Task 1 – Evaluations of Current Operations and Public Engagement The Consultant must first become familiar with each of the transit systems by doing the following: • Review available data, relevant studies, and plans. • Perform a detailed interview(s) and/or site visit with each transit provider to become familiar with the service. • Attend a meeting of the MDSCTC. • Review services and communicate with transit providers in neighboring areas to understand how the transit needs and services intersect across geographic boundaries. • Review relevant case studies of transit coordination/consolidation projects from comparable regions in the country. The Consultant should also review relevant transit resources in the Upper Peninsula to gain familiarity with other transportation services offered in the region (i.e., van services, ridesharing, taxi subsidies, non-emergency medical transportation services, etc.). The results of the Study should consider how public transit could potentially be coordinated and/or consolidated with these types of transportation services. The Consultant will evaluate current transit service by examining the following elements: • Review current levels of service, productivity, and accessibility offered with those services (including ADA compliance). • Review the current financial condition of each agency and the efficiency with which they provide transportation services. • Review and evaluate any short-range transit plans the transit agency may have in order to identify possible service plan changes projected by each transit provider. • Review and evaluate current levels of service in relation to the current and projected demographics of each service area using a methodology to support an assessment of transit dependency supporting demand. The Consultant will develop a method and schedule for public engagement sessions to be held in at least one location within each of the three counties. These may include in-person or hybrid remote sessions facilitated with the assistance of CUPPAD. The public engagement sessions should: • Include strategies for soliciting public input on the issues identified during the Project Study, and be based heavily upon the recommendations of the MDS Coordinated Transportation Coalition and CUPPAD staff (who will assist in supplying stakeholder contact information and assist in coordinating public meetings). Public input methods can include surveys, focus groups, public hearings, and other methods. Public input must include special consideration for disabled, elderly, minority, low-income, and limited English proficiency populations; • Be reasonably scheduled at convenient placed and timed to meet the needs and demographics of the target demand populations; • Engage diverse stakeholders including riders, non-riders, local officials, human services agencies, and businesses; • Should encourage engagement supporting the evaluation of current, and demand for future, levels of transit service; and • Incorporate feedback received into all assessments and recommendations.
