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MAY/JUNE 2015

(continued on page 2)

From the ChairWith the recent success of Stand Up for Transportation Day, and Dump the Pump Day right around the corner, I thought I’d focus a bit on the importance of advocacy. If you’re reading this article, you already know that public transportation benefits all of us, regardless of whether or not an individual uses transit. It reduces pollution, eases traffic congestion, and helps our communities thrive. We all get it, but there are many out there that do not. That’s why advocacy is so important.

Certain politicians, local grassroots organizations, and others continue to not quite fully understand that public transit provides vital connections to jobs, education, medical care, and, in more rural areas, access to the amenities of our larger communities. All of us are advocates, on some level, for public transportation, and we need to continue do so to influence policy makers, which in turn can have a positive impact on funding decisions.

Here in Florida, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is updating the Florida Transportation Plan (FTP) and the Strategic Intermodal System (SIS) Policy Plan. The FTP defines Florida’s future transportation vision and identifies goals, objectives, and strategies to accomplish that vision. The FTP is the statewide long-range

(continued on page 3)

2015 Triple Crown Roadeo Held at PSTAThe 2015 FPTA/FDOT/RTAP/FACTS Florida Triple Crown Roadeo was held on April 10-11, 2015, in St. Petersburg, Florida. What a spectacular event! The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) pulled out the red carpet and really rose to the challenge! We had 9 Van Operators, 20 Cutaway Operators, 14 Fixed Route Operators, and 8 Maintenance teams participate and they all did a phenomenal job!

The Roadeo is offered to enhance the skill and technical ability of our driver’s and maintenance employees around the state. The activities conducted are an important training aspect for our transit system employees and provide improvements in transit service, increased safety and customer relations skills, longer lasting equipment, and improved employee morale.

FPTA Appoints Jo Ann Hutchinson to the Hall of Fame

Jo Ann Hutchinson was appointed to the FPTA Hall of Fame last fall. She has over 40 years of extensive experience at the national and state levels in community and public transportation services. She has served at the national and regional levels as one of 10 United We Ride Ambassadors where she provided assistance in human and public transit coordinated planning, advocacy, facilitation, coalition building and leadership training.

Ms. Hutchinson has served as President and Vice President and is currently a board member for the Community Transportation Association of America representing the 8 southeastern states, including Florida.

She has lobbied Congress and the Florida Legislature on behalf of Florida's transportation disadvantaged and Florida's public and community transit systems resulting in state legislation ensuring coordination and creation of the TD Trust Fund that has since provided millions of trips to Florida's elderly, disabled and other individuals with limited or no access options.

Ms. Hutchinson served as the first Executive Director for the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged and its predecessor, the Coordinating Council for the Transportation Disadvantaged. Prior to the creation of the Commission, she served as the Statewide Program Manager with the Florida DOT to implement Florida's coordinated transportation program. This included working with central and district offices in the development of policies and procedures as well as working with all urban and rural community and public transit systems in Florida.

FPTA is honored that Jo Ann Hutchinson has joined our Hall of Fame- Congratulations, Jo Ann!

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From the Chair (cont. from page 1)

Karen Deigl

transportation plan for all of Florida. The SIS Policy Plan identifies policies for planning and implementing Florida’s Strategic Intermodal System, the statewide high-priority network of transportation facilities critical to Florida’s economic competitiveness.

I am serving for the Florida Public Transportation Association on the FTP/SIS Steering Committee, which is helping to guide the FTP and SIS Plan update process. The Steering Committee will provide recommendations to FDOT about the FTP and SIS Policy Plan based on the Committee member’s expertise; input from other statewide, regional, and local partners; and supporting technical analyses. The FDOT is again holding regional meetings across the state in June 2015 to gather your input on future transportation policy (6/22- Lake City, 6/23- Ft. Myers, 6/24- Fort Lauderdale and 6/25- The Villages), so now is the time to advocate for more and better public transportation and attend these workshops (for the schedule and more information, go to: www.floridatransportationplan.com/regional.htm).

Let’s continue to advocate for increased state and local support and more flexibility for transportation systems to help keep Florida’s future riding on public transportation!

Lisa M. Bacot

From the Executive DirectorIt was quite an interesting 2015 Legislative Session! Due to wide disagreement with the health care budget, the House of Representatives concluded, rather unexpectedly, their business early on Tuesday of the last week of session. The Senate was informed via phone call, and decided to conclude their meetings the next day. Not in recent historical archives have we seen one chamber of the Legislature unilaterally adjourn 3.5 days early from session. Needless to say, a budget was not passed and many bills failed, including some of our public transportation initiatives.

Here is a short recap of the bills that did indeed pass that involve transit:

• HB 369 (SB 534)- Human Trafficking- This bill requires FDOT to display a public awareness sign at every passenger rail station.

• HB 71 (SB 414) Service Animals -Requires public accommodation to permit use of service animal by individuals with a disability. Some definitions are being altered, but there does not appear to be any issues with

this language, as all of our systems accommodate service animals today.

• HB 7011 (SB 7000) Public Records/Public Transit Exemption- Removed the scheduled repeal of public records exemption for certain personal identifying information held by public transit providers.

A Special Session has been called for June 1-20, 2015, and both chambers will be back to discuss the budget and try to come to an agreement on the health care situation. I will also be closely monitoring how they implement the dollars that are designated for Amendment #1 to ensure they do not negatively impact transit funding.

Once the first week of June begins, be on the lookout for Legislative Updates from me in the Weekly Update sent each Friday. If you are not on my email list for these updates, please contact me at lisabacot@floridatransit.org.

3

2015 Triple Crown Roadeo (continued from page 1)All of the contestants performed in an exemplary manner, but several rose to the top. The overall event winners were as follows:

Fixed Route Operators• 1stPlaceOperator-

Ramon Farfan, JTA

• 2ndPlaceOperator-

Pete Marchessault, Star Metro

• 3rdPlaceOperator-

Rendol Whidden, BCT

Cutaway Operators• 1stPlaceOperator-

Dante Marinell, LeeTran

• 2ndPlaceOperator-

Ryan Boyer, Manatee County Area Transit

• 3rdPlaceOperator-

Timothy Smith, Calhoun County Transit

Van Operators• 1stPlaceOperator-

Tommy Griffis, JTrans

• 2ndPlaceOperator-

Deandre Moore, LYNX

• 3rdPlaceOperator-

Peggy Shiver, Liberty County Transit

Maintenance Teams• 1stPlaceMaintenanceTeam- LYNX

• 2ndPlaceMaintenanceTeam- StarMetro

• 3rdPlaceMaintenanceTeam- JTA Grand Champions• OverallFixedRoute GrandChampions-

JTA

• OverallParatransit GrandChampions-

Calhoun County Transit

Congratulations to all of the winners! And, THANK YOU to PSTA for a great event!

(more pictures on page 4

1st Place Maintenance Team -

LYNX

1st Place Cutaway

Operator - Dante Marinell,

LeeTran

1st Place Operator - Tommy Griffis,

JTrans

1st Place Fixed Route Operator - Ramon Farfan,

JTA

4

2015 Triple Crown Roadeo Recap

5

HART Enhances It's RealTime Arrival Information Platform with App, Text and Touchtone

Women Executives are in the Driver's Seat at HART

Two years ago HART launched the revolutionary OneBusAway app that delivers real-time bus arrival information directly to a customer’s smart phone, computer, or other Wi-Fi enabled device. Now the system is being further upgraded to include a touchtone feature allowing riders to get real-time information in their preferred way via the app, text or touchtone.

With the existing SMS text message feature, riders can have OneBusAway information sent directly to their phones

by texting HART plus the three or four digit HART bus stop ID number to 41411. If the bus ID number is 4804, for example, the rider would text HART 4804 to 41411. Estimated arrival times for their bus would be sent to them via text within moments.

The new touchtone feature will allow access to OneBusAway from a landline or a basic cell phone that does not have a data plan. That means no data charges or extra fees from phone carriers for texting, and it is an ideal solution for

anyone with a visual impairment. Just call 813-452-4OBA (4622).

The GPS-powered system is accessed more than 200,000 times a month to save riders time, effort, and stress while reassuring them of when their bus will arrive.

Real-time bus arrival information via touchtone is the latest in a long list of innovative, customer-centered technologies HART offers through a commitment to superior customer service.

HART is excited to observe Women’s History Month, and is committed to celebrating our diverse team every day. That is why HART is proud of its own women who are trendsetting leaders making a tremendous positive impact in key senior management positions. Women lead three key transportation agencies in Hillsborough County - namely HART, The Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the Planning Commission. In fact, 43 percent of HART senior management is comprised of women.

Katharine Eagan, AICP, is the CEO of HART, and in that role she oversees an agency that provides over 52,000 passenger trips a day and about 15 million trips a year. She was included in the prestigious 2012 “Mass Transit’s 40 Under 40” list and under her leadership HART annual ridership has grown more

than 20 percent and farebox recovery revenue has increased over 25 percent. Eagan also led the way as HART launched the innovative OneBusAway app and Google Live technologies.

Ruthie Reyes B u r c k a r d , who joined HART in 2002, was r e c e n t l y promoted to HART Chief O p e r a t i n g Officer. She now leads a team of more than 650 employees who carry out vital functions including service planning, scheduling, and operations for the agency’s fixed-route bus service - plus HARTFlex on-demand van service, HARTPlus paratransit service for people with disabilities, and the TECO Line Streetcar System.

Vasti Amaro, a 22-year veteran of the industry, started her career at HART in 1992 and left in 1999 to pursue private sector opportunities - including leadership of Vasti Transport Inc., a local woman and minority-owned business. Last year she returned to HART, and now serves as HART Director of Maintenance.

Joan Brown, HART Director of Financial Operations, has been with the agency for 16 years. “One of the things I like about HART is their flexibility with their employees’ time as it relates to time off for family obligations,” she says. “Being a single mother, this has been very beneficial to me when time off could unexpectantly be needed for doctor

appointments, family sick leave, school events, etc., especially when my son was young.”

Other women ensuring that HART leads the way are Dara M. Chenevert, Esq., SPHR, CCM, Director of Human Resources and Organizational Development, and Lena Petit, HART Director of Executive Office and Board Affairs. Both of these women explain, “How they work with a team of dedicated professionals at HART who bring commitment to the organization every day. Everything they do is with the focus on enhancing the community living standards. I am very proud to be a part of this team that makes difference.”

HART believes that having strong representation by women in its workforce sets a good example for other organizations and industries. Plus HART women in leadership set a stellar example to encourage and inspire the up-and-coming generation of young women and girls to follow their career dreams and also help lead the world forward.

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LYNX Finalizes Agreement with NopetroLYNX has finalized negotiations with Nopetro, Florida’s leading compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling infrastructure provider, to build and operate a CNG fueling station, provide improvements to its maintenance facility, and convert the public bus fleet to CNG.

Nopetro’s public-private partnership (P3) with LYNX is the first step in the construction of a turnkey CNG fueling station and the generation of revenue from third-party customers. In addition to fueling LYNX’s bus fleet, Nopetro’s station would also be available to serve private commercial fleets and the public at large.

“Once again, LYNX is at the forefront of the nationwide movement to build sustainable public transportation systems,” said John M. Lewis Jr., CEO of LYNX. “Switching to CNG makes sense both financially and environmentally for Central Florida transit, and Nopetro’s collaboration made an easy choice even easier.”

As part of the contract, Nopetro will build and operate a fueling station located at the intersection of John Young Parkway and LYNX Lane, and make certain renovations and improvements to the adjacent maintenance facility to meet CNG-compliance standards. Under the terms of the public-private partnership, switching from diesel to CNG is expected to provide the agency with annual positive returns on its investment approximately three years from the

scheduled completion, in the second half of 2015. LYNX will purchase and/or lease an initial 35 CNG buses and is projected to have more than 150 CNG buses within the next five years. The 150 CNG buses would represent half of its current pool of 300 diesel vehicles, resulting in a more fuel-diversified and environmentally friendly fleet.

“This partnership will positively impact the 30 million riders who utilize LYNX public transportation services each year, as they travel throughout Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “Converting our buses to run on CNG is part of our continuing efforts to improve operations through innovative technologies.”

Nopetro has solid prowess in developing and running successful CNG fueling operations. The company currently operates the nation’s first public-private partnership for CNG fueling - a similar P3 in the state’s capital, with the City of Tallahassee, Leon County and Leon County Schools. Nopetro’s facility has far surpassed expectations, exceeding initial projected usage by 300 percent.

“We are proud to work with LYNX and look forward to helping the agency continue to offer affordable public transportation services while creating a cleaner environment,” said Jorge Herrera, co-founder and CEO of Nopetro. “The switch from diesel to CNG will spur significant savings and

Representa t i ves of Okaloosa County Transit (OCT) surprised local veteran John Greely with a year-long bus pass on January 8. Mr. Greely was nominated by close friend Shannon Powell in OCT’s recognition of military veterans, which called for

community members to nominate local military veterans to be honored for their service to the nation.

Local Air Force veteran John Greely valiantly served in the Vietnam War, and is a daily rider on OCT. Those close to him say that he is the first person to offer a hand to someone in need, and never asks for anything in return. The team at OCT was so moved by Mr. Greely’s story that they chose to award him with the grand prize of an annual pass.

OCT Surprises Local Veteran with Year-long Bus Pass “As a veteran, this particular initiative was very important to me,” said Bob Berkstresser, Program Manager of Okaloosa County Transit. “We were extremely moved by the community response to this initiative and are thrilled at the opportunity to recognize these local heroes and customers of OCT for their service and sacrifice.”

Throughout the duration of the contest, nominations poured in with heartfelt stories about the bravery and sacrifices of these extraordinary individuals. In an effort to honor a member of each branch of service, three additional nominees were awarded one-month passes.

“With such a significant number of veterans using OCT as a primary source of transportation, the team was pleased to provide them with such a meaningful gift,” said Vikki Garrett, Planner at West Florida Regional Planning Council and staff to the Okaloosa-Walton Transportation Planning Organization (TPO).

The contest, which ran on the OCT Facebook page for the entire month of November, garnered a great amount of momentum within the community, and the team at OCT was continuously impressed by the generous manner of all who participated. Due its success, the team plans to continue the contest in 2015.

position LYNX ahead of the curve across the country.”

Converting to CNG offers more than financial savings to local government agencies. Experts note that switching to CNG cuts emissions drastically, including particulate matter by 89 percent, carbon monoxide by 70 percent, carbon dioxide by 25 percent and nitrous oxide by 80 percent.

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BCT Gets Citizens to Stand Up for TransportationOn April 9th, Broward County Transit (BCT) joined more than 300 organizations throughout the country for National Stand Up for Transportation Day, an advocacy movement to encourage the U.S. Congress to extend the bill for long-term funding of transportation infrastructure projects.

BCT mobilized over 30 volunteers to collect signatures at 10 different transit facilities that included park and ride centers, bus terminals and county government buildings. “Stand Up was a call-to-action where we educated and encouraged everyone, including employees, customers and citizens throughout Broward County to support the urgent need for long-term funding,” Tim Garling, Broward County Deputy Director of Transportation said.

By the end of the day, the volunteers collected more than 1,000 petitions. “Thanks to everyone’s efforts, we accomplished our goal of being heard in this community,” Garling added.

Other activities BCT hosted on behalf of “Stand Up” was a live chat on its Facebook site

that reached more than 800 followers, including customers who engaged in an active discussion about future transit projects, bus service and more. Additionally, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners adopted a resolution designating April 9, 2015, as ‘Stand Up for Transportation Day’ in Broward County.

Member Spotlight...

On February 18, 2015, Lisa Bacot visited the staff of Votran. Steve Sherrer, General Manager, and Bill Mayer, Director of Operations, gave her a tour of the transit center located in South Daytona. Votran currently operates 48 fixed route vehicles during peak hours and averages 10,000 riders a day.

Votran staff has been involved with a lot of special projects, including, continuing service to and from the SunRail Station in DeBary, and improving services along U.S. 1. They are

also awaiting the delivery of four (4) paratransit vehicles that will utilize propane fuel. The transit system has implemented some new electronic rider tools that are integrated into the Votran web site, which has been recently re-designed. By logging onto Votran.org, riders can now utilize a route tracker and trip planner, and set up rider alerts. At each bus stop, they will soon install signage for a text feature that will give the real time arrival time of the next bus. Votran also recently initiated the second phase of a two part fare increase, and this month, the fare increased again from $1.50 each way to $1.75. The paratransit fare remains at $3.00 each way.

Votran staff recently began the process of conducting an updated bus stop inventory utilizing the ATSIM program. The updated inventory will include the exact GPS coordinates of each bus stop, photos of each stop, date information on when the bus stop was installed, the level of accessibility and passenger amenities and a variety of other details on each stop. They are also in the process of conducting a Cross County Connector Study to better connect the East and West side of the county. Lots of growth in the County has caused some challenges for the transit system, including new areas that will be built (hotel, shopping, retail, etc.) that will likely need access to transit services, but there is no funding appropriated to serve these new areas.

Lots of new things going on in Volusia County- keep up the great work, Votran!

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Jacksonville Transportation Authority Provides Operators Realistic Training with New Bus Simulator

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) took training to the next level by providing a bus simulator that creates vivid training environments for their 400 plus bus operators. It was unveiled in a ribbon cutting ceremony on March 24. The local media was on hand to experience first-hand what it is like to drive a 40 foot bus. The simulator provides new operators with additional practice before getting behind the wheel and refresher training for current operators.

The new high-tech MB-2000 bus-driving simulator, manufactured by FAAC Inc. is considered a world leader in simulator technologies. The simulator, which takes up an entire room in the transit operations b u i l d i n g , provides a true 315º field of vision, driver cab replication and a motion seat allow students to feel when they hit a curb, turn too fast or brake too hard. Trainees learn what each knob and button does and how it will work in a real bus. Every aspect of the bus simulator is designed for the most true-to-life experience possible. This real-life approach to simulator development results in an effective and

efficient training process with a host of benefits to both the trainer and trainee.

According to FAAC Inc., “transportation agencies have improved their safety performance by 64% for preventable accidents and increased the washout rate for new hire operators by 35%.” The training scenarios range from simple skill-building to muscle memory exercises. The key benefits include a reduction in collisions, reduction in on-board injuries, effective forward planning,

mastery of mirror usage techniques, improved fuel

economy and avoiding intersection conflicts

“We are pleased to bring this virtual e n v i r o n m e n t to our bus operators,” said Lisa Darnall, Vice President of Transit

O p e r a t i o n s . “Not only is it an

advantage for our trainees, but also for

our veteran drivers. The simulator combines a high

degree of realism with the ability to create various scenarios to enhance the knowledge and skills of our operators.”

The project was funded using Federal FTA

Section 5307 Urbanized Area Formula funds. All operators are expected to utilize the simulator for new hire training, post-accident training and triennial recertification training.

The JTA welcomes other transit agencies to visit the site and experience the benefits of simulation.

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority is an independent state agency governed by a seven-member board of directors. JTA operates Jacksonville’s public bus service, downtown automated Skyway and paratransit service. The Authority also plans, designs and builds roads and bridges. JTA’s mission is to improve Northeast Florida’s economy, environment and quality of life by providing safe, reliable, and efficient multimodal transportation services and facilities. For more information, visit www.jtafla.com.

On June 2nd, Space Coast Area Transit will roll out Read to Ride, a program that offers free bus fare all summer to youth under the age of 18 who show their free-of-charge Brevard County Library Card. Since its inception in 2001, Read to Ride has provided public transportation to thousands of Brevard County students from the day after school lets out until the day before school begins.

“Read to Ride emphasizes the importance of using Brevard County Libraries as a resource to enhance reading skills during the summer months, as well as encouraging transit as a mode of transportation. We want kids to know that they can get to a library and other locations as well, all for free throughout the summer,” said Jim Liesenfelt, Director of Space Coast Area Transit.

For many local youth, taking the bus is an alternative to being homebound over the summer. Bikes & surfboards are welcome on a space available basis. Read to Ride program participants can speak with a customer service representative by calling the RideLine at 633-1878. Interactive maps, schedules, and a Google Transit trip planner are also available on-line at RideSCAT.com desktop and mobile websites. To locate the nearest library, log on to MyLibraryWorld.com.

Space Coast Area Transit Rolls Out Read To Ride

JUNE 2ND – AUGUST 11TH

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An Innovative Approach for Public Transportation Infrastructure Produces Results

Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT), which operates in Manatee County, Florida, is making great strides in establishing a new “brand” while also improving bus stop accessibility and providing passenger amenities. Using an innovative procurement and project delivery approach, MCAT has implemented a comprehensive bus stop improvement program that will ensure compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) implementing regulations, and provide new passenger amenities that incorporate a distinctive new brand design and color scheme. The new brand design/color scheme is consistent with one developed for Manatee County, which furthers the effort to establish a regional identity for the County and its facilities, fleet, and services. The timing of the two efforts is significant in that the combined endeavor facilitates MCAT’s efforts to construct ADA compliant bus stop infrastructure while enhancing way finding and recognition within the community.

Implementation of stop upgrades is facilitated through an innovative procurement process that utilizes a set of “typical” ADA bus stop designs that cover all possible field conditions. Prior to beginning construction, agreement on the right “typical” for each bus stop is agreed upon by MCAT staff and the third-party general contractor. The improved stops are then “branded” with new stop amenities such as a passenger bench or shelter, consisting of environmentally friendly materials and designs; this includes shelters with solar lighting and benches and trash receptacles refurbished with recycled plastic for the seating and backing features. The bus stop improvement program being implemented by MCAT serves as a “model program” for ADA-compliant bus stop infrastructure development and implementation.

The initial focus for bus stop improvements are the core network of mainland fixed routes. This core network provides system wide connectivity for MCAT passengers, are the most ridership productive routes on the mainland, and also serve as the community “gateway” for those travelling to or from downtown Bradenton and Sarasota, the Gulf Beaches, area community colleges and universities, as well as employment and activity centers in the City of Palmetto. These route corridors include Manatee Avenue, Cortez Road, and US Highway 41.

Since the inception of the program in spring 2014, two (2) core network route corridors are now complete; including ADA stop upgrades, sidewalk connectivity and passenger amenities at every stop. These two route corridors are Manatee Avenue

and Cortez Road with a total of 156 ADA stop upgrades, 119 stops with benches and trash receptacles, 19 stops with passenger shelter installations, and 18 bus stops with Simme-Seat installations (at bus stop locations where restricted right-of-way prevents a regular bench installation).

Concurrent with the ADA bus stop upgrades and passenger amenity program, the MCAT system rebranding, includes signage,

route schedules, and way finding information at all bus stops. Bus stop signs now include a unique stop identification number and the bus route numbers for all bus routes serving each stop. Posted route schedule information is now available in a “branded” schedule holder at each stop, and available in a much larger print size, and customers have the ability to use a quick response (QR) code to access schedule information using a cell phone. Each QR code links to the schedule information for the routes serving each specific stop. Benches at bus stops along route corridors have a distinct color scheme to distinguish north-east and south-west directions of travel, to assist with passenger and community way finding.

Now that Manatee Avenue and the Cortez Road corridors are complete, work is already underway on US Highway 41. Once the stop upgrades with final inspections are complete, County/MCAT staff follow-up with the installation of passenger amenities. Follow-up field inspections by MCAT staff, ensure that each stop is uniform with respect to placement of the passenger bench, shelter or Simme-Seat, along with placement of the bus stop signage and route schedule information, in relation to the passenger boarding pad.

Those interested in the MCAT ADA bus top upgrade and amenities program should contact Planning Manager Ryan Suarez or Logistics Manager Steven Roberts for more information.

Way to go MCAT!

10

JTA Ridership Up After Major Overhaul

JTA recently published ridership figures for March 2015 which indicate four straight months of ridership growth after implementing the Route Optimization Initiative (ROI). Without additional annual operating costs, JTA completely reconfigured its routes in order to make routes more direct, improve service frequency, provide more service in the evenings and weekends, and better coordinate schedules. JTA also implemented real time passenger information with the launch of ROI on December 1, 2014.

Due to seasonal variations, JTA compares monthly ridership against the same month in the previous year. In March alone, ridership was up 10.1 percent in 2015 compared to March of 2014. Average weekday ridership was up seven percent and even greater increases were seen on weekends. The average ridership on Saturdays is up 10 percent and Sundays it is up by 15 percent. Not counting the first week of ROI which was fare free, we saw significant ridership gains since implementation. Ridership over the past four months is up 6 percent (an increase of 200,000 trips) during the same period last year.

When JTA launched ROI, its goal was to maintain stable ridership initially and attain long-term ridership growth. Generally, major bus service changes result in initial ridership decline. Since ROI was a complete overhaul of the bus routes, the potential for initial ridership loss was very high.

JTA Board Chairman Scott McCaleb said the initial results validated JTA’s efforts, “Change like this can be challenging. When we compared ourselves with our peers, we knew the system could be much better. We knew we had to make changes to better serve our community.”

The results are attributed to a comprehensive effort. While much time was spent on getting the right plan in place, the smooth transition was made possible by interagency coordination focused on education, outreach, training, infrastructure and operations to support the plan.

“The numbers are great in that they give us an indication of how ROI is working,” said Nathaniel Ford, Sr., JTA’s Chief Executive Officer. “The true gratification is behind the numbers. These are people who are using our system to get to jobs, visit friends and families, go shopping, or see the doctor. This shows that if we put a better service out there, people will use it. It will make people’s lives better and strengthen our community. It’s much more than numbers to us.”

On March 2, JTA implemented minor route modifications to address initial feedback and additional changes will be made in July. These will largely refine the service and schedules to improve on time performance. In December 2015, JTA will launch the North Corridor First Coast Flyer Bus Rapid Transit. The First Coast Flyer (FCF) will be a premium service with 10 minute peak hour frequency, new branded Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, superstops with real time passenger information and ticket vending machines at hubs and transit signal priority to allow buses to move quickly through the FCF corridor. This service launch will coincide with grand opening of a new CNG fueling facility that will not only fuel JTA buses, but allow other fleets to access a public station at JTA’s Myrtle Avenue campus.

ROI, CNG and First Coast Flyer BRT are all part of JTA’s Blueprint 2020, a set of initiatives aimed at transforming transportation in Northeast Florida.

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11

Advertising Rates and InformationOur next newsletter will be out in August 2015. The newsletter is printed in full color, and past copies may be seen on our website at FloridaTransit.org.To ensure inclusion we must have final copy no later than July 11th. Rates are as follows: Business Card - $ 75 ¼ Page - (4” x 5.5”) - $150 ½ Page - (8” x 5.5”) - $275 ½ Page (Back Fold) - $325

Full Page - (8” x 10.25”) - $400

You will be invoiced upon publication. You may E-Mail your ad to lisabacot@floridatransit.org to reserve your spot. Copies of our Newsletters, Calendar of Events, etc. can be found on our website at FLORIDATRANSIT.ORG

In an effort to collect food for local families in need, StarMetro partnered with local food bank, Second Harvest of the Big Bend, for their Stuff the Bus food drive. The effort was designed to provide food items to the organization at a time when donations are especially needed.

At the campaign’s culminating event, the StarMetro team gathered at the Second Harvest warehouse to unload the collected donations. A StarMetro bus stuffed with non-perishable food was unloaded by StarMetro and Second Harvest volunteers, with donations weighing in at a staggering 4,019 pounds and surpassing last year’s record by almost 700 pounds. The donations translated into over 4,000 meals that were delivered to local families in need.

“The success of this food drive is a true reflection of the generosity and caring nature of our community,” said StarMetro Director Ivan Maldonado. “This initiative would not have been possible without the help of local businesses, Tallahassee citizens and StarMetro riders who contributed to this amazing cause.”

The one-month food drive kicked-off in January 2015, with a record of 40 local partners serving as donation points throughout the community. Riders and community members were encouraged to donate non-perishable food onboard the StarMetro buses or at one of the partnering locations around town. Due to its success, StarMetro plans to continue to hold the Stuff the Bus food drive for years to come.

For more information about StarMetro services, please call (850) 891-5200, visit Talgov.com/starmetro, like StarMetro’s official Facebook page at Facebook.com/starmetrotransit or follow them on Twitter at Twitter.com/ridestarmetro.

StarMetro’s Stuff the Bus Food Drive Weighs InCaring in Motion

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Business Member Corner

Though you may not know National Express, it is a safe bet that most FPTA members know at least someone on the National Express Transit Corporation team.

“Our senior and executive management team members have a combined 250 years of experience in the US public transportation business, with many of those years gained in Florida,” said Brian Sullivan, National Express Chief Marketing Officer. “We represent experience at just about every major transit agency across America, and many of FPTA’s member agencies as well.”

National Express Transit Corporation

ECAT Unveils Sustainable Garden at Main Bus Terminal System Celebrates Earth Day

In celebration of Earth Day, Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT) representatives revealed their first-ever sustainable garden at the system’s Rosa Parks bus terminal. ECAT partnered with local organizations, Earth Ethics and Pensacola Seed and Garden, to turn an unused plot of land at the terminal into a place for riders to enjoy.

“Our team wanted to show appreciation for riders in a unique way that would also benefit the community as a whole,” said Tonya Ellis, Marketing Director for ECAT. “With the help of local organizations, we were able to plant this garden as a sign of ECAT’s continued commitment to keeping Escambia County green.”

This Earth Day initiative falls in line with the system’s ongoing dedication to a cleaner environment. The ECAT system provides a greener form of transportation that reduces CO2 emissions and decreases road congestion, and this garden will serve as a unique way for the system to continue promoting environmental sustainability to the local community.

ECAT’s partner Earth Ethics, a local non-profit dedicated to creating awareness about environmental issues, gathered volunteers to help with the planting process. Local nursery, Pensacola Seed

and Garden, generously donated a variety of plants for the garden.

“It’s wonderful to see such overwhelming support from local organizations within the community,” said Vikki Garrett, Planner at the West Florida Regional Planning Council and staff to the Florida-Alabama Transportation Planning Organization (TPO). “Thanks to these generous partners, riders will be able to enjoy this onsite garden for years to come.”

In fact, Sullivan himself has been an active FPTA member for many years, and the firm is leveraging all this experience to offer a new alternative to Florida transit authorities, counties, and municipalities who partner with the private sector for contracted operations and maintenance.

From Arlington, VA, to Yuma, AZ, and from Boston, MA, to Vallejo, CA, National Express provides transit and paratransit solutions that are tailored specifically to meet the needs of their local customers and the passengers they serve each day.

National Express’ services are being noticed for their unwavering commitment to safety. For three of the last five years, a National Express location has been awarded either the Certificate of Merit or the Gold Award for Safety Excellence by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). No other private contractor has even been recognized once in that same time span.

National Express Transit Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of National Express LLC (NELLC), providing public transit in the United States. NELLC is the North American division of National Express Group PLC (NEG), the world’s premier passenger transportation firm

based in the United Kingdom. NEG employs more than 44,000 people worldwide across its bus, coach, and rail divisions that operate in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and of course North America. National Express Transit Corporation and its predecessor companies have been in the business of passenger transportation since the 1920s. Around the world, more than 800 million journeys are made on National Express services each year.

For more information on National Express, please contact Brian A. Sullivan, Chief Marketing Officer at (513) 322-8702 or brian.sullivan@nationalexpresscorp.com.

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Transit Technology Upgrades at MCAT

Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT), which operates in Manatee County, Florida, is moving forward with a very aggressive transit technology program. The first phase of the program is the procurement and installation of Automatic Passenger Counters on the entire fleet of fixed route vehicles. This technology program upgrade began last year, when MCAT developed a comprehensive business plan for new transit technology that encompasses both the fixed route and paratransit systems. The plan included a phased approach comprised of five (5) distinct phases for implementation with specific transit technology and cost estimates for each phase of the technology program.

The Transit Technology Business Plan was ultimately approved, and the first phase of implementation is to equip the entire fixed route fleet with Automatic Passenger Counters (APCs). The APC procurement focused not only on hardware but also specific software and reporting for bus stop level information; this focus on reporting eliminates those vendors that only specialize in hardware and open architecture/system connectivity. This is important as the best hardware is only as good as the vendor’s ability to provide accurate reports and to customize reports when needed to suit the transit agency’s specific needs.

The other unique element of the procurement was the establishment of unit pricing based upon the current fleet size, which could be utilized to establish base pricing for the first years of the contract, and then with Consumer Price Index (CPI) annual increases, continue to add APC equipment over a potential five-year contract period. This provides consistency with APC equipment and software, as the fixed route fleet continues to grow over time.

Presently, the existing fixed route fleet installation is nearing completion; and six (6) new buses were recently delivered by Gillig. These six buses are pre-wired for the APC installation at the Gillig factory; then the APC vendor installs the APC units on site at the MCAT fleet facility. While the APC installation is underway,

the MCAT P l a n n i n g M a n a g e r Ryan Suarez d i l i g e n t l y works with the APC vendor on r e p o r t i n g and software training to ensure that p a s s e n g e r counts collected via the APC units are validated, and staff is able to generate all required reports, as part of the overall system acceptance process. Concurrently, the MCAT Information Technology (IT) team led by Lourdes Alcox, developed the office infrastructure necessary for the wireless downloads, so that all fleet vehicles download their APC reports daily, during pull in.

The MCAT Planning and IT team will continue to work with the APC vendor and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to validate APC counts with on board, in person surveyors. Once the FTA signs-off on the APC ridership counts, the APC units and software provide the necessary annual ridership information for National Transit Database (NTD) reporting.

The IT and Planning Teams are now reviewing technical specification for the four (4) remaining phases of Intelligent Technology Systems (ITS). These ITS specifications include new system technologies for both the fixed route and paratransit systems.

Keep it going MCAT!

Bay Town Trolley Celebrates 20 Years and 6.5 Million Rides

This year, representatives from Bay Town Trolley announced that the system is celebrating 20 years of service to the local community. The system has recorded a total of 6,479,014 total rides since its beginning, and continues to provide reliable and convenient transportation to riders in the Bay County area.

“Bay Town Trolley has grown by leaps and bounds since inception,” said Vikki Garrett, Planner at West Florida Regional Planning Council and staff to the Bay County Transportation Planning Organization (TPO). “The first year of service saw about 15,000 riders. Last year, we recorded 676,734 rides. With numbers on the rise, we look forward to continued growth in 2015 as well.”

In an effort to show gratitude toward current patrons, the Bay Town Trolley team will be conducting on board activities throughout the year. The theme “20 Years and Still Rolling!”

will be implemented, as riders are surprised with everything from free pass giveaways to live music on the Trolley. The community will be alerted via Bay Town Trolley’s Facebook page with an inside scoop, prior to the giveaways and on board activities.

“The Bay Town Trolley system simply wouldn’t be here without the support of local riders, community leaders and business partners,” says Rodney Friend, Bay County TPO Chairman. “These riders have expressed the growing need and demand for a public transit system through one single action – hopping on board. We look forward to providing efficient, cost-effective and dependable service to our loyal customer base for many years to come.”

For more information about Bay Town Trolley, please visit www.baytowntrolley.org or call (850) 769-0557.

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EXPERIENCE. FINANCIAL STABILITY. INTEGRITY.Leading the Industry in:

RELIABILITY

DURABILITY

PERFORMANCE

VALUE

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Built in America by American Workers

Butch Sibley | Regional Sales Manager | bsibley@gillig.com | 510.589.9430

TRANSPORTATION TO STRENGTHEN OUR NATION

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Brevard College Students Resolve to reThinkCommunity partners kick off the 2nd Annual Resolve to reThink Your Commute Day

Space Coast Area Transit started off the New Year in style! During the 2nd Annual Resolve to reThink Your Commute Day held on January 15, 2015, Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) renewed a “Students Ride Free” funding agreement with the transit agency. The kick-off ceremony, held at the King Center for the Performing Arts on the EFSC Melbourne campus, was MC’d by Courtney Reynolds, Director of reThink, a program of the Florida Department of Transportation and the lead agency that coordinated the event.

Ancel Robinson, president of the EFSC Student Government Association, began the celebration by stating, “Without transit service, our students would be lost. I know, because I am one of them; I have been riding the bus to school and to work for the last four years.” Sandra Handfield, the Provost for EFSC, followed up by telling the audience that last year, EFSC students took 146,643 free trips aboard Space Coast Area Transit. “That staggering figure means our students can get to campus and save money, money they can use to take another class, pay their bills, or save for the future. For countless students, transit service is a lifeline for continuing their education and advancing their careers, it helps make a college education accessible.”

Richard Laird, Vice President, Financial & Technical Services at EFSC recalled that when speaking to students, he is often told how riding the bus makes it financially possible for them to attend school. “The college’s long standing relationship with Space Coast Area Transit remains invaluable and is among the most important that we have in Brevard. It adds an element to higher education that is often overlooked: the critical role that public transportation plays in our cities and neighborhoods,” he said.

Jim Liesenfelt, Director of Space Coast Area Transit, responded by stating, “we love partnerships like this, where a school cares

enough about the transportation options available to their students that they will provide free bus service to them. It creates a transit culture and shows people at an early age that the bus is a viable and a smart commute.”

At the conclusion of the kick-off ceremony, a select group of elected officials and community leaders enjoyed a Bus-To-Lunch BBQ, sponsored by Clear Channel Outdoor and Space Coast Advertising. Surprisingly, less then half of the VIP luncheon

guests had ever been on a Space Coast Area Transit bus—including those who represent cities that help fund the service. Many were amazed by the comfort of the ride, and began to reThink!

Additional happenings throughout the day included tabletop displays at each of four EFSC campuses, featuring personalized trip planning, carpool and vanpool matching, and a commuter registration for reThink’s Emergency Ride Home program. Students who got on the bus from their college campus received mini gift bags while boarding. A $50.00 gift card was awarded to the winner of a bus “selfie contest”.

All Brevard residents could ride for free throughout the day by printing a round-trip ticket from RideSCAT.com. Riders who brought a friend on the bus were randomly rewarded with $5.00 Publix gift cards. The number of residents who participated in this year’s Resolve to reThink Your Commute Day increased by 17% from the 2014 inaugural event.

Melbourne Mayor Kathy Meehan concluded the festivities on a perfect note by telling the crowd, “it is paramount for Brevard County to continue to invest in public transit services in order to help

our economy continue to grow and thrive. I hope everyone takes the Resolve to reThink Your Commute challenge in 2015; it will make our futures brighter and our community healthier. I know that this year— whether it is sharing a ride with a co-worker or taking the bus to work or a meeting—I’ll be joining Brevard citizens in reThinking!”

A Different Kind of Transportation Firm

RANDALL G. FARWELLPrincipal

4349 San Jose BlvdJacksonville, FL 32207Main 904-394-3598Mobile 904-521-6031Email rfarwell@nelsonnygaard.com nelsonnygaard.com

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FIRST CLASSP. O. Box 10168Tallahassee, FL 32302