Agenda Item # 1
Columbus Consolidated Government
Council Meeting
2/27/2018
Agenda Report # 79
TO: Mayor and Council
SUBJECT: Public Hearing - Metra TIA Proposed Route Changes
INITIATED BY: METRA Transit System and Planning Department
Recommendation: Approval is requested to adopt the resolution authorizing METRA
to make proposed changes to various routes.
Background: On October 22, 2016, METRA Transit System implemented
changes to its existing bus service by adding three new Fixed Routes, two
Paratransit Routes and extending service until 11:30 p.m., using Transportation
Investment Act (TIA) funding.
Analysis: METRA was asked to provide the City Council with an annual
update of the new routes and service effectiveness. Ridership data was
collected, and bus stops were surveyed. Connetics Transportation Group (CTG)
consultants compiled the data and provided the results. Recommendations for
proposed service changes were presented to Council and METRA was granted
approval to begin the public participation process. There was extensive public
outreach to inform the public of the proposed service changes to include two
Public Hearings that were held at METRA Transit System Administration Building,
January 30, 2018 and February 1, 2018. On February 27, 2018, a third Public
Hearing was held at City Council meeting.
Financial Considerations: The route changes would reduce the number of service
hours on low performing routes, which would result in some cost savings for the
City.
Projected Annual Fiscal Impact Statement: The elimination of low ridership
routes and trips would help to extend the life of the TIA funding beyond year
2022.
Legal Considerations: Council must approve all changes to METRA?s bus service,
and METRA is required to meet the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Public
Participation Process for major service reductions.
Recommendations/Actions: On March 13, 2018, METRA will request Council to adopt
a resolution to approve the proposed changes to the routes.
Attachments