SKAGIT-ISLAND HSTP Skagit-Island HSTP Committee Meeting #4 October 1, 2014

COORDINATED PUBLIC TRANSIT HSTP Plan Outline 1.Introduction 2.Project Methodology 3.Existing Transportation Services and Travel 4.Public Engagement 5.Needs Analysis 6.Other Required Sections Emergency Management Technology 7.Strategies and Activities 8.WSDOT Consolidated Grant Program Appendix A: Questionnaire and Responses Appendix B: Prioritized Project List

CORE PROJECT SECTIONS

EXISTING TRANSPORTATION SERVICE Section Overview 1.Skagit and Island Transit service details 1.Common origins and destinations 2.Fixed-route service 3.Paratransit service 4.Vanpool & Other 2.Community Transit and Whatcom Transportation Authority overview 3.Targeted Services 1.Seniors 2.Clients 3.Other 4.Private service providers 4.Long-distance travel

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT Section Overview 1.Advisory committee (4/5) 2.Survey responses (#134+) 3.Listening sessions 1.Project Homeless Connect 2.Senior Day In the Park 3.Camano Center “My wife is disabled and gets a free bus pass, and I get a monthly pass for $ It’s how she gets around to her medical appointments. We’re happy with the service and the cost, and the drivers are very friendly.” A BIG thank you to Liz Theaker!

NEEDS ANALYSIS Section Overview 1.What are the unmet needs? Existing service isn’t meet all demands Preserve existing service Increase and extend span of service Increase coverage Improve regional connections Provide more information Transit is lifeline to services 2.Where is the need? What measure indicate need? (age, income, disability, vehcile) Where do these people live: Density Proportion

NEEDS ANALYSIS – UPDATED

OTHER REQUIRED SECTIONS Section Overview 1.Emergency Management Skagit County –Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan –Skagit Transit Interlocal agreement Island County –Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program –SR-20 and SR-532 bridge closure scenarios 2.Technology Skagit County –MPO ITS Architecture Plan –Implementation of real-time tracking and other enhancements Island County –ITS Inventory including future direction

STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES  Preserve Existing Services: maintain or restore existing service levels and vehicle fleet o Maintain existing bus fleet in a state of good repair o Maintain and build adequate capital reserves to fund fleet replacement o Fund operations of existing service through existing or new funding sources  Expand Services: increase service levels o Increase coverage of service o Increase span of service (evenings, weekends) o Increase frequency of service  Increase User Knowledge: increase knowledge of available transportation options to target users o Leverage existing communication tools to better inform public of options o Increase public knowledge of travel training program o Ensure agencies, groups and communities who support special needs populations are well informed  Address High Need Area: provide service to area scoring high in human services transportation need index o Add or expand transportation services in high need areas o Work with communities in high-needs areas to identity gaps and how best to meet needs

STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES  Improve Existing Service Timeliness: improve quality of timeliness of service o Track on-time performance of routes and identify solutions o Increase schedule padding or route layover time  Utilize Existing Services: improve utilization of existing transportation services o Continue to improve schedule coordination of different modes and service providers o Increase ridership of fixed-route service outside of special needs groups  Improve Regional Connections: improve cross-regional connections o Increase span, frequency and capacity of service  Expand Driver Training: promote driver training to encourage “compassionate professionalism” o Maintain driver training standards  Improve Provider-User Coordination: improve coordination between transit service providers, human services providers and users o Funding a mobility management position o Host periodic annual/quarterly meetings between transit providers and human services providers

STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES  Utilize Technology: utilize technology to provide improved efficiency and user access to mobility options o Improve rider information using real-time information systems o Implement and utilize computer aided dispatch to improve scheduling efficiency o Improve rider information and trip planning tools  Inform Users of Mobility Options: assist human service providers in guiding users to the most efficient mobility options  Improve Provider Regional Coordination: improve coordination between transit service providers, human service providers and users  Promote Innovation: promote innovative programs, processes and tools that improve efficiency and reduce cost  Promote Environmental Sustainability: promote environmentally sustainable practices into state coordinated transportation planning and services o Reduce fleet emissions through increased fleet efficiency  Leverage Funding: further leverage available funding o Identify and apply for state and federal grant opportunities o Explore alternative funding pools to fund transportation options

THANKS