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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Read Before Packet - 09/03/2024 - Memorandum from Seth Lorson re: Transfort/PSD Coordination Study – September 3, 2024 Agenda Item Number 1: Advancing Transit InitiativesFC Moves 200 W. Mountain Ave. Suite A PO Box 580, Fort Collins, CO 80522 970-221-6705 fcmoves@fcgov.com MEMORANDUM Date: August 28, 2024 To: Mayor and City Councilmembers Through: Kelly DiMartino, City Manager Tyler Marr, Deputy City Manager Caryn Champine, PDT Director From: Seth Lorson, Senior Transportation Planner Subject: Transfort/PSD Coordination Study Transfort and FC Moves developed a white paper addressing opportunities for Transfort and Poudre School District (PSD) to closer collaborate on transportation services. The purpose of the study is to identify collaboration opportunities between Transfort and PSD to increase student use of Transfort transportation services and develop partnerships, resource sharing, and joint projects. A previous memorandum was sent to Council on February 6 outlining the best practices review, regulatory barriers and existing conditions (attached). This memorandum provides an overview of the recommendations and next steps. (For more details the full report is attached.) Recommendations To determine recommendations, the study reviewed national best practices, existing conditions (including a review of all bell times compared to Transfort routes) and collaborated with PSD staff and a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to thoroughly review all work. The primary recommendation from this study is to have regular meetings between Transfort staff and PSD staff. These meetings should begin by touching base on existing collaborative activities like shared fueling and adjacent facilities; and sharing changes in bell times and efforts to synchronize Transfort routes to better serve students. More complex collaborative initiatives Docusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD (such as staff sharing and maintenance coordination) may be broached as time and capacity allows. Additional collaboration opportunities are coordinating paratransit services, sharing resources for large events, sharing staff and hiring resources, and coordinating maintenance activities and parts ordering. City Staff will explore these opportunities after more progress on the coordination system and when both parties have greater clarity on long term funding needs. Next steps The final document has been shared with PSD leadership. Transfort staff and PSD staff are in communication about setting regular meetings to collaborate as outlined above. Attachments: Attachment 1 – Memorandum dated February 6, 2024 re: Transfort/PSD Collaboration Study Attachment 2- Transfort & Poudre School District Coordination Study CC: Drew Brooks, Deputy Director of Planning, Development, and Transportation Kaley Zeisel, Transit Director Docusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD FC Moves 200 W. Mountain Ave. Suite A PO Box 580, Fort Collins, CO 80522 970-221-6705 fcmoves@fcgov.com MEMORANDUM Date: February 6, 2024 To: Mayor and City Councilmembers Through: Kelly DiMartino, City Manager Tyler Marr, Deputy City Manager Caryn Champine, Director of Planning, Development, and Transportation Drew Brooks, Deputy Director of Planning, Development, and Transportation Kaley Zeisel, Director of Transit Aaron Iverson, FC Moves Manager From: Seth Lorson, Senior Transportation Planner Subject: Transfort/PSD Collaboration Study Transfort and FC Moves are in the process of developing a white paper addressing opportunities for Transfort and Poudre School District (PSD) to closer collaborate on transportation services. This memorandum provides an update on progress including best practices review, existing conditions, and regulatory landscape. Recommendations have not yet been drafted but are expected to be completed in Q1 2024. Best practices and existing conditions This review included best practices research, including a review of relevant studies on coordination between school transportation and public transportation, and an overview of the regulatory environment of school and public transportation operations. According to the studies reviewed in this project, a few types of coordination between schools and public transportation providers exist nationally. However, there are common barriers identified throughout the studies including operational issues in defining labor arrangements with dif ferent management styles; different insurance and liability standards; layers of legal and regulatory issues of public bus operation, DocuSign Envelope ID: 208A0ADF-1DF7-4CA9-B64F-33AAE5213E0FDocusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD especially federal prohibition of public transit agencies to provide exclusive school bus service; safety and security concerns; and limited school accommodation for stops and routes on public transit may require students to make multiple transfers adding more time to the commute. The following is a list of opportunities for collaboration identified in the best practices review and the current status for collaboration between Transfort and PSD.  Service Coordination: Public transit complements school bell times where schools become part of the network of routes and stops. o A detailed analysis of bell times and transit routes has been completed. The results underscore the necessity of Transfort service restoration and increased frequency as outlined in the Transit Master Plan, with long-term goals focusing on synchronized schedules through regular coordination between Transfort and PSD. It should be noted that Transfort puts forth substantial effort to adjust bus route times to match school bell times which change annually.  Transit Pass Programs: Service coordination allows selected students to ride public transit, while the school district pays for their fares in lieu of providing separate school bus service. In denser cities with high levels of public transit, this option is used for older students, usually high school and middle school. Most school districts throughout the cou ntry set a minimum distance from the student’s home to the school for providing transportation. Coordination is usually available to transport students outside the school bus service area. o School age students used to ride Transfort for free due to an annual contribution from Bohemian Foundation. Presently, Transfort is fare-free for all riders and Bohemian Foundation has suspended their contribution.  Paratransit Services: Complementary service may accommodate students with disabilities who cannot use the bus without wheelchair lifts or ramps to facilitate access. Typically, smaller wheelchair-accessible vehicles are used to provide paratransit service. These types of buses can be expensive to purchase and operate. Thus, school districts can coordinate to share vehicles and mix riders for paratransit shuttles with public transportation agencies. o PSD is required to provide paratransit for all students who are in need. Students who qualify are able to utilize Transfort’s Dial-A-Ride program, but it is typically less convenient than what is offered by PSD. DocuSign Envelope ID: 208A0ADF-1DF7-4CA9-B64F-33AAE5213E0FDocusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD  Managing Peak Demand: School buses sit empty and idle throughout most of the school day. These buses can be utilized by the public transit agency during peak commuting times, particularly the evening rush hour. Alternately, ridership on public transit is low during school dismissal and some starting times, and public transit can be utilized by students for transportation to and from school. o Use of school buses for non-school related activities and riders is not permitted in the State of Colorado without specific permission. This is currently not a common practice for PSD. Additionally, the gap time between PSD school starting and dismissal times and Transfort peak commute time is not long enough to adequately convert bus and driver from one system to the other.  Management and Administrative Coordination: Coordination of management and administrative tasks are “behind-the-scenes” activities, which are usually less controversial and can still save agencies money. Managing the logistics of route designations and dispatch services, the daily maintenance and storage of vehicles, driver background checks, drug screening, and driver training can be shared by agencies. o No staff sharing is currently occurring. There are many logistical, organizational, and regulatory-based barriers to this opportunity.  Physical Stock Coordination: At the most minimal level, physical stock coordination can still save money for school transportation providers and public transit agencies by combining and coordinating procurement functions. By consolidating fuel sales, and the purchasing of vehicles, tires, and parts, agencies can secure better prices from suppliers. o Currently Transfort and PSD share a bus wash facility and unleaded fueling. The school district and Transfort maintenance and storage facilities are located across the st reet from one another (Portner Road off Trilby Road) providing for some opportunities for coordination. However, federal funding (highly used by Transfort) has very strict requirements which preclude many sharing opportunities.  Sharing of Drivers: Given similar, although not exact, commercial driver requirements, there is an opportunity for public transit systems and school transportation services to share drivers. School bus drivers typically have a midday break and are available evenings and weekends, which may be an opportunity for school bus drivers to work as transit bus drivers. o No staff sharing is currently occurring. There are many logistical, organizational, and regulatory-based barriers to this opportunity. For example, bus drivers for PSD and DocuSign Envelope ID: 208A0ADF-1DF7-4CA9-B64F-33AAE5213E0FDocusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD Transfort have different CDL and training requirements. And training for either requires intensive availability which often precludes holding a job otherwise. Regulatory landscape School districts must comply with both federal and state government regulations of student transportation. Federal regulations focus primarily on student safety and establish certain rights and requirements for transportation services for homeless students and students with disabilities. While state governments regulate the structure and function of school transportation operations. Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulations:  FTA funding recipients (including Transfort) may not engage in school bus operations. This includes using FTA purchased facilities for non-public transit agency use.  Tripper service (including Transfort) operated to accommodate the needs of school students must be open to the public, stop only at the operator’s regular service stops with only de minimus route alterations, operate with regular route service, and not carry designations such as “school bus” or “school special.” National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regulations:  Under these regulations related to manufacturing, codified in the Fed eral Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), more than 30 of the standards apply to school buses including requirements for pedestrian safety devices, seating, and rollover protection. Colorado Department of Education (CDE) regulations:  “No one except school personnel and students regularly assigned to a school transportation vehicle (yellow bus) for a particular route and schedule may ride in such vehicle, unless he or she has received prior authorization from the appropriate district/service provider adm inistrator or designee.” (Sec. 222.01)  CDE governs children's safety and welfare aspects, such as driver minimum qualifications, drug and alcohol testing, obeying traffic laws (such as stopping at RR crossings and obeying the speed limit) and providing transportation for students with disabilities and those under foster care. DocuSign Envelope ID: 208A0ADF-1DF7-4CA9-B64F-33AAE5213E0FDocusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD Next steps The project is nearing completion and expecting recommendations by the end of Q1 2024. The final steps will be to complete a review of existing conditions for opportunities to overcome barriers and conduct a meeting with the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to present information and discuss recommendations. DocuSign Envelope ID: 208A0ADF-1DF7-4CA9-B64F-33AAE5213E0FDocusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD TRANSFORT & POUDRE SCHOOL DISTRICT COORDINATION STUDY FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS POUDRE SCHOOL DISTRICT MAY 2024 Docusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD INTRODUCTION FC Moves, a department of the City of Fort Collins, led the Transfort and Poudre School District (PSD) Coordination Study. The study seeks to identify collaboration opportunities between Transfort and PSD to increase student use of Transfort transportation services and develop partnership, resource sharing, and joint projects. To better understand the needs and challenges of PSD students using public transit and other collaboration opportunities, the study includes the following: • A review of best practices from relevant coordination studies across the country, and the regulatory landscape governing the use of school buses and public transit. • An existing conditions review of Transfort schedule compatibility with PSD school bell times, and a current PSD school transportation review. • The development of collaboration opportunities based on identified challenges and opportunities and stakeholder input gathered from a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). • A final Recommendations Plan. This report reviews PSD and Transfort’s existing conditions for middle school and high school student transportation services. STUDY PURPOSE STUDY CONTEXT Docusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Transfort and Poudre School District (PSD) Coordination Study, managed by the City of Fort Collins, aims to enhance collaboration opportunities between Transfort and PSD to increase student use of public transit and other collaboration opportunities. The study focuses on PSD and Transfort services for middle and high school transportation and encompasses a review of best practices, existing conditions analysis, development of collaboration opportunities, and assessment and final recommendations for potential collaboration opportunities between Transfort and PSD. Based on our best practice review, we identified six types of coordination between school districts and transit agencies including service coordination, paratransit services, transit pass programs, supporting special event needs, sharing of maintenance and physical stock, and sharing of management, administratve, and operational staff. Studies have shown that coordination benefits students, the school district, and the transit agency. These benefits range from decreased absenteeism to reduced operational costs for the school district and transit agency. The existing conditions review explored current operational challenges, transit facilities, and schedule compatibility of school bell times and transit arrival times. In summary: • Both institutions have faced bus operator shortages since the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in discontinuation of extra services in school transportation programs for school-of-choice students and reduced transit service levels. • Several bus stops lack amenities like benches and bus shelters, and sidewalks adjacent to high-speed roadways result in low comfort levels for pedestrians. • Schedule compatibility assessments for school start and dismissal times highlight substantial incompatibility (particularly in fall 2023) due to Transfort’s ongoing reduced service levels and variability of PSD bell times. Based on the existing conditions review, the report identifies four improvement opportunities to increase student transit access specific to each school: service level restoration, schedule coordination between Transfort and PSD, bus-stop amenities/connectivity improvements, and the addition of new bus stops. Based on stakeholder input, this report goes beyond the distinctive conditions of each school service and investigates potential areas of coordination identified in the best practices review. The report’s final recommendations encompass the relevant level of effort from both agencies in implementing each coordination type, relative costs, potential impact level or benefits of the coordination type, and recommended implementation. BEST PRACTICES In all scenarios, regular coordination between Transfort and PSD is the key step in implementing potential solutions. EXISTING CONDITIONS OPPORTUNITIES FOR INCREASED STUDENT USE OF TRANSFORT PARTNERSHIP RECOMMENDATIONS Docusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD BEST PRACTICES OVERVIEW We reviewed eight relevant studies to understand existing school and transit coordination practices and implementation barriers across the country. Based on our review, six types of coordination between school districts and transit agencies have been explored or implemented in other states including service coordination, paratransit services, transit pass programs, supporting special needs, sharing of maintenance and physical stock, and sharing of management, administrative, and operational staff. The most common barriers identified throughout the studies include operational issues defining labor arrangements with different management styles, different insurance and liability standards, layers of legal and regulatory issues for public bus operation (especially federal prohibition of public transit agencies providing exclusive school bus service), safety and security concerns, and limited school control over stops and routes on public transit lines which can add time to students’ commutes. Below are the six typical types of coordination identified: Service coordination allows public school and public transit services to complement each other, making it easier for students to use public transit, sometimes in combination with school bus routes. Schools are part of the transit network with routes servicing bus stops near the schools. Paratransit services require dedicated vehicles with wheelchair lifts or ramps to facilitate access and typically cost more per passenger than fixed route service. Coordination could help reduce the need to use school resources for dedicated paratransit service. When other transportation options are unavailable due to certain circumstances—such as school-of-choice students who live beyond the school bus service area—schools can provide free transit passes as an alternative. Special events like football games and community festivals generally attract a significant number of visitors to the city and generate a high demand for transit service beyond public transit capacity. During peak demand periods, utilization of school buses could help transport visitors to and from parking venues and event locations. Combining fleet operational costs, such as vehicle storage and daily maintenance expenses, can significantly reduce overhead costs associated with the fleet. Additionally, coordinating procurement functions for fuel, tires, shop supplies, and common parts enables bulk procurement, reducing physical stock procurement costs for both agencies. Sharing recruitment, training, driver services, route designations, and dispatch logistics between public schools and transit agencies can potentially reduce administrative costs for both. BEST PRACTICES SERVICE COORDINATION PARATRANSIT SERVICES SUPPORTING SPECIAL EVENT NEEDS TRANSIT PASS PROGRAMS SHARING OF MANAGEMENT, ADMINISTRATIVE, AND OPERATIONAL STAFF SHARING OF MAINTENANCE AND PHYSICAL STOCK Docusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD BEST PRACTICES OVERVIEW (CONTINUED) Due to the regulatory landscape for transit agencies and school transportation, school districts and transit agencies must comply with both federal and state government regulations of student transportation. These regulations often pose barriers to coordination such as the following: FTA funding recipients (including Transfort) may not engage in school bus operations. This includes using FTA purchased facilities and stock for non-public transit agency use. Tripper service (including Transfort) accommodating the needs of school students must be open to the public, stop only at the operator’s regular service stops with only de minimus route alterations, operate with regular route service, and not carry designations such as “school bus” or “school special.” Under regulations related to manufacturing, codified in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), more than 30 of the standards apply to school buses including requirements for pedestrian safety devices, seating, and rollover protection. CDE governs children’s safety and welfare aspects such as driver minimum qualifications, drug and alcohol testing, obeying traffic laws (such as stopping at railroad crossings and obeying the speed limit) and providing transportation for students with disabilities and those under foster care. “No one except school personnel and students regularly assigned to a school transportation vehicle (yellow bus) for a particular route and schedule may ride in such vehicle, unless he or she has received prior authorization from the appropriate district/service provider administrator or designee.” (Sec. 222.01) CDE also requires school buses to comply with safety requirements related to vehicle standards such as manufacturer certifications, braking systems, chain law, minimum vehicle capacity, seat installations, emergency exits, and other physical equipment required for a school bus. REGULATORY BARRIERS FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION (FTA) REGULATIONS NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) REGULATIONS COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (CDE) Docusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD POUDRE SCHOOL DISTRICT PSD SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION OVERVIEW PSD manages more than 60 schools within the City of Fort Collins, as well as other towns in Larimer County including Wellington, Timnath, Loveland, and Windsor, and some unincorporated communities including Laporte and Livermore. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the district provided school transportation for neighborhood schools, as well as some extra services for school-of-choice students. Due to post-pandemic driver shortages, the district has discontinued extra services. In addition to service level reductions, the district also updated school bell times to better accommodate routes needed to transport students enrolled in the school transportation program. PSD has typical bell times that vary for each level of education. These bell times have shifted a few times in the last five years to accommodate transportation needs of participating students and may potentially change for the 2024–2025 academic year. SCHOOL BELL TIMES EDUCATION LEVEL TYPICAL BELL TIME EXCEPTION Middle School 7:50 AM – 2:45 PM • Kinard Core Knowledge • Polaris Expeditionary Learning Middle School High School 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM • Centennial High School • Polaris Expeditionary Learning High School • Poudre Community Academy Table 1. PSD Typical Bell Time in 2023–2024 Academic Year Docusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD PSD School Transportation serves students who live within each school’s neighborhood boundaries. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, PSD also provided extra services for school-of-choice students who wished to take the school bus as long as they were able to wait at designated pick-up points. However, the district stopped these extra services post-pandemic because of driver shortages. PSD transports students who reside within the district’s geographic boundaries to and from their neighborhood school when their residences are more than one mile away from their neighborhood school for elementary schools, one and a half miles for middle schools, and more than two miles for high schools. Students whose residences are equal to or less than the above distances from their neighborhood school are responsible for their own transportation to and from their neighborhood school. Also, busing is not provided for students who attend a school of choice or PSD-authorized charter school. If the student is eligible for busing to their neighborhood school but is switching to a school of choice outside their neighborhood school, they will not receive busing. As of 2023, PSD has a diesel fleet of 180 vehicles. Two-thirds of the diesel fleet is supported by PSD’s Poudre High School facility and one-third is supported by PSD’s Trilby facility. Each PSD bus is equipped with GPS to track boardings and drop-offs by location. In addition to the current diesel fleet, the district will have two electric buses in 2024 and a charging station in Timnath, supported by a partnership with Xcel Energy. Aside from its internal capacity, PSD also contracted a few external bus operators including NOCO Party Bus and Colorado State University (CSU) for student field trip or athletic event transportation. In some cases, the district also works with non-bus school transportation operators like HopSkipDrive. In 2023–2024, only 22% of PSD middle school and high school students were enrolled in the student transportation program, specifically 3,000+ out of 15,000+ students. There are more than 90 routes serving these students. The school bus typically arrives 5–20 minutes before school start time and departs within 5–10 minutes after the dismissal bell. SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION PSD TRANSPORTATION POLICY FLEETS & FACILITIES 2023–2024 OPERATIONS PSD SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION OVERVIEW (CONTINUED) Docusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD TRANSFORT TRANSIT SERVICE, FACILITIES & CONNECTIVITY OVERVIEW Transfort offers 23 fixed routes in Fort Collins and between Fort Collins and Loveland, Berthoud, Longmont, and Boulder. Transfort has faced a bus operator shortage since the COVID-19 pandemic, and a 40% workforce turnover in 2022 posed an extraordinary challenge for Transfort to recover its service levels. A few Transfort routes have been suspended or adjusted to lower service frequency due to the ongoing driver shortage. In line with these conditions, student ridership has significantly decreased over the years. There are 13 Transfort routes directly connected to 18 PSD schools investigated in this study. Due to operator shortages, some of these routes have been suspended or are operating at a lower frequency. Below are the service level changes that directly affect student transit services: • Suspended routes 11 and 12 • Lowered frequency of routes 7, 16, and 19 Bohemian Foundation, as the provider of the Youth Ridership program through 2022, partnered with Transfort and reported a decrease of Transfort youth riders from 175,000 riders in 2016 to fewer than 140,000 in 2019. The most recent statement from Transfort using farebox data shows that youth ridership drastically dropped to fewer than 60,000 riders (4% of total ridership) in 2021, and fewer than 35,000 riders (2% of total ridership) in 2022. This data aligns with ridership on Route 92, the route that runs between Poudre High School and DTC after school. In 2022, total ridership of Route 92 was 1,750. Assuming the length of an academic year is 160 days, the average daily ridership of Route 92 in 2022 was eight boardings as shown in Figure 1. Figure 2 and Figure 3 display existing transit facility conditions around 18 PSD schools explored in this study in the fall of 2023: • 6 bus stops only have a bus sign. • 10 bus stops have a bus sign and a bench. • 16 bus stops are equipped with a bus sign, benches, and a shelter. Connectivity refers to the sidewalks and crosswalks connecting bus stops to the PSD schools, while safety and level of comfort are related to roadway speed limits adjacent to the sidewalk. In summary, only one PSD school has no sidewalk and most of the bus stops closest to PSD schools are well-connected. However, 15 paths connected to 11 schools are adjacent to roads with higher speed limits (>25 MPH) as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5. STUDENT TRANSIT SERVICE RIDERSHIP TRANSIT FACILITIES NEAR PSD SCHOOLS CONNECTIVITY AND COMFORT LEVEL OF TRANSIT FACILITIES NEAR PSD SCHOOLS Docusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD Figure 1. Route 92 Ridership Docusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD Figure 2. Transfort Bus Facilities Near PSD Schools (North of Drake Road) Docusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD Figure 3. Transfort Bus Facilities Near PSD Schools (South of Drake Road) Docusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD Figure 4. Connectivity with Roadway Speeds from Bus Stop to PSD Schools (North of Drake Road) Docusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD Figure 5. Connectivity with Roadway Speeds from Bus Stop to PSD Schools (South of Drake Road) Docusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD POUDRE SCHOOL DISTRICT TRANSFORT AND PSD COMPATIBILITY OVERVIEW To assess Transfort fixed route services schedule compatibility with PSD bell times, this report analyzed two scenarios: fall 2023 service levels and goal service levels (service restoration once enough Transfort drivers are hired) provided by Transfort. A coordination rating from 0 (Bad) to 5 (Excellent) was established to understand how well the two institutions are in sync regarding student use of Transfort services. As Transfort service levels in fall 2023 were reduced due to driver shortages, at least 5 out of 19 (26%) of the school services have no access to transit or students are potentially late to school. Seven schools are poorly in sync with limited transit routes connected to the school or students might get to school too early. Only the schedules of Compass Collaborative and Polaris Expeditionary Schools were considered to have an excellent sync. As PSD does not provide service for charter schools, these excellent syncs would benefit the charter school students who need school transportation alternatives. Contrary to the starting time compatibility, the analysis of dismissal times found a fair number of schools had good to excellent synchronization, with only three schools experiencing poor synchronization due to suspended routes. This score was a result of the flexible nature of after-school ideal timing, without taking into consideration after-school activities. If Transfort were to restore service to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels, the compatibility rating considerably improves by at least one metric: poor increased to fair in overall school start times compatibility, and good to very good in school dismissal time compatibility. Additionally, this report also explored the scenario of Transit Master Plan implementation in 2040 where Transfort would expand high-frequency services across all routes. The analysis found that high-frequency transit would provide better schedule compatibility between Transfort and PSD schools. While this result showed a promising positive impact, the key to improving near-term student service is ongoing coordination between Transfort and PSD. Docusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD The schedules for Transfort and PSD bell times are mostly incompatible, resulting in poor synchronization for the fall 2023 scenario. Only two schools had an excellent sync with Transfort, and one had a good sync with transit schedules. Three schools had a fairly synchronized schedule, and the remaining 13 schools were poorly synchronized. If Transfort restored its service to pre-COVID-19 pandemic service levels, there would be some fair to good improvements in three schools, bringing the average synchronization to a fair level. Considering the Transit Master Plan, which plans to provide higher frequency bus services in 2040, there would be seven schools positively impacted, leading to an overall good coordination level as shown in Table 2. TRANSFORT AND PSD COMPATIBILITY OVERVIEW (CONTINUED) COMPATIBILITY ASSESSMENT OF SCHOOL START TIMES SCHOOL COMPATIBILITY SCORE (0/BAD – 5/EXCELLENT) FALL 2023 SERVICE PRE-COVID19 PANDEMIC SERVICE TRANSIT MASTER PLAN GOAL Kinard Core Knowledge Middle School 0 1 1 Preston Middle School 1 3 3 Webber Middle School 0 1 1 Boltz Middle School 2 2 3 Blevins Middle School 1 1 2 Lesher Middle School 3 3 5 Lincoln Middle School 1 1 1 Polaris Expeditionary Learning Middle School 5 5 5 Fossil Ridge High School 0 1 1 Fort Collins High School 0 3 3 Rocky Mountain High School 1 2 5 PSD Global Academy 2 2 5 Centennial High School 2 2 2 Poudre Community Academy 0 0 0 Poudre High School 1 1 1 Polaris Expeditionary Learning Middle School 5 5 5 Liberty Common High School 1 1 2 Ridgeview Classical School 1 1 2 Compass Community Collaborative School 5 5 5 AVERAGE SCORE 1.6 (POOR) 2.1 (FAIR)2.7 (GOOD) Table 2. Compatibility Score of Transfort Schedules and PSD Start Times MI D D L E S C H O O L HI G H S C H O O L CH A R T E R SC H O O L TABLE LEGEND 0 = BAD 1 = POOR 2 = FAIR 3 = GOOD 4 = VERY GOOD 5 = EXCELLENT Docusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD POUDRE SCHOOL DISTRICT TRANSFORT AND PSD COMPATIBILITY OVERVIEW (CONTINUED) The flexibility in after-school timing within this category led to a good level of synchronization between Transfort schedules and PSD dismissal times in the fall of 2023. In the goal service level scenario, the synchronization level was even better. Only three schools had poor dismissal time synchronizations with Transfort in the fall of 2023, and more than half of school bell times were very well synchronized with transit. If Transfort restored its service level to pre- COVID-19 pandemic conditions, there would be no unsynchronized timing between Transfort and PSD schools. In the scenario of implementing high-frequency services in 2040 according to the Transit Master Plan, the majority of schools would have very good to excellent synchronization with transit. However, it is important to note that this analysis does not consider the timing of after- school activities. COMPATIBILITY ASSESSMENT OF SCHOOL DISMISSAL TIMES SCHOOL COMPATIBILITY SCORE (0/BAD – 5/EXCELLENT) FALL 2023 SERVICE PRE-COVID19 PANDEMIC SERVICE TRANSIT MASTER PLAN GOAL Kinard Core Knowledge Middle School 2 3 3 Preston Middle School 4 5 5 Webber Middle School 0 2 2 Boltz Middle School 5 5 5 Blevins Middle School 5 5 5 Lesher Middle School 3 3 5 Lincoln Middle School 2 2 2 Polaris Expeditionary Learning Middle School 5 5 5 Fossil Ridge High School 1 3 3 Fort Collins High School 0 4 5 Rocky Mountain High School 5 5 5 PSD Global Academy 5 5 5 Centennial High School 4 4 4 Poudre Community Academy 4 4 4 Poudre High School 5 5 5 Polaris Expeditionary Learning Middle School 5 5 5 Liberty Common High School 3 4 4 Ridgeview Classical School 3 3 5 Compass Community Collaborative School 5 5 5 AVERAGE SCORE 3.5 (GOOD) 4 (VERY GOOD)4.3 (VERY GOOD) Table 3. Compatibility Score of Transfort Schedules and PSD Dismissal Times MI D D L E S C H O O L HI G H S C H O O L CH A R T E R SC H O O L TABLE LEGEND 0 = BAD 1 = POOR 2 = FAIR 3 = GOOD 4 = VERY GOOD 5 = EXCELLENT Docusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD STUDENT TRANSIT SERVICE IMPROVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES Based on existing conditions, we identified four types of opportunities focused on student transit service: service level restoration (or development of new services such as microtransit), schedule coordination, bus-stop amenities/connectivity improvements, and adding new bus stops closer to PSD schools. It is crucial to restore pre-COVID-19 pandemic service levels as the first step in improving student transit service. Although significant improvements to student transit access are expected with the implementation of the Transit Master Plan in 2040, the key to enhancing student transit service lies in the coordination between Transfort and PSD in the meantime. Given the complexity of transit schedules and school bell times, regular coordination between Transfort and PSD is essential for future improvements involving schedule changes. As after-school times in this analysis are more flexible by nature, most student transit services fell under favorable timing, except for suspended routes in the fall 2023 scenario. This shows more opportunities for school- dismissal transit service in the near-term before Transfort and PSD can synchronize their schedules, with the assumption that students do not have after-school activities with demanding schedules. A separate analysis would be needed if after-school activities and associated schedules were taken into consideration. Service-level restoration would also benefit students who use transit services. Adding closer bus stop locations and improving amenities at existing bus stops are other opportunities identified in the existing conditions review. These improvements would reduce walking distance and enhance comfort while waiting, encouraging more use. The final step in this study will explore other collaboration and partnership opportunities between Transfort and PSD including resource sharing, increased marketing and awareness, and improved ongoing coordination. SERVICE LEVEL RESTORATION AND SCHEDULE COORDINATION CLOSER BUS STOPS AND BUS STOP AMENITIES OTHER OPPORTUNITIES Docusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD SCHOOL BELL TIME WALKING DISTANCE (MILE) ROUTE / DIRECTION OPPORTUNITIES SERVICE LEVEL RESTORATION SCHEDULE COORDINATION BUS STOP AMENITIES IMPROVEMENT CLOSER BUS STOP Kinard Core Knowledge Middle School 8:15 AM – 3:10 PM 1.1 16 EB O √O Preston Middle School 7:50 AM – 2:45 PM 0.45 16 EB O × O 0.55 WB O √√ Webber Middle School 7:50 AM – 2:45 PM 0.4 11 NB O √√ Boltz Middle School 7:50 AM – 2:45 PM 0.4 5 NB × √ 0.4 SB O √ Blevins Middle School 7:50 AM – 2:45 PM 0.05 6 NB O × 0.1 SB √√× Lesher Middle School 7:50 AM – 2:45 PM 0.05 18 NB × √× 0.15 SB √O × Lincoln Middle School 7:50 AM – 2:45 PM 0.1 9 LP √O × Polaris Expeditionary Learning Middle School 8:15 AM – 3:15 PM 0.5 2 LP √√ 0.5 3 EB √ 0.4 WB √ 0.4 32 LP 0.4 6 NB O 0.3 SB Table 4. Opportunities to Improve Student Use of Transfort MI D D L E S C H O O L TABLE LEGEND O = HIGHLY RECOMMENDED √ = RECOMMENDED × = NOT RECOMMENDED STUDENT TRANSIT SERVICE IMPROVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES (CONTINUED) Docusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD IMPROVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES (CONTINUED) SCHOOL BELL TIME WALKING DISTANCE (MILE) ROUTE / DIRECTION OPPORTUNITIES SERVICE LEVEL RESTORATION SCHEDULE COORDINATION BUS STOP AMENITIES IMPROVEMENT CLOSER BUS STOP Fossil Ridge High School 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM 0.35 16 EB O √√ Fort Collins High School 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM 0.2 11 SB O 0.3 12 NB O √ Rocky Mountain High School 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM 0.25 19 NB O √√ 0.45 SB O √√ PSD Global Academy 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM 0.15 18 NB O √× 0.1 SB √O × Centennial High School 8:00 AM – 3:50 PM 0.15 18 NB O × 0.2 SB O O × Poudre Community Academy 8:20 AM – 3:20 PM 0.1 9 LP O O × Poudre High School 9:05 AM – 4:10 PM 0.3 9 LP √ Polaris Expeditionary Learning High School 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM 0.5 2 LP √ 0.5 3 EB √ 0.4 WB √ 0.4 32 LP √ 0.4 6 NB √ 0.3 SB O Liberty Common High School 7:45 AM – 3:15 PM 0.15 7 SB O √× Ridgeview Classical School 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM 0.1 5 NB O × 0.1 SB √O × Compass Community Collaborative School 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM 0.1 MAX NB O × 0.1 SB O × Table 4. Opportunities to Improve Student Use of Transfort (Continued) HI G H S C H O O L CH A R T E R SC H O O L STUDENT TRANSIT SERVICE IMPROVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES (CONTINUED) Docusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT OVERVIEW In this study, stakeholder engagement was crucial to understanding potential areas where Transfort and PSD could collaborate. Multiple stakeholder engagement events were completed during the study and are summarized below. Fort Collins staff and PSD staff were interviewed as part of initial project outreach to share perspectives and identify the challenges of student transportation services. Additionally, one focus group meeting was held with Transfort staff to understand their experience, current efforts to improve student transit service, and barriers to implementing coordination types identified in the best practices review. The discussion revealed one of the key challenges in providing better transit access for students is the complexity of the Transfort bus network and how schedule changes for one route might impact connections to other Transfort routes. Transfort has been tracking school bell time changes for potential opportunities to coordinate and adjust schedules. A Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) was created to gather input from stakeholders who work closely with student transportation: • PSD • Transfort • City of Fort Collins • Bohemian Foundation • Boys and Girls Club • Safe Routes to School Representative • Parent Representative Two TAC meetings were held to better understand the nuances of potential coordination between Transfort and PSD. In the next section, final recommendations reflect TAC members’ input. STAKEHOLDER INTERVIEWS AND FOCUS GROUP TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Docusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS OVERVIEW Final recommendations outline the potential implementation of each coordination type identified in our best practices review. Specific to Transfort and PSD, recommendations were developed using input from the focus group and TAC meetings. Additional information such as time frame, relative cost, level of effort, and potential impact level for each coordination type is also provided. Legend of Recommendations Table Elements CATEGORY TIME FRAME RELATIVE COST LEVEL OF EFFORT POTENTIAL IMPACT LEVEL Service Coordination Short-term (<1 year)<$100,000 Low (Less Coordination Needed) Low (Less Beneficial) Paratransit Services Mid-term (1–5 years) $100,000 - $500,000 Medium (Regular Coordination Needed) Medium (Beneficial) Transit Pass Program Long-term (>5 years)>$500,000 High (Frequent Coordination Needed) High (Highly Beneficial) Supporting Special Event Needs Sharing of Maintenance & Physical Stock Sharing of Management, Administrative & Operational Staff $ $$ $$$ + ++ +++ Docusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS SERVICE COORDINATION OPPORTUNITY TIME FRAME LEVEL OF EFFORT RELATIVE COST RELATIVE COST FACTOR(S)POTENTIAL IMPACT LEVEL OVERALL APPLICABILITY CONSIDERATION (S) / CONCERN (S) Regular meetings between Transfort and PSD for early identification and collaboration for bell time changes and/or Transfort route changes. Part of two full-time employees’ time from each organization to coordinate meetings, schedule alignment, and route transfers VERY APPLICABLE School bell times change from time to time and are often different across PSD. Higher frequency transit would mitigate the issue so Transfort would not have to go chasing after bell times Route alignment to allow transfer from Transfort bus to PSD school bus. • Two full-time employees from each party to coordinate schedule alignment, route transfer, and potentially, ADA service • Planning resources to retool route timing/schedules • Potential additional Transfort operating costs to improve/ change service APPLICABLE Confidentiality of school bus routes in planning transfers to students from PSD routes to Transfort routes Transit facilities improvements, including closer bus stops and bus stop amenities, such as shelters, benches, bike racks, etc., at bus stops serving schools. • Engineering/design cost • Construction cost VERY APPLICABLE 21 bus stops near PSD schools need upgrades, and Kinard Middle School needs a closer bus stop To perform service coordination, Transfort and PSD need to regularly meet and identify priority schools, route connections, and schedule alignment. A sustainable coordination effort will require a person in charge (PIC) from both organizations. $$$ $$$ ++ +++ ++ $ - $$ Docusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD • Transfort currently tracks PSD bell times. Transfort will make some schedule changes in August of this year and could make minor schedule adjustments to align with PSD schedules as long as changes do not impact overall network connections and transfers. However, PSD does not publish bell times in one place or format. Each school’s website publishes individual bell times. • In March of 2024, PSD approved bell time changes for the 2024–2025 school year across many of its schools at all grade levels. • Higher Transfort transit frequencies can help resolve issues, including Transfort’s planned restoration of pre-Covid service levels and implementation of the Transit Master Plan. • Having transit align with school start and dismissal times would be ideal. Start times typically have a smaller window of ideal arrival time synchronization because students need to be at school on-time and are less likely to catch early morning buses that may get them to school too early. Transportation to after-school programs is a potential additional area for coordination. Bohemian Foundation specifically noted the importance of serving after-school activities due to the lack of PSD busing at that time. • Route 9 and Route 92 are examples of direct service coordination of Transfort routes to serve student needs. Route 9 is available throughout the day, and Route 92 from Poudre High School only operates during dismissal time. Route 91, which connected to Lincoln Junior High School, was canceled due to low ridership. TAC INPUT FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS SERVICE COORDINATION Docusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS PARATRANSIT SERVICES OPPORTUNITY TIME FRAME LEVEL OF EFFORT RELATIVE COST RELATIVE COST FACTOR(S)POTENTIAL IMPACT LEVEL OVERALL APPLICABILITY CONSIDERATION (S) / CONCERN (S) Transfort could create a subscription-based service for students riding public ADA vehicles, allowing regular pick- up time on a day-to-day basis. Part of two full-time employees time from each organization to coordinate ADA service NOT APPLICABLE Extra cost for Transfort, as well as regulatory barriers related to ADA student transportation: https://www. cde.state.co.us/sites/default/files/ documents/cdenutritran/download/pdf/ transdisabilities.pdf To offer paratransit service, Transfort and PSD need to coordinate regarding ADA policies and procedures and regularly update information on students enrolled in the program. The aforementioned PICs could also manage this coordination. $$++ • Transfort Paratransit service can be booked up to two weeks in advance. PSD is required to provide paratransit service for students in need, which is scheduled in advance for the entire school year and is therefore more convenient than using Transfort Dial-a-Ride. TAC INPUT Docusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS TRANSIT PASS PROGRAM OPPORTUNITY TIME FRAME LEVEL OF EFFORT RELATIVE COST RELATIVE COST FACTOR(S)POTENTIAL IMPACT LEVEL OVERALL APPLICABILITY CONSIDERATION (S) / CONCERN (S) Retain the Bohemian Foundation grant to continue to support free student bus access to public transit. Administrative cost VERY APPLICABLE If Transfort were to remain fare free, the program would need to be renegotiated with Bohemian to support the general provision of free transit and education/ marketing to students about Transfort services Identify new partnerships to support and encourage increased student transit use through expanded educational outreach. Outreach and administrative cost VERY APPLICABLE Although Transfort is currently free for all riders, Transfort still needs community partnerships to help financially support sustainable transit operations and expand educational outreach in schools. $++ • Bohemian Foundation currently paused the grant while waiting for more information from the city. They are open to discussing how the grant may be restructured under a fare- free model. TAC INPUT $++ Docusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD OPPORTUNITY TIME FRAME LEVEL OF EFFORT RELATIVE COST RELATIVE COST FACTOR(S)POTENTIAL IMPACT LEVEL OVERALL APPLICABILITY CONSIDERATION (S) / CONCERN (S) PSD provides extra services separately from public transit operations. PSD and the city directly coordinate special event accommodations without interfering with Transfort operations. • Administrative cost • PSD operational costs for additional service APPLICABLE Regulatory considerations PSD and Transfort both provide extra services to accommodate special event demands. • Operational and managerial costs to coordinate extra service for both agencies • Training cost for school bus operators to comply with Transfort’s policy • Administrative cost APPLICABLE Regulatory considerations FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS SUPPORTING SPECIAL EVENT NEEDS PSD and the appointed agency (e.g., Transfort, or the City of Fort Collins) would need to develop extra service terms and agreements on fleet management, routing, scheduling, and staffing. • Transfort used to run extra routes during the Bohemian Festival. • There is a regulatory barrier with charter rules that may limit the type of special service Transfort is able to provide. TAC INPUT $+ $$++ Docusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS SHARING OF MAINTENANCE & PHYSICAL STOCK OPPORTUNITY TIME FRAME LEVEL OF EFFORT RELATIVE COST RELATIVE COST FACTOR(S)POTENTIAL IMPACT LEVEL OVERALL APPLICABILITY CONSIDERATION (S) / CONCERN (S) Identify resource-sharing of current/future fleet equipment and supplies such as fueling, EV charging, and EV maintenance. • Cost related to developing shared resources, especially electric chargers • Administrative cost APPLICABLE Sharing Transfort’s EV charging station could save PSD time compared to transport between their Timnath facility and the current storage location in Fort Collins Collaborate to understand shared vehicle parts/supplies and pursue partnerships. • Administrative cost NOT APPLICABLE Vehicles are quite different, and each organization is already accessing discounted statewide pricing for parts and supplies Share current facilities for driver CDL certification, including a combined test track. • Administrative cost APPLICABLE Regulatory limitations, such as those for FTA-supported facilities, are not permitted to work on non- agency vehicles Long-term operational plans review and identify future facility sharing, such as developing a shared maintenance depot. • Administrative cost • Land acquisition cost • Consulting/engineering costs • Construction costs VERY APPLICABLE Both organizations are likely to need expanded and/or upgraded vehicle maintenance and storage facilities in the future At present, PSD and Transfort share a bus wash facility. Despite their vehicles having different standards, there is potential for both parties to collaborate on identifying other opportunities to share resources, such as EV charging. In the long run, working together to develop future maintenance facilities could lead to significant cost savings for both parties. $-$$$ $ $$$ ++ ++ +++ + • PSD has received grants for EV charging. Charging facilities will be installed in Timnath, but there is no bus storage there. EV maintenance and protocol training is a potential area for collaboration. • There are overlaps and differences in vehicle inspection standards (e.g., school buses are required by CDE to document an annual inspection. Transfort also needs to be inspected per FTA regulations, which are different than CDE). TAC INPUT $ Docusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS SHARING OF MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONAL STAFF To begin the process of coordinating between two agencies, it is important to identify the administrative barriers each agency faces. Once this is complete, both parties can work together to determine the level of administrative coordination that is feasible. At the very least, the two agencies can jointly recruit by sharing the same third-party contract for driver recruitment, background checks, drug screening, and driver training. • Seasonality is a barrier. • Each agency has different driver requirements and training. • Both agencies have a high demand for drivers during daily peak commute hours. TAC INPUT OPPORTUNITY TIME FRAME LEVEL OF EFFORT RELATIVE COST RELATIVE COST FACTOR(S)POTENTIAL IMPACT LEVEL OVERALL APPLICABILITY CONSIDERATION (S) / CONCERN (S) Standardize job requirements and joint recruitment processes such as advertising, interviewing, background checks, and drug screening. • Administrative cost APPLICABLE Consolidate third-party contract for managing driver recruitment process Allow bus operators to work for both PSD and Transfort to secure workforce. • Need extra time (potentially more staff) to operate, and manage bus operators NOT APPLICABLE Both organizations have similar peak driver needs so sharing drivers is not possible Centralize workforce management. • Need extra time (potentially more staff) to operate, and manage bus operators NOT APPLICABLE • Institutional barriers • Organizational consolidations can potentially result in job losses and lay-offs for employees $+ $$++ ++$$ Docusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD IMPLEMENTATION PRIORITIES The following is a list of priority recommendations that can be pursued within the first year of implementation of this study. COORDINATION MEETINGS ARE CRITICAL IN IMPLEMENTING THESE RECOMMENDATIONS SCHEDULE SYNCHRONIZATION Take the upcoming schedule changes as an opportunity to improve coordination between Transfort and PSD schools. This coordination needs to focus on students with no access to school transportation programs such as charter schools and school-of-choice students. BOHEMIAN FOUNDATION GRANT Retain the Bohemian Foundation grant to continue to support free student bus access to public transit and work with Safe Routes to School program to provide rider training. SPECIAL EVENT SUPPORT Utilize school buses when there is no school activity such as weekends or school breaks. PSD and the city directly coordinate special event accommodations without interfering with Transfort operations. Docusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD Docusign Envelope ID: 4261FF23-DEDF-40BB-9BB1-D3508AF8A6FD