be cause to withhold payment.
* * * * * *
We look forward to working with Valley Metro/RPTA on this assignment. Should any questions arise regarding our proposal, please do not hesitate to contact our proposed project manager, Cyndy Pollan at (206) 652-3043.
Sincerely,
Gary Schulman BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC. Vice President
Attachment
6 August 11, 2008
Cyndy Pollan SUMMARY: PROJECT ROLE:
Project Manager Ms. Pollan has thirty years of transportation industry and consulting experience, focusing on transportation program management, operating RELEVANT performance monitoring and evaluation, fare systems, and budgeting and EXPERIENCE: grants management. ♦ Project Management ♦ Regional Fare PROJECT EXPERIENCE: Integration Strategy ♦ Fare Policy Design Booz Allen Hamilton, Seattle, WA and Implementation May 1991–Present, Associate ♦ Fare Policy / Technology Interface Ms. Pollan works with transit agencies to develop new fare strategies, policies and structures and support their implementation through available YEARS OF or planned fare technologies. Some recent examples follow: EXPERIENCE: 30 Valley Metro/RPTA (Phoenix) – Ms. Pollan is recently worked with RPTA EDUCATION: and its member jurisdictions to revise the Valley Metro fare structure in MBA, Finance anticipation of the implementation of new fare collection equipment, Temple University, including smart cards, and the introduction of light rail services. The Philadelphia, PA recommended fare structure achieves long-standing objectives, including the simplification of the fare structure, elimination of transfers, and the MA, Library Science introduction of day passes and other period passes. Ms. Pollan also University of Chicago, developed a model to assist in the assessment of alternative UPass Chicago, IL programs and worked with light rail staff to explain the implications of a university-based smart card for queuing at light rail stations. BA, History/Political Science City of Phoenix – Ms. Pollan led the development of the fare policy Macalester College, strategic business plan that laid the groundwork for the regional, smart St. Paul, MN card-based fare collection system that is currently being implemented on Valley Metro buses and will be implemented on Valley MetroRail when operations begin in late 2008. The business plan also provided the
foundation for the recent introduction of new fare products (including the
day pass and weekly pass) and the elimination of transfers and little-used fare products.
Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) – Ms. Pollan worked with PATH to develop fare policies that will support the successful implementation of the agency’s smart card. The project is complex, since it will also accommodate New York’s magnetic MetroCard and will therefore need to accommodate NYCT’s fare policies. In addition to reconsidering the existing fare policy, opportunities are being considered to use fare policies and smart card capabilities to improve service quality and attract ridership by providing for load balancing over the course of the service day. A range of fare policies were evaluated and modeled to estimate potential ridership and revenue impacts.
Northeastern Illinois Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) – Ms. Pollan worked with the RTA to explore opportunities to enhance fare policy and technology coordination regionally, by defining areas of common interest among the Chicago-area agency’s three service boards (CTA, Metra, Pace). The study assessed current fare policies and technologies, to determine how they can be improved to facilitate inter- operator trips. This analysis was informed by the objectives of peer transit agencies in other multi-operator, multi-modal regions as they introduced fare policies and technologies to coordinate fare structures, fare media, fare payment and fare collection, including a discussion of the benefits
7 August 11, 2008 targeted and/or realized in pursuing fare coordination. Ms. Pollan subsequently worked with RTA to evaluate alternative pricing structures for a regional monthly pass that could be accepted by all three service boards.
San Francisco Metropolitan Transportation Agency (SFMTA) – Ms. Pollan assisted SFMTA in developing fare collection strategies and policies to support the agency’s full scale roll out of the regional TransLink® smart card. Alternatives include introduction of rear door boarding and proof of payment on buses, elimination of transfers and introduction of day passes on disposable smart cards, and other policies designed to improve TransLink® penetration. Ms. Pollan is currently working with SFMTA, the participants in the TransLink® program and the Bay Area ferries to develop and build consensus for an integrated regional TransLink® -based fare product.
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) – Ms. Pollan recently worked with VTA to adjust their fare structure to target markets that declined with recent fare increases and to define fare policies for Community Bus services that will be implemented over the coming year. The overriding agency goal is to increase ridership. Because the potential for local communities to buy down Community Bus fares is limited, the analysis was particularly dependent on understanding current riders and ridership and fare payment patterns to assess the potential for maximizing ridership as fares are introduced on a service that was previously free. Ms. Pollan previously led fare restructuring studies on two occasions for VTA.
Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT) – Ms. Pollan worked with RT to design a fare structure that will generate additional revenue and improve farebox recovery, while addressing concerns about equity, simplification, inter-operator agreements, special fare agreements with employers and universities, parking charges, and future implementation of new technologies. The recommended fare structure would eliminate transfers, create floating zones on light rail and service-based fares specific to bus routes, eliminate little-used media, and re-price pass products. Projected revenues would meet target levels from the financial forecast, and ridership is projected to continue to grow. Study recommendations also included strategies for using electronic payment technologies for parking and to facilitate and manage the revenues associated with inter-operator travel.
Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (Caltrain) – Ms. Pollan led Caltrain's 2003 fare study, which had an overall goal of implementing a distance-based, market-oriented fare structure as it converted to proof of payment. The study's success was measured in terms of maximizing ridership and revenue, developing a fare structure that is easily understood and promotes regional fare integration, reducing fare abuse and evasion, minimizing fare collection costs, supporting proof-of-payment implementation and the TVM program, and facilitating introduction of TransLink, the Bay Area's regional smart card.
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) – Ms. Pollan reviewed aspects of GCRTA's fare structure, including transfer policies, pricing for circulator services, and fares for special rider groups. As a result of the study, GCRTA eliminated transfers and introduced a highly successful day pass, increased circulator fares to recover a larger share of the costs of those services, simplified the fare structure by eliminating little-used fare media, and introduced rolling period passes.
Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) – Ms. Pollan worked with the SCRRA before start-up to develop the fare strategy and design a viable fare structure for a barrier-free, proof-of-payment environment and compatible with ticket vending equipment. The Authority uses methodologies developed by Booz Allen that rely on TVM ticket sales data to estimate ridership and passenger miles for NTD reporting. Since they were first introduced, Ms. Pollan has completed two reviews of the applications to ensure that they remain statistically valid as SCRRA's fare structure and ridership patterns evolve.
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) – Ms. Pollan supported WMATA with the simplification and integration of the agency’s fare structure. While the study focused on the simplification of fares for the bus system, it also included policy and technological solutions to achieve integration between WMATA's bus and rail systems and among all transit operators in the region. Solutions included a regional day pass and elimination of bus transfers. The study set the foundation for the procurement of smart card equipment that has enabled transfers both to and from the MetroRail system.
8 August 11, 2008
Mark Chang
RELEVANT SUMMARY: EXPERIENCE: Mr. Chang has nine years of professional experience in fare policy and ♦ Fare System technology, transit planning and operations, multimodal alternatives Strategies evaluation, and transportation economics. ♦ Evaluation of Alternative Fare PROJECT EXPERIENCE: Policies Booz Allen Hamilton, San Francisco, CA YEARS OF December 2007–Present, Associate EXPERIENCE: 9 July 1999–September 2005, Associate EDUCATION: MS, Transportation City of Phoenix, Fare Policy Strategic Business Plan – Mr. Chang was Massachusetts Institute part of the Booz Allen team that developed a comprehensive fare strategy of Technology, 1999 for the multiple transit operators that provide service in the Phoenix region. Mr. Chang contributed to several sections of a needs assessment BS, Civil Engineering that summarized results from a review of the current fare system, a University of market segmentation analysis, and a peer review of the fare policies used California at Berkeley, by other transit agencies. Mr. Chang was also the primary analyst for the 1997 evaluation and refinement of several fare structure alternatives. He applied a detailed fare model to determine the ridership and fare revenue impacts associated with fare policy changes.
City of Phoenix, Transit System Efficiency Study – Mr. Chang was a key team member for a comprehensive study to improve transit services in the Phoenix metropolitan area. He analyzed extensive existing conditions data pertaining to demographic patterns, service frequencies, route-level passenger boardings, and transfer volumes. Based on the results of this analysis, Mr. Chang described several options to strengthen service including adding new routes in underserved markets, reducing service headways on core routes, adjusting route alignments, and establishing new circulator services. He wrote major sections of deliverables that documented the methodologies, findings, and recommendations.
Arizona Governor's Transportation Vision 21 Task Force, Needs Consultant - Mr. Chang worked closely on a study to define and address the State of Arizona’s future transportation needs, on behalf of the Arizona Governor’s Vision 21 Task Force. Mr. Chang reviewed project descriptions and costs from existing planning and programming documents in Arizona and populated a comprehensive statewide database of transportation needs. He analyzed the costs of these projects by type and by timeframe, and worked with the Task Force to build a twenty-year transportation plan categorized by region and mode.
TransLink® Consortium, Integrated Fare Study – Mr. Chang is currently a key team member for a study to develop an integrated fare program in the San Francisco Bay Area for transit riders who make long-distance regional trips, particularly riders who make transfers between multiple operators. Mr. Chang is assisting in the analysis of existing inter-operator fare agreements and regional hubs where many inter-operator transfers occur. He will then help develop regional fare policy alternatives, model the ridership and fare revenue implications of those alternatives, and work with the TransLink® Consortium to develop recommendations. As part of this study, Mr. Chang is thoroughly reviewing the fare structures of every transit operator in the Bay Area and analyzing detailed ridership and fare revenue data on a service-specific basis.
9 August 11, 2008
Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), Los Angeles County Funding Analysis – Mr. Chang was the Project Manager for a detailed analysis of fare, service and funding alternatives to increase transit funds countywide on behalf of Los Angeles Metro. The fare alternatives focused on improving consistency between the fare structures and fare change timing of multiple operators. The service alternatives focused on shifting service provision among different providers. The funding alternatives included aligning transit funds more closely with supply and demand variables. Mr. Chang worked directly with the client to develop a range of options, discuss study findings, and write deliverables. He presented findings to the General Managers of several transit agencies.
Fare Policy and Technology Studies – Mr. Chang was a key team member in several other fare policy and technology studies over the past few years, with each study tailored to the particular agency’s fare policy objectives, operating environment, and technology capabilities: California: Santa Clara VTA, Sacramento RT, Omnitrans in San Bernardino, Riverside Transit Agency, Caltrain in San Francisco Bay Area Other States: Sound Transit in Seattle, Pace in Chicago region, Greater Cleveland RTA, Triangle Transit Authority in North Carolina, PATH in New Jersey, Kansas City ATA, Tri-Rail in South Florida
Mr. Chang has also supported major smart card technology procurements: TransLink® on behalf of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and the Universal Fare System on behalf of Los Angeles Metro. He analyzed ridership, fare revenue, and customer demographic information and developed fare coordination recommendations for the Universal Fare System Business Plan. Mr. Chang developed a draft of ticket vending machine screen flow diagrams for the TransLink® project and worked closely with MTC and other team members.
Cambridge Systematics, Oakland, CA September 2005–November 2007, Associate
Arizona Department of Transportation, Rural Transit Needs Study – For the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), Mr. Chang was the Project Manager for a study that involves developing solutions for transit service provision in the rural areas of Arizona. The study was conducted in three phases: Existing Conditions and Future Forecasts; Transit Demand and Need Estimates; and Alternatives Evaluation and Strategic Plan. Mr. Chang worked closely with ADOT to review relevant statewide trends and documents, identify gaps in current service provision, and develop tailored recommendations to address those gaps. He also participated in several public outreach meetings to discuss specific local community needs and obtain feedback on proposed service strategies. The final report provided an objective, analytical basis for establishing the long-term strategic direction of rural transit service provision in Arizona.
10 August 11, 2008 Fare Policy Enhancement Program Update Valley Metro Operations & Capital Committee September 16, 2008
Study Goal and Objectives Study goal: recommend fare policies to encourage transit use
Study objectives are to develop: – A discount policy for large volume users, including: Universities, colleges, technical schools and Employers – A ticketing program for major sports/cultural events along the rail line ASU, Suns, Diamondbacks, and Others
1
1 Study Tasks Task 1: Initiate project Deliverable: Work program and schedule Task 2: Define alternatives – Peer benchmarks – Data collection – Update FARES model – Identify fare policy alternatives – Select alternatives for evaluation (Fare Policy Committee) Deliverable: Summary of task findings and results Task 3: Evaluate and recommend fare policy alternatives – Evaluate fare policy alternatives – Review results with Fare Policy Committee – Finalize alternatives and modeling results – Review results with Valley Metro and METRO light rail committees Deliverable: Initial and final fare policy recommendations 2
Data collection
Current fixed route fare structure Pass sales/distribution and use for and pricing identified pass and special fare programs: Current fare policies – Employer (Bus Car Plus, Farebox recovery requirements Internal Outlet Program) Operating costs (FY08-FY13) – University/college (ASU) Ridership by service type, rider type Regional population growth and fare category (FY08, FY09 YTD) projections (FY08-FY13) Fare revenue by service type, rider Regional employment growth type and fare category (FY08, FY09 projections (FY08-FY13) YTD) Applicable elasticities Pass sales by month (FY08, FY09 Event ticket sales, attendance, O/D YTD) patterns (ASU, D’backs, Suns)
FY06 Valley Metro data were provided by Paul Hodgins
3
2 Peer Agencies
Fare Program Peers (1) Universities/colleges/technical schools Univ of Minnesota / Metro Transit Univ of Washington / King County Metro University of Colorado / RTD UCLA / LA Metro, Santa Monica BBB Univ of Utah / UTA Employers RTD (Denver) UTA (Salt Lake City) King County Metro (Seattle) SCVTA (San Jose) Sport/cultural venues Suggestions: RTD (Denver) UTA (Salt Lake City) MTS (San Diego) Tri-Met (Portland) DART (Dallas) MARTA (Atlanta)
(1) University and employer peers are from the 2006 fare study 4
Project Schedule
August September October TASK 4 1118251 8 1522296 132027
Notice to Proceed
Project Management
1. Initiate Project Kick-off Meeting Refine Work Program, Timeline
2 Define Alternatives Peer Review Data Coillection Study Goals & Objectives Meeting
3 Evaluate and Recommend Alternatives Preliminary / Final Results Meetings (telephone) Final Report Presentation (Transit Management Advisory Committee)
Notice to Proceed Deliverable 5 Meeting
3 Regional Public Transportation Authority 302 N. First Avenue, Suite 700, Phoenix, Arizona 85003 602-262-7433, Fax 602-495-0411
Valley Metro Operations and Capital Committee Information Summary
Agenda Item #7
Date September 9, 2008
Subject Valley Metro Transit System Identity Program Update
Summary Mario Diaz, Chief Marketing Officer, will brief the VMOCC on the Valley Metro Transit System Identity Program Board suggested action items.
The program was presented to the Board on June 19, 2008. The Board approved the color palette and requested the Executive Director bring the following items back for discussion in September 2008. - Demonstrate the new color palette on the Mesa Main Street BRT project (Bus Rapid Transit). - Obtain public preference input on the current and new logo designs.
The initial application of the new color palette using the Mesa Main Street BRT vehicle will be presented.
The results of a public survey to understand which of four logos they feel represents an updated, progressive, transportation system will also be presented. The email survey was conducted 8/22/08 - 8/29/08. Those surveyed were from a 2,800 person email database comprised of: Transit Coordinators, Educators, general public, Valley Bike Month, and Bus Book survey card respondents. 649 respondents completed the survey.
Fiscal Impact There is no fiscal impact at this time.
Regional vehicles: The new logo would be implemented in three facets: upon the purchase of new vehicles, vehicles needing half life repainting, and vehicles needing paint repair.
1
Customer communications: All customer communication collateral (printed, electronic and online) must be updated to include light rail, Bus Rapid Transit and bus extended / new services by December 2008.
Prior Committee Action Regional Marketing Committee review: 1/07, 2/07, 3/07, 5/07, 7/07, 8/07, 9/07, 11/07, 12/07, 1/08, 4/08
Valley Metro Operations and Capital Committee review: 8/15/07, 11/14/07, and 4/23/08
Rail Staff Working Group update: Research review: 12/07
Transit Management Committee review: 12/5/07 for information. On June 4, 2008 the program was brought forth to the June Transit Management Committee and after lengthy discussion and multiple motions, their recommendation was to move forward with only the color palette at this time.
Valley Metro Board review: 12/16/07, 6/19/08
Recommendation This item is for information only.
Contact Person Mario Diaz Chief Marketing Officer 602-262-7433
Attachments PowerPoint Presentation
2 Transit System Identity Program Valley Metro Operations & Capital Committee September 16, 2008
Board Approved Colors
PMS 525
PMS 361
PMS 427
Note: Plain black and plain white are always automatically included in a color palette. September 2008 2
1 Color Application: Mesa Main Street BRT
September 2008 3
Logo Preference Survey
Quantitative logo survey conducted August 2008 4 logos under review
ABCD
September 2008 4
2 Research Objectives and Methodology
Objectives Reveal the logo that respondents feel best represents an updated, progressive, valley-wide transportation system.
Methodology Email survey conducted 8/22/08 - 8/29/08. 2,800 email database comprised of: Transit Coordinators, Educators, general public, Valley Bike Month, and Bus Book survey card respondents. 649 completed the survey
September 2008 5
Which logo represents an updated, progressive, transportation system?
Logo A 14%
Logo B 9%
Logo C 50%
Logo D 23%
Not Sure 4%
September 2008 6
3 Next Steps
Valley Metro Board to consider the logo survey and provide direction to the Executive Director regarding the logo.
September 2008 7
4 Regional Public Transportation Authority 302 N. First Avenue, Suite 700, Phoenix, Arizona 85003 602-262-7433, Fax 602-495-0411
Valley Metro Operations and Capital Committee Information Summary
Agenda Item #8
Date September 9, 2008
Subject Bus Stop Improvements Program Update
Summary The 2004 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and Proposition 400 allocated $26.4 million for bus stop improvements over the 20-year program. To provide a framework for implementing this investment, a Regional Bus Stop Inventory and Design Guidelines Study was completed and approved by the RPTA Board in March 2008. This approved study report includes a method of prioritizing projects and allocating funding levels based on current and/or projected need.
RPTA will hold a Bus Stop Improvement Program Application Workshop on September 10, 2008 from 1:30 - 3:00 in the Valley Metro 7th floor conference room.
The following topics will be addressed: • Funding Availability • Schedule • Process
All Valley Metro members will be invited to submit their requests for bus stop improvement reimbursements by October 10, 2008. Requests will be reviewed first by RPTA staff and then by VMOCC. It is anticipated that review of requests will be on the VMOCC agenda in November.
Questions regarding the workshop may be addressed to Bob Antila at (602) 262-7889.
Fiscal Impact Funding for bus stop improvements is already programmed in the Transit Life Cycle Program (TLCP). The program provides capital funding only; right-of-way acquisition, ongoing maintenance and operation of bus stops are not included and remain a local responsibility. Local jurisdictions are responsible for the ongoing operational costs for
1 any capital improvements. The TLCP includes the following amounts through FY09 for this program:
FY06 $ 739,010 FY07 1,530,242 FY08 1,576,149 FY09 1,623,434_ $5,468,835
$5,468,835 is included in the RPTA FY09 budget for this program.
Considerations None
Committee Action Process March 20, 2008 – Study report and program approved by the RPTA Board November 18, 2008 –VMOCC will review member requests for reimbursements December 18, 2008 – Board makes final recommendations for funding
Recommendation This item is for information only.
Contact Person Bob Antila Senior Management Analyst 602-262-7889
Attachments None
2 Regional Public Transportation Authority 302 N. First Avenue, Suite 700, Phoenix, Arizona 85003 602-262-7433, Fax 602-495-0411
Valley Metro Operations and Capital Committee Information Summary
Agenda Item #9
Date September 9, 2008
Subject Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Grant Requests Update
Summary RPTA is seeking Very Small Starts (VSS) Funding for the first two of five Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Corridors identified in the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP): Mesa Main Street BRT and the Arizona Avenue/Country Club BRT. RPTA anticipates seeking VSS funding for all of the BRT projects as identified in the RTP. Mesa Main Street BRT will operate between the Sycamore Light Rail end of line station in west Mesa, and the Superstition Springs Mall Transit Center in east Mesa. Service will begin in late December of 2008. Construction of capital improvements to the corridor will take place from December 2008 through September 2009.
The Arizona Avenue BRT will operate between the Sycamore LRT end of line station in west Mesa and the Tumbleweed Park & Ride lot located on Germann Road in Chandler. Completion of capital improvements and the start of service are scheduled for July of 2010.
The Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Very Small Starts program is a part of the New Starts discretionary program. Last year $200 million was set aside for Small and Very Small Starts projects. Small and Very Small Starts funding requests do not compete with New Starts projects or with discretionary bus capital money for funding. Congressional earmarks are not a part of this process. Project information is submitted to and evaluated by FTA staff. FTA makes a recommendation for projects to be funded. Those projects are placed in the President’s budget and a grant may then be submitted.
RPTA is seeking 60% federal funding for these projects: • Main Street request: $10.1 million federal Because the Main Street project will be under construction before a funding decision can be made, RPTA will also seek a Letter of No Prejudice from FTA, so that the project can be eligible for reimbursement after the fact.
1 • Arizona Avenue/Country Club Drive request: $18.15 million federal (includes funding for rolling stock)
Fiscal Impact These projects are programmed in the Transit Life Cycle Program (TLCP). The TLCP is predicated on an average of about 72% federal funding on capital projects. Securing federal funding for these projects will contribute toward achieving that goal.
Considerations None
Committee Action Process Each stage of these projects (planning, design, and construction) has been or will be brought through appropriate RPTA committee processes.
Recommendation This item is for information only.
Contact Person Carol L. Ketcherside Deputy Executive Director of Planning 602-534-0733
Attachments None
2 Regional Public Transportation Authority 302 N. First Avenue, Suite 700, Phoenix, Arizona 85003 602-262-7433, Fax 602-495-0411
Valley Metro Operations and Capital Committee Information Summary
Agenda Item #10
Date September 9, 2008
Subject Short Range Transit Planning Study Status Report
Summary A Short Range Transit Planning Study is called for in the approved FY 2008 Unified Planning Work Program for MAG and the RPTA budget. The purpose of this project is to develop a Short-Range Transit Plan (SRTP) for Valley Metro RPTA for the years 2008/09 through 2013/14. A consultant, HDR/SR Beard, has been retained by RPTA to assist the agency in developing a report format that will then be utilized by agency staff for subsequent annual updates of the SRTP. The requirement to develop and implement a SRTP was a recommendation of the Transit Lifecycle Program (TLCP) Evaluation developed by HDR/SR Beard and adopted by the RPTA Board in 2007. This SRTP will provide the blueprint for implementation of efficient, cost effective, and coordinated public transit service in Maricopa County within the Plan’s five-year horizon.
In July of 2007, an update of the 2003 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) was completed by the Maricopa Association of Governments. While the RTP provides a 20 year blueprint for implementing transit operating and capital improvements in Maricopa County, the RTP found that it does not provide the level of detail needed to implement individual transit investments. The SRTP will define and refine the specific transit improvements to be implemented within the five-year horizon of the planning study. The SRTP will also address project accelerations and deferments that may have occurred as part of the ongoing implementation of the regional transit program.
The Valley Metro SRTP will address the following focus areas:
• Refine and define the public transportation investments identified in the RTP that are scheduled to occur within the five-year planning horizon of the SRTP. • Develop recommendations regarding initial levels of service and appropriate timing for transitioning to ultimate level of service identified in the TLCP.
1 • Respond to comments and issues raised in the Public and Agency Participation process. • Identify and make recommendations with respect to increased demand on regional commuter service. • Ensure readiness to deliver capital projects that are included in the SRTP. • Incorporate the updated service and financial plans from the annual TLCP updates. • Incorporate the findings of the 2007 Origins and Destinations Survey. • Incorporate the results and recommendations of the regional transit market assessment and marketing plan . • Incorporate projects and recommendations included in the Park & Ride Reprioritization Study, the Bus Stop Inventory and Design Guidelines Study, the Comprehensive Arterial BRT Study, and the Freeway Express/BRT Study. • Respond to issues identified by the various Valley Metro transit operators. • Incorporate measures to address emergency preparedness, safety and security.
Project outcomes will include the development of refined operating characteristics, recommendations for capital financial needs, and a Final SRTP. The following final products will be components of the SRTP:
1) Five-year service plan; 2) Five-year operating, capital, planning, and administration budget; 3) Vehicle Replacement Plan (Consultant will incorporate existing Vehicle Replacement Plan); 4) A refined implementation schedule for capital projects; 5) Annual schedule for updating of SRTP; 6) Draft Short Range Transit Plan; 7) Final Short Range Transit Plan.
Fiscal Impact $150,000 in RARF has been allocated to undertake this study in the FY 2007/08 agency budget.
Considerations The Regional Transportation Plan defines an ambitious regional transit program that will be undertaken over the twenty year life of the plan. The transit investments identified in the RTP are not always well defined and must be further refined and defined before they can be implemented by RPTA and its partner agencies. Ongoing variability in regional funding caused by changes in projected sales tax revenue must also be accounted for and will impact the phasing of various transit investments. The Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP) will ensure that a sufficient level of detail exists to allow for the implementation of planned transit investments over the five year life of the Plan.
Committee Action Process The Short Range Transit Planning Study (SRTPS) was included as part of the FY2007/2008 agency budget approved by the RPTA Board at their May 17, 2007 meeting. A contract award to HDR/SR Beard to assist RPTA in the development of the SRTPS was approved by the RPTA Board at their meeting of April 17, 2008.
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Recommendation This item is being presented for information and discussion.
Contact Person Carol Ketcherside Deputy Executive Director of Planning 602-534-0733
Attachments None
3 Regional Public Transportation Authority 302 N. First Avenue, Suite 700, Phoenix, Arizona 85003 602-262-7433, Fax 602-495-0411
Valley Metro Operations and Capital Committee Information Summary
Agenda Item #11
Date September 9, 2008
Subject City of Phoenix Bus Stop Inventory Request for Proposals (RFP)
Summary Reed Caldwell with the City of Phoenix Public Transit Department will provide information on a Bus Stop Inventory RFP.
Fiscal Impact None
Considerations None
Committee Action Process None
Recommendation None
Contact Person Bryan Jungwirth Chief of Staff 602-534-1803
Attachments None
1 Regional Public Transportation Authority 302 N. First Avenue, Suite 700, Phoenix, Arizona 85003 602-262-7433, Fax 602-495-0411
Valley Metro Operations and Capital Committee Information Summary
Agenda Item #12
Date September 9, 2008
Subject Future VMOCC Agenda Items
Summary Chairman Greg Jordan will request future VMOCC agenda items from the committee members.
Fiscal Impact None
Considerations None
Prior Committee Action None
Recommendation None
Contact Person Bryan Jungwirth Chief of Staff 602-534-1803
Attachments None
1 Regional Public Transportation Authority 302 N. First Avenue, Suite 700, Phoenix, Arizona 85003 602-262-7433, Fax 602-495-0411
Valley Metro Operations and Capital Committee Information Summary
Agenda Item #13
Date September 9, 2008
Subject Member Agency Updates
Summary An opportunity will be provided for VMOCC members to provide an update on projects in their jurisdictions.
Fiscal Impact None
Considerations None
Prior Committee Action None
Recommendation None
Contact Person None
Attachments None
1 Regional Public Transportation Authority 302 N. First Avenue, Suite 700, Phoenix, Arizona 85003 602-262-7433, Fax 602-495-0411
Valley Metro Operations and Capital Committee Information Summary
Agenda Item #14
Date September 9, 2008
Subject Public Comment
Summary An opportunity for general public comment on issues related to Valley Metro RPTA. Up to three (3) minutes will be provided for each speaker.
Fiscal Impact None
Considerations None
Prior Committee Action None
Recommendation None
Contact Person None
Attachments None
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