Columbus, Georgia

Georgia's First Consolidated Government

Post Office Box 1340
Columbus, Georgia, 31902-1340
(706) 653-4013
fax (706) 653-4016

Council Members

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.







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