Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Planning & Development Services

TO:	Diane Stoddard, Interim City Manager
CC:	Scott McCullough, Director of Planning & Development Services Robert Nugent, Transit Administrator Eileen Horn, Sustainability Coordinator Chuck Soules, Director of Public Works
FROM:	Jessica Mortinger, Senior Transportation Planner
DATE:	September 8, 2015
RE:	Competitive Consolidated Planning Grants Awarded

Background

On July 30, 2015 the MPO submitted two applications to KDOT for Competitive Consolidated Planning Grant funding to conduct a Transit Comprehensive Operations Analysis and a Bike Share Feasibility Study.  The applications were reviewed by KDOT and on September 3^rd, the MPO received notification that $190,000 in federal funding has been awarded for the studies. The funded studies are described below:

• Transit Comprehensive Operations Analysis (COA) – An in-depth study to provide detailed review of the existing transit system to enhance service quality for existing and new customers, and increase the value of the system for the community it serves. The study will include extensive data collection and analysis that will paint a picture of commuting patterns, latent demand, financial planning needs, operational deficiencies, how best to close those deficiencies given existing resources, and explore the feasibility of fare free. Maximum estimated total cost $200,000 with $150,000 CPG (KDOT) and $50,000 local transit funding match.

Using data collected in this analysis, the COA will present recommendations with the aim of increasing ridership and productivity throughout the service area, more efficient utilization of limited financial resources, and generally improving connectivity both within and between adjacent service areas.  

• Bike Share Feasibility – Study the feasibility and the market demand for a bike share system, identify an operator and implementation strategies. This analysis could explore the appropriate service areas, opportunities to integrate with transit services, select a business model, identify an operator or host agency and identify funding opportunities for implementation. This project will develop a feasible plan and implementation strategy for a Bike Share program that, increases access to bicycles for transportation, promotes healthy living, increases bicycling visibility, reduces our community’s carbon footprint and improves access to transit. Maximum estimated total cost $50,000 with $40,000 CPG (KDOT) and $10,000 local Planning & Development Services budgeted funding for the MPO.

This federal funding will be available for use by the MPO in 2016 and will be programmed in the MPO’s 2016 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP).

Action

Accept the awarded funds and direct staff to issue Requests for Proposals to complete the proposed planning work, if appropriate.