HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-165-2144 - Bus Circulator Program 18605 NW 27th AVE
Miami Gardens, FL 33056
City of Miami Gardens
Agenda Cover Memo
Council Meeting Date:
September 22, 2014 Item Type:
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Resolution Ordinance Other
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Fiscal Impact:
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Yes
No Ordinance Reading:
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1st Reading 2nd Reading
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Public Hearing:
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Yes No Yes No
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Funding Source:
Citizen’s
Independent
Transporation
Trust (CITT)
Advertising Requirement:
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Yes No
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Contract/P.O. Required:
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Yes No RFP/RFQ/Bid #:
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Sponsor Name
Cameron Benson,
City Manager
Department:Public Works
Short Title:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPROVING DESIGN OPTION ___ FOR THE
CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS BUS CIRCULATOR PROGRAM;
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO APPLY FOR GRANT FUNDING
TO PURCHASE BUS CIRCULATORS; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION
OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Staff Summary:
In 2013, City staff retained the services of The Corradino Group to conduct a study to assist in
establishing a City of Miami Gardens Bus Circulator Pilot Program. Part of this study included a series of
public workshops, meetings with City Council, City staff, and Miami‐Dade County Transit. The study
included the prospective types of vehicles; a trolley bus, a limo bus, and a typical transit bus.
The Corradino Group presented their recommendation to the Mayor and Council during the February
5th, 2014 Council meeting. It was recommended that the City pilot an east and west route, and use a
traditional rubber‐tired trolley and hire an outside contractor to operate the services.
Thereafter, City staff met with Miami‐Dade County Transit to negotiate an Interlocal Agreement to
authorize the City to provide public transportation services for the operation of the bus circulator. The
City Council approved the aforementioned interlocal agreemement on April 23, 2014 (Resolution No.
ITEM L-1) RESOLUTION
Bus Circulator Program
18605 NW 27th AVE
Miami Gardens, FL 33056
2014‐062‐2040). On July 23, 2014, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2014‐123‐2102 to approve
the City’s Title VI Plan, also a requirement for the City to provide public transportation services. At this
juncture, approval form the Citizens’ Independent Transportation Trust (CITT) is scheduled for
September 17, 2014. After the CITT’s approval, the Miami‐Dade County Board of County Commissioners
will approve the interlocal agreement that allows the City to operate the bus circulator services. In the
interim, we have completed a draft of the RFP’s scope of services for a contractor to provide and
operate the bus circulator, and we are exploring grant options to purchase our own buses.
Initially, we will rely on buses available from the bus service provider (contractor), most likely a
limousine type bus. As we move forward preparing to apply for grants to purchase buses, we are
seeking approval from the City Council on the preffered type of bus. Staff will prepare specifications
based on the type of bus selected by Council to apply for grants to purchase the buses. Once funding has
been secured for the purchase of buses, City staff will follow procurement procedures, and will present
to City Council for approval prior to purchasing the buses.
Additionally, an important usability enhancement for transit services is design. Design is an important
element of any kind of rapid community transit system. It allows us to differentiate and make it more
attractive to users and set it apart from other transit systems. Our Cities’ design of the bus system will
provide a sense of ownership for the community. For that matter,staff has completed the design of the
bus working with design company Medium Four; naming it The Miami Gardens DASH. Neighboring cities
such as City of Avenura has the Aventura Express and City of North Miami has the NOMI Express.
Finally, we will advertise the RFP to provide the circulator services approximately a month before the
interlocal agreement is scheduled to be presented to the Board of County Commissioners. We will
continue to prepare, so we are ready to implement the bus circulator as soon as the County approves
the interlocal agreement.
Option A – Tolley (See Exhibit A)
A traditional rubber‐tired trolley costs approximately $160,000 ‐ $190,000. It can carry 24‐35
passengers with room for two wheel chairs. Cities such as City of Doral, City of Miami, and City of Coral
Gables operate a trolley type bus.
Option B – Limousine Bus (See Exhibit B)
A mini bus exective shuttle costs approximately $120,000. The customer capacity is 29
passengers with one wheel chair access. Cities such as Aventura and City of North Miami Beach operate
limousine bus systems.
Proposed Action:
It is recommended that the City Council approves one type of bus presented as Option A or Option B
for the City to seek and apply for grants to purchase its own buses.
Attachment:
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EXHIBIT A (TROLLEY)
DASHMIAMI GARDENSWWW.CMGDASH.COM
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EXHIBIT B (LIMOUSINE)