Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Transit

 

TO:

David L. Corliss, City Manager

 

FROM:

Robert A. Nugent, Public Transit Administrator

 

CC:

Diane Stoddard, Assistant City Manager

Cynthia Wagner, Assistant City Manager

 

Date:

 

January 28, 2013

RE:

Agenda Item - Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement with Olsson Associates for Transit Center Location Analysis

 

 

Please include the following item on the City Commission agenda for consideration at the February 5, 2013 meeting:

 

Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement with Olsson Associates for Transit Center Location Analysis.

 

Background:

Since starting service in 2000, Lawrence Transit has maintained a presence in the Downtown. This location was designed to serve as the primary transfer location in which passengers could transfer from one route and another in order to complete their trip with relative ease.

 

Over the last few years our efforts to maintain this presence has been challenged several times. During this time we have been forced to relocate our operations on two occasions in order to accommodate development and to ease concerns of property owners. In our immediate future we are once again facing another move of our service operations. Although the date and timing has not been determined our new “temporary” location will be in the 800 block of Vermont.

 

With these continued challenges it has become imperative that we pursue a dedicated and permanent location for transit operations. In order to make this determination a thorough evaluation of alternative sites for a transit hub should be performed. This evaluation would not only consider locations in the downtown but also alternative sites outside of the downtown that may more appropriately match passenger ridership patterns and demands. The site evaluation would also take into consideration space to accommodate amenities such as an indoor waiting area, administrative space, and restrooms.

 

In order to acquire professional services to perform this evaluation staff issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for professional services to perform a “Transit Center Location Analysis.” The scope of service for this project include develop and define site requirements, conceptual layout, site selection analysis, develop conceptual site plan, develop costs associated with construction, and research funding sources. The information and analysis provided as part of this project will also serve as a foundation for a “feasibility” analysis that would be required if Federal funding is pursued for the development of the site.

 

As a result of this RFP, staff proposes to enter into a Professional Services Agreement with Olsson Associates, a company that has proficiency and experience in performing transit center location analysis. This project is slated to be competed by June 2013.

 

Project Funding:

These professional services will cost $39,917.28 and will be funded by dedicated Transit Sales Tax funds (.05% Transit Equipment).

 

Action Requested:

Staff requests that City Commission authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Olsson Associates, whereby Olsson Associates will agree to perform a Transit Center Location Analysis.