TO: Board of Trustees
THROUGH: Carolyn Gonot, Executive Director
FROM: Nichol Bourdeaux, Chief Planning and Engagement Officer
PRESENTER(S): Jaron Robertson, Director Innovative Mobility Solutions
TITLE:
title
UTA on Demand Microtransit Late Night Summer Service Pilot
end
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:
Discussion
RECOMMENDATION:
Informational report for discussion
BACKGROUND:
UTA launched its first microtransit pilot in November 2019 (UTA on Demand by Via) to demonstrate and test innovative transit services and technologies for improved operations, customer experience, and transit coverage as part of a public-private partnership with Via. The pilot experienced early adoption and success prior to the COVID-19 pandemic meeting most pilot goals and objectives. UTA continued pilot operations throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and was able to demonstrate the nimbleness and adaptability of microtransit by continuing to provide a high-quality transit service, maintaining a good customer experience, and lowering operating expenses. In October of 2020, the pilot was extended through the August 2021 Change Day. The concept of using microtransit as a late night service to transport customers within a zone during times when UTA transit services are less frequent or not available may provide a more effective and efficient means of transit. In an effort to support COVID-19 revitalization efforts and a recovery phase, UTA’s Innovative Mobility Solutions Department proposes to pilot a UTA late night service with UTA on Demand by Via in the Salt Lake City region to attract and retain new ridership, improve mobility in the Salt Lake City (SLC) region, support economic development, build brand recognition and awareness for microtransit, and evaluate ridership demand and the return on investment for late night transit services.
DISCUSSION:
Pilot Concept • Late night microtransit service utilizing UTA on Demand by Via • Provide connections to existing transit services (during operating hours) • Provide intrazonal transit services during all operating hours as currently provided with UTA on Demand by Via as part of the South Salt Lake County Microtransit Pilot • Begin Memorial Day 2021 and end Labor Day 2021 (final operating dates TBD) • Anticipated operating schedule: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights from 10:00 pm - 4:00 am (final operating times TBD) • Utilize existing Via vehicles and resources from the South Salt Lake County microtransit pilot Pilot Benefits • Attract and build new ridership • Help UTA and SLC prepare for the Rose Park and Glendale microtransit pilot • Provide new mobility options for the community, including people with disabilities • Provide UTA support for stimulating the economy, local business, and re-energizing the Salt Lake City region • Pilot the first late-night service by UTA • Evaluate the pilot for future late night service opportunities and return on investment • Build brand recognition and awareness for UTA on Demand by Via • Utilize existing idle resources Estimated Ridership • Thursday: 50-100 trips • Friday: 75-150 trips • Saturday: 75-150 trips
ALTERNATIVES:
Maintain current service hours
FISCAL IMPACT:
Cost savings during the 2021 Q1 period mean there is funding available for this pilot in the current approved contract with VIA. The VIA contract is included in the 2021 IMS budget. Estimated Pilot Operations: $120,000 • Project Contingency: $50,000 • Funded through the 2021 IMS budget Estimated Pilot Marketing: $25,000 - $50,000 • Funded through the 2021 Marketing budget and Project Partners Note: Pilot costs do not include UTA overhead expenses.
ATTACHMENTS:
None