THE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT AND TRANSIT DIVISION RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTIONS.
This item supports the Board’s Value of "[C]ooperatively delivering an efficient and accessible regional intermodal transportation network" by providing additional funding to improve and enhance the transit system.
As background, as part of the I-595 improvement project, the Broward County Transit Division (BCT) worked closely with FDOT to initiate the provision of express bus service both during and after construction. The 595 Express bus service began operations in mid-2012. Express bus service is designed to remove long-distance single-occupant vehicle trips from the I-595 corridor, thereby reducing congestion on the general purpose lanes and improving capacity and mobility for all travelers. The service operates between the BB&T Center Park & Ride lot in western Broward County to downtown Miami and to the Miami Civic Center/Health District in Miami-Dade County.
On September 10, 2015 (Item No. 26), the Board approved a FDOT Joint Participation Agreement (JPA) for $2,294,727, in grant funds for the operations and maintenance of I-595 Express Bus Services between the BB&T Center Park & Ride lot in western Broward County to downtown Miami and to the Miami Civic Center/Health District in Miami-Dade County. On October 25, 2016, (Item No. 5), the Board approved the first supplemental JPA in the amount of $2,363,569 in annual funding for the service. and on June 6, 2017 (Item No. 53), the Board approved supplemental JPA No. 2 in the amount of $2,434,476. This supplemental JPA No. 3 provides $2,507,510 in funding for the service, for a total amended JPA amount of $9,600,282 in funding for the service. The costs to operate and maintain the 595 Express routes are funded by grants, as well as farebox revenue.
The supplemental JPA has been reviewed and approved as to form by the County Attorney’s Office. County approval of the Resolution and execution of the supplemental JPA is required prior to FDOT executing said agreement. |