Legislative Matter

Miami-Dade Legislative Item
File Number: 180304

Printable PDF Format

Clerk's Official Copy

File Number: 180304

File Type: Resolution

Status: Adopted

Version: 0

Reference: R-247-18

Control: Board of County Commissioners

File Name: TRANSIT CIRCULATOR ROUTES

Introduced: 2/9/2018

Requester: NONE

Cost:

Final Action: 3/6/2018

Agenda Date: 3/6/2018

Agenda Item Number: 11A17

Notes:

Title:

RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR’S DESIGNEE TO DEVELOP A PLAN TO MAKE TRANSIT CIRCULATOR ROUTES IDENTIFIED IN RESOLUTION NO. R-61-18 FARE FREE AND INCLUDE SAID PLANS FOR FARE FREE SERVICE IN THE TRANSIT CIRCULATOR ROUTE PLAN CREATED PURSUANT TO RESOLUTION NO. R-61-18

Indexes:

TRANSIT

Sponsors:	Xavier L. Suarez, Prime Sponsor
	Barbara J. Jordan, Co-Sponsor
	Joe A. Martinez, Co-Sponsor

Sunset Provision: No

Effective Date:

Expiration Date:

Registered Lobbyist:

None Listed

Legislative History
Acting Body	Date	Agenda Item	Action	Sent To	Due Date	Returned	Pass/Fail

Board of County Commissioners	3/6/2018	11A17	Adopted				P
REPORT:	Commissioner Sosa pointed out that the Board previously adopted Resolution No. R-61-18; directing the Mayor to study and provide a report on the addition of transit circulators. She said that a map was developed depicting bus and circulator routes; however, this item would implement changes prior to the report’s receipt and evaluation. Commissioner Sosa questioned the reason wealthy individuals were riding busses for free instead of those who needed it the most, noting the County would ot solve its transit problems if everyone rode for free. She indicated that the Board should wait for the results of the previously requested report looking at the impact of riding circulators for free. Commissioner Suarez mentioned that there was often discussion about the need for relief among commissioners without cities in their districts. He said that 20 percent of the Citizens’ Independent Transportation Trust (CITT) funding was used for cities to implement successful trolley systems. Commissioner Suarez indicated that many rail corridors would not begin operation until 2023, noting the need for trolleys and mini busses throughout the County now. He stated that free trolleys led to an increased number of transit users and encouraged people to drive less. Commissioner Sosa said voting in favor of this proposal would make her look good politically; however, she would not vote to increase SMART plan infrastructure construction later. She said more cars would create more congestion unless there was a dedicated lane, noting nothing was being done to increase traffic flow. Chairman Bovo questioned the future implementation and costs. Ms. Alice Bravo, Transit Director, Transportation and Public Works Department (TPWD), reported that the Board would be presented with a plan after costs were assessed and funding identified. She commented on current declining Transit revenues, noting they were five percent less than forecast. Ms. Bravo said this would be considered either new service or provided by eliminating other services. Chairman Bovo questioned Commissioner Suarez whether more work was needed to determine whether routes needed to be cancelled to fund this effort and if this was the appropriate direction to proceed. Commissioner Suarez noted Section 2 of the resolution directed the Mayor to develop a plan to implement fare free transit circulator service in unincorporated Miami-Dade County to be included in the report and to find the funding. He mentioned that efforts to find funds from the State or other sources would be pursued. Commissioner Suarez stated that this could result in an increase in mass transit usage and that trolleys would take cars off the road. Chairman Bovo clarified that the legislation did not implement anything at this time. Commissioner Diaz inquired about the original agreement with municipalities relating to the introduction of trolleys. Assistant County Attorney Bruce Libhaber reported that the half-cent surtax ordinance went into effect in 2003 giving twenty percent of the surtax funds to those cities in existence at that time, noting at least 20 percent of what they received was to be used for transit. He said that the routes needed to be approved in an inter-local agreement with the County pursuant to Chapter 31 of the County Code. Assistant County Attorney Libhaber added that they may charge the same fares as the County or they must recognize the County’s fare structures, including Patriot and Golden Passports and passes. He reported that all cities with the exception of the City of Hialeah offered fare-free service. Ms. Bravo mentioned the 20 percent of the transit surtax to be used for transit did not obligate cities to use for circulators, noting it could be used for bus shelters or other transit related amenities. Ms. Jennifer Moon, Budget Director, Office of Management and Budget, stated that cities provided the free service because they could use the money for anything else. She said the County had many needs for these funds to support transportation services; however, the cities had more available options to spend the money and could therefore offer free trolley service. Commissioner Jordan stated the County needed to make a commitment to the Unincorporated Municipal Service Area (UMSA). She said that 40 percent of District 1 was UMSA and UMSA suffered more than the municipalities, with their own budgets. Commissioner Jordan noted the agreement was to give 20 percent but no one thought at the time of UMSA being a city within itself that also needed to be taken care of. She said that budget crises were always solved on the back of UMSA; however, part of the County’s obligation was taking care of UMSA and not neglecting that area. Commissioner Monestime inquired about the number of paid and un-paid circulators throughout the County and whether they helped alleviate traffic. Ms. Bravo indicated that the majority of circulators were not paid except the City of Hialeah. She said County circulators charged a 25 cent fare. Ms. Bravo noted Biscayne Gardens was not implemented yet and anticipated it would begin mid-year. She pointed out that the County bus system was designed for long rides on the arterial system and that circulators were to move people around a limited area where there was not a lot of parking. Commissioner Monestime inquired whether a land use change was needed to facilitate circulators if the SMART plan was not able to be implemented within the next ten years. Ms. Bravo responded that density, land use and parking availability must be considered for transit systems to be well utilized. Commissioner Monestime said most people could afford a 25 cent fair; however, additional efforts were needed to encourage more people to use the County’s transit system. Commissioner Moss noted the Board would make decisions after the report was received. He expressed his hope that the report would determine how circulators could better serve the community over the last mile of travel and bring people to the major transit routes. Commissioner Moss pointed out that this should not replicate the trolleys already in service but to supplement current efforts. He mentioned that trolleys were an asset that should be brought into the overall transportation system. Commissioner Sosa commented on the decision to give 20 percent of the half cent surtax to the municipalities, noting UMSA was supposed to get that money as well and could have offered similar trolley service; however, that money was used for Transit operation and maintenance. She asked Deputy Mayor Jack Osterholt to ensure that she was provided the results of the transit circulator fare free rate study so that the recommendations could be shared with her constituents. Commissioner Sosa pointed out that trolleys were not good for disabled passengers, noting they did not have appropriate wheelchair lifts. Commissioner Jordan stated that the decision was made in 2007 to provide maintenance and operation and had nothing to do with trolleys. Commissioner Suarez mentioned that ridership decreased in the City of Hialeah when they began charging a ridership fee. Hearing no further questions or comments, the Board proceeded to vote to adopt the foregoing proposed resolution, as presented.

Transportation and Public Works Committee	2/15/2018	2D	Forwarded to BCC without a recommendation				P
REPORT:	Assistant County Attorney Bruce Libhaber read into the record the title of the foregoing proposed resolution. Commissioner Sosa noted that the Board of County Commissioners (Board) requested a detailed report be submitted regarding the addition of transit circulators prior to the development/implementation of any plans, and inquired about the status of the report. She indicated her intent to move the foregoing proposed resolution without recommendation to allow the item to be brought before the Board for a more detailed discussion and pointed out the item did not include a fiscal impact statement. Commissioner Sosa voiced her concerns regarding the impact of the foregoing proposed resolution on the County’s Strategic Miami Area Rapid Transit (SMART) Plan and use of the People’s Transportation Plan (PTP) funds. Chairman Barreiro expressed his support for the introduction and implementation of a no fare transit system. There being no further comments or objections, the members of this Committee proceeded to vote on the foregoing proposed resolution, as presented.

Office of the Chairperson	2/13/2018		Additions

County Attorney	2/9/2018		Assigned	Bruce Libhaber		2/12/2018

County Attorney	2/9/2018		Referred	Transportation and Public Works Committee	2/15/2018

Legislative Text

TITLE
RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR�S DESIGNEE TO DEVELOP A PLAN TO MAKE TRANSIT CIRCULATOR ROUTES IDENTIFIED IN RESOLUTION NO. R-61-18 FARE FREE AND INCLUDE SAID PLANS FOR FARE FREE SERVICE IN THE TRANSIT CIRCULATOR ROUTE PLAN CREATED PURSUANT TO RESOLUTION NO. R-61-18

BODY
WHEREAS, traffic congestion remains one of the most significant problems in Miami-Dade County; and
WHEREAS, the use of transit circulators may relieve traffic congestion by providing safe and efficient means of connecting to major transit hubs; and
WHEREAS, providing improved mass transit options enable individuals to more readily get to important employment and educational centers; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners adopted Resolution No. R-61-18 which directed the County Mayor or County Mayor�s designee to study and report to the Board regarding the addition of transit circulators throughout unincorporated Miami-Dade County; and
WHEREAS, providing fare free transit circulator routes would demonstrate the County�s commitment to the promotion of mass transit,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA that:
Section 1. The foregoing recitals are adopted herein by reference.
Section 2. This Board directs the County Mayor or County Mayor�s designee to develop a plan to implement fare free transit circulator service in unincorporated Miami-Dade County to be included in the report to be provided pursuant to Resolution No. R-61-18. This Board further directs the County Mayor or County Mayor�s designee to place the completed report on an agenda of this Board pursuant to Ordinance No. 14-65.