1 18 th National Conference on Rural Public & Intercity Bus Transportation Conference Kimberly Gayle Office of Federal Transit Grants Programs Division of Mass Transportation October 20, 2008 California Rural Intercity Bus Study: Results, Solutions and Accomplishments

2 Study Purpose Mission & Vision To Improve Mobility Mobility Across Across California California Provide an in depth analysis and objective evaluation of the intercity bus network that currently exists Provide findings and recommendations Promote partnerships & encourage cross-jurisdictional coordination

3 Findings & Recommendations  Lack of Intercity- Character Services  Lack of Intercity Character-Capital Projects IssueRecommendation Provide definitions that would help applicants and evaluators determine which projects have an intercity focus Narrow the program definition of eligible projects to be specifically used on rural intercity services – with a focus on meaningful connections

4 Findings & Recommendations  Underserved Areas/Routes  Despite Coverage, Intercity Service is not a Network IssueRecommendation Contract for service, meeting identified needs, filling gaps in the network Multi-year funding Fund trip-planning systems and other informational sources Using a pro-active approach, shift all carriers to public intermodal terminals

5 Findings & Recommendations  State Program Network Information Initiative  No common source for customer to gain information  Connectivity often difficult Formulate a single informational source to “tie” network together IssueRecommendation

6 Findings & Recommendations  Intermodal Terminals  No common location(s)  Connectivity often difficult IssueRecommendation Develop policy that:  Favoring the development of intermodal terminals that include all intercity operators  Publicly-funded facilities should be comprehensive transportation centers

7 California Intercity Bus Program State Emphasis Areas Provide a meaningful connection. Connectivity to other modes of transportation with meaningful connection Meet broader transportation needs Informational Outreach Fulfilling gaps in service with a planning and/or feasibility studies

8 Intercity Bus Service Definition Regularly scheduled bus service, available to the general public, operating on fixed routes to more distant points: Making limited stops Connecting two or more urban areas not in close proximity Capacity for transportation baggage Provide meaningful connections and reasonable lay-over times

9 Meaningful Connection Allows for connectivity (transfers both outbound and inbound) at a designated physical location (transit gateway) serviced by intercity bus carriers, either directly or on the street immediately adjacent to the facility.

10 Meaningful Connection Transit Gateway: Physical location where one or more modes of transportation meet with supporting services (i.e. ability to purchase tickets, restrooms, food/drink venders) for customers/passengers to make trips safely and as seamless as possible.

11 California Intercity Bus Network National Bus Network California Network Identified Gaps in Service US and Regional Roads

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13 Discretionary Project Timeline

14 Project Categories Summary PROJECT TYPECATEGORY APPLICATION TITLE FEDERAL SHARE (Percentage) PROJECT PERIOD (Months) MAXIMUM AWARD LIMIT Operating Assistance1Operations55.33%12$300,000 2Bus Purchase/88.53%24$300,000 Bus Related Equipment 88.53%12$100,000 3 Transit Infrastructure 88.53%15$200,000 4 Planning & Marketing Studies 88.53%15$100,000 Capital Assistance

15 Evaluation & Scoring Technical Assessment  Program requirements  Meeting program definition, and national objectives Committee Evaluation  Application based on merit  Projects “Ready to Go”  Points for emphasis areas

16 THANK YOU!

17 CONTACT INFORMATION Dan Mundy Branch Chief Rural Transit & Procurement (916) Fred Lenhart Associate Planner (916) Ronaldo Hu Transportation Planner (916)

18 QUESTIONS?