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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTDP Update_Jul_12 Transit Development Plan Implementation Update /July 2012 City of Oshkosh Department of Transportation Page 1 Transit Development Plan Implementation Update July 2012 The Oshkosh Common Council adopted the 2011 Transit Development Plan (TDP) on July 13, 2011 with Resolution 11-294. The purpose of this document is to summarize progress on implementing TDP recommendations since that time. The recommendations are numbered for reference only, based on the order in which they appeared in the TDP. 1. Implement proposed route structure Recent Activities The Council approved implementation of a new route system for City routes (i.e. excluding Route 10) on January 1, 2013. Next Steps Route 10 will be presented to the Board for recommendations in the near future. 2. Develop a uniform brand of all components of OTS (color scheme, stops, rider’s guides, maps, other printed materials, etc.) to ensure that consumers associate them OTS Recent Activities The Board approved a new brand at its May 2012 meeting. Next Steps The brand will be formally revealed this fall, with further implementation occurring in the months that follow. 3. Expand direct marketing/information/promotions (Free Ride the Bus Day/Destination Oshkosh) to increase awareness of Oshkosh Transit Recent Activities Staff engaged in a variety of marketing activities over the last year, including: participation in various outreach events, including Back to School Fair, Career Day and Oshkosh State of the City; launching Google Transit, which included a press release and an informational segment on Your City at Work; and development of route-specific maps, including supplemental routes which focus on service to schools. Next Steps Marketing is an ongoing activity of OTS that will evolve based on how current riders may use the system more frequently, and how potential riders can become regular riders. Transit Development Plan Implementation Update /July 2012 City of Oshkosh Department of Transportation Page 2 4. Consider extending evening service (6PM to 10PM) Next Steps Extending into evening service was postponed until the new route system is implemented. 5. New student fare structures/student ID/bus pass program with Oshkosh Public Schools Recent Activities Staff has done some preliminary calculations on the amount of farebox revenue that comes from K-12 system users. In addition, staff has made contact with other Wisconsin systems regarding programs they have with K-12 schools in their service areas. Next Steps Staff recommends that formal action be deferred to allow new administrators to settle into their positions. 6. Incentive programs with local employers for employee usage of transit Next Steps Staff will incorporate promotional efforts into launch of new brand. 7. Formalization of bus stops should be considered in the future Next Steps Staff will use the opportunity of the new route system (including new signage) to encourage passengers to use formally designated bus stops on all routes. 8. Enhanced accessibility at bus stops Recent Activities Staff has conducted preliminary assessments of future stop locations to identify potential accessibility challenges. Next Steps Staff will continue its assessment to develop a prioritized improvement list. Staff will explore grant programs that may assist with addressing these types of accessibility issues, such as New Freedom grants. In addition, staff will see whether it may be possible to include some accessibility-type improvements in future street reconstruction projects. Transit Development Plan Implementation Update /July 2012 City of Oshkosh Department of Transportation Page 3 9. Expansion of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) such as global positioning systems (GPS) on buses, cell phone technology with real-time updates (GPS is needed on the buses), and wireless internet on buses Recent Activities Staff has been researching various technology improvements to the transit system related to GPS and automatic passenger counting. Staff has also developed an enterprise database that will support future integration of many types of data with many possible output mechanisms. Next Steps Staff awaits news on whether grant funding was secured for electronic fareboxes. This may become a key piece for establishing a vehicle technology framework. 10. Senior/disabled discounted punch pass Next Steps Staff recommends that this idea be examined in the context of a systemwide examination of fares. This examination will likely need to occur later this fall, in conjunction with development of the 2012 budget. 11. Improvement of fare collection Next Steps Fare collection platforms can be integrated with other technology applications in which Oshkosh Transit is interested (see discussion under item 9). Therefore, staff recommends that fare collection improvements be considered as a part of the discussion over technology improvements to the system. 12. Joint promotions with retail commercial areas located along bus routes Recent Activities OTS had a successful Try Transit Day in August 2011, sponsored in partnership with many individuals and organizations in the community. Next Steps Try another similar promotion in 2012, perhaps in connection with the brand reveal. 13. More shelters/benches at high traffic stops Transit Development Plan Implementation Update /July 2012 City of Oshkosh Department of Transportation Page 4 Next Steps Staff will assess the condition of existing shelters and benches to see whether, if the route system requires relocation, these are salvageable.