passenger transportation plan 2007

7/28/2019 Passenger Transportation Plan 2007

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Passenger Transportation

Development Plan

AltoonaAnkenyBondurantCarlisleCliveDallas CountyDes MoinesGrimesJohnstonNorwalkPleasant HillPolk City

Polk CountyUrbandaleWarren CountyWaukeeWest Des MoinesWindsor Heights

DESMO

INESA

REA

METROPOL

ITANPLAN

NINGORG

ANIZATION

Fiscal Years 20072011

Main: 515.334.0075Fax: [email protected]

Merle Hay Centre6200 Aurora Avenue, Suite 300WUrbandale, Iowa 50322-2866


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Table of Contents

1.0 Introduction...................................................................................................................................................11.1 Overview................................................................................................................................................ 11.2 Planning Area ...................................................................................................................................... 11.3 Demographic Information

................................................................................................................ 32.0 Overview of Planning Process Participants .....................................................................................5

2.1 Principal Participants ........................................................................................................................ 52.2 Supporting Participants .................................................................................................................... 6

3.0 Inventory of Transportation Providers...............................................................................................93.1 Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) ............................................................. 103.2 Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA) ....................................................................... 203.3 Link Associates ................................................................................................................................. 233.4 Trans Iowa, L.C. ................................................................................................................................. 233.5 West Des Moines Human Services ............................................................................................ 233.6 School District Transportation...................................................................................................... 26

4.0 Evaluation of Needs.................................................................................................................................274.1 Methods of Assessment ................................................................................................................ 274.2 Review of Last Years Efforts......................................................................................................... 284.3 Public Input......................................................................................................................................... 304.4 Service Needs ................................................................................................................................... 304.5 Existing Fleet Needs......................................................................................................................... 354.6 Facility Needs..................................................................................................................................... 37

5.0 Funding Sources.......................................................................................................................................395.1 Funding Programs ........................................................................................................................... 395.2 Funding Estimates ............................................................................................................................ 41

6.0 Recommended Projects for Fiscal Year 2007............................................................................437.0 Passenger Transportation Improvement Program, FY 2008-2011 ................................. 45

7.1 Passenger Transportation Improvement Program, FY 2008 ............................................. 457.2 Sketch Passenger Transportation Improvement Program, FY 2009 2011 ............... 498.0 Appendices.................................................................................................................................................. 53

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List of Figures

Figure 1 DMAMPO Planning Area and Member Governments ...............................................................2

Figure 2 DART Regular Weekday Fixed Route Service ............................................................................12

Figure 3 DART Regular Evening Fixed Route Service................................................................................13

Figure 4 DART Regular Saturday Fixed Route Service.............................................................................14

Figure 5 DART Express Fixed Route Service...............................................................................................15

Figure 6 DART On-Call Service Areas ...........................................................................................................17

Figure 7 DART Paratransit & Bus Plus Service Area...............................................................................19

Figure 8 Counties with DART Vanpool Service ...........................................................................................21

Figure 9 HIRTA Service Area...........................................................................................................................22

Figure 10 LINK Associates Service Area .......................................................................................................24

Figure 11 West Des Moines Human Services Service Area ....................................................................25

List of Tables

Table 1 Transportation Providers in Des Moines Metropolitan Area ....................................................9

Table 2 School Districts withTransportation in Des Moines Metropolitan Area ...............................10

Table 3 Regular Fixed Route Hours of Operation.......................................................................................11

Table 4 Express Route Hours of Operation .................................................................................................14

Table 5 On-Call Service Hours of Operation.................................................................................................15

Table 6 Review of Last Years Efforts............................................................................................................29

Table 7 Interest in Potential Coordination Opportunities .........................................................................34

Table 8 DART Vehicles Scheduled for Fiscal Year 2008 Replacement ..............................................35

Table 9 HIRTA Vehicles Scheduled for Fiscal Year 2008 Replacement .............................................36

Table 10 Trans Iowa, L.C. Vehicles Scheduled for Fiscal Year 2008 Replacement ...........................36

Table 11 DART Fiscal Year 2008 Facility Needs.........................................................................................37

Table 12 Fiscal Years 2007 2011 Funding Projections .......................................................................41

Table 13 FY 2007 Projects Recommended for FTA Section 5310, 5316, & 5317 Funding ........43

Table 14 FY 2008 Projects Recommended for FTA Section 5310, 5316, & 5317 Funding ........45

Table 15 Fiscal Year 2008 Projects to Replace Existing Vehicles..........................................................47

Table 16 Fiscal Year 2008 Projects to Expand Existing Service .............................................................47

Table 17 Fiscal Year 2008 Projects to Fund General Operations ..........................................................48

Table 18 Fiscal Year 2008 Projects to Address Transit Facility Needs................................................49

Table 19 Projects for FTA Section 5310, 5316, & 5317 Funding, FY 2009 2011 .....................50

Table 20 Projects to Replace or Expand Vehicles, FY 2009 - 2011 ......................................................50

Table 21 Projects to Fund General Operations, FY 2009 - 2011...........................................................51

Table 22 Projects to Address Transit Facility Needs, FY 2009 - 2011 ................................................52

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1.0 Introduction

1.1 OverviewSigned in August 2005, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act:A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), provides $52.6 billion nationally through Fiscal Year

2009 for federally funded transit programs. SAFETEA-LU calls for an increased effort incoordinating transportation services, especially services intended for elderly persons, personswith disabilities, and low-income persons. In particular, SAFETEA-LU requires projectsselected for funding under the Federal Transit Administrations (FTA) Elderly Persons andPersons with Disabilities (FTA Section 5310), Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC)(FTA Section 5316), and New Freedom (FTA Section 5317) programs be derived from alocally developed, coordinated public transit-human services transportation plan covering afour-year period beginning in Fiscal Year 2008. These funding sources are of particularimportance as they intend to increase the mobility of elderly persons, persons withdisabilities, and low-income persons. SAFETEA-LU also requires the creation of a one timecoordinated plan for projects funded in Fiscal Year 2007.

To comply with SAFETEA-LU guidelines, the Iowa Department of Transportation (IowaDOT) requires metropolitan planning organizations and regional planning affiliations tocomplete an annual Passenger Transportation Development Plan (Passenger TDP) and aone time Coordinated Plan. The Passenger TDP serves as the required locally developedcoordinated public transit-human services transportation plan covering a four-year periodbeginning in Fiscal Year 2008, while the Coordinated Plan serves as the required locallydeveloped coordinated plan for Fiscal year 2007. The Iowa DOT furthered the federalrequirement for the Passenger TDP to include projects selected for funding from all federaland state funding sources.

Both the Passenger TDP and the Coordinated Plan require an inventory of transportation

providers, an assessment of needs, and the development of projects to address identifiedneeds. Funding amounts and sources for any projects that will be included in either ametropolitan planning organization or regional planning affiliations TransportationImprovement Program (TIP) must first be included in the Passenger TDP and CoordinatedPlan, along with justification for each project. This document serves as the Passenger TDPfor Fiscal Years 2008 - 2011 for the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization(DMAMPO). This Passenger TDP also covers Fiscal Year 2007 to satisfy the requirementsof the Coordinated Plan.

1.2 Planning Area

The DMAMPO planning area includes sixteen communities: Altoona, Ankeny, Bondurant,Carlisle, Clive, Cumming, Des Moines, Grimes, Johnston, Norwalk, Pleasant Hill, Polk City,Urbandale, Waukee, West Des Moines, and Windsor Heights; and includes unincorporatedportions of four counties: Dallas County, Madison County, Polk County, and WarrenCounty. Figure 1 on the following page illustrates the DMAMPO planning area and itsmember governments.

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2007 Des Moines Area Metropo litanPlanning Organization.

Please call 515-334-0075 forpermission to use.

Figure 1: Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning OrganizationPlanning Area Boundary and Member Governments

0 1 2 30.5Miles

:

D a l l a s C o u n t y D a l l a s C o u n t y

M a d i s o n C o u n t y M a d i s o n C o u n t y W a r r e n C o u n t yW a r r e n C o u n t y

P o l k C o u n t y

P o l k C o u n t y

Des Moines

Ankeny

West Des Moines

Urbandale

Johnston

CliveWaukee

Grimes

Altoona

Norwalk

Pleasant Hill

Carlisle

Bondurant

Polk City

Cumming

Windsor Heights

Key to Features

Des Moines Area MPO

County Boundaries

MPO Member Cities

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1.3 Demographic InformationThe United States Census Bureaus 2000 Census provides the most recent demographicinformation for the Des Moines metropolitan area. Information regarding elderly persons,persons with disabilities, and low-income persons are of particular interest in the PassengerTDP, as the mobility of these populations is a primary concern for transportation providers.According to the 2000 Census, approximately 394,000 people live in the Des Moinesmetropolitan area. Of this population, approximately 43,000 persons, or close to 11%, areover the age of 65. The US Census classifies approximately 99,000 residents in theDMAMPO planning area, or 25%, as having a disability. Close to 30,000 residents, or about7.5%, have incomes below the poverty line. Figures F-3 through F-5 in Appendix Fillustrate the population density of elderly persons, persons with disabilities, and low-incomepersons throughout the DMAMPO planning area.

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2.0 Overview of Planning Process Participants

2.1 Principal ParticipantsThe DMAMPO serves as the Des Moines metropolitan areas long-range transportationplanning body, and is the organization responsible for the creation of the Passenger TDP.

The DMAMPO includes representatives from fifteen member cities: Altoona, Ankeny,Bondurant, Carlisle, Clive, Des Moines, Grimes, Johnston, Norwalk, Pleasant Hill, Polk City,Urbandale, Waukee, West Des Moines, and Windsor Heights; one associate, non-voting,city: Cumming; and includes unincorporated portions of four member counties: DallasCounty, Madison County, Polk County, and Warren County. The DMAMPO carries out itstransportation planning responsibilities in cooperation with the Iowa DOT and the DesMoines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART).

A subcommittee of the DMAMPO, the Transit Roundtable, was created in 2003 as a forumto discuss transit related issues in central Iowa. The Transit Roundtable consists ofrepresentatives of public, private, and nonprofit transportation providers, local governmentofficials, human service agencies, and local residents. After the signing of SAFETEA-LU,the Transit Roundtable became the body within the DMAMPO responsible for developingthe Passenger TDP. The Transit Roundtable created a steering committee, known as theTransit Action Group, to assist with data collection, needs analysis, program development,and funding allocation. The Transit Action Group consists primarily of agencies andtransportation providers that work with elderly individuals, persons with low incomes, andpersons with disabilities.

The following is a list of agencies represented on the Transit Roundtable:

The Central Iowa Regional Transportation Planning Alliance (CIRTPA) City of Altoona City of West Des Moines Creative Community Options The DMAMPO DART Easter Seals The Greater Des Moines Partnership Greyhound Bus Lines The Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA) HomeCare Services Iowa DOT Iowa Interstate Railroad Iowa Workforce Development Jefferson Bus Lines Link Associates Polk County Trans Iowa, L.C. Transportation Management Association

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Union Pacific Railroad Warren County West Des Moines Human Services

The following is a list of agencies represented on the Transit Action Group:

CIRTPA Creative Community Options The DMAMPO DART Paratransit Easter Seals HIRTA HomeCare Services Iowa DOT Iowa Workforce Development Link Associates Polk County Adult and Youth Service Trans Iowa, L.C. Transportation Management Association Warren County West Des Moines Human Services

The Transit Action Group meets monthly during the creation of the annual Passenger TDP.Tasks performed by the Transit Action Group include:

Create a list of human service agencies and transportation providers tocontact for information;

Prepare questions for and administering surveys to human serviceagencies;

Prepare questions for and conducting focus groups with residentsthroughout central Iowa;

Review the results of various surveys, the results of the Mobility ActionPlanning Workshops, and census data, to determine areas of need in thetransportation system; and

Recommend projects to address needs in the transportation systemThe Transit Roundtable also meets monthly to discuss a variety of transit related issues,including the Passenger TDP. Transit Roundtable monitors the progress of the PassengerTDPs creation, offers general guidance, and recommends the final version of the PassengerTDP to the DMAMPO for approval.

2.2 Supporting ParticipantsDuring the preparation of the Passenger TDP, the DMAMPO sent surveys to twenty-sixhuman service agencies, twenty-two transportation providers, and sixteen school districts

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offering transportation throughout the Des Moines metropolitan area. More informationabout the survey process is located in Section 4.1. Fifteen of the human service agencies(57%), five of the transportation providers (22%), and four of the school districts (25%)responded to the surveys. The following is a list of human service agencies that respondedto the Passenger TDP survey:

AIDS Project of Central Iowa Catholic Charities Creative Community Options Des Moines Public Schools SUCCESS Program Easter Seals Home Opportunities Made Easy (HOME) Inc. HomeCare Services Iowa Homeless Youth Shelter Iowa Legal Aid Link Associates New Directions Shelter Progress Industries Visiting Nurse Services Wesley Community Services (formerly Generations, Inc.) Y.M.C.A.

The following list includes transportation providers that responded to the Passenger TDPsurvey. More information regarding these transportation providers is located in Section 3.0.

DART HIRTA Link Associates Trans Iowa, L.C. West Des Moines Human Services Area School Districts

o Christ the King Schoolo St. Joseph Elementary Schoolo St. Theresa Schoolo Waukee Public Schools (Provided by Laidlaw)

The Transit Action Group also conducted surveys with residents from around the Des

Moines metropolitan area. Both users and potential users of the passenger transportationsystem responded to the surveys, primarily elderly persons, low-income persons, and personswith disabilities. Transit Action Group members held focus groups at the Central IowaCenter for Independent Living, as well as congregate meal sites in West Des Moines andWaukee. DART surveyed paratransit riders during trips to congregate meal sites, as well aspotential riders at the meal sites. West Des Moines Human Services also surveyed ridersduring select trips. In total, the Transit Action Group surveyed approximately 160 residents

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from around the Des Moines metropolitan area. More information about the focus groupsurvey is presented in Section 4.0.

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3.0 Inventory of Transportation Providers

Many transportation providers, both publicly and privately operated, serve the Des Moinesmetropolitan area. As noted in Section 2.1, the DMAMPO solicited information via asurvey from twenty-two transportation providers and sixteen school districts with

transportation service, receiving information from five transportation providers and fourschool districts. Table 1 includes a list of the transportation providers contacted by theDMAMPO, as well as the providers category of service. Table 2 includes a list of schooldistricts contacted by the DMAMPO.

Table 1 Transportation Providers in Des Moines Metro AreaProvider Name Service Type

A-1 Executive Limousine Charter/Taxi/LimoAmbassador Shuttle, Inc. Charter/Taxi/LimoArrow Stage Lines Charter/Taxi/LimoBusco, Inc. Charter/Taxi/LimoBurlington Trailways Intercity Bus LineCarnival Coaches Charter/Taxi/LimoChief Bus Service Charter/Taxi/LimoDART Public ProviderDurham School Services Contracted School ProviderGenes Transportation Service Charter/Taxi/LimoGreyhound Bus Lines Intercity Bus LineHIRTA Public ProviderHeartland Charter, LLC Charter/Taxi/LimoJefferson Bus Lines Intercity Bus LineLink Associates Human Service TransportationMajestic Limousine & Coach Charter/Taxi/Limo

Midwest Ambucare Human Service TransportationOld Market Limousine Charter/Taxi/LimoSmithson Limousine Service Charter/Taxi/LimoTrans Iowa, LC Charter/Taxi/LimoWest Des Moines Human Services Human Service TransportationWindstar Lines Charter/Taxi/Limo

Transportation Providers in Bold responded to the survey.

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Table 2 School Districts with Transportation Servicein Des Moines Metro Area

School NameAnkeny Public Schools

Bondurant-Farrar Public SchoolsCarlisle Public Schools

Des Moines Public SchoolsSt Anthony School

St Joseph Elementary SchoolSt Theresa School

Christ The King SchoolThe Academy

Norwalk Public SchoolsSoutheast Polk Public Schools

Urbandale Public SchoolsDes Moines Christian Elementary School

Waukee Public SchoolsWest Des Moines Public School

Dowling Catholic High SchoolSchools in Bold responded to the survey.

The following section provides a more detailed description of the transportation providersthat responded to the DMAMPO survey. This information includes a background of theservices available from each provider, including fare information, service hours, and, whereavailable, an overview of coordination efforts undertaken with other agencies. A PassengerTransportation Provider Fact Sheet completed by each of the transportation providers isincluded in Appendix A.

3.1 Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART)

DART is the public transit provider for the Des Moines metropolitan area. Formerly knownas the Des Moines Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), DART was created in 2006 as anindependent taxing authority made up of 20 local governments in Polk County. DARToffers a variety of services, including regular fixed route service, On-Call service, paratransitservice, and carpooling/vanpooling services.

DARTs fleet size totals 207 vehicles, including 116 buses, 5 trucks, 83 vans, 1 sedan, and 2trolleys. 117 vehicles have wheelchair lifts or ramps, and 130 vehicles have two-way radiosor phones. DART has a staff of 162 full-time and 63 part-time employees, some of whomare unionized under either the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 441, or theTeamsters Union Local 238.

In Fiscal Year 2006, DART vehicles traveled 4,618,694 revenue miles, operated 267,440revenue hours, and provided 4,243,701 rides, which translates to approximately 13,823 ridesper day. In Fiscal Year 2007, the annual number of rides provided is projected to increase toapproximately 4,328,575, or 14,100 rides per day. Approximately 93% of rides provided byDART are for fixed route service, while Paratransit and Ride-Share service make up theremaining 7%.

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Fixed-Route ServiceDART offers regular fixed route service throughout the Des Moinesmetropolitan area between Monday and Saturday, with no service on Sundaysor holidays. Nine fixed routes operate during daytime hours on Mondaythrough Friday, with many offering evening and Saturday service as well.Figures 2 through 4 illustrate the regular fixed route services available duringweekdays, evenings, and Saturdays, respectively. Table 3 summarizes theservices hours for each regular route.

Table 3 Regular Fixed Route Hours of OperationRoutes Weekday Hours Evening Hours Saturday Hours

#1WDM Fairgrounds

5:15 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. 6:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

#3University Highland Oak

Park5:15 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. 6:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

#4Urbandale E. 14th

5:15 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. 5:45 a.m. - 6:45 p.m.

#5Clark E. 6th & 9th

5:15 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. 6:00 a.m. - 6:50 p.m.

#6W. 9th

Douglas/Indianola/Lacona5:45 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. 6:00 a.m. - 6:50 p.m.

#7Ft. Des Moines - Walker

5:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. 6:00 a.m. - 6:15 p.m.

#8SE. 14th Haven/S. Union

6:00 a.m. - 6:10 p.m.

#11Jordan Creek

8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

#13SE Park Avenue Circulator

6:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.,3:35 p.m. - 5:35 p.m.

The cash fare for regular fixed route service is $1.25 for adults, $0.75 forchildren ages 6-10, and free for children under the age of 6; transfers are$0.10 each. Senior citizens with a DART Senior I.D. pay a reduced fare of$0.50 and receive free transfers between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.and after 6:00 p.m. on weekdays, and all day on Saturdays. Persons withdisabilities with a DART Disabled I.D. pay a reduced fare of $0.50 andreceive free transfers on all trips.

DART also provides express service on nine fixed routes, which operateduring peak morning and afternoon hours between Monday and Friday.

Figure 5 illustrates the location of DARTs express routes. Table 4summarizes the service hours for each express route.

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2007 Des Moines Area Metropo litanPlanning Organization.


Figure 2: Des Moines Area Regional Transit AuthorityRegular Weekday Fixed Route Service

0 1 2 30.5

Miles

:

Key to Features

Des Moines Area MPOCounty Boundaries

MPO Member City

Route 1

Route 1 Selected

Route 3

Route 3 Selected

Route 4

Route 5

Route 5 Selected

Route 6

Route 7

Route 7 Selected

Route 8

Route 8 Selected

Route 11

Route 13

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2007 Des Moines Area MetropolitanPlanning Organization.


Figure 3: Des Moines Area Regional Transit AuthorityRegular Evening Fixed Route Service

0 1 2 30.5

Miles

:

Key to Features

Des Moines Area MPO

County Boundaries

MPO Member CityRoute 1

Route 3

Route 4

Route 6

Route 7

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Figure 4: Des Moines Area Regional Transit AuthorityRegular Saturday Fixed Route Service

0 1 2 30.5

Miles

:

Key to Features

Des Moines Area MPO

County Boundaries

MPO Member City

Route 1

Route 1 Selected

Route 3

Route 4

Route 4 Selected

Route 5

Route 6

Route 7

Route 11

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Figure 5: Des Moines Area Regional Transit AuthorityExpress Fixed Route Service

0 1 2 30.5

Miles

:

Key to Features

Des Moines Area MPO

County Boundaries

MPO Member City

Airport Express

Altoona Commuter

Ankeny Commuter

Clive Express

E.P. True Express

Northwest Express

Urbandale Express

Vista Express

Westown Express

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Table 4 Express Route Hours of OperationRoutes Weekday Hours

#90Airport South Business Park Express

6:20 a.m. - 8:35 a.m.,3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

#91Northwest Express

6:40 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.,4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

#92Urbandale Express

6:05 a.m. - 8:50 a.m.,3:30 p.m. - 6:10 p.m.

#93Clive Express

6:55 a.m. - 7:50 a.m.,4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

#94Westown Express

6:20 a.m. - 8:05 a.m.,3:50 p.m. - 5:40 p.m.

#95Vista Express

6:10 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.,4:00 p.m. - 5:55 p.m.

#96E.P. True Express

6:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.,3:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.

#98Ankeny Express

6:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.,3:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.

#99

Altoona Express

6:00 a.m. - 7:55 a.m.,

4:00 p.m. - 5:50 p.m.

The cash fare for express route service is $1.50 for adults, $0.75 for childrenage 6-10, and free for children under the age of 6. Persons with disabilitieswith a DART Disabled I.D. pay a reduced fare of $0.75.

Ninety-three buses from DARTs fleet are used for fixed route service.DARTs fixed route fleet has an average age of 8.5 years, compared with thenational average of 7.5 years.

DART coordinates service with the Des Moines Public School District byproviding rides to secondary students in areas where it is inefficient for theschool system to provide transportation.

On-Call ServiceDART offers On-Call service in established areas in four communities Ankeny, Des Moines, Urbandale, and West Des Moines that providecustomers with demand responsive service within the respective serviceareas. Rides are $2.50, and service hours vary by community. Riders with aWest Des Moines Human Services pass can use the West Des Moines On-Call service for free. Figure 6 illustrates the four On-Call service areas.Table 5 summarizes the service hours for each On-Call service area.

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Figure 6: Des Moines Area Regional Transit AuthorityOn Call Service Areas

0 1 2 30.5

Miles

:

Key to Features

Des Moines Area MPO

County Boundaries

MPO Member City

West Des Moines On Call

Urbandale On Call

Des Moines South On Call

Des Moines East On Call

Ankeny On Call

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Table 5 On-Call Service Hours of Operation

Service Area Day Weekday Hours

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.Ankeny

Wednesday 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Des Moines East Monday - Friday 6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Des Moines South Monday - Friday 6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.Urbandale Monday - Friday

7:45 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.,3:45 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Monday Friday 8:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m.West Des Moines

Saturday 8:30 a.m. 6:00 p.m.

Paratransit/Bus Plus ServiceDART Paratransit provides demand responsive transportation servicethroughout Polk County. This service particularly benefits elderly personsand persons with disabilities who cannot use the regular fixed route service.Some services are provided free of charge under contracts to human serviceagencies. Riders must meet age and/or disability and income guidelines to be

eligible for the free paratransit service; riders must complete an application todetermine their eligibility. Persons with disabilities who do not qualify forthe free paratransit service may apply to use DART Bus Plus service. BusPlus service is for persons with disabilities who cannot otherwise useDARTs fixed route service. Bus Plus riders pay a fare of between $2.50 -$10.00 depending on the trips distance. Bus Plus fulfills DARTs obligationsto the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Figure 7 illustrates the areasserved by DART Paratransit and Bus Plus service.

DART Paratransit coordinates service with a variety of agencies. DARTParatransit operates in West Des Moines and coordinates with West Des

Moines Human Services to ensure that services are not duplicated in the area.Trans Iowa, L.C. provides overflow rides for DART Paratransit, andprovides rides at hours when it in inefficient for DART to do so. LinkAssociates contracts with DART Paratransit, which enables DARTParatransit to provide rides for Link Associates when it is inefficient for LinkAssociates to do so. DART Paratransit also coordinates with a number ofhuman service agencies to provide service to and from those agencies.

DARTs Paratransit fleet contains twenty-five vehicles. The average fleet ageis 5.4 years, compared with the national average of 4.1 years.

RideShareDARTs RideShare program provides both carpool and vanpool

opportunities to customers. Carpooling generally involves two or morepeople sharing driving duties that have common origins, destinations, andtravel times. RideShare assists commuters in finding individuals with similartravel patterns, and commuters are able to contact those individuals to set uptheir own carpools. DART does not charge a fee to the customer forcarpooling.

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Figure 7: Des Moines Area Regional Transit AuthorityParatransit & Bus Plus Service Area

0 1 2 30.5

Miles

:

Key to Features

Des Moines Area MPO

County Boundaries

MPO Member City

Paratransit/Bus Plus Service Area

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DARTs vanpool service is similar to carpooling, yet taken a step further.Vanpooling allows between 5 and 15 passengers to ride together to and fromwork using DART provided vehicles. Currently, vanpools operate innumerous communities throughout 15 central Iowa counties. Riders arecharged a monthly fee, which varies depending on the distance traveled and

number of individuals in the vanpool. Figure 8 shows counties in Iowa withDART vanpools.

3.2 Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA)HIRTA is the public transit provider for Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marion, Story, andWarren Counties. Specific to the DMAMPO, HIRTA provides public transportation in theportions of Dallas, Madison, and Warren Counties that fall within the DMAMPO planningarea. Figure 9 illustrates HIRTAs service areas. HIRTA provides demand responsiveservice to all populations within its service area. HIRTA contracts service to differenttransportation providers in each county; specific hours of operation and fares vary bycontractor. All three HIRTA contractors that service the DMAMPO area are human service

agencies that share their facilities for both transportation and human service operations.

HIRTAs total fleet size is 78 vehicles, and the fleet size within the DMAMPO planning areais approximately 25 vehicles. HIRTAs average vehicle age is 8.3 years, compared with thenational average of 4.1 years.

HomeCare Services, Inc.HomeCare Services, Inc., is the contracted public transportation provider forDallas County. Hours of operation are between 6:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.,Monday through Friday. Pricing varies by age and income. For customersunder the age of 60, in-town rides are $4.00 one-way, with an extra $1 for

each stop. Out-of-town rides are $10.00 one-way, with an extra $1 for eachstop. School rides are available for $2.00 each way. Special trips can bearranged at $2.50 per mile, or $40.00 per hour. The suggested pricing forcustomers over the age of 60 is dependent on income, and ranges from $1.00to $4.00 for in-town one-way trips, and from $2.00 to $10.00 for out-of-towntrips.

Madison County Elderly Services, Inc.Madison County Elderly Services, Inc., is the contracted publictransportation provider for Madison County. Hours of operation arebetween 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The fare for customers under the age of 60is $1.00 for in-town trips. The suggested contribution for customers over theage of 60 is $0.50 for in-town trips. The fare for trips out of the county is$8.00 per hour and $0.65 per mile for all ages.

Red Rock Community Action Program/Warren County CenterRed Rock Community Action Program/Warren County Center is thecontracted public transportation provider for Warren County. Hours ofoperation are between 6:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Fares range from $1.00 to$4.00 per ride, depending on the destination.

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Figure 8: Des Moines Area Regional Transit AuthorityCounties with Vanpool Service

:

Polk Jasper

Story

Adair

Dallas

Boone

Warren Marion

Guthrie

LucasClarke

Marshall

Decatur

Madison

PoweshiekKey to Features

Des Moines Area MPO

DART Vanpool Present

0 8 16 244

Miles

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Figure 9: Heart of Iowa Regional Transit AgencyService Area

0 1 2 30.5

Miles

:

Key to Features

Des Moines Area MPO

County Boundaries

MPO Member City

HIRTA Service Area

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3.3 Link AssociatesLink Associates is a not-for-profit organization that offers comprehensive services topersons with mental disabilities throughout the Des Moines metropolitan area. Specifictransportation services include trips to and from work, as well as to occasional doctorsvisits. Figure 10 shows the general area served by Link Associates transportation service.Trips are funded through the Polk County MR Waiver program, resulting in a free service tothe rider. Hours of operation range from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Link Associates oftencontracts service out to DART or Trans Iowa, L.C. when it is not efficient for LinkAssociates to provide trips. Link Associates also coordinates with a number of humanservice agencies to provide trips to work for the agencies customers.

In Fiscal Year 2006, Link Associates provided 77,586 rides. This number is projected toincrease to approximately 79,500 rides in Fiscal Year 2007. Link Associates fleet consists of10 buses, 14 vans, 3 trucks, 3 sedans, and 1 station wagon. 12 vehicles are equipped withwheelchair lifts or ramps.

3.4 Trans Iowa, L.C.Trans Iowa, L.C. is local for-profit transportation provider that offers taxicab, accessibletaxicab, and motor-coach services. Service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.Trans Iowa, L.C. serves all of the Des Moines metropolitan area. The fare structure fortaxicabs and accessible taxicabs is $2.00 plus $1.80 per mile. Prices for motor-coach serviceare quoted by trip.

Trans Iowa, L.C. coordinates with many transportation providers and human serviceagencies throughout the Des Moines metropolitan area. DART and Link Associatescontract service out to Trans Iowa, L.C., when it is inefficient for these transportationproviders to provide service. These times include when DART or Link Associates are either

handling a high number of trips and must send overflow service to Trans Iowa, L.C., orwhen trips are needed at hours when DART or Link Associates are not operating.

Trans Iowa, L.C.s fleet includes 90 sedans, 6 buses, and 6 vans. Four of the vehicles havewheelchair lifts or ramps. In Fiscal Year 2006, Trans Iowa, L.C. provided 405,000 trips.This number is projected to decrease slightly to 400,000 trips in Fiscal Year 2007.

3.5 West Des Moines Human ServicesWest Des Moines Human Services is a service provided by the City of West Des Moines toprovide transportation to low-income persons, elderly persons, and persons with disabilities.Specific transportation services include trips to meal sites, recreational activities, shoppingand human services trips. Service is available to West Des Moines residents only and is freeto the rider. Figure 11 illustrates the area services by West Des Moines Human Services.

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Figure 10: Link Associates Service Area

0 1 2 30.5

Miles

:

Key to Features

Des Moines Area MPO

County Boundaries

MPO Member City

Link Associates Service Area

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Figure 11: West Des Moines Human ServicesService Area

0 1 2 30.5

Miles

:

Key to Features

Des Moines Area MPO

County Boundaries

MPO Member City

West Des Moines Human Services

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3.6 School District TransportationSchool district responses to the DMAMPO survey are discussed below. In addition to thesurveys, the Iowa Department of Education provided the DMAMPO with a listing of schooldistricts throughout the Des Moines metropolitan area, as well as the number of buses ineach district. This information is included in Appendix B.

Christ the King SchoolChrist the King School, located on the southeast side of the Des Moinesmetropolitan area, offers the schools students transportation to and fromschool. The school has two buses, and transports approximately 90passengers per day. Students living within two miles of the school ride freeof charge, while those outside of two miles are charge $50 per quarter.

St. Joseph Elementary SchoolSt. Joseph Elementary School provides the schools students withtransportation to and from school. Two buses cover an area from Runnels

to Ankeny, and transport approximately 125 students per day.

St. Theresa SchoolSt. Theresa School provides the schools students with transportation to andfrom school. Two buses cover an area that spreads over Des Moines,Urbandale, and West Des Moines.

Waukee Public SchoolsTransportation for Waukee Public Schools is provided by Laidlaw. Laidlawoperates thirty-five buses that provide the schools students withtransportation to and from school.

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4.0 Evaluation of Needs

Determining transportation needs, specifically unmet transportation needs, is the mostimportant part of the coordination process and establishes the basis for policy groups toprovide services. For this Passenger TDP, various methods were used to provide insight to

the Transit Action Group regarding the transportation needs of the Des Moinesmetropolitan area. This section provides an analysis of the various needs of thetransportation system. An assessment by the Transit Action Group regarding the creation aproject or program to address a need is included where applicable.

4.1 Methods of Assessment

Mobility Action Planning WorkshopA Mobility Action Planning Workshop was held at the Des Moines BotanicalCenter on April 18, 2006. The Iowa DOT, the DMAMPO, and the CIRTPA

sponsored this workshop. The purpose of the workshop was to bringtogether public transit providers, private transportation providers, andhuman service agencies in the eight county region of central Iowa, to discussthe transportation needs of low-income persons, persons with disabilities,and elderly persons, as well as to discuss the coordination of transportationservices. Similar workshops were held around the state, and a statewidefollow-up conference was held in Des Moines in November, 2006.

The local workshop allowed attendees to share their thoughts ontransportation service directly with Iowa DOT and DMAMPO/CIRTPArepresentatives. A summary of results from the Mobility Action PlanningWorkshop is included in Appendix C.

Client Transportation Needs Assessment SurveyThe DMAMPO mailed a Client Transportation Needs Assessment Survey toarea human service agencies to gauge their views of the currenttransportation system. In particular, this survey served as a way to determinethe needs of the transportation system. This survey was designed by a groupof individuals from area human service and transportation organizations thatattended the Easter Seals Project Action Mobility Planning Services Institute(MPSI) in Washington, D.C. Organizations represented by this groupinclude the DART, Iowa Workforce Development, Easter Seals, PolkCounty Health Services, and Trans Iowa, L.C. A copy of this survey is

included in Appendix D.

The DMAMPO sent surveys to twenty-six human service agencies identifiedby the Transit Action Group. Fifteen human service agencies responded tothe survey. Fourteen of these agencies were private non-profit organizations,and one was a public institution. A summary of results from the ClientTransportation Needs Assessment Survey is included in Appendix D.

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Citizen SurveysTransit Action Group representatives administered surveys to both uses andpotential users of the transportation system, particularly elderly persons,persons with disabilities, and low-income individuals. Transit Action Grouprepresentatives held focus groups at the Central Iowa Center forIndependent Living and at congregate meal sites in West Des Moines andWaukee. DART Paratransit drivers also administered surveys at meals sitesthroughout Des Moines, and West Des Moines Human Servicesadministered surveys to their passengers during select trips.

The focus groups and surveys allowed the Transit Action Group to assessthe transportation needs of Des Moines metropolitan area citizens.Information collected allowed the Transit Action Group to determine theaffordability of transportation and popular destinations of transportationservice, and make informed decisions about altering hours and areas ofoperation. A copy of the survey administered to residents, as well as asummary of responses, are included in Appendix E.

GIS AnalysisDMAMPO staff utilized Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyzesocioeconomic information of the Des Moines metropolitan area, as well asthe location of transportation service available to residents in the Des Moinesmetropolitan area. The analysis illustrates likely origins of trips by mappingthe density of groups that are particularly dependant on passengertransportation, including households with no vehicle present, elderly persons,persons with disabilities, and low-income persons. The analysis alsoillustrates likely destinations of trips by mapping medical facilities, humanservice areas, large manufacturing centers, large retail centers, and large office

complexes. The analysis additionally illustrates the number of transportationservices available to residents throughout the area. These three analyses werecompared to create a gap analysis showing areas containing likely origins anddestination with no service available. The maps resulting from the GISanalysis are included in Appendix F.

Passenger Transportation Provider SurveyArea transportation providers were mailed a survey to gain information suchas operating data, fleet replacement schedules, and capital needs. The TransitAction Group identified twenty-two transportation providers throughout theDes Moines metropolitan area to survey, with five providers responding to

the survey. An additional sixteen school districts offering transportationservice were sent surveys, with four responding. Copies of the completedPassenger Transportation Provider Surveys are included in Appendix A.

4.2 Review of Last Years EffortsTransportation providers were asked to list all projects implemented over the last 12 monthsthat utilized either Special Needs (FTA Section 5310), Job Access Reverse Commute (FTASection 5316), or New Freedom (FTA Section 5317) funding. Providers also ranked the

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level of success of each project. Table 6 summarizes programs provided by transportationproviders and their levels of success.

Table 6 Review of Last Years Efforts

Provider Program Funding Source Level of Success

DARTContinued Airport Business Park

Express Service Route #90 5316Successful will continue

if funding available

DART Continued Evening Service 5316Successful will continue


DARTContinued University Corridor

Service5316

Successful will continueif funding available

DARTContinued West Des Moines

On-Call Service, and Route 11Service

5316Successful will continue


DARTContinued Paratransit WestDes Moines/Ankeny Routes

5310 Unsure of success

DART/Trans IowaExpanded Paratransit

Fleet/Contracted Service toTrans Iowa

5310Successful will continue


HIRTA Indianola to Des Moines(Warren Co.)*

5316 Successful will continueif funding available

HIRTAWaukee to Des Moines

(Dallas Co.)*5316

Program not implementedin FY 2007

*Projects included in CIRTPA Transportation Improvement Program

Continued Airport Business Park Express Service Route #90DART provides peak-hour weekday service to the Airport South BusinessPark (three times morning and afternoon). DART offers reverse commutetrips from downtown Des Moines to the Airport South Business Park inaddition to service from the Airport South Business Park into downtownDes Moines. The Airport Business Park Express Service had 21,855

boardings in Fiscal Year 2006. Of this figure, 694 trips were attributed toelderly persons and persons with disabilities.

Continued Evening ServiceAs mentioned in Section 3.1, DART offers evening service on five routes.DART additionally offers evening on-call service in parts of Des Moines (seeSection 3.1). In Fiscal Year 2006, DART provided 132,275 evening trips.

Continued University Corridor ServiceDART increased service on Route #3s west end to offer 10 minute peakheadways and 15 minute mid-day headways. Route #3 runs from Park Fair

Mall to Valley West Mall. In Fiscal Year 2006, DART provided 700,349 tripson Route #3. Of this total, 90,244 trips were during evenings and Saturdays,and 35,942 trips were attribute to elderly persons and persons withdisabilities.

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Continued West Des Moines On-Call Service and Route 11Service

DART offers on-call service in West Des Moines from 8:00 am to 7:00 pmfrom Monday through Saturday. In Fiscal Year 2006, DART provided10,898 trips in the West Des Moines On-Call area.

Route #11 is a regular fixed route that runs from Valley Junction to JordanCreek Mall between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, Monday through Saturday. InDART provided 18,728 trips along Route #11 in Fiscal Year 2006. DARTattributed 406 of the total trips to elderly persons and persons withdisabilities.

Continued Paratransit - West Des Moines/Ankeny RoutesDART offered special paratransit routes to West Des Moines and Ankenythat was in addition to the demand responsive paratransit service throughoutPolk County. This service was discontinued after funding was exhausted. InFiscal Year 2006, this paratransit route provided 15,655 trips. DART

attributed 9,502 of the total trips to persons with disabilities.

Expanded Paratransit Fleet/Contracted Service to Trans IowaDART contracted service to a local private transportation provider, TransIowa, L.C. In Fiscal Year 2006, DART contracted out 12,075 trips to TransIowa, L.C. This figure includes 5,434 trips to elderly persons and 2,698 tripsto persons with disabilities. DART also utilized FTA Section 5310 fundingto purchase a partial paratransit vehicle.

Assessment of Programs/Projects to Address Need:The Transit Action Group recommendscontinued funding for successful projects in Fiscal Years 2007 - 2011 if funding is available.

4.3 Public InputIn addition to comments received from human service agencies and local citizens in thesurveys mentioned in Section 4.1, the Passenger Transportation Provider Survey askedtransportation providers to summarize public comments that they received in the last year.DART was the only provider that reported comments in 2006. Regarding serviceimprovements, riders expressed the need to expand service to new DART membercommunities, the need for more Saturday service, the demand for Sunday service, the needfor expanded hours and increased frequencies on weekdays, and the need for more locationsserved by DART. Regarding positives in service, riders reported good customer service andfriendly drivers.

4.4 Service NeedsThe Transit Action Group used the various methods of assessment mentioned previously todetermine the following needs in transportation service. Needs specific to low-incomepersons, elderly persons, and persons with disabilities are discussed where applicable. Pleasenote that costs associated with recommended programs are included in the TransportationImprovement Programs located in Section 7 and Section 8 of this document.

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Existing Service NeedsThe Transit Action Group identified the need to maintain existing levels ofservice as a top priority. Information supplied from transportation providersindicates that at least 4.8 million rides are anticipated in Fiscal Year 2007.This figure only is an estimate, however. Not all transportation providerssubmitted information to DMAMPO staff, and the service area of manyproviders is not contained solely within the DMAMPO planning areaboundary. Nevertheless, a considerable number of trips are and willcontinue to be provided in the Des Moines metropolitan area. Analysis bythe Transit Action Group indicates that a significant number of trips areprovided to areas with higher proportions of elderly persons, persons withdisabilities, and low income persons.

Assessment of Programs/Projects to Address Need:The Transit Action Groupconcluded that transportation providers should increase service, both interms of service area and hours of operation, and that transportationproviders should reduce only a very few select existing services. One such

service is DARTs West Des Moines/Ankeny paratransit route. This servicewas discontinued by DART after exhausting available funding; neither theTransit Action Group nor DART recommends resurrecting this service inthe near future as DART paratransit service is already available.

Expanded Service AreaOne of the key issues facing the current transportation system is the lack ofservice in all areas it is desired. Over half of human service agenciessurveyed stated that a major barrier to adequate transportation service is theabsence of transportation services where their clients need them. Theattendees of the Mobility Action Planning Workshop shared a similar view,

adding that limited service areas limits options for things like work, shopping,and medical appointments. One-fourth of citizens surveyed believed there isno service where they live, while 35% of citizens surveyed felt that no serviceis available where they need to go.

Low-income individuals depend on passenger transportation for many oftheir trips, including those to work, for personal use, and for medicalpurposes. One specific need is to provide more service between the areasthat low-income individuals live and work. Many low-income individuals livenear the city cores and must commute to retail, manufacturing, and serviceindustry jobs in suburban areas. To ensure that low-income individuals can

access these jobs, more reverse-commute options must be available.

Elderly persons and persons with disabilities rely on passenger transportationfor medical visits, shopping, and recreational opportunities. Fixed routeservice is not available in all areas and, in the locations fixed route service isavailable, the service is not easily accessible to elderly persons and personswith disabilities. There is a need to provide transportation options topersons with disabilities and elderly persons that live in areas with no otherpassenger transportation options so that they too may have transportation to

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places like medical facilities and community centers. An increased need alsoexists for transportation service to medical facilities, including facilitiesoutside of the Des Moines metropolitan area. Many survey respondents andparticipants at the Mobility Action Planning Workshop cited a need tocoordinate service to places like Iowa City for medical appointments.

Assessment of Programs/Projects to Address Need:The need for expanded serviceareas is justified given the level of public demand and the GIS analysis. TheTransit Action Group recommends the implementation of proposals byDART to expand their service areas. These proposals include expanding theUrbandale On-Call service area in Fiscal Year 2007, expanding fixed routeservice to Ankeny and Oliver Plaza in Fiscal Year 2008, and a proposal tointroduce a new weekly regional service to DART member communities inFiscal Year 2007. The new regional service will provide communities in theDes Moines metropolitan area that do not currently have publictransportation with a weekly service, enabling residents in those communitiesto have access to things like retail centers and medical facilities. The Transit

Action Group also recommends the implementation of proposals by DARTto expand their service area in future years, including the creation of a feederroute in Pleasant Hill that would provide access to an existing fixed route,and also the expansion of an express route in West Des Moines that wouldprovide increased opportunities for reverse commuting.

Expanded Service HoursIn addition to expanding service to new areas, residents, human serviceagencies, and Mobility Action Planning Workshop participants cited the needfor increased frequency and hours of operation for current services. Overhalf of human service agencies surveyed stated that transportation services

do not operate at the necessary hours to serve their clients. A third ofresidents surveyed shared this opinion, and cited numerous examples of howa lack in service frequency or hours of operation has limited their mobility inthe community. Some residents said that they must stay at a medical clinic allday after their appointment to wait for a ride, and others said they choose tonot use passenger transportation during afternoon or evening hours out offear that they will miss the last ride home.

Low-income individuals need transportation service to the areas they work.Low-income individuals additionally need transportation during the timesthey work. Many low-income individuals work nights and weekends when

public transportation and human service provided transportation does notoperate. During the weekdays, a second or third shift worker may only beable to use public transportation for one part of their work commute. Onweekends, especially Sundays, workers have even fewer transportationoptions available. Increasing service hours will better enable low-incomeindividuals to access employment opportunities.

Elderly persons and persons with disabilities also are constrained by thehours that transportation providers operate. Last minute doctor

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appointments and other non-emergency needs often are difficult to scheduledue to the low frequency in service. These individuals also require mobilityon nights and weekends for recreational and entertainment activities, as wellas religious services.

Assessment of Programs/Projects to Address Need: The need to expand the hoursand frequency of operation is justified given the level of public demand andthe GIS analysis. The Transit Action Group determined that adding Sundayservices, and maintaining existing night services, are immediate needs to thetransportation system. The Transit Action Group recommends theimplementation of proposals by DART to begin Sunday service in FiscalYear 2008, to increase the hours of operation and frequency of the West DesMoines On-Call service in Fiscal Year 2008, and the continued engineeringand design for the Alternatives Analysis Study in Fiscal Year 2008. TheAlternatives Analysis Study analyzes the possibility for bus rapid transitservice in the community, which will increase service frequencies. TheTransit Action Group also recommends the continuation of Job Access and

Reverse Commute projects mentioned in Section 4.2, as well as theexpansion of existing fleets to increase service frequencies where needed.

Affordable Transportation ServicesProviding affordable transportation to those who depend on it is anotherneed of the transportation system. Over half of the human service agenciessurveyed stated that transportation is too expensive for their clients. Citizensthat were surveyed, however, shared a different view on the affordability oftransportation. 80% of respondents said that transportation is affordable.Citizen responses may be skewed, however, as many of the citizens surveyedwere users of free paratransit service.

Assessment of Programs/Projects to Address Need: Many transportation providersoffer reduced rates to human service agencies serving low-income persons,elderly persons, and persons with disabilities, but the practice is not universal.The Transit Action Group recognizes the need to expand these reduced rateprograms to enable all people in all areas to afford transportation. Given theamount of time needed to create a successful program, however, the TransitAction Group did not develop a program for Fiscal Years 2007 or 2008. TheTransit Action Group will work to develop projects to include in futureupdates of the Passenger TDP.

Coordinated Efforts Among Transportation ProvidersThe need for transportation providers to work together in the creation of an

efficient transportation system is critical. Jurisdictional turf issues betweenlocal governments, transportation providers, and human service agenciescurrently pose problems to providing satisfactory levels of servicethroughout the metropolitan area. Many transportation providers only offerservice to certain areas, making trips across different regions difficult. Manyriders also are not able to afford the few transportation services, like taxicabs,that provide direct door-to-door service over a large area.

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Limited financial resources can have a burden on the transportation system.Many providers are not able to meet demand and still charge an affordablefare to riders. Additionally, not all transportation providers have thenecessary equipment, such as vehicles equipped with wheel chair lifts, to

serve elderly persons and persons with disabilities. Sharing financialresources, equipment, and facilities can reduce the overhead costs ofproviding transportation and reduce the cost passed on to riders.

Increasing the ease of use to the public is another avenue for coordinationamong transportation providers. Few agreements exist between providers toallow the easy transfer from one service to another. There is also a lack ofknowledge between riders and providers as to other transportation optionsavailable in the area.

The Passenger Transportation Provider Survey provided an assessment ofthe various providers interest in potential coordination opportunities. Table

7 indicates areas of coordination and each transportation providers interestin coordination.

Table 7 Interest in Potential Coordination Opportunities

Area of Coordination DART HIRTALink

AssociatesTrans Iowa, L.C.

West DesMoines Human

ServicesJoining Coordination

Network9 9 9 9 n/a

Centralized Scheduling,Dispatch, & Vehicle

Tracking9 n/a

Contracting to PurchaseTransportation Service 9 n/aCollaborate in Grant

Writing9 9 9 n/a

Contracting to ProvideTransportation Service

9 9 9 9 n/aConsolidate Service to a

Single Providern/a

Technology for VehicleTracking and Ride

Scheduling9 9 9 n/a

Centralized FuelPurchasing

9 9 n/aPooling of TrainingResources 9 9 9 n/aPooling of Financial

Resourcesn/a

Sharing Vehicles AmongAgencies

9 n/aCooperatively Purchasing

Vehicles9 9 n/a

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Assessment of Programs/Projects to Address Need: The Transit Action Groupconsiders the need for increased coordination a very high importance. Thedevelopment of a centralized mobility management center to coordinate andschedule trips between all providers has been identified as a way to resolve

coordination, scheduling, and public awareness difficulties. The TransitAction Group determined that the immediate implementation of such asystem is not possible as research and development must be done to createsuch a system; the Transit Action Group recommends the implementation ofsuch a system in future updates of this Passenger TDP. The Transit ActionGroup also supports the continuation of contracting service betweentransportation providers. Such projects include the contracting of servicesbetween DART Paratransit, Link Associates, and Trans Iowa, L.C., whichincreases the efficiency of the overall passenger transportation system.

4.5 Existing Fleet Needs

Replacing and rehabilitating existing vehicles is an area of need that must be considered inthe Passenger TDP. The replacement and rehabilitation of vehicles must be justified, aspublic money is often used to pay for the vehicles. The Passenger Transportation ProviderSurvey asked each transportation provider to complete a Fleet Rehabilitation/ReplacementSchedule, which covers all vehicles in each providers existing fleet. DART, HIRTA, andTrans Iowa, L.C. completed the Fleet Rehabilitation/Replacement Schedule. CompletedFleet Rehabilitation/Replacement Schedules are included in Appendix A.

DARTDART follows the Federal Programming Guidance for Transit Vehicles,which outlines the age and mileage at which vehicles should be replaced.

Table 8 summarizes the vehicles in DARTs fleet that are scheduled forreplacement in Fiscal Year 2008 as compared to the Federal ProgrammingGuidance for Transit Vehicles. The Transit Action Group recommends theimplementation of DARTs proposals to address existing fleet needs.

Table 8 DART Vehicles Scheduled for Fiscal Year 2008 Replacement

VehicleVehicle

AgeVehicle Mileage(as of June, 2006)

Federal Guidelines

Eight 40 Heavy Duty Buses 14Between

329,000 374,000 miles12 years/500,000 miles

Three 40 Heavy Duty Buses 16Between


Two Light Duty Buses 7 Between57,000 58,000 miles 4 years/100,000 miles

Two 30 Medium DutyParatransit Buses

8Between


Four RideShare Vehicles 6Between


Two RideShare Vehicles 5 62,000 miles; 74,000 miles 4 years/100,000 miles

Two RideShare Vehicles 3 42,000 miles; 51,000 miles 4 years/100,000 miles

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HIRTAHIRTA uses the Iowa DOT Public Transit Equipment and FacilitiesManagement System (PTMS) to determine the replacement schedule ofvehicles. Vehicles earn points based on their age and mileage, and thevehicles are prioritized based on their point totals. The Iowa DOT replacesas many vehicles throughout the state each year as possible, given availablefunding. HIRTA vehicles targeted for replacement in Fiscal Year 2008 arethose that are likely to be replaced if funding is available. Table 9summarizes the vehicles in HIRTAs fleet that serve the DMAMPO planningarea that are scheduled for replacement in Fiscal Year 2008. The TransitAction Group recommends the implementation of HIRTAs proposals toaddress existing fleet needs.

Table 9 HIRTA Vehicles Scheduled for Fiscal Year 2008 Replacement

VehicleVehicle

AgeVehicle Mileage(as of June, 2006)

One ADA Minivan 15 230,000 miles

Two ADA Minivan 10 Between147,000 - 152,000 miles

Two 176 Light Duty Buses 11 142,000 miles; 171,000 miles

One 176 Light Duty Buses 7 142,000 miles

One 158 Light Duty Bus 7 171,000 miles



Trans Iowa, L.C.Trans Iowa, L.C. replaces vehicles in its fleet when the vehicles reach 8 yearsand 3 months from the current production year. Therefore, Trans Iowa,

L.C. will replace 1999 model vehicles by March 31, 2008. In Fiscal Year2008, Trans Iowa, L.C. will replace 40 vehicles that meet the aforementionedguideline. Table 10 summarizes vehicles scheduled for Fiscal Year 2008replacement. The Transit Action Group recommends the implementation ofTrans Iowa, L.C.s proposals to address existing fleet needs.

Table 10 Trans Iowa, L.C. Vehicles Scheduled for Fiscal Year 2008 Replacement

VehicleVehicle

YearVehicle Mileage(as of June, 2006)

One Ford Taurus 1999 Not Available

One Buick Regal 1999 Not Available

Five Chevy Luminas 1999 Not Available

25 Ford Crown Victorias 1999 163,000 - 396,000One Buick Century 1999 Not AvailableOne Ford Crown Victorias 2000 Not Available

Three Pontiac Bonnevilles 1999 Not Available

Two Ford E350 1997 208,000 - 213,000

One Ford Windstar 1998 161,000

Note: Vehicles may not operate solely within the DMAMPO planning area.

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4.6 Facility NeedsNeeds related to transit facilities and equipment must be considered in the Passenger TDP.Like fleet needs, facility needs must be justified as they are often paid for with public money.The Passenger Transportation Provider Survey asked transportation providers to complete aCapital Improvement Program, which includes facility and equipment needs. DART andTrans Iowa, L.C. both included facility needs for Fiscal Year 2008. The Transit ActionGroup recommends the implementation of proposals to address facility needs.

Trans Iowa, L.C.Trans Iowa, L.C. is scheduled to upgrade its maintenance and office facility,as well as its scheduling and dispatch system, in Fiscal Year 2008.

DARTDART anticipates a number of facility needs in Fiscal Year 2008. Someneeds are to replace or restore existing facilities and equipment, while othersare expansions and additions to facilities and equipment. DARTs FiscalYear 2007 2012 Capital Plan was used to summarize the facility and

equipment needs scheduled for Fiscal Year 2008. Table 11 includes asummary of DARTs facility needs.

Table 11 DART Fiscal Year 2008 Facility NeedsFacility Need Description

Transit Hub FacilityConstruction

Construct a transit hub facility in downtown Des Moines to replace theexisting Walnut Street Transit Mall

DART Facility ExpansionExpand facility to house addition vehicles resulting from transition from

MTA to DART and the relating service increases

Gantry PlatformPurchase a gantry platform to allow maintenance technicians to safely

perform repairs to roof-mounted air conditioning unites on buses

Automatic Vehicle

Location Technology

Replace obsolete vehicle location system

Online Trip PlannerImplement an online trip scheduling system to allow after hours access to

customersStorage/Maintenance

FacilityConstruct additional storage and maintenance to service anticipated

increases to the fleet size

Admin/MaintenanceFacility Engineering &

DesignEngineering and design for additional storage and maintenance areas

ADA Paratransit Equipment enabling easy vehicle access for persons with disabilities

Deteriorating Concrete Replace deteriorating concrete on DART facilitys pavement

Shop EquipmentPurchase of shop equipment to meet new regulations and/or to replace

obsolete equipment

Miscellaneous Equipment Purchase miscellaneous equipment such as furniture and radio equipment

ComputerHardware/Software

Replace computers and monitors, upgrade servers, operating systems,printers, etc.

Electronic ControlsReplacing Pneumatics

Replace pneumatics controlling heating, ventilation, and air conditioning(HVAC) of the current facility

Burner Conversion forBoilers

Replacing boiler controls and gas train to increase useful life of boilers

Transit EnhancementsEnhancements such as bus shelters, benches, signage, and equipment on

buses

Preventative Maintenance General maintenance costs

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5.0 Funding Sources

The Passenger TDP is required to enable the funding of transit programs using federal orstate dollars. This section of the Passenger TDP discusses the various programs used tofund transit operations, including the Elderly Persons and Persons with Disabilities (FTA

Section 5310), Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) (FTA Section 5316), and NewFreedom (FTA Section 5317) funding programs. This section also provides the fundinglevels expected for each program for the next four years.

5.1 Funding Programs

Elderly Persons and Persons with Disabilities (FTA Section 5310)& Non-Urbanized Area Formula (FTA Section 5311)

The Elderly Persons and Persons with Disabilities and Non-Urbanized AreaFormula programs provide funding to increase the mobility of elderlypersons and persons with disabilities. The FTA allocates funds to each state

based on the number of persons in each state that are elderly, havedisabilities, or live outside urbanized areas. Transit agencies can use fundingfor operating costs with a dollar-to-dollar non-federal match. Transitagencies also can use funding for capital improvements related to the serviceon an 80% federal, 20% non-federal basis. The federal share is 83% forvehicles accessible by persons with disabilities, and the federal share increasesto 90% when used to purchase clean air equipment. Transit systems may use10% of funds to pay for ADA related paratransit costs on an 80% federal,20% non-federal basis. Transit agencies also can use funds to supporttransportation planning in non-urbanized area on an 80% federal, 20% non-federal basis.

Job Access and Reverse Commute (FTA Section 5316)The Job Access and Reverse Commute program provides funding fortransportation to assist welfare recipients and low-income persons withaccess to employment opportunities. Areas with a population over 200,000receive funds directly, while areas under 200,000 people must apply for fundsfrom the Iowa DOT. Transit agencies can use funding for capitalimprovements related to the service on an 80% federal, 20% non-federalbasis. The federal share increases when transportation providers use fundingfor ADA equipment, clean air equipment, and/or bicycle accommodationequipment. Funding for coordination programs requires a 50% non-DOTmatch.

New Freedom (FTA Section 5317)The New Freedom program provides funding to encourage services andfacility improvements to address the transportation needs of persons withdisabilities that go beyond those required by the ADA. Areas with apopulation over 200,000 receive funds directly, while areas under 200,000people must apply for funds from the Iowa DOT. Funding for operatingassistance is eligible with a 50% non-DOT match. Transit agencies can use

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funding for capital improvements related to the service on an 80% federal,20% non-federal basis. The federal share increases when transportationproviders use funding for ADA equipment, clean air equipment, and/orbicycle accommodation equipment.

Urbanized Formula (FTA Section 5307)The Urbanized Area Formula program provides funds based on population.States are given a single allocation for urbanized areas with populationsbetween 50,000 and 200,000, while urbanized areas with populations over200,000 receive funds directly. 10% of funds may be used for ADAparatransit costs on an 80% federal, 20% non-federal basis. In areas over200,000 in population, at least 1% of funds must be used for transitenhancement activities. Funds can be used to support operating deficits inareas with populations under 200,000 on a dollar-to-dollar match. Transitagencies can use f funding for capital improvements related to the service onan 80% federal, 20% non-federal basis. The federal share increases whentransportation providers use funding for ADA equipment, clean air

equipment, and/or bicycle accommodation equipment.

Capital Investment Grants and Loans (FTA Section 5309)The Capital Investment Grants and Loans program provides funds based onCongressional earmarks. Transit agencies can use f funding for capitalimprovements related to the service on an 80% federal, 20% non-federalbasis. The federal share increases when transportation providers use fundingfor ADA equipment, clean air equipment, and/or bicycle accommodationequipment.

State Transit Assistance Formula (STA-Form)The State Transit Assistance Formula (STA-Form) program allocates fundingbased on each transit systems performance during the previous years interms of rides, miles, and local funding support. In Iowa, 1/20 of the firstfour cents of the sales tax collected on the sale of motor vehicles andaccessory equipment is used to generate these funds. Transit agencies mayuse funds for any operating, capital, or planning expenses related to publicpassenger transportation.

State Transit Assistance Special Projects (STA-Spec)The State Transit Assistance- Special Projects (STA-Spec) program is a newprogram by the Iowa DOT to assist in funding coordination projects. This isa competitive program with no guarantee of funding. $300,000 of the totalSTA funding is set aside for special projects. Most of this funding is used forstate-wide projects, particularly start up costs, with a two year limit forfunding. $500,000 is also available from the Iowa DOT for individualawards. The Iowa DOT estimates awards amounts between $10,000 and$50,000 per year for justified projects.

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Surface Transportation Program (STP)The Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds roadway and transit capitalprojects on an 80% federal, 20% local basis. In Iowa, either localmetropolitan planning organizations or regional planning affiliations programSTP funds.

Iowas Clean Air Attainment Program (ICAAP)Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality (CMAQ) funding is administered to statesto mitigate violations in air quality standards. Iowa does not have areas inviolation of clean air standards and, therefore, uses funding to supportprojects that provide air quality or congestion relief benefits. The IowasClean Air Attainment Program (ICAAP) is a statewide program requiring anapplication to the Iowa DOT. Projects eligible for STP funds also areeligible for ICAAP funding with a 20% local match. ICAAP funding also isavailable for 80% start-up operational costs for up to a three year timeperiod.

Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund (RIIF)The Code of Iowa establishes the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund (RIIF)in Section 8.57(5). These funds can be used for public infrastructureexpenses, including some facility needs of public transit providers.

5.2 Funding EstimatesAnticipating the amount of funding available each year is critical as it determines whetherprojects are viable. Table 12 summarizes available funding estimates for the fundingprograms mentioned previously. The DMAMPO estimated available funding based oninformation provided by the FTA, the Iowa DOT, and public transportation providers.

Table 12 Fiscal Years 2007 2011 Funding ProjectionsFundingProgram

FY 2007 FY 2008 FY 2009 FY 2010 FY 2011

5307 $5,027,783 $5,452,480 $5,799,811 N/A N/A

5309 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

5310/5311(Urban area)

$191,060 $207,549 $224,485 $235,485 $247,259

5310/5311(Non-Urban area)

$47,314 $36,776 $38,247 $39,777 $41,368

5316 $134,304 $145,964 153,423 N/A N/A

5317 $98,043 $105,911 $111,963 N/A N/A

STA-Form $759,470 $883,682 $867,029 $901,710 $937,778

STA-Spec N/A$10,000 -$50,000

$10,000 -$50,000

$10,000 -$50,000

$10,000 -$50,000

STP $520,000 $520,000 $520,000 $520,000 $520,000

ICAAP N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

RIIF N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

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6.0 Recommended Projects for Fiscal Year 2007

As noted in Section 1.1., this Passenger TDP covers Fiscal Year 2007 to satisfy therequirements of the Coordinated Plan. This section discusses projects identified for fundingfrom FTA Section 5310, 5316, and 5317 funding programs in Fiscal Year 2007. Projects

recommended for funding in Fiscal Years 2008 2011 are discussed in Section 7.0. Notethat the Transit Action Group recommended projects for funding in Fiscal Year 2007 toaddress needs described in Section 4.0.

Projects Recommended for FTA Section 5310, 5316, and 5317Funding

Table 13 summarizes projects included in the TIP that will require fundingfrom FTA Section 5310, 5316, or 5317 funding programs.

Table 13FY 2007 Projects Recommended for FTA Section 5310, 5316, & 5317 FundingProposed Funding

(List all anticipated sources)

Provider Name Project Description Type Total Cost

Source Amount

Projects recommended as candidates for FTA or STA funding:

DARTJob Access & Reverse CommuteProjects OPS $523,450 5316 $261,725

DARTSubcontracted ParatransitOperations CAP $175,350 5310 $140,280

DART One Paratransit Bus (partial) CAP $61,181 5310 $52,811

DART

New Services (Operating forRegional Weekly Service andExpanded Urbandale On-Call) OPS $51,022 5317 $25,511

DART

Buses for New Services (Onepartial 176 LD & one 30' MD

Fixed Route) CAP $200,000 5317 $166,000Total $1,011,003 $646,327

The Job Access & Reverse Commute Projects are existing services asdescribed in Section 4.2. These projects will satisfy the needs identifiedunder Existing Service Needs in Section 4.4, specifically allowing DART tocontinue night service and reverse commute opportunities that providebetter access to jobs for persons with low incomes. The recommendedprojects satisfy FTA Section 5316 funding guidelines as they provide personswith low incomes access to jobs. Note that federal funding from FTASection 5316 was not used in Fiscal Year 2006 and was rolled over to FiscalYear 2007. The total value of $261,725 is the funding available from both of

these years.

The Transit Action Group recommends the Subcontracted ParatransitOperations program to enable DART to use FTA Section 5310 funding tosubcontract services to Trans Iowa, L.C. Contracting service betweenproviders increases the efficiency of the overall transportation system, andprojects such as this are encouraged under Coordination Efforts AmongTransportation Providers in Section 4.4. The recommended program provides

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service to elderly persons and persons with disabilities, which satisfies FTASection 5310 funding guidelines. The purchase of one paratransit bus isrequired to replace an existing bus, which is also a justified use of FTASection 5310 money under the guidelines of the program. The vehicle to bereplaced is included in the Fleet Replacement/Rehabilitation Schedule

located in Appendix A.

The Transit Action Group recommends that DART use FTA Section 5317funding to both expand the Urbandale On-Call service and to create the newregional weekly service. Both of these projects are identified underExpandedService Area in Section 4.4 as recommended ways to provide moretransportation service throughout the Des Moines area. The Transit ActionGroup anticipates that many users of the Urbandale On-Call and the regionalweekly service will be elderly persons and persons with disabilities, as theservices will provide regular transportation to places like medical facilities andretail areas. These services meet the requirements of FTA Section 5317funding guidelines. Note that DART did not use federal funding from FTA

Section 5317 in Fiscal Year 2006 and the Fiscal Year 2006 funding was rolledover to Fiscal Year 2007. The total value of $191,511 is the funding availablefrom both of these years.

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7.0 Passenger Transportation Improvement Program, FY 2008-2011

The Passenger Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is a culmination of all transitprojects from throughout the Des Moines metropolitan area that will seek federal or statefunding. The TIP is a key element of the Passenger TDP as any project that seeks federal or

state funding must be included in the TIP. The TIP included in the Passenger TDP will alsoserve as the starting point on which the DMAMPO will base the transit element of theDMAMPO TIP. This section provides a detailed TIP for Fiscal Year 2008 and a sketch TIPfor Fiscal Years 2009 2011. Included is a discussion of how each element fits with thevarious needs addressed in Section 4.0, as well as the proposed funding sources discussed inSection 5.1. All capital projects included in the TIP are included in a Capital ImprovementProgram Worksheet for each transportation provider included in Appendix A. Note thatelements for HIRTA are not included in this Passenger TDP. These elements are includedin the Passenger TDP for the Central Iowa Regional Transportation Planning Alliance(CIRTPA).

7.1 Passenger Transportation Improvement Program, FY 2008The following narratives describe the various elements of the Fiscal Year 2008 TIP,including an identification of the need addressed, the benefits of the project, and, whereapplicable, how the project meets eligibility requirements for the proposed funding source.A complete listing of projects for inclusion in the Fiscal Year 2008 TIP is included inAppendix G. Note that the Transit Action Group recommends the implementation of allelements presented in the TIP, and that the needs addressed by each element werepreviously discussed in Section 4.0.

Projects Recommended for FTA Section 5310, 5316, and 5317Funding

Table 14 summarizes projects included in the TIP that will require fundingfrom FTA Section 5310, 5316, or 5317 funding programs.

Table 14FY 2008 Projects Recommended for FTA Section 5310, 5316, & 5317 FundingProposed Funding

passenger transportation plan 2007

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