A E R A S E IN O M DES

POL O R T E M ITA TION A Z I N RGA O G N I NN N PL A

Altoona Ankeny Bondurant Carlisle Clive Dallas County Des Moines Grimes Johnston Norwalk Pleasant Hill Polk City Polk County Urbandale Warren County Waukee West Des Moines Windsor Heights Main: 515.334.0075 Fax: 515.334.0098 www.dmampo.org dmampo@dammpo.org Merle Hay Centre 6200 Aurora Avenue, Suite 300W Urbandale, Iowa 50322-2866

Passenger Transportation Development Plan

Fiscal Years 20072011

Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Overview ................................................................................................................................................ 1 1.2 Planning Area ...................................................................................................................................... 1 1.3 Demographic Information ................................................................................................................ 3 2.0 Overview of Planning Process Participants ..................................................................................... 5 2.1 Principal Participants ........................................................................................................................ 5 2.2 Supporting Participants .................................................................................................................... 6 3.0 Inventory of Transportation Providers............................................................................................... 9 3.1 Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) ............................................................. 10 3.2 Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA) ....................................................................... 20 3.3 Link Associates ................................................................................................................................. 23 3.4 Trans Iowa, L.C. ................................................................................................................................. 23 3.5 West Des Moines Human Services ............................................................................................ 23 3.6 School District Transportation...................................................................................................... 26 4.0 Evaluation of Needs................................................................................................................................. 27 4.1 Methods of Assessment ................................................................................................................ 27 4.2 Review of Last Years Efforts......................................................................................................... 28 4.3 Public Input ......................................................................................................................................... 30 4.4 Service Needs ................................................................................................................................... 30 4.5 Existing Fleet Needs ......................................................................................................................... 35 4.6 Facility Needs..................................................................................................................................... 37 5.0 Funding Sources ....................................................................................................................................... 39 5.1 Funding Programs ........................................................................................................................... 39 5.2 Funding Estimates ............................................................................................................................ 41 6.0 Recommended Projects for Fiscal Year 2007 ............................................................................ 43 7.0 Passenger Transportation Improvement Program, FY 2008-2011 ................................. 45 7.1 Passenger Transportation Improvement Program, FY 2008 ............................................. 45 7.2 Sketch Passenger Transportation Improvement Program, FY 2009 2011 ............... 49 8.0 Appendices.................................................................................................................................................. 53

List of Figures
Figure 1 DMAMPO Planning Area and Member Governments ...............................................................2 Figure 2 DART Regular Weekday Fixed Route Service ............................................................................12 Figure 3 DART Regular Evening Fixed Route Service................................................................................13 Figure 4 DART Regular Saturday Fixed Route Service .............................................................................14 Figure 5 DART Express Fixed Route Service ...............................................................................................15 Figure 6 DART On-Call Service Areas ...........................................................................................................17 Figure 7 DART Paratransit & Bus Plus Service Area ...............................................................................19 Figure 8 Counties with DART Vanpool Service ...........................................................................................21 Figure 9 HIRTA Service Area...........................................................................................................................22 Figure 10 LINK Associates Service Area .......................................................................................................24 Figure 11 West Des Moines Human Services Service Area ....................................................................25

List of Tables
Table 1 Transportation Providers in Des Moines Metropolitan Area ....................................................9 Table 2 School Districts withTransportation in Des Moines Metropolitan Area ...............................10 Table 3 Regular Fixed Route Hours of Operation.......................................................................................11 Table 4 Express Route Hours of Operation .................................................................................................14 Table 5 On-Call Service Hours of Operation.................................................................................................15 Table 6 Review of Last Years Efforts............................................................................................................29 Table 7 Interest in Potential Coordination Opportunities .........................................................................34 Table 8 DART Vehicles Scheduled for Fiscal Year 2008 Replacement ..............................................35 Table 9 HIRTA Vehicles Scheduled for Fiscal Year 2008 Replacement .............................................36 Table 10 Trans Iowa, L.C. Vehicles Scheduled for Fiscal Year 2008 Replacement ...........................36 Table 11 DART Fiscal Year 2008 Facility Needs .........................................................................................37 Table 12 Fiscal Years 2007 2011 Funding Projections .......................................................................41 Table 13 FY 2007 Projects Recommended for FTA Section 5310, 5316, & 5317 Funding ........43 Table 14 FY 2008 Projects Recommended for FTA Section 5310, 5316, & 5317 Funding ........45 Table 15 Fiscal Year 2008 Projects to Replace Existing Vehicles ..........................................................47 Table 16 Fiscal Year 2008 Projects to Expand Existing Service .............................................................47 Table 17 Fiscal Year 2008 Projects to Fund General Operations ..........................................................48 Table 18 Fiscal Year 2008 Projects to Address Transit Facility Needs................................................49 Table 19 Projects for FTA Section 5310, 5316, & 5317 Funding, FY 2009 2011 .....................50 Table 20 Projects to Replace or Expand Vehicles, FY 2009 - 2011 ......................................................50 Table 21 Projects to Fund General Operations, FY 2009 - 2011 ...........................................................51 Table 22 Projects to Address Transit Facility Needs, FY 2009 - 2011 ................................................52

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1.0 Introduction
1.1 Overview Signed in August 2005, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), provides $52.6 billion nationally through Fiscal Year 2009 for federally funded transit programs. SAFETEA-LU calls for an increased effort in coordinating transportation services, especially services intended for elderly persons, persons with disabilities, and low-income persons. In particular, SAFETEA-LU requires projects selected for funding under the Federal Transit Administrations (FTA) Elderly Persons and Persons with Disabilities (FTA Section 5310), Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) (FTA Section 5316), and New Freedom (FTA Section 5317) programs be derived from a locally developed, coordinated public transit-human services transportation plan covering a four-year period beginning in Fiscal Year 2008. These funding sources are of particular importance as they intend to increase the mobility of elderly persons, persons with disabilities, and low-income persons. SAFETEA-LU also requires the creation of a one time coordinated plan for projects funded in Fiscal Year 2007. To comply with SAFETEA-LU guidelines, the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) requires metropolitan planning organizations and regional planning affiliations to complete an annual Passenger Transportation Development Plan (Passenger TDP) and a one time Coordinated Plan. The Passenger TDP serves as the required locally developed coordinated public transit-human services transportation plan covering a four-year period beginning in Fiscal Year 2008, while the Coordinated Plan serves as the required locally developed coordinated plan for Fiscal year 2007. The Iowa DOT furthered the federal requirement for the Passenger TDP to include projects selected for funding from all federal and state funding sources. Both the Passenger TDP and the Coordinated Plan require an inventory of transportation providers, an assessment of needs, and the development of projects to address identified needs. Funding amounts and sources for any projects that will be included in either a metropolitan planning organization or regional planning affiliations Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) must first be included in the Passenger TDP and Coordinated Plan, along with justification for each project. This document serves as the Passenger TDP for Fiscal Years 2008 - 2011 for the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (DMAMPO). This Passenger TDP also covers Fiscal Year 2007 to satisfy the requirements of the Coordinated Plan. 1.2 Planning Area The DMAMPO planning area includes sixteen communities: Altoona, Ankeny, Bondurant, Carlisle, Clive, Cumming, Des Moines, Grimes, Johnston, Norwalk, Pleasant Hill, Polk City, Urbandale, Waukee, West Des Moines, and Windsor Heights; and includes unincorporated portions of four counties: Dallas County, Madison County, Polk County, and Warren County. Figure 1 on the following page illustrates the DMAMPO planning area and its member governments.

Polk City

Polk County
Ankeny Bondurant

Key to Features
Des Moines Area MPO County Boundaries MPO Member Cities

Dallas County
Grimes Johnston

Altoona Urbandale Clive Windsor Heights Des Moines West Des Moines

Waukee

Pleasant Hill

:
0 0.5 1 2 3 Miles

Norwalk Cumming

Carlisle

2007 Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. Please call 515-334-0075 for permission to use.

Madison County

Wa r r e n C o u n t y

Figure 1: Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Planning Area Boundary and Member Governments
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1.3 Demographic Information The United States Census Bureaus 2000 Census provides the most recent demographic information for the Des Moines metropolitan area. Information regarding elderly persons, persons with disabilities, and low-income persons are of particular interest in the Passenger TDP, as the mobility of these populations is a primary concern for transportation providers. According to the 2000 Census, approximately 394,000 people live in the Des Moines metropolitan area. Of this population, approximately 43,000 persons, or close to 11%, are over the age of 65. The US Census classifies approximately 99,000 residents in the DMAMPO planning area, or 25%, as having a disability. Close to 30,000 residents, or about 7.5%, have incomes below the poverty line. Figures F-3 through F-5 in Appendix F illustrate the population density of elderly persons, persons with disabilities, and low-income persons throughout the DMAMPO planning area.

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2.0 Overview of Planning Process Participants

2.1 Principal Participants The DMAMPO serves as the Des Moines metropolitan areas long-range transportation planning body, and is the organization responsible for the creation of the Passenger TDP. The DMAMPO includes representatives from fifteen member cities: Altoona, Ankeny, Bondurant, Carlisle, Clive, Des Moines, Grimes, Johnston, Norwalk, Pleasant Hill, Polk City, Urbandale, Waukee, West Des Moines, and Windsor Heights; one associate, non-voting, city: Cumming; and includes unincorporated portions of four member counties: Dallas County, Madison County, Polk County, and Warren County. The DMAMPO carries out its transportation planning responsibilities in cooperation with the Iowa DOT and the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART). A subcommittee of the DMAMPO, the Transit Roundtable, was created in 2003 as a forum to discuss transit related issues in central Iowa. The Transit Roundtable consists of representatives of public, private, and nonprofit transportation providers, local government officials, human service agencies, and local residents. After the signing of SAFETEA-LU, the Transit Roundtable became the body within the DMAMPO responsible for developing the Passenger TDP. The Transit Roundtable created a steering committee, known as the Transit Action Group, to assist with data collection, needs analysis, program development, and funding allocation. The Transit Action Group consists primarily of agencies and transportation providers that work with elderly individuals, persons with low incomes, and persons with disabilities. The following is a list of agencies represented on the Transit Roundtable: The Central Iowa Regional Transportation Planning Alliance (CIRTPA) City of Altoona City of West Des Moines Creative Community Options The DMAMPO DART Easter Seals The Greater Des Moines Partnership Greyhound Bus Lines The Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA) HomeCare Services Iowa DOT Iowa Interstate Railroad Iowa Workforce Development Jefferson Bus Lines Link Associates Polk County Trans Iowa, L.C. Transportation Management Association

Union Pacific Railroad Warren County West Des Moines Human Services

The following is a list of agencies represented on the Transit Action Group: CIRTPA Creative Community Options The DMAMPO DART Paratransit Easter Seals HIRTA HomeCare Services Iowa DOT Iowa Workforce Development Link Associates Polk County Adult and Youth Service Trans Iowa, L.C. Transportation Management Association Warren County West Des Moines Human Services

The Transit Action Group meets monthly during the creation of the annual Passenger TDP. Tasks performed by the Transit Action Group include: Create a list of human service agencies and transportation providers to contact for information; Prepare questions for and administering surveys to human service agencies; Prepare questions for and conducting focus groups with residents throughout central Iowa; Review the results of various surveys, the results of the Mobility Action Planning Workshops, and census data, to determine areas of need in the transportation system; and Recommend projects to address needs in the transportation system

The Transit Roundtable also meets monthly to discuss a variety of transit related issues, including the Passenger TDP. Transit Roundtable monitors the progress of the Passenger TDPs creation, offers general guidance, and recommends the final version of the Passenger TDP to the DMAMPO for approval. 2.2 Supporting Participants During the preparation of the Passenger TDP, the DMAMPO sent surveys to twenty-six human service agencies, twenty-two transportation providers, and sixteen school districts

offering transportation throughout the Des Moines metropolitan area. More information about the survey process is located in Section 4.1. Fifteen of the human service agencies (57%), five of the transportation providers (22%), and four of the school districts (25%) responded to the surveys. The following is a list of human service agencies that responded to the Passenger TDP survey: AIDS Project of Central Iowa Catholic Charities Creative Community Options Des Moines Public Schools SUCCESS Program Easter Seals Home Opportunities Made Easy (HOME) Inc. HomeCare Services Iowa Homeless Youth Shelter Iowa Legal Aid Link Associates New Directions Shelter Progress Industries Visiting Nurse Services Wesley Community Services (formerly Generations, Inc.) Y.M.C.A.

The following list includes transportation providers that responded to the Passenger TDP survey. More information regarding these transportation providers is located in Section 3.0. DART HIRTA Link Associates Trans Iowa, L.C. West Des Moines Human Services Area School Districts o Christ the King School o St. Joseph Elementary School o St. Theresa School o Waukee Public Schools (Provided by Laidlaw)

The Transit Action Group also conducted surveys with residents from around the Des Moines metropolitan area. Both users and potential users of the passenger transportation system responded to the surveys, primarily elderly persons, low-income persons, and persons with disabilities. Transit Action Group members held focus groups at the Central Iowa Center for Independent Living, as well as congregate meal sites in West Des Moines and Waukee. DART surveyed paratransit riders during trips to congregate meal sites, as well as potential riders at the meal sites. West Des Moines Human Services also surveyed riders during select trips. In total, the Transit Action Group surveyed approximately 160 residents

from around the Des Moines metropolitan area. More information about the focus group survey is presented in Section 4.0.

3.0 Inventory of Transportation Providers

Many transportation providers, both publicly and privately operated, serve the Des Moines metropolitan area. As noted in Section 2.1, the DMAMPO solicited information via a survey from twenty-two transportation providers and sixteen school districts with transportation service, receiving information from five transportation providers and four school districts. Table 1 includes a list of the transportation providers contacted by the DMAMPO, as well as the providers category of service. Table 2 includes a list of school districts contacted by the DMAMPO. Table 1 Transportation Providers in Des Moines Metro Area
Provider Name A-1 Executive Limousine Ambassador Shuttle, Inc. Arrow Stage Lines Busco, Inc. Burlington Trailways Carnival Coaches Chief Bus Service DART Durham School Services Genes Transportation Service Greyhound Bus Lines HIRTA Heartland Charter, LLC Jefferson Bus Lines Link Associates Majestic Limousine & Coach Midwest Ambucare Old Market Limousine Smithson Limousine Service Trans Iowa, LC West Des Moines Human Services Windstar Lines Service Type Charter/Taxi/Limo Charter/Taxi/Limo Charter/Taxi/Limo Charter/Taxi/Limo Intercity Bus Line Charter/Taxi/Limo Charter/Taxi/Limo Public Provider Contracted School Provider Charter/Taxi/Limo Intercity Bus Line Public Provider Charter/Taxi/Limo Intercity Bus Line Human Service Transportation Charter/Taxi/Limo Human Service Transportation Charter/Taxi/Limo Charter/Taxi/Limo Charter/Taxi/Limo Human Service Transportation Charter/Taxi/Limo

Transportation Providers in Bold responded to the survey.

Table 2 School Districts with Transportation Service in Des Moines Metro Area
School Name Ankeny Public Schools Bondurant-Farrar Public Schools Carlisle Public Schools Des Moines Public Schools St Anthony School St Joseph Elementary School St Theresa School Christ The King School The Academy Norwalk Public Schools Southeast Polk Public Schools Urbandale Public Schools Des Moines Christian Elementary School Waukee Public Schools West Des Moines Public School Dowling Catholic High School
Schools in Bold responded to the survey.

The following section provides a more detailed description of the transportation providers that responded to the DMAMPO survey. This information includes a background of the services available from each provider, including fare information, service hours, and, where available, an overview of coordination efforts undertaken with other agencies. A Passenger Transportation Provider Fact Sheet completed by each of the transportation providers is included in Appendix A. 3.1 Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) DART is the public transit provider for the Des Moines metropolitan area. Formerly known as the Des Moines Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), DART was created in 2006 as an independent taxing authority made up of 20 local governments in Polk County. DART offers a variety of services, including regular fixed route service, On-Call service, paratransit service, and carpooling/vanpooling services. DARTs fleet size totals 207 vehicles, including 116 buses, 5 trucks, 83 vans, 1 sedan, and 2 trolleys. 117 vehicles have wheelchair lifts or ramps, and 130 vehicles have two-way radios or phones. DART has a staff of 162 full-time and 63 part-time employees, some of whom are unionized under either the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 441, or the Teamsters Union Local 238. In Fiscal Year 2006, DART vehicles traveled 4,618,694 revenue miles, operated 267,440 revenue hours, and provided 4,243,701 rides, which translates to approximately 13,823 rides per day. In Fiscal Year 2007, the annual number of rides provided is projected to increase to approximately 4,328,575, or 14,100 rides per day. Approximately 93% of rides provided by DART are for fixed route service, while Paratransit and Ride-Share service make up the remaining 7%.

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 Fixed-Route Service DART offers regular fixed route service throughout the Des Moines metropolitan area between Monday and Saturday, with no service on Sundays or holidays. Nine fixed routes operate during daytime hours on Monday through Friday, with many offering evening and Saturday service as well. Figures 2 through 4 illustrate the regular fixed route services available during weekdays, evenings, and Saturdays, respectively. Table 3 summarizes the services hours for each regular route. Table 3 Regular Fixed Route Hours of Operation
Routes
#1 WDM Fairgrounds #3 University Highland Oak Park #4 Urbandale E. 14th #5 Clark E. 6th & 9th #6 W. 9th Douglas/Indianola/Lacona #7 Ft. Des Moines - Walker #8 SE. 14th Haven/S. Union #11 Jordan Creek #13 SE Park Avenue Circulator

Weekday Hours
5:15 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. 5:15 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. 5:15 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. 5:15 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. 5:45 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. 5:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. 6:00 a.m. - 6:10 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m., 3:35 p.m. - 5:35 p.m.

Evening Hours
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Saturday Hours
6:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. 6:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. 5:45 a.m. - 6:45 p.m. 6:00 a.m. - 6:50 p.m.

7:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

6:00 a.m. - 6:50 p.m. 6:00 a.m. - 6:15 p.m.

8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

The cash fare for regular fixed route service is $1.25 for adults, $0.75 for children ages 6-10, and free for children under the age of 6; transfers are $0.10 each. Senior citizens with a DART Senior I.D. pay a reduced fare of $0.50 and receive free transfers between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and after 6:00 p.m. on weekdays, and all day on Saturdays. Persons with disabilities with a DART Disabled I.D. pay a reduced fare of $0.50 and receive free transfers on all trips. DART also provides express service on nine fixed routes, which operate during peak morning and afternoon hours between Monday and Friday. Figure 5 illustrates the location of DARTs express routes. Table 4 summarizes the service hours for each express route.

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Key to Features
Des Moines Area MPO County Boundaries MPO Member City Route 1 Route 1 Selected Route 3 Route 3 Selected Route 4 Route 5 Route 5 Selected Route 6 Route 7 Route 7 Selected Route 8 Route 8 Selected Route 11 Route 13

:
0 0.5 1 2 3 Miles

2007 Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. Please call 515-334-0075 for permission to use.

Figure 2: Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority Regular Weekday Fixed Route Service
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Key to Features
Des Moines Area MPO County Boundaries MPO Member City Route 1 Route 3 Route 4 Route 6 Route 7

:
0 0.5 1 2 3 Miles

2007 Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. Please call 515-334-0075 for permission to use.

Figure 3: Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority Regular Evening Fixed Route Service
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Key to Features
Des Moines Area MPO County Boundaries MPO Member City Route 1 Route 1 Selected Route 3 Route 4 Route 4 Selected Route 5 Route 6 Route 7 Route 11

:
0 0.5 1 2 3 Miles

2007 Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. Please call 515-334-0075 for permission to use.

Figure 4: Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority Regular Saturday Fixed Route Service
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Key to Features
Des Moines Area MPO County Boundaries MPO Member City Airport Express Altoona Commuter Ankeny Commuter Clive Express E.P. True Express Northwest Express Urbandale Express Vista Express Westown Express

:
0 0.5 1 2 3 Miles

2007 Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. Please call 515-334-0075 for permission to use.

Figure 5: Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority Express Fixed Route Service
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Table 4 Express Route Hours of Operation

Routes
#90 Airport South Business Park Express #91 Northwest Express #92 Urbandale Express #93 Clive Express #94 Westown Express #95 Vista Express #96 E.P. True Express #98 Ankeny Express #99 Altoona Express

Weekday Hours
6:20 a.m. - 8:35 a.m., 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. 6:40 a.m. - 8:00 a.m., 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 6:05 a.m. - 8:50 a.m., 3:30 p.m. - 6:10 p.m. 6:55 a.m. - 7:50 a.m., 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 6:20 a.m. - 8:05 a.m., 3:50 p.m. - 5:40 p.m. 6:10 a.m. - 8:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m. - 5:55 p.m. 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m., 3:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m., 3:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. 6:00 a.m. - 7:55 a.m., 4:00 p.m. - 5:50 p.m.

The cash fare for express route service is $1.50 for adults, $0.75 for children age 6-10, and free for children under the age of 6. Persons with disabilities with a DART Disabled I.D. pay a reduced fare of $0.75. Ninety-three buses from DARTs fleet are used for fixed route service. DARTs fixed route fleet has an average age of 8.5 years, compared with the national average of 7.5 years. DART coordinates service with the Des Moines Public School District by providing rides to secondary students in areas where it is inefficient for the school system to provide transportation. On-Call Service DART offers On-Call service in established areas in four communities Ankeny, Des Moines, Urbandale, and West Des Moines that provide customers with demand responsive service within the respective service areas. Rides are $2.50, and service hours vary by community. Riders with a West Des Moines Human Services pass can use the West Des Moines OnCall service for free. Figure 6 illustrates the four On-Call service areas. Table 5 summarizes the service hours for each On-Call service area.

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Key to Features
Des Moines Area MPO County Boundaries MPO Member City West Des Moines On Call Urbandale On Call Des Moines South On Call Des Moines East On Call Ankeny On Call

:
0 0.5 1 2 3 Miles

2007 Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. Please call 515-334-0075 for permission to use.

Figure 6: Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority On Call Service Areas
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Table 5 On-Call Service Hours of Operation

Service Area
Ankeny Des Moines East Des Moines South Urbandale West Des Moines

Day
Tuesday Wednesday Monday - Friday Monday - Friday Monday - Friday Monday Friday Saturday

Weekday Hours
9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. 7:45 a.m. - 8:45 a.m., 3:45 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. 8:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m.

8:30 a.m. 6:00 p.m.

Paratransit/Bus Plus Service DART Paratransit provides demand responsive transportation service throughout Polk County. This service particularly benefits elderly persons and persons with disabilities who cannot use the regular fixed route service. Some services are provided free of charge under contracts to human service agencies. Riders must meet age and/or disability and income guidelines to be eligible for the free paratransit service; riders must complete an application to determine their eligibility. Persons with disabilities who do not qualify for the free paratransit service may apply to use DART Bus Plus service. Bus Plus service is for persons with disabilities who cannot otherwise use DARTs fixed route service. Bus Plus riders pay a fare of between $2.50 $10.00 depending on the trips distance. Bus Plus fulfills DARTs obligations to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Figure 7 illustrates the areas served by DART Paratransit and Bus Plus service. DART Paratransit coordinates service with a variety of agencies. DART Paratransit operates in West Des Moines and coordinates with West Des Moines Human Services to ensure that services are not duplicated in the area. Trans Iowa, L.C. provides overflow rides for DART Paratransit, and provides rides at hours when it in inefficient for DART to do so. Link Associates contracts with DART Paratransit, which enables DART Paratransit to provide rides for Link Associates when it is inefficient for Link Associates to do so. DART Paratransit also coordinates with a number of human service agencies to provide service to and from those agencies. DARTs Paratransit fleet contains twenty-five vehicles. The average fleet age is 5.4 years, compared with the national average of 4.1 years. RideShare DARTs RideShare program provides both carpool and vanpool opportunities to customers. Carpooling generally involves two or more people sharing driving duties that have common origins, destinations, and travel times. RideShare assists commuters in finding individuals with similar travel patterns, and commuters are able to contact those individuals to set up their own carpools. DART does not charge a fee to the customer for carpooling.

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Boone County

Key to Features
Des Moines Area MPO County Boundaries MPO Member City Paratransit/Bus Plus Service Area

:
0 0.5 1 2 3 Miles

2007 Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. Please call 515-334-0075 for permission to use.

Figure 7: Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority Paratransit & Bus Plus Service Area
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DARTs vanpool service is similar to carpooling, yet taken a step further. Vanpooling allows between 5 and 15 passengers to ride together to and from work using DART provided vehicles. Currently, vanpools operate in numerous communities throughout 15 central Iowa counties. Riders are charged a monthly fee, which varies depending on the distance traveled and number of individuals in the vanpool. Figure 8 shows counties in Iowa with DART vanpools. 3.2 Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA) HIRTA is the public transit provider for Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marion, Story, and Warren Counties. Specific to the DMAMPO, HIRTA provides public transportation in the portions of Dallas, Madison, and Warren Counties that fall within the DMAMPO planning area. Figure 9 illustrates HIRTAs service areas. HIRTA provides demand responsive service to all populations within its service area. HIRTA contracts service to different transportation providers in each county; specific hours of operation and fares vary by contractor. All three HIRTA contractors that service the DMAMPO area are human service agencies that share their facilities for both transportation and human service operations. HIRTAs total fleet size is 78 vehicles, and the fleet size within the DMAMPO planning area is approximately 25 vehicles. HIRTAs average vehicle age is 8.3 years, compared with the national average of 4.1 years. HomeCare Services, Inc. HomeCare Services, Inc., is the contracted public transportation provider for Dallas County. Hours of operation are between 6:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Pricing varies by age and income. For customers under the age of 60, in-town rides are $4.00 one-way, with an extra $1 for each stop. Out-of-town rides are $10.00 one-way, with an extra $1 for each stop. School rides are available for $2.00 each way. Special trips can be arranged at $2.50 per mile, or $40.00 per hour. The suggested pricing for customers over the age of 60 is dependent on income, and ranges from $1.00 to $4.00 for in-town one-way trips, and from $2.00 to $10.00 for out-of-town trips. Madison County Elderly Services, Inc. Madison County Elderly Services, Inc., is the contracted public transportation provider for Madison County. Hours of operation are between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The fare for customers under the age of 60 is $1.00 for in-town trips. The suggested contribution for customers over the age of 60 is $0.50 for in-town trips. The fare for trips out of the county is $8.00 per hour and $0.65 per mile for all ages. Red Rock Community Action Program/Warren County Center Red Rock Community Action Program/Warren County Center is the contracted public transportation provider for Warren County. Hours of operation are between 6:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Fares range from $1.00 to $4.00 per ride, depending on the destination.

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Boone County

Boone

Story

Marshall

Key to Features
Des Moines Area MPO DART Vanpool Present

Guthrie

Dallas

Polk

Jasper

Poweshiek

Adair

Madison

Warren

Marion

:
0 4 8 16 24 Miles

Clarke

Lucas

2007 Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. Please call 515-334-0075 for permission to use.

Decatur

Figure 8: Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority Counties with Vanpool Service
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Key to Features
Des Moines Area MPO County Boundaries MPO Member City HIRTA Service Area

:
0 0.5 1 2 3 Miles

2007 Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. Please call 515-334-0075 for permission to use.

Figure 9: Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency Service Area

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3.3 Link Associates Link Associates is a not-for-profit organization that offers comprehensive services to persons with mental disabilities throughout the Des Moines metropolitan area. Specific transportation services include trips to and from work, as well as to occasional doctors visits. Figure 10 shows the general area served by Link Associates transportation service. Trips are funded through the Polk County MR Waiver program, resulting in a free service to the rider. Hours of operation range from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Link Associates often contracts service out to DART or Trans Iowa, L.C. when it is not efficient for Link Associates to provide trips. Link Associates also coordinates with a number of human service agencies to provide trips to work for the agencies customers. In Fiscal Year 2006, Link Associates provided 77,586 rides. This number is projected to increase to approximately 79,500 rides in Fiscal Year 2007. Link Associates fleet consists of 10 buses, 14 vans, 3 trucks, 3 sedans, and 1 station wagon. 12 vehicles are equipped with wheelchair lifts or ramps. 3.4 Trans Iowa, L.C. Trans Iowa, L.C. is local for-profit transportation provider that offers taxicab, accessible taxicab, and motor-coach services. Service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Trans Iowa, L.C. serves all of the Des Moines metropolitan area. The fare structure for taxicabs and accessible taxicabs is $2.00 plus $1.80 per mile. Prices for motor-coach service are quoted by trip. Trans Iowa, L.C. coordinates with many transportation providers and human service agencies throughout the Des Moines metropolitan area. DART and Link Associates contract service out to Trans Iowa, L.C., when it is inefficient for these transportation providers to provide service. These times include when DART or Link Associates are either handling a high number of trips and must send overflow service to Trans Iowa, L.C., or when trips are needed at hours when DART or Link Associates are not operating. Trans Iowa, L.C.s fleet includes 90 sedans, 6 buses, and 6 vans. Four of the vehicles have wheelchair lifts or ramps. In Fiscal Year 2006, Trans Iowa, L.C. provided 405,000 trips. This number is projected to decrease slightly to 400,000 trips in Fiscal Year 2007. 3.5 West Des Moines Human Services West Des Moines Human Services is a service provided by the City of West Des Moines to provide transportation to low-income persons, elderly persons, and persons with disabilities. Specific transportation services include trips to meal sites, recreational activities, shopping and human services trips. Service is available to West Des Moines residents only and is free to the rider. Figure 11 illustrates the area services by West Des Moines Human Services.

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Key to Features
Des Moines Area MPO County Boundaries MPO Member City Link Associates Service Area

:
0 0.5 1 2 3 Miles

2007 Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. Please call 515-334-0075 for permission to use.

Figure 10: Link Associates Service Area

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Key to Features
Des Moines Area MPO County Boundaries MPO Member City West Des Moines Human Services

:
0 0.5 1 2 3 Miles

2007 Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. Please call 515-334-0075 for permission to use.

Figure 11: West Des Moines Human Services Service Area

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3.6 School District Transportation School district responses to the DMAMPO survey are discussed below. In addition to the surveys, the Iowa Department of Education provided the DMAMPO with a listing of school districts throughout the Des Moines metropolitan area, as well as the number of buses in each district. This information is included in Appendix B. Christ the King School Christ the King School, located on the southeast side of the Des Moines metropolitan area, offers the schools students transportation to and from school. The school has two buses, and transports approximately 90 passengers per day. Students living within two miles of the school ride free of charge, while those outside of two miles are charge $50 per quarter. St. Joseph Elementary School St. Joseph Elementary School provides the schools students with transportation to and from school. Two buses cover an area from Runnels to Ankeny, and transport approximately 125 students per day. St. Theresa School St. Theresa School provides the schools students with transportation to and from school. Two buses cover an area that spreads over Des Moines, Urbandale, and West Des Moines. Waukee Public Schools Transportation for Waukee Public Schools is provided by Laidlaw. Laidlaw operates thirty-five buses that provide the schools students with transportation to and from school.

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4.0 Evaluation of Needs

Determining transportation needs, specifically unmet transportation needs, is the most important part of the coordination process and establishes the basis for policy groups to provide services. For this Passenger TDP, various methods were used to provide insight to the Transit Action Group regarding the transportation needs of the Des Moines metropolitan area. This section provides an analysis of the various needs of the transportation system. An assessment by the Transit Action Group regarding the creation a project or program to address a need is included where applicable. 4.1 Methods of Assessment Mobility Action Planning Workshop A Mobility Action Planning Workshop was held at the Des Moines Botanical Center on April 18, 2006. The Iowa DOT, the DMAMPO, and the CIRTPA sponsored this workshop. The purpose of the workshop was to bring together public transit providers, private transportation providers, and human service agencies in the eight county region of central Iowa, to discuss the transportation needs of low-income persons, persons with disabilities, and elderly persons, as well as to discuss the coordination of transportation services. Similar workshops were held around the state, and a statewide follow-up conference was held in Des Moines in November, 2006. The local workshop allowed attendees to share their thoughts on transportation service directly with Iowa DOT and DMAMPO/CIRTPA representatives. A summary of results from the Mobility Action Planning Workshop is included in Appendix C. Client Transportation Needs Assessment Survey The DMAMPO mailed a Client Transportation Needs Assessment Survey to area human service agencies to gauge their views of the current transportation system. In particular, this survey served as a way to determine the needs of the transportation system. This survey was designed by a group of individuals from area human service and transportation organizations that attended the Easter Seals Project Action Mobility Planning Services Institute (MPSI) in Washington, D.C. Organizations represented by this group include the DART, Iowa Workforce Development, Easter Seals, Polk County Health Services, and Trans Iowa, L.C. A copy of this survey is included in Appendix D. The DMAMPO sent surveys to twenty-six human service agencies identified by the Transit Action Group. Fifteen human service agencies responded to the survey. Fourteen of these agencies were private non-profit organizations, and one was a public institution. A summary of results from the Client Transportation Needs Assessment Survey is included in Appendix D.

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 Citizen Surveys Transit Action Group representatives administered surveys to both uses and potential users of the transportation system, particularly elderly persons, persons with disabilities, and low-income individuals. Transit Action Group representatives held focus groups at the Central Iowa Center for Independent Living and at congregate meal sites in West Des Moines and Waukee. DART Paratransit drivers also administered surveys at meals sites throughout Des Moines, and West Des Moines Human Services administered surveys to their passengers during select trips. The focus groups and surveys allowed the Transit Action Group to assess the transportation needs of Des Moines metropolitan area citizens. Information collected allowed the Transit Action Group to determine the affordability of transportation and popular destinations of transportation service, and make informed decisions about altering hours and areas of operation. A copy of the survey administered to residents, as well as a summary of responses, are included in Appendix E. GIS Analysis DMAMPO staff utilized Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze socioeconomic information of the Des Moines metropolitan area, as well as the location of transportation service available to residents in the Des Moines metropolitan area. The analysis illustrates likely origins of trips by mapping the density of groups that are particularly dependant on passenger transportation, including households with no vehicle present, elderly persons, persons with disabilities, and low-income persons. The analysis also illustrates likely destinations of trips by mapping medical facilities, human service areas, large manufacturing centers, large retail centers, and large office complexes. The analysis additionally illustrates the number of transportation services available to residents throughout the area. These three analyses were compared to create a gap analysis showing areas containing likely origins and destination with no service available. The maps resulting from the GIS analysis are included in Appendix F. Passenger Transportation Provider Survey Area transportation providers were mailed a survey to gain information such as operating data, fleet replacement schedules, and capital needs. The Transit Action Group identified twenty-two transportation providers throughout the Des Moines metropolitan area to survey, with five providers responding to the survey. An additional sixteen school districts offering transportation service were sent surveys, with four responding. Copies of the completed Passenger Transportation Provider Surveys are included in Appendix A. 4.2 Review of Last Years Efforts Transportation providers were asked to list all projects implemented over the last 12 months that utilized either Special Needs (FTA Section 5310), Job Access Reverse Commute (FTA Section 5316), or New Freedom (FTA Section 5317) funding. Providers also ranked the

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level of success of each project. Table 6 summarizes programs provided by transportation providers and their levels of success. Table 6 Review of Last Years Efforts
Provider
DART DART DART

Program
Continued Airport Business Park Express Service Route #90 Continued Evening Service

Funding Source
5316 5316

Level of Success
Successful will continue if funding available Successful will continue if funding available Successful will continue if funding available Successful will continue if funding available Unsure of success Successful will continue if funding available Successful will continue if funding available Program not implemented in FY 2007

Continued University Corridor 5316 Service Continued West Des Moines DART 5316 On-Call Service, and Route 11 Service Continued Paratransit West 5310 DART Des Moines/Ankeny Routes Expanded Paratransit DART/Trans Iowa Fleet/Contracted Service to 5310 Trans Iowa Indianola to Des Moines HIRTA 5316 (Warren Co.)* Waukee to Des Moines 5316 HIRTA (Dallas Co.)* *Projects included in CIRTPA Transportation Improvement Program

Continued Airport Business Park Express Service Route #90 DART provides peak-hour weekday service to the Airport South Business Park (three times morning and afternoon). DART offers reverse commute trips from downtown Des Moines to the Airport South Business Park in addition to service from the Airport South Business Park into downtown Des Moines. The Airport Business Park Express Service had 21,855 boardings in Fiscal Year 2006. Of this figure, 694 trips were attributed to elderly persons and persons with disabilities. Continued Evening Service As mentioned in Section 3.1, DART offers evening service on five routes. DART additionally offers evening on-call service in parts of Des Moines (see Section 3.1). In Fiscal Year 2006, DART provided 132,275 evening trips. Continued University Corridor Service DART increased service on Route #3s west end to offer 10 minute peak headways and 15 minute mid-day headways. Route #3 runs from Park Fair Mall to Valley West Mall. In Fiscal Year 2006, DART provided 700,349 trips on Route #3. Of this total, 90,244 trips were during evenings and Saturdays, and 35,942 trips were attribute to elderly persons and persons with disabilities.

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Continued West Des Moines On-Call Service and Route 11 Service

DART offers on-call service in West Des Moines from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm from Monday through Saturday. In Fiscal Year 2006, DART provided 10,898 trips in the West Des Moines On-Call area. Route #11 is a regular fixed route that runs from Valley Junction to Jordan Creek Mall between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, Monday through Saturday. In DART provided 18,728 trips along Route #11 in Fiscal Year 2006. DART attributed 406 of the total trips to elderly persons and persons with disabilities. Continued Paratransit - West Des Moines/Ankeny Routes DART offered special paratransit routes to West Des Moines and Ankeny that was in addition to the demand responsive paratransit service throughout Polk County. This service was discontinued after funding was exhausted. In Fiscal Year 2006, this paratransit route provided 15,655 trips. DART attributed 9,502 of the total trips to persons with disabilities. Expanded Paratransit Fleet/Contracted Service to Trans Iowa DART contracted service to a local private transportation provider, Trans Iowa, L.C. In Fiscal Year 2006, DART contracted out 12,075 trips to Trans Iowa, L.C. This figure includes 5,434 trips to elderly persons and 2,698 trips to persons with disabilities. DART also utilized FTA Section 5310 funding to purchase a partial paratransit vehicle. Assessment of Programs/Projects to Address Need: The Transit Action Group recommends continued funding for successful projects in Fiscal Years 2007 - 2011 if funding is available. 4.3 Public Input In addition to comments received from human service agencies and local citizens in the surveys mentioned in Section 4.1, the Passenger Transportation Provider Survey asked transportation providers to summarize public comments that they received in the last year. DART was the only provider that reported comments in 2006. Regarding service improvements, riders expressed the need to expand service to new DART member communities, the need for more Saturday service, the demand for Sunday service, the need for expanded hours and increased frequencies on weekdays, and the need for more locations served by DART. Regarding positives in service, riders reported good customer service and friendly drivers. 4.4 Service Needs The Transit Action Group used the various methods of assessment mentioned previously to determine the following needs in transportation service. Needs specific to low-income persons, elderly persons, and persons with disabilities are discussed where applicable. Please note that costs associated with recommended programs are included in the Transportation Improvement Programs located in Section 7 and Section 8 of this document.

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 Existing Service Needs The Transit Action Group identified the need to maintain existing levels of service as a top priority. Information supplied from transportation providers indicates that at least 4.8 million rides are anticipated in Fiscal Year 2007. This figure only is an estimate, however. Not all transportation providers submitted information to DMAMPO staff, and the service area of many providers is not contained solely within the DMAMPO planning area boundary. Nevertheless, a considerable number of trips are and will continue to be provided in the Des Moines metropolitan area. Analysis by the Transit Action Group indicates that a significant number of trips are provided to areas with higher proportions of elderly persons, persons with disabilities, and low income persons. Assessment of Programs/Projects to Address Need: The Transit Action Group concluded that transportation providers should increase service, both in terms of service area and hours of operation, and that transportation providers should reduce only a very few select existing services. One such service is DARTs West Des Moines/Ankeny paratransit route. This service was discontinued by DART after exhausting available funding; neither the Transit Action Group nor DART recommends resurrecting this service in the near future as DART paratransit service is already available. Expanded Service Area One of the key issues facing the current transportation system is the lack of service in all areas it is desired. Over half of human service agencies surveyed stated that a major barrier to adequate transportation service is the absence of transportation services where their clients need them. The attendees of the Mobility Action Planning Workshop shared a similar view, adding that limited service areas limits options for things like work, shopping, and medical appointments. One-fourth of citizens surveyed believed there is no service where they live, while 35% of citizens surveyed felt that no service is available where they need to go. Low-income individuals depend on passenger transportation for many of their trips, including those to work, for personal use, and for medical purposes. One specific need is to provide more service between the areas that low-income individuals live and work. Many low-income individuals live near the city cores and must commute to retail, manufacturing, and service industry jobs in suburban areas. To ensure that low-income individuals can access these jobs, more reverse-commute options must be available. Elderly persons and persons with disabilities rely on passenger transportation for medical visits, shopping, and recreational opportunities. Fixed route service is not available in all areas and, in the locations fixed route service is available, the service is not easily accessible to elderly persons and persons with disabilities. There is a need to provide transportation options to persons with disabilities and elderly persons that live in areas with no other passenger transportation options so that they too may have transportation to

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places like medical facilities and community centers. An increased need also exists for transportation service to medical facilities, including facilities outside of the Des Moines metropolitan area. Many survey respondents and participants at the Mobility Action Planning Workshop cited a need to coordinate service to places like Iowa City for medical appointments. Assessment of Programs/Projects to Address Need: The need for expanded service areas is justified given the level of public demand and the GIS analysis. The Transit Action Group recommends the implementation of proposals by DART to expand their service areas. These proposals include expanding the Urbandale On-Call service area in Fiscal Year 2007, expanding fixed route service to Ankeny and Oliver Plaza in Fiscal Year 2008, and a proposal to introduce a new weekly regional service to DART member communities in Fiscal Year 2007. The new regional service will provide communities in the Des Moines metropolitan area that do not currently have public transportation with a weekly service, enabling residents in those communities to have access to things like retail centers and medical facilities. The Transit Action Group also recommends the implementation of proposals by DART to expand their service area in future years, including the creation of a feeder route in Pleasant Hill that would provide access to an existing fixed route, and also the expansion of an express route in West Des Moines that would provide increased opportunities for reverse commuting. Expanded Service Hours In addition to expanding service to new areas, residents, human service agencies, and Mobility Action Planning Workshop participants cited the need for increased frequency and hours of operation for current services. Over half of human service agencies surveyed stated that transportation services do not operate at the necessary hours to serve their clients. A third of residents surveyed shared this opinion, and cited numerous examples of how a lack in service frequency or hours of operation has limited their mobility in the community. Some residents said that they must stay at a medical clinic all day after their appointment to wait for a ride, and others said they choose to not use passenger transportation during afternoon or evening hours out of fear that they will miss the last ride home. Low-income individuals need transportation service to the areas they work. Low-income individuals additionally need transportation during the times they work. Many low-income individuals work nights and weekends when public transportation and human service provided transportation does not operate. During the weekdays, a second or third shift worker may only be able to use public transportation for one part of their work commute. On weekends, especially Sundays, workers have even fewer transportation options available. Increasing service hours will better enable low-income individuals to access employment opportunities. Elderly persons and persons with disabilities also are constrained by the hours that transportation providers operate. Last minute doctor

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appointments and other non-emergency needs often are difficult to schedule due to the low frequency in service. These individuals also require mobility on nights and weekends for recreational and entertainment activities, as well as religious services. Assessment of Programs/Projects to Address Need: The need to expand the hours and frequency of operation is justified given the level of public demand and the GIS analysis. The Transit Action Group determined that adding Sunday services, and maintaining existing night services, are immediate needs to the transportation system. The Transit Action Group recommends the implementation of proposals by DART to begin Sunday service in Fiscal Year 2008, to increase the hours of operation and frequency of the West Des Moines On-Call service in Fiscal Year 2008, and the continued engineering and design for the Alternatives Analysis Study in Fiscal Year 2008. The Alternatives Analysis Study analyzes the possibility for bus rapid transit service in the community, which will increase service frequencies. The Transit Action Group also recommends the continuation of Job Access and Reverse Commute projects mentioned in Section 4.2, as well as the expansion of existing fleets to increase service frequencies where needed. Affordable Transportation Services Providing affordable transportation to those who depend on it is another need of the transportation system. Over half of the human service agencies surveyed stated that transportation is too expensive for their clients. Citizens that were surveyed, however, shared a different view on the affordability of transportation. 80% of respondents said that transportation is affordable. Citizen responses may be skewed, however, as many of the citizens surveyed were users of free paratransit service. Assessment of Programs/Projects to Address Need: Many transportation providers offer reduced rates to human service agencies serving low-income persons, elderly persons, and persons with disabilities, but the practice is not universal. The Transit Action Group recognizes the need to expand these reduced rate programs to enable all people in all areas to afford transportation. Given the amount of time needed to create a successful program, however, the Transit Action Group did not develop a program for Fiscal Years 2007 or 2008. The Transit Action Group will work to develop projects to include in future updates of the Passenger TDP. Coordinated Efforts Among Transportation Providers The need for transportation providers to work together in the creation of an efficient transportation system is critical. Jurisdictional turf issues between local governments, transportation providers, and human service agencies currently pose problems to providing satisfactory levels of service throughout the metropolitan area. Many transportation providers only offer service to certain areas, making trips across different regions difficult. Many riders also are not able to afford the few transportation services, like taxicabs, that provide direct door-to-door service over a large area.

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Limited financial resources can have a burden on the transportation system. Many providers are not able to meet demand and still charge an affordable fare to riders. Additionally, not all transportation providers have the necessary equipment, such as vehicles equipped with wheel chair lifts, to serve elderly persons and persons with disabilities. Sharing financial resources, equipment, and facilities can reduce the overhead costs of providing transportation and reduce the cost passed on to riders. Increasing the ease of use to the public is another avenue for coordination among transportation providers. Few agreements exist between providers to allow the easy transfer from one service to another. There is also a lack of knowledge between riders and providers as to other transportation options available in the area. The Passenger Transportation Provider Survey provided an assessment of the various providers interest in potential coordination opportunities. Table 7 indicates areas of coordination and each transportation providers interest in coordination. Table 7 Interest in Potential Coordination Opportunities
Area of Coordination
Joining Coordination Network Centralized Scheduling, Dispatch, & Vehicle Tracking Contracting to Purchase Transportation Service Collaborate in Grant Writing Contracting to Provide Transportation Service Consolidate Service to a Single Provider Technology for Vehicle Tracking and Ride Scheduling Centralized Fuel Purchasing Pooling of Training Resources Pooling of Financial Resources Sharing Vehicles Among Agencies Cooperatively Purchasing Vehicles

DART
9

HIRTA
9

Link Associates
9 9

Trans Iowa, L.C.

9

West Des Moines Human Services

n/a n/a n/a

9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

n/a n/a n/a

9 9

9 9

n/a n/a n/a n/a

9 9 9

n/a n/a

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Assessment of Programs/Projects to Address Need: The Transit Action Group considers the need for increased coordination a very high importance. The development of a centralized mobility management center to coordinate and schedule trips between all providers has been identified as a way to resolve coordination, scheduling, and public awareness difficulties. The Transit Action Group determined that the immediate implementation of such a system is not possible as research and development must be done to create such a system; the Transit Action Group recommends the implementation of such a system in future updates of this Passenger TDP. The Transit Action Group also supports the continuation of contracting service between transportation providers. Such projects include the contracting of services between DART Paratransit, Link Associates, and Trans Iowa, L.C., which increases the efficiency of the overall passenger transportation system. 4.5 Existing Fleet Needs Replacing and rehabilitating existing vehicles is an area of need that must be considered in the Passenger TDP. The replacement and rehabilitation of vehicles must be justified, as public money is often used to pay for the vehicles. The Passenger Transportation Provider Survey asked each transportation provider to complete a Fleet Rehabilitation/Replacement Schedule, which covers all vehicles in each providers existing fleet. DART, HIRTA, and Trans Iowa, L.C. completed the Fleet Rehabilitation/Replacement Schedule. Completed Fleet Rehabilitation/Replacement Schedules are included in Appendix A. DART DART follows the Federal Programming Guidance for Transit Vehicles, which outlines the age and mileage at which vehicles should be replaced. Table 8 summarizes the vehicles in DARTs fleet that are scheduled for replacement in Fiscal Year 2008 as compared to the Federal Programming Guidance for Transit Vehicles. The Transit Action Group recommends the implementation of DARTs proposals to address existing fleet needs. Table 8 DART Vehicles Scheduled for Fiscal Year 2008 Replacement
Vehicle
Eight 40 Heavy Duty Buses Three 40 Heavy Duty Buses Two Light Duty Buses Two 30 Medium Duty Paratransit Buses Four RideShare Vehicles Two RideShare Vehicles Two RideShare Vehicles

Vehicle Age
14 16 7 8 6 5 3

Vehicle Mileage
(as of June, 2006)

Federal Guidelines
12 years/500,000 miles 12 years/500,000 miles 4 years/100,000 miles 7 years/200,000 miles 4 years/100,000 miles 4 years/100,000 miles 4 years/100,000 miles

Between 329,000 374,000 miles Between 456,000 488,000 miles Between 57,000 58,000 miles Between 213,000 215,000 miles Between 58,000 75,000 miles 62,000 miles; 74,000 miles 42,000 miles; 51,000 miles

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 HIRTA HIRTA uses the Iowa DOT Public Transit Equipment and Facilities Management System (PTMS) to determine the replacement schedule of vehicles. Vehicles earn points based on their age and mileage, and the vehicles are prioritized based on their point totals. The Iowa DOT replaces as many vehicles throughout the state each year as possible, given available funding. HIRTA vehicles targeted for replacement in Fiscal Year 2008 are those that are likely to be replaced if funding is available. Table 9 summarizes the vehicles in HIRTAs fleet that serve the DMAMPO planning area that are scheduled for replacement in Fiscal Year 2008. The Transit Action Group recommends the implementation of HIRTAs proposals to address existing fleet needs. Table 9 HIRTA Vehicles Scheduled for Fiscal Year 2008 Replacement
Vehicle
One ADA Minivan Two ADA Minivan Two 176 Light Duty Buses One 176 Light Duty Buses One 158 Light Duty Bus One 138 Light Duty Bus One 138 Light Duty Bus

Vehicle Age
15 10 11 7 7 8 10

Vehicle Mileage
(as of June, 2006)

230,000 miles Between 147,000 - 152,000 miles 142,000 miles; 171,000 miles 142,000 miles 171,000 miles 147,000 miles 181,000 miles

Trans Iowa, L.C. Trans Iowa, L.C. replaces vehicles in its fleet when the vehicles reach 8 years and 3 months from the current production year. Therefore, Trans Iowa, L.C. will replace 1999 model vehicles by March 31, 2008. In Fiscal Year 2008, Trans Iowa, L.C. will replace 40 vehicles that meet the aforementioned guideline. Table 10 summarizes vehicles scheduled for Fiscal Year 2008 replacement. The Transit Action Group recommends the implementation of Trans Iowa, L.C.s proposals to address existing fleet needs. Table 10 Trans Iowa, L.C. Vehicles Scheduled for Fiscal Year 2008 Replacement
Vehicle Vehicle Year Vehicle Mileage
(as of June, 2006)

1999 One Ford Taurus Not Available 1999 One Buick Regal Not Available 1999 Five Chevy Luminas Not Available 1999 25 Ford Crown Victorias 163,000 - 396,000 1999 One Buick Century Not Available 2000 One Ford Crown Victorias Not Available 1999 Three Pontiac Bonnevilles Not Available 1997 Two Ford E350 208,000 - 213,000 1998 One Ford Windstar 161,000 Note: Vehicles may not operate solely within the DMAMPO planning area.

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4.6 Facility Needs Needs related to transit facilities and equipment must be considered in the Passenger TDP. Like fleet needs, facility needs must be justified as they are often paid for with public money. The Passenger Transportation Provider Survey asked transportation providers to complete a Capital Improvement Program, which includes facility and equipment needs. DART and Trans Iowa, L.C. both included facility needs for Fiscal Year 2008. The Transit Action Group recommends the implementation of proposals to address facility needs. Trans Iowa, L.C. Trans Iowa, L.C. is scheduled to upgrade its maintenance and office facility, as well as its scheduling and dispatch system, in Fiscal Year 2008. DART DART anticipates a number of facility needs in Fiscal Year 2008. Some needs are to replace or restore existing facilities and equipment, while others are expansions and additions to facilities and equipment. DARTs Fiscal Year 2007 2012 Capital Plan was used to summarize the facility and equipment needs scheduled for Fiscal Year 2008. Table 11 includes a summary of DARTs facility needs. Table 11 DART Fiscal Year 2008 Facility Needs
Facility Need
Transit Hub Facility Construction DART Facility Expansion Gantry Platform Automatic Vehicle Location Technology Online Trip Planner Storage/Maintenance Facility Admin/Maintenance Facility Engineering & Design ADA Paratransit Deteriorating Concrete Shop Equipment Miscellaneous Equipment Computer Hardware/Software Electronic Controls Replacing Pneumatics Burner Conversion for Boilers Transit Enhancements Preventative Maintenance

Description
Construct a transit hub facility in downtown Des Moines to replace the existing Walnut Street Transit Mall Expand facility to house addition vehicles resulting from transition from MTA to DART and the relating service increases Purchase a gantry platform to allow maintenance technicians to safely perform repairs to roof-mounted air conditioning unites on buses Replace obsolete vehicle location system Implement an online trip scheduling system to allow after hours access to customers Construct additional storage and maintenance to service anticipated increases to the fleet size Engineering and design for additional storage and maintenance areas Equipment enabling easy vehicle access for persons with disabilities Replace deteriorating concrete on DART facilitys pavement Purchase of shop equipment to meet new regulations and/or to replace obsolete equipment Purchase miscellaneous equipment such as furniture and radio equipment Replace computers and monitors, upgrade servers, operating systems, printers, etc. Replace pneumatics controlling heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) of the current facility Replacing boiler controls and gas train to increase useful life of boilers Enhancements such as bus shelters, benches, signage, and equipment on buses General maintenance costs

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5.0 Funding Sources

The Passenger TDP is required to enable the funding of transit programs using federal or state dollars. This section of the Passenger TDP discusses the various programs used to fund transit operations, including the Elderly Persons and Persons with Disabilities (FTA Section 5310), Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) (FTA Section 5316), and New Freedom (FTA Section 5317) funding programs. This section also provides the funding levels expected for each program for the next four years. 5.1 Funding Programs

Elderly Persons and Persons with Disabilities (FTA Section 5310) & Non-Urbanized Area Formula (FTA Section 5311)

The Elderly Persons and Persons with Disabilities and Non-Urbanized Area Formula programs provide funding to increase the mobility of elderly persons and persons with disabilities. The FTA allocates funds to each state based on the number of persons in each state that are elderly, have disabilities, or live outside urbanized areas. Transit agencies can use funding for operating costs with a dollar-to-dollar non-federal match. Transit agencies also can use funding for capital improvements related to the service on an 80% federal, 20% non-federal basis. The federal share is 83% for vehicles accessible by persons with disabilities, and the federal share increases to 90% when used to purchase clean air equipment. Transit systems may use 10% of funds to pay for ADA related paratransit costs on an 80% federal, 20% non-federal basis. Transit agencies also can use funds to support transportation planning in non-urbanized area on an 80% federal, 20% nonfederal basis. Job Access and Reverse Commute (FTA Section 5316) The Job Access and Reverse Commute program provides funding for transportation to assist welfare recipients and low-income persons with access to employment opportunities. Areas with a population over 200,000 receive funds directly, while areas under 200,000 people must apply for funds from the Iowa DOT. Transit agencies can use funding for capital improvements related to the service on an 80% federal, 20% non-federal basis. The federal share increases when transportation providers use funding for ADA equipment, clean air equipment, and/or bicycle accommodation equipment. Funding for coordination programs requires a 50% non-DOT match. New Freedom (FTA Section 5317) The New Freedom program provides funding to encourage services and facility improvements to address the transportation needs of persons with disabilities that go beyond those required by the ADA. Areas with a population over 200,000 receive funds directly, while areas under 200,000 people must apply for funds from the Iowa DOT. Funding for operating assistance is eligible with a 50% non-DOT match. Transit agencies can use

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funding for capital improvements related to the service on an 80% federal, 20% non-federal basis. The federal share increases when transportation providers use funding for ADA equipment, clean air equipment, and/or bicycle accommodation equipment. Urbanized Formula (FTA Section 5307) The Urbanized Area Formula program provides funds based on population. States are given a single allocation for urbanized areas with populations between 50,000 and 200,000, while urbanized areas with populations over 200,000 receive funds directly. 10% of funds may be used for ADA paratransit costs on an 80% federal, 20% non-federal basis. In areas over 200,000 in population, at least 1% of funds must be used for transit enhancement activities. Funds can be used to support operating deficits in areas with populations under 200,000 on a dollar-to-dollar match. Transit agencies can use f funding for capital improvements related to the service on an 80% federal, 20% non-federal basis. The federal share increases when transportation providers use funding for ADA equipment, clean air equipment, and/or bicycle accommodation equipment. Capital Investment Grants and Loans (FTA Section 5309) The Capital Investment Grants and Loans program provides funds based on Congressional earmarks. Transit agencies can use f funding for capital improvements related to the service on an 80% federal, 20% non-federal basis. The federal share increases when transportation providers use funding for ADA equipment, clean air equipment, and/or bicycle accommodation equipment. State Transit Assistance Formula (STA-Form) The State Transit Assistance Formula (STA-Form) program allocates funding based on each transit systems performance during the previous years in terms of rides, miles, and local funding support. In Iowa, 1/20 of the first four cents of the sales tax collected on the sale of motor vehicles and accessory equipment is used to generate these funds. Transit agencies may use funds for any operating, capital, or planning expenses related to public passenger transportation. State Transit Assistance Special Projects (STA-Spec) The State Transit Assistance- Special Projects (STA-Spec) program is a new program by the Iowa DOT to assist in funding coordination projects. This is a competitive program with no guarantee of funding. $300,000 of the total STA funding is set aside for special projects. Most of this funding is used for state-wide projects, particularly start up costs, with a two year limit for funding. $500,000 is also available from the Iowa DOT for individual awards. The Iowa DOT estimates awards amounts between $10,000 and $50,000 per year for justified projects.

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 Surface Transportation Program (STP) The Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds roadway and transit capital projects on an 80% federal, 20% local basis. In Iowa, either local metropolitan planning organizations or regional planning affiliations program STP funds. Iowas Clean Air Attainment Program (ICAAP) Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality (CMAQ) funding is administered to states to mitigate violations in air quality standards. Iowa does not have areas in violation of clean air standards and, therefore, uses funding to support projects that provide air quality or congestion relief benefits. The Iowas Clean Air Attainment Program (ICAAP) is a statewide program requiring an application to the Iowa DOT. Projects eligible for STP funds also are eligible for ICAAP funding with a 20% local match. ICAAP funding also is available for 80% start-up operational costs for up to a three year time period. Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund (RIIF) The Code of Iowa establishes the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund (RIIF) in Section 8.57(5). These funds can be used for public infrastructure expenses, including some facility needs of public transit providers. 5.2 Funding Estimates Anticipating the amount of funding available each year is critical as it determines whether projects are viable. Table 12 summarizes available funding estimates for the funding programs mentioned previously. The DMAMPO estimated available funding based on information provided by the FTA, the Iowa DOT, and public transportation providers. Table 12 Fiscal Years 2007 2011 Funding Projections
Funding Program
5307 5309 5310/5311 (Urban area) 5310/5311 (Non-Urban area) 5316 5317 STA-Form STA-Spec STP ICAAP RIIF

FY 2007
$5,027,783 N/A $191,060 $47,314 $134,304 $98,043 $759,470 N/A $520,000 N/A N/A

FY 2008
$5,452,480 N/A $207,549 $36,776 $145,964 $105,911 $883,682 $10,000 $50,000 $520,000 N/A N/A

FY 2009
$5,799,811 N/A $224,485 $38,247 153,423 $111,963 $867,029 $10,000 $50,000 $520,000 N/A N/A

FY 2010
N/A N/A $235,485 $39,777 N/A N/A $901,710 $10,000 $50,000 $520,000 N/A N/A

FY 2011
N/A N/A $247,259 $41,368 N/A N/A $937,778 $10,000 $50,000 $520,000 N/A N/A

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6.0 Recommended Projects for Fiscal Year 2007

As noted in Section 1.1., this Passenger TDP covers Fiscal Year 2007 to satisfy the requirements of the Coordinated Plan. This section discusses projects identified for funding from FTA Section 5310, 5316, and 5317 funding programs in Fiscal Year 2007. Projects recommended for funding in Fiscal Years 2008 2011 are discussed in Section 7.0. Note that the Transit Action Group recommended projects for funding in Fiscal Year 2007 to address needs described in Section 4.0.

Table 13 summarizes projects included in the TIP that will require funding from FTA Section 5310, 5316, or 5317 funding programs. Table 13FY 2007 Projects Recommended for FTA Section 5310, 5316, & 5317 Funding
Provider Name Project Description Type Total Cost Proposed Funding
(List all anticipated sources)

Projects Recommended for FTA Section 5310, 5316, and 5317 Funding

Source Projects recommended as candidates for FTA or STA funding:

DART DART DART DART DART Total Job Access & Reverse Commute Projects Subcontracted Paratransit Operations One Paratransit Bus (partial) New Services (Operating for Regional Weekly Service and Expanded Urbandale On-Call) Buses for New Services (One partial 176 LD & one 30' MD Fixed Route) OPS CAP CAP OPS CAP $523,450 $175,350 $61,181 $51,022 $200,000 $1,011,003 5316 5310 5310 5317 5317

Amount

$261,725 $140,280 $52,811 $25,511 $166,000 $646,327

The Job Access & Reverse Commute Projects are existing services as described in Section 4.2. These projects will satisfy the needs identified under Existing Service Needs in Section 4.4, specifically allowing DART to continue night service and reverse commute opportunities that provide better access to jobs for persons with low incomes. The recommended projects satisfy FTA Section 5316 funding guidelines as they provide persons with low incomes access to jobs. Note that federal funding from FTA Section 5316 was not used in Fiscal Year 2006 and was rolled over to Fiscal Year 2007. The total value of $261,725 is the funding available from both of these years. The Transit Action Group recommends the Subcontracted Paratransit Operations program to enable DART to use FTA Section 5310 funding to subcontract services to Trans Iowa, L.C. Contracting service between providers increases the efficiency of the overall transportation system, and projects such as this are encouraged under Coordination Efforts Among Transportation Providers in Section 4.4. The recommended program provides

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service to elderly persons and persons with disabilities, which satisfies FTA Section 5310 funding guidelines. The purchase of one paratransit bus is required to replace an existing bus, which is also a justified use of FTA Section 5310 money under the guidelines of the program. The vehicle to be replaced is included in the Fleet Replacement/Rehabilitation Schedule located in Appendix A. The Transit Action Group recommends that DART use FTA Section 5317 funding to both expand the Urbandale On-Call service and to create the new regional weekly service. Both of these projects are identified under Expanded Service Area in Section 4.4 as recommended ways to provide more transportation service throughout the Des Moines area. The Transit Action Group anticipates that many users of the Urbandale On-Call and the regional weekly service will be elderly persons and persons with disabilities, as the services will provide regular transportation to places like medical facilities and retail areas. These services meet the requirements of FTA Section 5317 funding guidelines. Note that DART did not use federal funding from FTA Section 5317 in Fiscal Year 2006 and the Fiscal Year 2006 funding was rolled over to Fiscal Year 2007. The total value of $191,511 is the funding available from both of these years.

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7.0 Passenger Transportation Improvement Program, FY 2008-2011

The Passenger Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is a culmination of all transit projects from throughout the Des Moines metropolitan area that will seek federal or state funding. The TIP is a key element of the Passenger TDP as any project that seeks federal or state funding must be included in the TIP. The TIP included in the Passenger TDP will also serve as the starting point on which the DMAMPO will base the transit element of the DMAMPO TIP. This section provides a detailed TIP for Fiscal Year 2008 and a sketch TIP for Fiscal Years 2009 2011. Included is a discussion of how each element fits with the various needs addressed in Section 4.0, as well as the proposed funding sources discussed in Section 5.1. All capital projects included in the TIP are included in a Capital Improvement Program Worksheet for each transportation provider included in Appendix A. Note that elements for HIRTA are not included in this Passenger TDP. These elements are included in the Passenger TDP for the Central Iowa Regional Transportation Planning Alliance (CIRTPA). 7.1 Passenger Transportation Improvement Program, FY 2008 The following narratives describe the various elements of the Fiscal Year 2008 TIP, including an identification of the need addressed, the benefits of the project, and, where applicable, how the project meets eligibility requirements for the proposed funding source. A complete listing of projects for inclusion in the Fiscal Year 2008 TIP is included in Appendix G. Note that the Transit Action Group recommends the implementation of all elements presented in the TIP, and that the needs addressed by each element were previously discussed in Section 4.0.

Projects Recommended for FTA Section 5310, 5316, and 5317 Funding

Table 14 summarizes projects included in the TIP that will require funding from FTA Section 5310, 5316, or 5317 funding programs. Table 14FY 2008 Projects Recommended for FTA Section 5310, 5316, & 5317 Funding
Provider Name Project Description Type Total Cost Proposed Funding
(List all anticipated sources)

Source Projects recommended as candidates for FTA or STA funding:

DART DART DART Job Access & Reverse Commute Projects Subcontracted Paratransit Operations One Paratransit Bus (partial) Operating for Regional Weekly Service (partial) and Expanded Urbandale and West Des Moines On-Call Buses for New Services (One partial 176 LD Bus with 2006/2007 funds) OPS CAP CAP $290,992 $193,750 $63,316 5316 5310 5310

Amount

$145,496 $155,000 $52,549

DART DART Total

OPS CAP

$165,342 $28,000 $741,400

5317 5317

$82,671 $23,240 $458,956

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The Job Access & Reverse Commute Projects are existing services as described in Section 4.2. These projects will satisfy the needs identified under Existing Service Needs in Section 4.4, specifically allowing DART to continue night service and reverse commute opportunities that provide better access to jobs for persons with low incomes. The recommended projects satisfy FTA Section 5316 funding guidelines as they provide persons with low incomes access to jobs. The projected cost of the service that will come from FTA Section 5316 funds is equal to the estimated funding available for the program. The Transit Action Group recommends the Subcontracted Paratransit Operations program to enable DART to use FTA Section 5310 funding to subcontract services to Trans Iowa, L.C. Contracting service between providers increases the efficiency of the overall transportation system, and projects such as this are encouraged under Coordination Efforts Among Transportation Providers in Section 4.4. The recommended program provides service to elderly persons and persons with disabilities, which satisfies FTA Section 5310 funding guidelines. The purchase of one paratransit bus is required to replace an existing bus, which is also a justified use of FTA Section 5310 money under the guidelines of the program. The vehicle to be replaced is included in the Fleet Replacement/Rehabilitation Schedule located in Appendix A, as well as Table 8 DART Vehicles Schedule for Fiscal Year 2008 Replacement, in Section 4.5. The projected cost of the service anticipated to use FTA Section 5310 funding is equal to the estimated funding available for the program. The Transit Action Group recommends that DART use FTA Section 5317 funding to both expand the Urbandale On-Call service and to create the new regional weekly service. Both of these projects are identified under Expanded Service Area in Section 4.4 as recommended ways to provide more transportation service throughout the Des Moines area. The Transit Action Group anticipates that many users of the Urbandale On-Call and the regional weekly service will be elderly persons and persons with disabilities, as the services will provide regular transportation to places like medical facilities and retail areas. These services meet the requirements of FTA Section 5317 funding guidelines. The projected costs of the services anticipated to use FTA Section 5317 funding are equal to the estimate funding available from the program. Projects to Fund the Replacement of Existing Fleet Vehicles Table 15 summarizes vehicle replacement projects in the Des Moines metropolitan area.

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Table 15 Fiscal Year 2008 Projects to Replace Existing Vehicles

Provider Name Project Description Type Total Cost Proposed Funding
(List all anticipated sources)

Source Projects recommended as candidates for FTA or STA funding:

DART DART DART Eight HD 40' Fixed-Route Buses Three HD 40' Fixed-Route Buses ($520,000 STP) Two MD 30' Paratransit Bus (one partial) Two 176 LD Fixed Route Buses) Nine RideShare vehicles (8 rep) CAP CAP CAP $2,536,000 $951,000 $266,000 5309 5309 5309

Amount
$2,104,880 $769,830 $220,780

DART CAP $164,000 5309 $136,120 DART CAP $243,000 5309 $194,400 Total $4,223,312 $3,478,559 Note that HIRTA and Trans Iowa, L.C. vehicles discussed in Section 4.5 receive funding from sources other than those in the DMAMPO TIP and, therefore, are not included in Table 15.

The DART vehicles listed above are included in the Fleet Replacement/Rehabilitation Schedule included in Appendix A, as well as Table 8 DART Vehicles Scheduled for Fiscal Year 2008 Replacement, in Section 4.5. DART will look to replace these vehicles due to the vehicles age and/or mileage; Section 4.4, Existing Fleet Needs, provides further detail regarding fleet needs. Vehicles scheduled for replacement with FTA Section 5310 funding were included in Table 14 and are not duplicated in Table 15. Note that FTA Sections 5309 permits capital improvements related to providing service. Projects to Fund the Expansion of Service Table 16 summarizes projects that expand passenger transportation service in the Des Moines metropolitan area. Table 16 Fiscal Year 2008 Projects to Expand Existing Service
Provider Name Project Description Type Total Cost Proposed Funding
(List all anticipated sources)

Source Projects recommended as candidates for FTA or STA funding:

DART DART DART DART DART DART DART Total Ankeny & Oliver Plaza service (Operating and Capitol - 1 bus) Four HD 40' Fixed-Route Buses (direct Earmark) Three 30' MD Fixed-Route Bus Four Trolley Buses for expansion (direct Earmark) Nine RideShare vehicles (1 exp, 8 rep) One 176 LD Fixed Route Bus Alternatives Analysis Study Preliminary Design/Engineering (direct Earmark) OPS/ CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP $425,964 $1,268,000 $438,000 $1,268,000 $243,000 $82,000 $1,250,000 $4,974,964 ICAAP 5309 5307 5309 5309 5307 5309

Amount

$340,771 $1,052,440 $363,540 $1,052,440 $194,400 $68,060 $1,000,000 $4,071,651

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The Transit Action Group recommends both DARTs Ankeny & Oliver Plaza service extension project and the Alternatives Analysis Study as ways to increase the transit service area. Section 4.4, Expanded Service Area, discusses both of these projects. The remaining projects will expand the size of DARTs fleet, which is required to increase DARTs transit operations as discussed under Expanded Hours of Operation in Section 4.4. Note that expansion vehicles funded with FTA Section 5317 funding are included in Table 14 and are not duplicated in Table 16. ICAAP, FTA Section 5307, and FTA Section 5309 funding programs allow capital improvements related to providing service. Projects to Fund General Operations Table 17 summarizes projects that fund general transit operations in the Des Moines metropolitan area. Table 17 Fiscal Year 2008 Projects to Fund General Operations
Provider Name Project Description Type Total Cost Proposed Funding
(List all anticipated sources)

Source Projects recommended as candidates for FTA or STA funding:

DART DART Total Operations for Rural Paratransit & Regional Service (partial) General Operations OPS OPS $73,552 $1,042,103 $1,197,313 5311 STA

Amount

$36,776 $833,682 $1,124,586

The projects included in Table 17 are supplemental to operating projects funded from FTA Section 5310, 5316, and 5317 programs. DARTs general operations projects are required to ensure the continuation of transit service in the Des Moines metropolitan area. Note that the proposed funding amount is equal to the estimated funding available from the two funding programs in Fiscal Year 2008. DART will use FTA Section 5311 funds to offset costs associated with providing paratransit service in rural Polk County and also with costs associated with the new regional weekly service. Note that operational costs are eligible expenses for both the STA and FTA Section 5311 funding programs. Projects to Fund Transit Facility & Equipment Needs Table 18 summarizes projects that address transit facility and equipment needs in the Des Moines metropolitan area.

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Table 18 Fiscal Year 2008 Projects to Address Transit Facility & Equipment Needs
Provider Name Project Description Type Total Cost Proposed Funding
(List all anticipated sources)

Source Projects recommended as candidates for FTA or STA funding:

DART DART DART DART DART DART DART DART DART DART DART DART DART DART DART DART DART DART Total Transit Hub Facility (both state & direct earmark requests) DART Facility Expansion Gantry Platforms Automatic Vehicle Location Technology Online Trip Planner Storage/Maintenance Facility Preventive Maintenance ADA Paratransit Admin/Maint. Facility Engineering & Design Admin./Maint./Storage Facility Deteriorating Concrete Shop Equipment Miscellaneous Equipment Computer Hardware Computer Software Transit Enhancements Electronic Controls Replacing Pneumatics Burner Conversion for Boilers CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP $18,800,000 $1,119,250 $15,000 $3,000,000 $100,000 $3,075,000 $3,125,000 $327,213 $100,000 $90,000 $25,000 $30,000 $135,458 $25,000 $40,000 $65,000 $90,000 $50,000 $30,211,921 5309 RIIF 5309 5309 5309 5309 5307 5307 5307 5307 5307 5307 5307 5307 5307 5307 5307 5307

Amount

$15,040,000 $895,400 $12,000 $2,400,000 $80,000 $2,460,000 $2,500,000 $261,770 $80,000 $72,000 $20,000 $24,000 $108,366 $20,000 $32,000 $52,000 $72,000 $40,000 $24,169,536

Section 4.6 discusses the projects listed in Table 18. DART requires these projects maintain a quality transit operation. Note that FTA Section 5307 and FTA Section 5309 funding programs permit capital purchases related to providing service. 7.2 Sketch Passenger Transportation Improvement Program, FY 2009 2011 The following narratives describe the various elements anticipated for inclusion in the TIP for Fiscal Years 2009 2011. A complete listing of projects for inclusion in the TIP for Fiscal Years 2009 - 2011 is included in Appendix G. Note that the Transit Action Group recommends all elements presented in the sketch TIP.

Table 19 summarizes projects included in the TIP that will require funding from FTA Section 5310, 5316, or 5317 funding programs.

Projects Recommended for FTA Section 5310, 5316, and 5317 Funding

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Table 19 Projects for FTA Section 5310, 5316, & 5317 Funding, FY 2009 2011
Provider Name Project Description
Job Access & Reverse Commute Projects Subcontracted Paratransit Operations One Paratransit Bus (partial, W/ MD PT buses) Regional weekly service and Expanded On-Call

Type

Total Cost

Anticipated Sources

Projects recommended as candidates for FTA or STA funding:

DART DART DART DART Total OPS CAP CAP OPS $957,851 $581,250 $251,566 $699,007 $2,489,674 5316 5310 5310 5317

The Transit Action Group recommends continuing projects identified for funding in Fiscal Year 2008 in Fiscal Years 2009 - 2011. DART will replace one paratransit vehicle each year as well. The replacement of this vehicle is included in the Fleet Replacement/Rehabilitation Schedule included in Appendix A. Projects to Fund Vehicle Needs Table 20 summarizes projects to fund vehicles in the Des Moines metropolitan area. Table 20 Projects to Replace or Expand Vehicles, FY 2009 - 2011
Provider Name
DART DART DART DART DART DART DART DART DART DART DART DART DART DART DART DART DART Total

Project Description
Supervisory & Admin Vehicles Eight HD 40' Fixed-Route Buses ($520,000 STP) Ten HD 40' Fixed-Route Buses Three MD 30' Fixed-Route Buses Two Paratransit vans One 35' HD Fixed-Route bus Sixteen RideShare vehicles (3exp., 13rep.) Thirteen HD 40' Fixed-Route Buses ($900,000 STP) Twenty-five RideShare vehicles (3 exp., 22 rep.) Two Trolley Buses Two LD Paratransit Buses One LD Fixed-Route Bus Two MD Paratransit buses Twenty-nine RideShare vehicles ($900,000 STP) (exp & rep) Two Supervisory Vehicles Fixed Route One Supervisory Vehicles ParaTransit One Administrative Sedan

Type
CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP

Total Cost
$56,000 $2,680,000 $3,350,000 $438,000 $54,000 $322,000 $432,000 $4,355,000 $700,000 $630,000 $82,000 $82,000 $276,000 $812,000 $84,000 $28,000 $20,000 $14,401,000

Anticipated Sources
5307 5307 5307 5307 5307 5307 5307 5307 5307 5307 5307 5307 5307 5307 5307 5307 5307

Projects recommended as candidates for FTA or STA funding:

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In Fiscal Years 2009 2011, DART will need to replace more vehicles due to their age and mileage. DART anticipates the replacement of the vehicles included in Table 20, which are included in the Fleet Replacement/Rehabilitation Schedule included in Appendix A. DART also anticipates the need to expand its fleet during this time as service increases. Projects to Fund General Operations Table 21 summarizes projects that fund general transit operations in the Des Moines metropolitan area. Table 21 Projects to Fund General Operations, FY 2009 - 2011
Provider Name Project Description Type Total Cost
To be determined $238,784 To Be Determined

Anticipated Sources

Projects recommended as candidates for FTA or STA funding:

DART DART Total General Operations Operations for Rural Paratransit & Regional Service (partial) OPS OPS STA 5311

The projects included in Table 21 are supplemental to operating projects funded from FTA Section 5310, 5316, and 5317 programs. The projects included above are continuations of those included in the Fiscal Year 2008 TIP. Note that the total cost for general operations will likely be at levels similar to those in Fiscal Year 2008. The DMAMPO does not yet know the funding levels, as DART operational cost estimates are not yet know. Projects to Fund Transit Facility Needs Table 22 summarizes projects that address transit facility needs in the Des Moines metropolitan area.

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Table 22 Projects to Address Transit Facility Needs, FY 2009 - 2011

Provider Name
DART DART DART DART DART DART DART DART DART DART DART DART DART DART DART DART To Be Determined Total

Project Description
Gantry Platforms Preventive Maintenance ADA Paratransit Admin/Maint. Facility Engineering & Design Deteriorating Concrete Shop Equipment Miscellaneous Equipment Computer Hardware Computer Software Transit Enhancements Paratransit MDT's Security for Facility Facility Repairs In-ground Hoist Replacement Fareboxes Roof Replacement - Front offices Centralized Mobility Management System

Type
CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP CAP/OPS

Total Cost
$30,000 $10,145,200 $1,062,284 $60,000 $150,000 $150,000 $170,000 $121,500 $1,895,000 $1,130,000 $150,000 $60,000 $100,000 $525,000 $1,537,500 $500,000 $ 150,000 $17,231,488

Anticipated Sources
5309 5307 5307 5307 5307 5307 5307 5307 5307 5307 5307 5307 5307 5307 5307 5309 TBD

Projects recommended as candidates for FTA or STA funding:

The Transit Action Group recommends projects listed in Table 22 to maintain the quality of the Des Moines areas transit operations. Note that the Transit Action Group did not yet assign the Centralized Mobility Management System to a specific transit provider or other organization, as discussions are still ongoing. The remaining projects are included in DARTs Capital Improvement Program included in Appendix A.

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8.0 Appendices
Appendices to the DMAMPO Passenger TDP are available upon request. Please contact Dylan Mullenix by telephone at (515) 334-0075, or by email at dmullenix@dmampo.org to obtain a copy.

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Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Merle Hay Centre 6200 Aurora Avenue, Suite 300W Urbandale, Iowa 50322 Telephone: (515) 334-0075 Fax: (515) 334-0098 E-mail: dmampo@dmampo.org Website: www.dmampo.org 2007 Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Please call (515) 334-0075 for permission to use. The preparation of this document was financed through federal funds provided by the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, and/or Federal Transit Administration