Title
Envision My Ride Implementation Study
Action
Action:
A. Approve a contract with Foursquare ITP for professional planning and design services related to the Route Restoration Planning Study, and
B. Authorize the City Manager to amend the contract consistent with the purpose for which the contract was approved.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Brent Cagle, CATS
Jason Lawrence, CATS
Brian Horton, CATS
Explanation
§ In June 2022, CATS was awarded a competitive FTA grant for Route Restoration Planning.
§ This grant-funded initiative seeks a community-based assessment to build upon Envision My Ride and the Bus Priority Study with special focus on micro-transit and mobility hub strategies to improve travel time and access for disadvantaged areas throughout Mecklenburg County.
§ The Route Restoration Planning Study will:
- Prioritize and define strategies to implement Envision My Ride recommendations of a robust, interconnected public transportation network that will combine high-frequency bus routes, expanded mobility hubs, and innovative, on-demand first-mile and last-mile connections,
- Coordinate involvement of various communities throughout Mecklenburg County, especially transportation disadvantaged areas,
- Create a more resilient and approachable transit network that addresses the realities of a post pandemic travel market,
- Refine recommendations on locations and typologies of mobility hubs and micro-transit zones, and
- Develop recommendations around funding, technology, capital infrastructure, and partnerships that will assist CATS in serving more households with improved travel and access to more opportunities.
§ On March 13, 2023, the city issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ); one response was received.
§ Foursquare was selected as the best qualified firm to meet the city’s needs on the basis of demonstrated experience, project understanding, and project approach in response to the RFQ requirements.
§ Estimated total expenditures are $750,000.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
Foursquare ITP is a certified DBE.
Established DBE Goal: 16.00%
Committed DBE Goal: 50.00%
Foursquare ITP (DBE) will serve as the prime consultant on the project and has exceeded the established contracting goal and committed 50.00% of the total contract amount.
Fiscal Note
Funding: USDOT Route Restoration Planning Grant