SPACE COAST AREA TRANSIT 2016 T D S 2020 ISADVANTAGED ... · The LCB will review and approve the...

2016 ‐2020

SPACE COAST AREA TRANSIT TRANSPORTATION DISADVANTAGED SERVICE PLAN

Space Coast Area Transit

Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan Major Update 2016‐2020

Prepared For:

Space Coast Area Transit 401 South Varr Avenue Cocoa, Florida 32922

Phone (321) 635‐7815, Facsimile (321) 633‐1905

Prepared By:

TindaleOliver & Associates, Inc. 135 W. Central Boulevard, Suite 450

Orlando, Florida 32801 Phone (407) 657‐9210, Facsimile (407) 657‐9106

Space Coast Area Transit Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan| i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TDSP Certification ......................................................................................................................................... 1

LCB Roll Call Vote .......................................................................................................................................... 2

Section 1: Development Plan ........................................................................................................................ 3

Introduction to the Service Area............................................................................................................... 3

Background of the Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan ........................................................... 3

Background of the Transportation Disadvantaged Program ................................................................. 4

Background of the Community Transportation Coordinator ................................................................ 5

Organization Chart ................................................................................................................................. 7

Consistency Review of Other Plans ....................................................................................................... 8

Public Participation Process ................................................................................................................... 8

Service Area Profile and Demographics .................................................................................................. 10

Service Area Description ...................................................................................................................... 10

Demographics ...................................................................................................................................... 10

Land Use .............................................................................................................................................. 13

Service Analysis ....................................................................................................................................... 13

Forecasts of Transportation Disadvantaged Program ......................................................................... 13

CTC Trend Analysis ............................................................................................................................... 16

Needs Assessment ............................................................................................................................... 24

Barriers to Coordination ...................................................................................................................... 32

Goals, Objectives, and Strategies ............................................................................................................ 33

Implementation Schedule ....................................................................................................................... 38

Section 2: Service Plan ................................................................................................................................ 42

Operations Element ................................................................................................................................ 42

Types, Hours, and Days of Service ....................................................................................................... 42

Accessing Services ............................................................................................................................... 50

Transportation Operators and Coordination Contractors ................................................................... 50

Public Transit Utilization ...................................................................................................................... 51

School Bus Utilization .......................................................................................................................... 51

Vehicle Inventory ................................................................................................................................. 51

System Safety Program Plan Certification ........................................................................................... 51

Space Coast Area Transit Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan| ii

Inter-county Services ........................................................................................................................... 52

Emergency Preparedness and Response ............................................................................................. 52

Educational Efforts and Marketing ...................................................................................................... 52

Acceptable Alternatives ....................................................................................................................... 54

Service Standards ................................................................................................................................ 54

Local Complaint and Grievance Procedures and Process .................................................................... 57

Community Transportation Coordinator Monitoring Procedures of Operators and Coordination Contractors .......................................................................................................................................... 58

Cost/Revenue Allocation and Rate Structure Justification ..................................................................... 58

Section 3: Quality Assurance ...................................................................................................................... 59

CTC Evaluation Process ........................................................................................................................... 59

Appendix A: Summary of Existing Plans and Documents ........................................................................... 60

Appendix B: Local Coordinating Board Certification ................................................................................... 70

Appendix C: No-Show Policy ....................................................................................................................... 71

Appendix D: Vehicle Inventory ................................................................................................................... 72

Appendix E: System Safety Program Plan Certification .............................................................................. 73

Appendix F: Space Coast Area Transit Grievance Procedure ...................................................................... 74

Appendix G: FCTD Rate Model Calculation spreadsheets .......................................................................... 75

Appendix H: Space Coast Area Transit TDLCB CTC Evaluation and Corrective Action Plan ........................ 76

List of Tables

Table 1: Brevard County Population ........................................................................................................... 11

Table 2: Population by Municipality ........................................................................................................... 11

Table 3: Age Distribution ............................................................................................................................ 12

Table 4: Income Distribution ....................................................................................................................... 12

Table 5: Disabled Population ...................................................................................................................... 13

Table 6: Employment Characteristics (April 2015) ..................................................................................... 13

Table 7: Brevard County General TD Population Forecast ......................................................................... 15

Table 8: Brevard County’s Annual Trip Demand ......................................................................................... 16

Table 9: Brevard County CTC Trend Analysis – Effectiveness Measures .................................................... 17

Table 10: Brevard County CTC Trend Analysis – Effectiveness Measures .................................................. 19

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Table 11: Brevard County CTC – Efficiency Measures ................................................................................ 22

Table 12: Brevard County CTC – Trend Analysis Summary (2010-2014) .................................................... 24

Table 13: Major Destinations ...................................................................................................................... 30

Table 14: Implementation Plan ................................................................................................................... 38

Table 15: Fixed-route Span of Service ........................................................................................................ 46

Table 16: Fares ............................................................................................................................................ 58

List of Figures

Figure 1: Coordinated Transportation System Organization Chart .............................................................. 5

Figure 2: Space Coast Area Transit’s Coordinated Transportation Program ................................................ 7

Figure 3: General Transportation Disadvantaged Population Groups ........................................................ 15

Figure 4: Total Passenger Trips ................................................................................................................... 17

Figure 5: Total Vehicle Miles ....................................................................................................................... 17

Figure 6: Total Revenue Miles ..................................................................................................................... 18

Figure 7: Operating Expenses ..................................................................................................................... 18

Figure 8: Operating Revenues ..................................................................................................................... 18

Figure 9: Vehicle Miles Per Passenger Trip ................................................................................................. 20

Figure 10: Passenger Trips Per TD Capita ................................................................................................... 20

Figure 11: Accidents Per 100,000 Miles ...................................................................................................... 20

Figure 12: Vehicle Miles Between Roadcalls .............................................................................................. 21

Figure 13: Vehicle Miles Per TD Capita ....................................................................................................... 21

Figure 14: Passenger Trips Per Vehicle Mile ............................................................................................... 21

Figure 15: Operating Expense Per Passenger Trips .................................................................................... 22

Figure 16: Operating Expense Per Paratransit Trip ..................................................................................... 23

Figure 17: Operating Expense Per Vehicle Mile .......................................................................................... 23

Figure 18: Operating Expense Per Driver Hour ........................................................................................... 23

List of Maps

Map 1: Population Age 65 and Over ........................................................................................................... 26

Map 2: Households below the Poverty Level ............................................................................................. 27

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Map 3: Individuals with Disabilities ............................................................................................................ 28

Map 4: Employment Density ...................................................................................................................... 29

Map 5: Space Coast Area Transit Study Area .............................................................................................. 45

Space Coast Area Transit Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan| TDSP Certification 1

TDSP CERTIFICATION

The Brevard County Local Coordinating Board for the Transportation Disadvantaged hereby certifies that an annual evaluation of the Community Transportation Coordinator (CTC) was conducted consistent with the policies of the Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged and that all recommendations of the CTC evaluation have been incorporated in this Plan.

We further certify that the rates contained herein have been thoroughly reviewed, evaluated, and approved. This Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan (TDSP) was reviewed in its entirety and approved by the Board at an official meeting held on November 16, 2015.

___________________________ _______________________________________

Date Rocky Randels, Mayor of Cape Canaveral

Local Coordinating Board Chairman

Approved by the Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged:

___________________________ _______________________________________

Date Steve Holmes, Executive Director

Space Coast Area Transit Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan| LCB Roll Call Vote 2

LCB ROLL CALL VOTE

For Approval of Brevard County’s TDSP Update

November 16, 2015 Name Representing Yes No Absent

Mayor Rocky Randels Chairman, Mayor of Cape Canaveral Diane Poitras Florida Department of Transportation

Maryjane Wysocki Florida Department of Children & Families William Crane Brevard County School Board

Almetia Britton Florida Department of Education Dennis Vannorsdall Florida Department of Veteran’s Affairs

Kyle Andrews Persons over Sixty Representative David Ryan Disabled Representative

Linda Howard Citizen Advocate Sara Ann Conkling Citizen Advocate/User Isabelle Zoerner Brevard County School Board

Randy Hunt Florida Department of Elder Affairs Vacant Private For Profit or Non-Profit Trans. Industry

Benjamin Akinola Florida Agency for Health Care Administration Vacant Regional Workforce Board Vacant Representative Local Medical Community

Space Coast Area Transit Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan| Section 1: Development Plan 3

SECTION 1: DEVELOPMENT PLAN

This section includes the Development Plan for the Brevard County Transportation Disadvantaged (TD) program. The goal of this section is to outline the baseline conditions within Brevard County today and the strategy to achieve the long-term transportation goals of the county. The Service and Quality Assurance components of this plan provide supplemental information relating to the operational and administrative structure of Space Coast Area Transit and the methods used to evaluate the services that are provided.

INTRODUCTION TO THE SERVICE AREA

BACKGROUND OF THE TRANSPORTATION DISADVANTAGED SERVICE PLAN

The Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged (FCTD) requires that each CTC submit a TDSP within 120 calendar days following the execution of the CTC’s initial Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). All subsequent TDSPs must be submitted and approved with the corresponding MOA. The TDSP components include:

1. Development Plan; 2. Service Plan; 3. Quality Assurance; and, 4. Cost/Revenue Allocations and Fare Justifications.

The TDSP is used by the CTC and the Local Coordinating Board (LCB) to maintain and/or improve transportation services for the transportation disadvantaged and to serve as a framework for performance evaluation.

This TDSP also serves as the Locally Coordinated Human Services Transportation Plan (LCHSTP) for the Brevard County area, as required by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for previous funding under the Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC), New Freedom program, and Elderly Individuals and Individuals with Disabilities program know referred to as the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities (Section 5310) program. With the passing of Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21), the JARC program was eliminated as an independent program and activities were to be funded under Urban and Rural Area Formula Programs’ funding (Section 5307 and 5311, respectively) and the New Freedom program was consolidated with the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities or Section 5310 program. Projects selected for funding under the Section 5310 program must be derived from an LCHSTP. The LCHSTP should be developed through an open public process that includes representatives of the public, and private and nonprofit transportation and human services providers.

In accordance with the LCHSTP and TDSP requirements for public participation, a public workshop was conducted at the Space Coast Area Transit Cocoa facility and an informational discussion was facilitated at the May 18, 2015 Space Coast LCB Meeting to solicit initial input from the LCB members. In addition,


each LCB meeting provides an opportunity for public comment. The annual public hearing that is advertised in a newspaper of general circulation and through email notifications, is another forum where public comments can be offered for the CTC and LCB’s consideration.

This TDSP fulfills the FCTD requirements for the TDSP submittal and the FTA requirements for an LCHSTP. The LCB will review and approve the TDSP prior to submission to FTA and the FCTD for final action. The remainder of this document summarizes each of the components listed above.

BACKGROUND OF THE TRANSPORTATION DISADVANTAGED PROGRAM

The Florida Coordinated Transportation System (FCTS) was created in 1979 with the enactment of Chapter 427, Florida Statutes (F.S.) which defines transportation disadvantaged as:

“…those persons who because of physical or mental disability, income status, or age are unable to transport themselves or to purchase transportation and are, therefore, dependent upon others to obtain access to healthcare, employment, education, shopping, social activities, or children who are handicapped or high-risk or at-risk as defined in Section 411.202, Florida Statutes.”

The statewide TD program was developed to improve coordination among TD services sponsored by social and human service agencies. The program’s purpose was to address concerns about duplication and fragmentation of transportation services. The initial Chapter 427 legislation created the Coordinating Council for the Transportation Disadvantaged within the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for the purpose of coordinating TD transportation services throughout the state. Chapter 427 was revised in 1989 to replace the Coordinating Council with the CTD, which was established as an independent commission authorized to hire its own staff and allocate funding for specialized transportation services available through the new Transportation Disadvantaged Trust Fund (TDTF). The 1989 legislative revisions also established CTCs and LCBs to administer and monitor the TD program at the local level. The Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) or designated official planning agency (DOPA) performs long-range planning and assist the CTD and LCB in implementing the TD program within the designated service area.

Figure 1 contains and organizational chart that identifies parties involved in the provision of TD transportation services in Florida. Medicaid transportation services are provided through the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care program. Under this program, transportation services, including emergency transportation, are provided to enrollees who have no other means of transportation available to any covered service. The Managed Care Plan is not obligated to follow the requirements of the CTD or the LCB as set forth in Chapter 427, F.S., unless the Managed Care Plan has chosen to coordinate services with the CTD.


Figure 1: Coordinated Transportation System Organization Chart

The CTD previously used a 1993 methodology to provide county-level demand forecasts for TD populations based on two different types of trips: program trip and general trip and two different TD population groups: the Potential Transportation Disadvantaged (also referred to as “TD Category I”) and the Transportation Disadvantaged (also referred to as “TD Category II”). The recent update to the forecasting demand methodology recommended that the CTD revise the terms and methodology. The new methodology, finalized as of June 2013, uses two different TD populations: the “general TD” population and the “critical need TD” population. The general TD population includes the estimates of all disabled, elderly and low-income persons, and children who are “high-risk” or “at-risk.” The critical need TD population includes individuals who due to severe physical limitations or low incomes are unable to transport themselves or purchase transportation, and are dependent upon others to obtain access to healthcare, employment, education, shopping, social activities, and other life sustaining activities.

BACKGROUND OF THE COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION COORDINATOR

The Brevard County Board of Commissioners has recognized the need to coordinate transportation services provided to the transportation disadvantaged since 1973. At that time, a steering committee was formed to assess the transportation needs that existed in the community and to oversee coordination for the transportation service.


In January 1974, the Community Services Council of Brevard County began coordinating transportation for the transportation disadvantaged in the County. During October of that same year, the new transit system became a department under the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners. This department was named Consolidated Agencies Transportation System (CATS). CATS consisted of several non-profit agencies that provided transportation services to their clients. When Chapter 427, F.S., created the Florida TD program in 1979, CATS became the CTC for Brevard County.

CATS was charged with providing services to senior citizens for medical, shopping, and congregate meals. CATS also provided transportation service to training centers and workshops for persons with developmental and other disabilities; as well as childcare and medical services to economically disadvantaged persons. CATS operated as a subscription service (requiring reservations) at no charge to riders. Various non-profit agencies and the County provided funding for CAT services.

In 1985, CATS merged with the Brevard Transit Authority, an agency providing fixed-route service in the southern portion of Brevard County. As a result of the merger, Space Coast Area Transit, a department within Brevard County, was formed to become the County’s transit provider. Transit services became exclusively demand response providing transportation services to individuals with disabilities, older adults, and lower-income persons. Space Coast Area Transit operated as the CTC for Brevard County and provided the majority of TD and Medicaid trips during this time.

In March 1991, Coastal Health Systems of Brevard was selected by the County to provide all Medicaid and TD non-sponsored trips for Brevard County. Coast Health Systems of Brevard provided the door-to-door paratransit service for those trips through a contract with Space Coast Area Transit (the CTC). At the same time that the County began contracting for the TD and non-emergency Medicaid transportation services, Space Coast Area Transit began re-establishing fixed-route transit service.

In 1994, Coastal Health Systems of Brevard opted out of providing TD non-sponsored transportation in Brevard County. At that time, Space Coast Area Transit purchased additional vehicles and hired staff to support the in-house operation of TD transportation services. Space Coast Area Transit directly operates fixed-route transit, contract routes, and door-to-door paratransit service. There are 18 fixed-routes operating with service spans between approximately 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and an average frequency of 60 minutes. Several of those routes operate at 30 minute frequencies during the peak period. Space Coast Area Transit operates limited Sunday service and later evening hours.

The Volunteers in Motion program began in 1996 in an effort to provide reliable transportation to Brevard County’s elderly citizens who are unable to use Space Coast Area Transit’s fixed-route system. The program is coordinated by Space Coast Area Transit, the Senior Resource Alliance, and Aging Matters. Volunteers in Motion transportation services are provided by 26 volunteers serving 703 clients per year. Even with the volunteers donating 5,400 hours annually, the demand for transportation trips through this service cannot be met.

Space Coast Area Transit also partners with vRide to provide one of the largest vanpool programs in the nation. The vans are purchased by the County Commission with federal capital grants and leased to


commuters and social service agencies. The fees charged for the vanpools cover maintenance, insurance, and administration. Commuters participating in the program sometimes meet at one of three centralized Park & Ride lots. Forty-seven commuter vans are operated daily, with the two largest destinations being the Space Center and the Veterans Administration clinic. Through the vanpool program, human services agencies without the resources available to operate and maintain vehicles are able to provide transportation services to transportation disadvantaged clients. Forty-two agency vans are operated by agencies including the Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation, Senior Care of Brevard, Space Coast Center for Independent Living, and 18 other agencies.

As the CTC for Brevard County, Space Coast Area Transit is responsible for arranging transportation for the transportation disadvantaged. The FCTD approves the CTC every five years. With approval from the Local Coordinating Board (LCB), the CTC may subcontract or broker transportation services

ORGANIZATION CHART

Figure 2 presents the organizational chart for Space Coast Area Transit related to the provision of TD services in Brevard County.

Figure 2: Space Coast Area Transit’s Coordinated Transportation Program


CONSISTENCY REVIEW OF OTHER PLANS

The following plans and documents that may be relevant to the preparation of the TDSP were reviewed and summarized to ensure consistency with the existing transportation goals. The plan summary is presented as Appendix A of this document.

• State of Florida TD Five-Year/Twenty-Year Plan

• Space Coast Area Transit 2010-2014 Annual Operations Reports

• Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged Annual Performance Report

• Space Coast Area Transit 2012-2016 Memorandum of Agreement

• Space Coast Area Transit TDSP Major Update (2007)

• Space Coast Area Transit TDSP Minor Update (2012)

• Space Coast Area Transit 2013-2022 Transit Development Plan Major Update

• Space Coast Area Transit 2015 Transit Development Plan Annual Update

• Space Coast TPO 2035 Adopted Long Range Transportation Plan

• Space Coast TPO Transportation Improvement Program

• Brevard County Comprehensive Plan

• • City of Cocoa Comprehensive Plan (2011)

• • City of Cocoa Beach Comprehensive Plan (2010)

• • Town of Grant-Valkaria Comprehensive Plan (2010)

• • City of Melbourne Comprehensive Plan (2010)

• • City of Palm Bay Comprehensive Plan (2001)

• • City of Rockledge Comprehensive Plan (2011)

• • City of Satellite Beach Comprehensive Plan (2014)

• • City of Titusville Comprehensive Plan (2014)

• • City of West Melbourne Comprehensive Plan (2011)

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS

In accordance with the federal legislation for developing a coordinated plan and the state guidelines for developing the TDSP, Space Coast Area Transit provides opportunities for public input from members of the public, elected officials, human services representatives, FDOT, transportation providers, and workforce representatives.

Space Coast Area Transit held a public meeting to provide an opportunity for public input during the development of the TDSP Major Update. During the public workshop, attendees were asked to provide insight related to the greatest transportation needs and barriers to transportation within Brevard County. Through an informal open-discussion with the meeting participants at the public workshop and the May 2015 LCB meeting, the following needs were discussed as potential strategies and projects to fill existing gaps in transit services.

• Extended Evening Hours – The service hours on the fixed-route transit system should be extended beyond 7 p.m.


• Additional Weekend and Holiday Services – Extended service hours on the weekend are needed for transportation to church services and other activities.

• Improve Route Frequency – Frequency improvements are needed on the fixed-route system. • Regional Connections – Meeting participants commented that connections between Brevard

County and Orange County, particularly the LYNX bus service, are desperately needed. For residents of Brevard County that need access to the airport in Orlando, private taxi transportation is extremely expensive. For persons on fixed incomes, public transportation is a more viable option because of the reduced cost regardless of increased travel times. In addition, the one meeting participant mentioned that they would like to see an All Aboard Florida rail station in Brevard County.

• Funding – Additional funding is needed to increase the number of TD trips that are provided in Brevard County.

• Additional Local Routes – Additional fixed-route transit service is needed within Titusville. The service available is limited and many people living in this area are lower income.

Other topics that were discussed during the public outreach activities are summarized below.

• Operators are not bringing passengers back on the last trip from the Searstown Mall. This route should be interlining with the Route 1 heading back south along US 1.

• The timing at Port St. John’s Plaza should be reviewed. Space Coast Area Transit would like to eliminate entering the plaza for on-time performance reasons; however, there are no pedestrian walkways. Therefore, the transit agency continues to enter the plaza for passengers to board the bus.

• Passengers should be notified that fewer paratransit trips are provided on Fridays and additional trip requests may be better accommodated on that day.

• Identification cards for seniors would be very cost effective and time efficient. • Bicycles and strollers are an issue on the buses and passengers are taking advantage of bringing

these items onboard. Sometimes passengers bring strollers on the buses that have been loaded full with bags. The operators need to be more assertive in their discretion when allowing passengers to bring these items onboard the vehicles.

• Passengers that are standing onboard the bus sometimes are standing at the yellow line and the operators should ask them to move to the rear of the bus.

• To increase participation at public outreach meetings, consideration should be given to advertising the meetings and public comment periods through community service ads or asking volunteers to ride the buses and speak with the passengers about transportation needs.

• There needs to be some improvement on the paratransit boundaries between the north and south portions of the county to increase connectivity. Kings Highway is the boundary for paratransit service and Space Coast Area Transit is flexible with the boundary; however, persons living further south in the county may experience difficulty traveling across the county using the paratransit service.

• Adding additional buses to improve the existing frequency on the routes would improve the perception that public transportation is a service for workers and lower income individuals. One meeting participant commented that the initiation of jitney service would help improve transportation options for residents in the county.


• The public would like to see Space Coast Area Transit receive more funding from the county’s budget to increase the transit agency’s staffing levels.

• Sometimes passengers wait up to two hours for paratransit pick up at the grocery store. • The county’s transportation needs are not being met in comparison to other transit systems.

In addition to the public meeting and that was held to discuss the TDSP major update and ongoing discussions at the quarterly LCB meetings, the LCB annually conducts a public hearing for the purpose of receiving input regarding unmet needs or any other areas that relate to the local transportation services. The last public hearing was held in February 2015 immediately following the LCB meeting.

While the public hearing is held annually, Space Coast Area Transit also continues ongoing discussions throughout the year with the Space Coast TPO staff to provide opportunities for project coordination and input.

SERVICE AREA PROFILE AND DEMOGRAPHICS

This section includes an overview of the Brevard County demographics and local operating environment to gain a better understanding of the physical conditions when planning for the provision of transit services.

SERVICE AREA DESCRIPTION

Brevard County is located on central Florida’s east coast along the Atlantic Ocean. The county extends approximately 70 miles and is bordered on the north by Volusia County, on the south by Indian River County, on the southwest by Osceola County, and on the west by Orange County. There are sixteen cities and towns, including Cape Canaveral, Cocoa, Cocoa Beach, Grant-Valkaria, Indialantic, Indian Harbour Beach, Malabar, Melbourne, Melbourne Beach, Melbourne Village, Palm Bay, Palm Shores, Rockledge, Satellite Beach, Titusville, and West Melbourne. Brevard County also has two airports (Melbourne International and Titusville-Cocoa (TICO)), one seaport (Port Canaveral), and one spaceport that includes Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Brevard County’s natural attractions, beaches, and

DEMOGRAPHICS

POPULATION PROFILE

Brevard County’s population increased from 476,230 persons in 2000 to 543,376 in 2010, which was an overall increase of approximately 14 percent. The population continues to increase and was estimated at 545,667 in the American Community Survey (ACS) 2013-2019 five-year estimates. Based on the Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR) Florida Population Projections by County data, the population in Brevard County is expected to increase by 24 percent by 2040. In addition, Brevard County is Florida’s 10th most populous county, with a 2010 population density per square mile of 535 compared to 350.6 for the State of Florida. Table 1 provides an overview of population projections for Brevard County and Florida.


Table 1: Brevard County Population

Area Population Population Projections Population

Growth 2013 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2013-2040

Brevard County

545,667 589,300 616,400 639,800 660,000 677,500 24%

Florida 19,091,156 21,149,700 22,443,000 23,609,000 24,654,000 25,603,600 34%

Source: 2009-2013 ACS Estimates and BEBR 2015-2040 Population Projections, April 2014.

More than 60 percent of Brevard County’s population is located within its 16 incorporated areas. Table 2 presents the population and percent change by municipality for 2000 and 2010. The Town of Grant-Valkaria was incorporated in 2006; thereby, showing the highest percent growth over the ten-year period. Other municipalities that grew significantly from 2000 to 2010 include West Melbourne, Palm Bay, and Rockledge with population growth of 87 percent, 30 percent, and 24 percent, respectively.

Table 2: Population by Municipality

County/Cities/Towns 2000 2010 Percent Change

Brevard 476,230 543,376 14.10%

Cape Canaveral 8,829 9,912 12.27%

Cocoa 16,412 17,140 4.44%

Cocoa Beach 12,482 11,231 -10.02%

Indian Harbour Beach 8,152 8,225 0.90%

Melbourne 71,382 76,068 6.56%

Palm Bay 79,413 103,190 29.94%

Rockledge 20,170 24,926 23.58%

Satellite Beach 9,577 10,109 5.55%

Titusville 40,670 43,761 7.60%

West Melbourne 9,824 18,355 86.84%

Grant-Valkaria 0 3,850 100.00%

Indialantic 2,944 2,720 -7.61%

Malabar 2,622 2,757 5.15%

Melbourne Beach 3,335 3,101 -7.02%

Melbourne Village 706 662 -6.23%

Palm Shores 794 900 13.35%

Unincorporated 188,918 206,469 9.29%

Source: 2000 and 2010 U.S. Census.

In addition, according to Brevard County Housing and Human Services, Brevard County has the seventh largest veteran population in Florida, with a total of 66,291 veterans living in the county. Veterans Affairs compensation and pension benefits for Brevard veterans were the third largest amount in the State of Florida at $248 million.


AGE DISTRIBUTION

Table 3 presents the Brevard County and the State of Florida population distribution by age. According to the 2009-2013 ACS five-year estimates, more than 21 percent of Brevard County’s population is 65 years of age or older compared to nearly 18 percent for the State of Florida. The median age in Brevard County is 45.9 and the 35 to 64 age group contains the largest percentage of the population for both the Brevard County and the State of Florida population. The age distribution displayed in Table 3 indicates that the age group over the age of 65 will be growing in the future.

Table 3: Age Distribution

Area Age Distribution

<15 15-34 35-64 65+

Brevard County 15.7% 21.9% 41.5% 21.0%

Florida 17.2% 25.3% 39.7% 17.8%

Source: 2009-2013 ACS Estimates.

INCOME DISTRIBUTION

Table 4 compares the distribution of household income in Brevard County and Florida. The income distribution in Brevard County is similar to the distribution in the State of Florida. The median household income is also similar in comparison, with Brevard County’s median household income at $48,039 and the State of Florida at $46,956. The percentage of people with incomes below the poverty level in the past 12 months is slightly higher for the entire state in comparison to Brevard County at 16.3 percent and 13.5 percent, respectively.

Table 4: Income Distribution

Area Income Distribution

$0- $10,000 $10,000- $14,999

$15,000- $24,999

$25,000- $34,999

$35,000- $49,999

$50,000- $74,999

$75,000- $99,999

$100,000 or

more Brevard County 6.70% 5.40% 11.70% 12.10% 16.00% 18.70% 11.10% 18.40%

Florida 7.80% 5.70% 12.20% 11.80% 15.20% 18.20% 11.10% 17.90%


DISABILITY

As shown in Table 5, the 2011-2013 ACS three-year estimates reported that 15 percent of the population in Brevard County has a disability characterized as a difficulty with either hearing, vision, cognitive, ambulatory, self-care, and/or independent living. The Brevard County disabled population is slightly higher in comparison to the overall disabled population living in the State of Florida.


Table 5: Disabled Population

Area Civilian Non-Institutionalized

Population

Individuals with a Disability

Percent with a Disability

Brevard County 541,779 82,976 15.3%

Florida 19,010,848 2,491,607 13.1%


EMPLOYMENT

Table 6 includes the current civilian labor force, employment data, and the unemployment rate for Brevard County and the State of Florida. The data in the table presents a snapshot of employment based on the data reported from the Bureau of Labor Statistic Local Area Unemployment Statistics for April 2015. While Brevard County has a slightly higher unemployment rate compared to Florida, these rates are not seasonally adjusted and are similar in comparison. According to the Space Coast Economic Development Commission’s 2014 data, the top three employers in Brevard County were the Brevard County School Board, Health First, and Harris Corporation.

Table 6: Employment Characteristics (April 2015)

Area Civilian Labor Force Number Employed Number Unemployed

Unemployment Rate

Brevard County 255,692 241,032 14,660 5.7%

Florida 9,549,709 9,044,967 504,742 5.3%

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Local Area Unemployment Statistics, April 2015.

LAND USE

Brevard County includes a mix of development, with the highest employment and population densities occurring in the eastern portion of the county near the Indian River. The northern portion and western portions of the county are more rural in nature. Areas in the southern portion of the county have transitioned from rural to suburban, with the majority of current development of regional impact (DRI) projects planned for development in Palm Bay and Melbourne.

SERVICE ANALYSIS

This section reviews forecast data, major attractors, needs, and barriers to establish the need and demand for future TD services in Brevard County.

FORECASTS OF TRANSPORTATION DISADVANTAGED PROGRAM

One of the required elements of the service analysis section is the forecast of the TD population within the service area. The travel demand forecasting methodology was updated effective June 2013 to address some of the changes in policy and demographics that have occurred over the past 20 years since the


original methodology was established in 1993. Using a series of automated formulas within the spreadsheet tool and inputs from the U.S. Census, ACS 2011-2013 3-Year estimates for population projections, age, income, and disability data and BEBR population estimates published in April 2014, the TD population and travel demand estimates were calculated for Brevard County. The pre-coded data included in the spreadsheet tool’s automated formulas is derived from the National Household Travel Survey and the U.S. Census Bureau’s Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP).

The forecast estimates produced from the tool, include the general TD population, the critical need TD population, and the demand for TD trips. The tool eliminates the “double counts” by automatically calculating the overlapping populations that occur when individuals fall into one or more of the demographic or socio-economic categories.

Table 7 displays the forecasts of the general TD population for Brevard County and references Figure 3, as the overlapping circle component to account for double counting. As shown in Table 7, the 2015 TD population in Brevard County is estimated at 222,250 and equivalent to 40 percent of the total population. This population includes all disabled, elderly and low-income persons, and children who are high-risk or at-risk and is expected to increase by approximately 4 percent over the five-year period from 2015 to 2019.

Table 8 presents the critical need TD population forecasts and includes individuals who due to severe physical limitations or low incomes are unable to transport themselves or purchase transportation, and are dependent upon others to obtain access to health care, employment, education, shopping, social activities, and other life sustaining activities. As shown in Table 8, the Brevard County 2015 critical need TD population is estimated at 33,546 or 15 percent of the general TD population. The critical need population forecast for the five-year period indicates that the population will increase by approximately five percent in 2019.

In 2015, the critical need TD population is expected to take 24,493 total daily trips and 8,695,143 annual trips. The number of critical need trips needed is expected to increase to 9,312,639 annually in 2019, an increase of seven percent over the five-year period.


Table 7: Brevard County General TD Population Forecast

General TD Population Forecast 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Overlapping Circle Component

E – Estimate non-elderly/disabled/ low income

11,328 11,453 11,579 11,707 11,836

B – Estimate non-elderly/ disabled/not low income

32,268 32,624 32,984 33,348 33,716

G – Estimate elderly/disabled/low income 4,138 4,183 4,230 4,276 4,323

D- Estimate elderly/ disabled/not low income

36,880 37,287 37,698 38,114 38,534

F – Estimate elderly/non-disabled/low income

4,587 4,637 4,688 4,740 4,792

A – Estimate elderly/non-disabled/not low income

72,638 73,439 74,249 75,068 75,896

C – Estimate low income/not elderly/not disabled

60,411 61,077 61,751 62,432 63,121

TOTAL GENERAL TD POPULATION 222,250 224,701 227,179 229,685 232,218

TOTAL POPULATION 551,446 557,528 563,678 569,895 576,180

*Based on 31 percent of the Brevard County population having access within ¼-mile of the existing fixed-route system and the paratransit service operating service 355 days. Source: University of South Florida’s Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR), Paratransit Service Demand Estimation Tool, 2013.

Figure 3: General Transportation Disadvantaged Population Groups


Table 8: Brevard County’s Annual Trip Demand

Critical Need TD Population Forecast

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Total Critical Need TD Population

Disabled 21,347 21,583 21,821 22,062 22,305

Low Income Not Disabled No Auto/Transit

12,199 12,333 12,469 12,607 12,746

Total Critical Need TD Population 33,546 33,916 34,290 34,668 35,051

Daily Trips Critical Need TD Population

Severely Disabled 1,046 1,058 1,069 1,081 1,093

Low Income - Not Disabled - No Access

23,165 23,421 23,679 23,940 24,204

Total Daily Trips Critical Need TD Population

24,493 24,907 25,328 25,777 26,233

Total Annual Trips 8,695,143 8,842,091 8,991,522 9,150,672 9,312,639

*Based on 31 percent of the Brevard County population having access within ¼-mile of the existing fixed-route system and the paratransit service operating service 355 days. Source: University of South Florida’s Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR), Paratransit Service Demand Estimation Tool, 2013.

CTC TREND ANALYSIS

A trend analysis from FY10 through FY14 was conducted to examine the performance of Space Coast Area Transit as the CTC. The trend analysis includes select performance, effectiveness, and efficiency measures that are available from the CTC annual performance reports that are submitted to the FCTD. Results from the trend analysis are presented in this section.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Shown in Table 9 and Figures 4 through 8 are five performance measures for the TD services provided by the CTC. The total number of passenger trips provided has increased by 18 percent over the five year period from 913,988 to 1,076,425. Total vehicle miles and revenue miles have both decreased over the five-year period demonstrating that Space Coast Area Transit has been able to provide more trips while traveling fewer miles. Operating expenses and operating revenues have both increased over the five-year period by 48 percent and 72 percent, respectively. Operating expenses continue to increase due to increasing insurance costs and additional demand for service. Revenues have also increased consistent with the fare increase implemented July 1, 2014 for both fixed-route and paratransit services.


Table 9: Brevard County CTC Trend Analysis – Effectiveness Measures

Indicator/Measure FY2010 FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 Percent Change

(2010-2014) Total Passenger Trips

913,988 1,012,950 1,045,181 1,119,173 1,076,425 18%

Total Vehicle Miles 3,220,810 2,833,797 2,857,263 2,785,075 2,879,511 -11%

Total Revenue Miles 3,038,742 2,673,088 2,557,733 2,614,122 2,619,791 -14%

Operating Expenses $3,277,779 $3,575,762 $3,847,653 $4,749,088 $4,862,409 48%

Operating Revenues $3,474,042 $4,435,498 $5,347,295 $5,295,742 $5,972,971 72% Source: APR from 2010 to 2014, FCTD.

Figure 4: Total Passenger Trips

Figure 5: Total Vehicle Miles

-

500,000

1,000,000

1,500,000

FY2010 FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014

Total Passenger Trips

-

1,000,000

2,000,000

3,000,000

4,000,000

FY2010 FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014

Total Vehicle Miles


Figure 6: Total Revenue Miles

Figure 7: Operating Expenses

Figure 8: Operating Revenues

-

1,000,000

2,000,000

3,000,000

4,000,000

FY2010 FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014

Total Revenue Miles

$0

$2,000,000

$4,000,000

$6,000,000

FY2010 FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014

Operating Expenses

$0

$2,000,000

$4,000,000

$6,000,000

FY2010 FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014

Operating Revenues


EFFECTIVENESS MEASURES

Effectiveness measures indicate the extent to which various service-related goals are being achieved. In this analysis, Space Coast Area Transit (the Brevard County CTC) was analyzed using six effectiveness measures. The results of the five-year analysis period are contained in Table 10 and Figures 9 through 14. The data indicates a decrease in the number of vehicle miles per passenger and vehicle miles per TD capita. Passenger trips per vehicle mile increased by 32 percent, from 0.28 in 2010 to 0.37 in 2014. Passenger trips per TD capita increased by eight percent over the five-year period. These measures indicate an improvement in effectiveness, with more passenger trips being provided in fewer vehicle miles and may indicate more effective multi-loading.

Accidents per 100,000 miles and vehicle miles between roadcalls are measures of system safety and service reliability. Both of these measures increased over the five-year period. Accidents per 100,000 miles increased by 156 percent from 0.5 in 2010 to 1.28 in 2014. The number of vehicle miles between roadcalls increased by 45 percent from 37,451 in 2010 to 54,330 in 2014. An increase in the number of vehicle miles between roadcalls is an improvement for the CTC showing an increase in system reliability. However, an increase in the number of accidents per 100,000 miles indicates an increase in the number of annual accidents and decreased system safety.

Table 10: Brevard County CTC Trend Analysis – Effectiveness Measures

Indicator/Measure FY2010 FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 Percent

Change (2010-2014)

Vehicle Miles per Passenger Trip

3.52 2.80 2.73 2.49 2.68 -24%

Passenger Trips per TD Capita

4.07 4.39 4.40 4.72 4.41 8%

Accidents per 100,000 Miles

0.5 0.56 1.29 0.9 1.28 156%

Vehicle Miles Between Roadcalls

37,451 34,142 92,170 43,517 54,330 45%

Vehicle Miles per TD Capita

14.36 12.28 12.04 11.74 11.80 -18%

Passenger Trips per Vehicle Mile

0.28 0.36 0.37 0.40 0.37 32%

Source: APR from 2010 to 2014, FCTD.


Figure 9: Vehicle Miles Per Passenger Trip

Figure 10: Passenger Trips Per TD Capita

Figure 11: Accidents Per 100,000 Miles

0.00

1.00

2.00

3.00

4.00

FY2010 FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014

Vehicle Miles per Passenger Trip

-

2.00

4.00

6.00

FY2010 FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014

Passenger Trips per TD Capita

0

0.5

1

1.5

FY2010 FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014

Accidents per 100,000 Miles


Figure 12: Vehicle Miles Between Roadcalls

Figure 13: Vehicle Miles Per TD Capita

Figure 14: Passenger Trips Per Vehicle Mile

-

50,000

100,000

FY2010 FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014

Vehicle Miles Between Roadcalls

0.00

5.00

10.00

15.00

FY2010 FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014

Vehicle Miles per TD Capita

0.00

0.20

0.40

0.60

FY2010 FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014

Passenger Trips per Vehicle Mile


EFFICIENCY MEASURES

The trend in system efficiency also was examined for the Brevard County CTC. Efficiency measures involve reviewing the level of resources required to achieve a given level of output. Four efficiency measures are listed in Table 11 and illustrated in Figures 15 through 18. The first three address operating expense efficiencies. Over the five-year analysis period, operating expense per passenger trip overall and operating expense per paratransit passenger trip both increased by 26 percent and 46 percent, respectively. Operating expense per vehicle mile and operating expense per driver hour also increased over the five-year period by 66 percent and 73 percent, respectively. These increases are attributable to an overall rise in operating costs resulting from increases to insurance and other expenses.

Table 11: Brevard County CTC – Efficiency Measures

Indicator/Measure FY2010 FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 Percent Change

(2010-2014)

Operating Expense per Passenger Trip

$3.59 $3.53 $3.68 $4.24 $4.52 26%

Operating Expense per Paratransit Trip

$5.26 $5.52 $5.92 $6.87 $7.68 46%

Operating Expense per Vehicle Mile

$1.02 $1.26 $1.35 $1.71 $1.69 66%

Operating Expense per Driver Hour

$22.04 $21.40 $22.96 $30.09 $38.15 73%

Source: APR from 2010 to 2014, FCTD.

Figure 15: Operating Expense Per Passenger Trips

$-

$1.00

$2.00

$3.00

$4.00

$5.00

FY2010 FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014

Operating Expense per Passenger Trip


Figure 16: Operating Expense Per Paratransit Trip

Figure 17: Operating Expense Per Vehicle Mile

Figure 18: Operating Expense Per Driver Hour

$-

$5.00

$10.00

FY2010 FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014

Operating Expense per Paratransit Trip

$-

$0.50

$1.00

$1.50

$2.00

FY2010 FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014

Operating Expense per Vehicle Mile

$-

$10.00

$20.00

$30.00

$40.00

FY2010 FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014

Operating Expense per Driver Hour


SUMMARY RESULTS OF TREND ANALYSIS

Trend analysis is a widely used aspect of transit performance evaluation. Table 12 provides a summary of the trend analysis indicating each performance measure, along with the percent change from 2010 to 2014.

Table 12: Brevard County CTC – Trend Analysis Summary (2010-2014)

Indicator/Measure Percent Change

(2010-2014)

Total Passenger Trips 18%

Total Vehicle Miles -11%

Total Revenue Miles -14%

Operating Expenses 48%

Operating Revenues 72%

Vehicle Miles per Passenger Trip -24%

Passenger Trips per TD Capita 8%

Accidents per 100,000 Miles 156%

Vehicle Miles Between Roadcalls 45%

Vehicle Miles per TD Capita -18%

Passenger Trips per Vehicle Mile 32%

Operating Expense per Passenger Trip 26%

Operating Expense per Paratransit Trip 46%

Operating Expense per Vehicle Mile 66%

Operating Expense per Driver Hour 73% Source: APR from 2010 to 2014, FCTD.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Space Coast Area Transit has assessed the existing deficiencies and unmet public transit needs for older adults, lower income individuals, and individuals with disabilities. An inventory of existing providers’ capabilities and identification of redundancies and gaps in service were also used to identify unmet needs or duplications of public transportation services.

Maps 1 through 4 depict the demographic maps that were used to complete the needs assessment, including the percent of the total population age 65 and over, households below the poverty level, individuals with a disability, and the employment density. As shown on Map 1, the larger concentrations of older adults are located in south Brevard County along the Indian River County line and northwest Brevard County along Challenger Parkway and SR 50 just south of Titusville; within the City of Melbourne along Apollo and Nasa Boulevard, Fifth Avenue, and Babcock Street South; and in Cocoa along Highway 520 and I-95. Small portions of Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach also have high concentrations of persons age 65 and over. Map 2 shows that higher percentages of households below the poverty level are located


in Mims near SR 46 and US 1, Titusville along Garden Street, Cocoa along US 1 and King Street, and Melbourne near Lipscomb Street and US 1. Map 3 presents the percentage of the population with a disability showing that higher percentages of individuals with disabilities are located in the Titusville area and north and east of US 1, Cocoa along SR 520, Melbourne along Nasa Boulevard and Apollo Boulevard, Melbourne Beach along SR A1A, and the southern portion of the county near the Indian River County line. The employment densities presented on Map 4 are highest in Titusville, Cocoa, Cape Canaveral, Palm Bay, Melbourne, and along the beaches. The concentrations of older adults, persons with a disability, and lower income households are concentrated in close proximity when they do not represent the same areas, while the higher employment densities are outside of these areas. Based on concentrations of those populations that may have potential public transit needs located further from areas of dense employment, the need for transit service may higher and trips may have longer distances than if greater employment opportunities were located closer to assessed populations. Co-locating employment may reduce some public transit service needs, but that would not eliminate the need for service in these areas, as trip needs vary and include more than employment as a purpose.

MAJOR DESTINATIONS

The major destinations in Brevard County and the proximity of those locations to the fixed-route transit system were reviewed and are presented in Table 13. As shown in the table, attractions without access to the fixed-route service include the Brevard County Service Complex in Palm Bay, Kennedy Space Center, the Port St. John Public Library, the South Mainland Public Library in Micco, and other attractions located along Melbourne Beach and Satellite Beach. The review of major destinations examined whether or not fixed-route public transportation service was operating near the locations not specifically the service levels of the existing routes. Therefore, there are major attractors in Brevard County with fixed-route transit service available, but that service may not operate on the weekend (Mims, West Cocoa, and Viera), or have limited Saturday service with no Sunday service, or have a need for improved frequencies and later evening hours to attract riders traveling to the destinations.

§̈¦I-95

OSCEOLA

ORANGE

INDIAN RIVER

KENNEDY PKWY S

46 HWY

192 HWY

US 1 H

WY N

BEACH RD

NASA CSWY

SOUTH ST

PINEDA CSWYCOLUMBIA BLVD

KING ST W

POST RD

DAI

RY

RD

AURORA RD

HO

PKIN

S AV S

SOU

TH PATR

ICK

DR

520 HWY

401 HWY

MALABAR RD SE

VALK ARIA

RD

FAY BLVD

OAK ST

BARNES BLVD

524 HWY

CAR

PEN

TER

RD

N

NASA BLVD W

BABC

OC

KS

TS

MALABAR RD

BAB

CO

CK

ST

SE

CHAL

LENG

ERM

EMO

R IAL

PKW

Y

A1A HWY

DIXIE HWY NE

OR

LAN

DO

AV S

CITRUS BLVD

CO

UR

TENAY PK

WY N

TRO

PICA

L TRL S

US 1 HWY

WICKHAM RD

BABCOCK ST

MICCO RD

GRANT RD

A1A HW

Y N

FRID

AY RD

COCOA BEACH CSWY W

MIN

TON

RD

U.S. 1 HWY

US 1 H

WY S

PLAN

TATI

ON

DR

STUCK WAY R

D

OSMOSIS DR SW

192 HWY

US1

HWY

N

A1A HWY

US 1 H

WY

M ICCO RD

192 HWY

A1A HWY

A1A HWY

GRANT RD

µ

Brevard County Population Age 65 & Older

PALM BAY RD

DAI

RY

RD

NASA B LVD W

BAB

CO

CK

ST

S

SARNO RD

FIFTH AV

DIXIE H

WY N

E

NEW HAVEN AV W

LIPS

CO

MB

ST

EBER BLVD

A1A HW

Y N

MIN

TON

RD

APOLLO

BLVD S

BAB

CO

CK

ST

WIC

KHA

M R

DM

INTO

N R

D

0 6 123Miles

Source: 2009-2013 American Community Survey, FDOT, Brevard County

TITUSVILLE

CAPE CANAVERALCOCOA

COCOA BEACH

SATELLITE BEACH

INDIAN HARBOUR BEACH

MELBOURNE

PALM BAY

WEST MELBOURNE

A t l a n t i c O c e a n

)¢

?ê

Cape Canaveral Air Station

&Kennedy

Space Center

Indian River

LegendSCAT Routes

MELBOURNE

WEST MELBOURNE

§̈¦I-95

KING ST W

US 1 H

WY N

CLEAR

LAKE R

D

520 HWY

MURRE

LLR

D

GR

ISSOM

P KWY

SR 524 HWY

KING STMERRITT AV E

CONE RD

CO

UR

TENAY PK

WY

TRO

PICA

L TRL S

FIS

KE B

LVD

COCOA

§̈¦I-95SOUTH ST

GARDEN ST

DAIRY RD

PA

RK

AVS

CARPENTERR

DN

HO

PKIN

S AV S

US 1 HWY N

US 1 HWY

BARN

A AV

46 HWY

DIXIE

AV N

FOR

D R

D

46 HWY

TITUSVILLE

Indian River

Indian River

PALM BAY

)l

)l

§̈¦I-95

OSCEOLA

)l

% Population Age 65 & Older0% - 2.15%

2.16% - 16.10%

16.11% - 30.00%

30.01% - 43.84%

43.85% - 57.74%

> 57.74%

§̈¦I-95

OSCEOLA

ORANGE

INDIAN RIVER

KENNEDY PKWY S

46 HWY

192 HWY

US 1 H

WY N

BEACH RD

NASA CSWY

SOUTH ST


KING ST W

POST RD

DAI

RY

RD

AURORA RD

HO

PKIN

S AV S

SOU

TH PATR

ICK

DR

520 HWY

401 HWY

MALABAR RD SE

VALK ARIA

RD

FAY BLVD

OAK ST

BARNES BLVD

524 HWY

CAR

PEN

TER

RD

N

NASA BLVD W

BABC

OC

KS

TS

MALABAR RD

BAB

CO

CK

ST

SE

CHAL

LENG

ERM

EMO

R IAL

PKW

Y

A1A HWY

DIXIE HWY NE

OR

LAN

DO

AV S

CITRUS BLVD

CO

UR

TENAY PK

WY N

TRO

PICA

L TRL S

US 1 HWY

WICKHAM RD

BABCOCK ST

MICCO RD

GRANT RD

A1A HW

Y N

FRID

AY RD

COCOA BEACH CSWY W

MIN

TON

RD

U.S. 1 HWY

US 1 H

WY S

PLAN

TATI

ON

DR

STUCK WAY R

D

OSMOSIS DR SW

192 HWY

US1

HWY

N

A1A HWY

US 1 H

WY

M ICCO RD

192 HWY

A1A HWY

A1A HWY

GRANT RD

µ

Brevard County Households Below Poverty

PALM BAY RD

DAI

RY

RD

NASA B LVD W

BAB

CO

CK

ST

S

SARNO RD

FIFTH AV

DIXIE H

WY N

E

NEW HAVEN AV W

LIPS

CO

MB

ST

EBER BLVD

A1A HW

Y N

MIN

TON

RD

APOLLO

BLVD S

BAB

CO

CK

ST

WIC

KHA

M R

DM

INTO

N R

D

0 6 123Miles


TITUSVILLE

CAPE CANAVERALCOCOA

COCOA BEACH

SATELLITE BEACH


MELBOURNE

PALM BAY

WEST MELBOURNE


)¢

?ê


&Kennedy

Space Center

Indian River

LegendSCAT Routes

MELBOURNE

WEST MELBOURNE

§̈¦I-95

KING ST W

US 1 H

WY N

CLEAR

LAKE R

D

520 HWY

MURRE

LLR

D

GR

ISSOM

P KWY

SR 524 HWY

KING STMERRITT AV E

CONE RD

CO

UR

TENAY PK

WY

TRO

PICA

L TRL S

FIS

KE B

LVD

COCOA

§̈¦I-95SOUTH ST

GARDEN ST

DAIRY RD

PA

RK

AVS

CARPENTERR

DN

HO

PKIN

S AV S

US 1 HWY N

US 1 HWY

BARN

A AV

46 HWY

DIXIE

AV N

FOR

D R

D

46 HWY

TITUSVILLE

Indian River

Indian River

PALM BAY

)l

)l

§̈¦I-95

OSCEOLA

)l

% Households Below Poverty0% - 8.22%

8.23% - 18.40%

18.41% - 28.58%

28.59% - 38.77%

> 38.78%

§̈¦I-95

OSCEOLA

ORANGE

INDIAN RIVER

KENNEDY PKWY S

46 HWY

192 HWY

US 1 H

WY N

BEACH RD

NASA CSWY

SOUTH ST


KING ST W

POST RD

DAI

RY

RD

AURORA RD

HO

PKIN

S AV S

SOU

TH PATR

ICK

DR

520 HWY

401 HWY

MALABAR RD SE

VALK ARIA

RD

FAY BLVD

OAK ST

BARNES BLVD

524 HWY

CAR

PEN

TER

RD

N

NASA BLVD W

BABC

OC

KS

TS

MALABAR RD

BAB

CO

CK

ST

SE

CHAL

LENG

ERM

EMO

R IAL

PKW

Y

A1A HWY

DIXIE HWY NE

OR

LAN

DO

AV S

CITRUS BLVD

CO

UR

TENAY PK

WY N

TRO

PICA

L TRL S

US 1 HWY

WICKHAM RD

BABCOCK ST

MICCO RD

GRANT RD

A1A HW

Y N

FRID

AY RD

COCOA BEACH CSWY W

MIN

TON

RD

U.S. 1 HWY

US 1 H

WY S

PLAN

TATI

ON

DR

STUCK WAY R

D

OSMOSIS DR SW

192 HWY

US1

HWY

N

A1A HWY

US 1 H

WY

M ICCO RD

192 HWY

A1A HWY

A1A HWY

GRANT RD

µ

Brevard County Population with a Disability

PALM BAY RD

DAI

RY

RD

NASA B LVD W

BAB

CO

CK

ST

S

SARNO RD

FIFTH AV

DIXIE H

WY N

E

NEW HAVEN AV W

LIPS

CO

MB

ST

EBER BLVD

A1A HW

Y N

MIN

TON

RD

APOLLO

BLVD S

BAB

CO

CK

ST

WIC

KHA

M R

DM

INTO

N R

D

0 6 123Miles


TITUSVILLE

CAPE CANAVERALCOCOA

COCOA BEACH

SATELLITE BEACH


MELBOURNE

PALM BAY

WEST MELBOURNE


)¢

?ê


&Kennedy

Space Center

Indian River

LegendSCAT Routes

MELBOURNE

WEST MELBOURNE

§̈¦I-95

KING ST W

US 1 H

WY N

CLEAR

LAKE R

D

520 HWY

MURRE

LLR

D

GR

ISSOM

P KWY

SR 524 HWY

KING STMERRITT AV E

CONE RD

CO

UR

TENAY PK

WY

TRO

PICA

L TRL S

FIS

KE B

LVD

COCOA

§̈¦I-95SOUTH ST

GARDEN ST

DAIRY RD

PA

RK

AVS

CARPENTERR

DN

HO

PKIN

S AV S

US 1 HWY N

US 1 HWY

BARN

A AV

46 HWY

DIXIE

AV N

FOR

D R

D

46 HWY

TITUSVILLE

Indian River

Indian River

PALM BAY

)l

)l

§̈¦I-95

OSCEOLA

)l

% Disabled PopulationAge 16 - 64

0% - 0.0035%

0.0036% - 8.29%

8.30% - 16.59%

16.60% - 24.88%

> 24.88%

§̈¦I-95

OSCEOLA

ORANGE

INDIAN RIVER

KENNEDY PKWY S

46 HWY

192 HWY

US 1 H

WY N

BEACH RD

NASA CSWY

SOUTH ST


KING ST W

POST RD

DAI

RY

RD

AURORA RD

HO

PKIN

S AV S

SOU

TH PATR

ICK

DR

520 HWY

401 HWY

MALABAR RD SE

VALK ARIA

RD

FAY BLVD

OAK ST

BARNES BLVD

524 HWY

CAR

PEN

TER

RD

N

NASA BLVD W

BABC

OC

KS

TS

MALABAR RD

BAB

CO

CK

ST

SE

CHAL

LENG

ERM

EMO

R IAL

PKW

Y

A1A HWY

DIXIE HWY NE

OR

LAN

DO

AV S

CITRUS BLVD

CO

UR

TENAY PK

WY N

TRO

PICA

L TRL S

US 1 HWY

WICKHAM RD

BABCOCK ST

MICCO RD

GRANT RD

A1A HW

Y N

FRID

AY RD

COCOA BEACH CSWY W

MIN

TON

RD

U.S. 1 HWY

US 1 H

WY S

PLAN

TATI

ON

DR

STUCK WAY R

D

OSMOSIS DR SW

192 HWY

US1

HWY

N

A1A HWY

US 1 H

WY

M ICCO RD

192 HWY

A1A HWY

A1A HWY

GRANT RD

µ

Brevard County Employment Density

PALM BAY RD

DAI

RY

RD

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Table 13: Major Destinations

Destinations Address City State Zip Code Fixed-Route

Service Availability

American Police Hall of Fame 6350 Horizon Dr Titusville FL 32780 Route 1 American Red Cross Space Coast

Chapter 1700 Cedar Street Rockledge FL 32955

Route 1 and 6

Astronaut Hall of Fame 6225 Vectorspace Blvd Titusville FL 32780 Route 1

Barrier Island Sanctuary 8385 Florida A1A Melbourne

Beach FL 32951 No Routes

Brevard Art Museum 1463 Highland Ave Melbourne

Beach FL 32935

Route 1 and 33

Brevard Community College Cocoa 1519 Clearlake Rd Cocoa FL 32922 Route 6 Brevard Community College

Melbourne 3865 N Wickham Rd Melbourne FL 32935

Route 1 and 28

Brevard Community College Palm Bay

250 Community College Pkwy Palm Bay FL 32909 Route 5

Brevard Community College Planetarium and Observatory

3865 N Wickham Rd Melbourne

Beach FL 32935

Route 1 and 28

Brevard Community College Titusville

1311 North US Highway 1 Titusville FL 32796 Route 2 and

5

Brevard County Government Center 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson

Way Viera FL 32940 Route 1

Brevard County Government Services Complex

2575 N Courtenay Pkwy Merritt Island FL 32953 Route 3

Brevard County Manatees Baseball Complex

5800 Stadium Parkway Viera FL 32940 Route 1

Brevard County Service Complex Palm Bay

450 Cogan Dr Palm Bay FL 32907 No Routes

Brevard County Service Complex South

1515 Sarno Rd Melbourne FL 32935 Route 1 and

24 Brevard County Service Complex

North 400 South St Titusville FL 32780

Route 1, 2, and 5

Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science

2201 Michigan Ave Cocoa FL 32926 Proximity to

Route 6

Brevard Zoo 8225 North Wickham Rd Melbourne FL 32940 Route 1 and

7

Canaveral National Seashore 212 S Washington Ave Titusville FL 32796 Route 2 and

5 Cape Canaveral Hospital 701 W Cocoa Beach Cswy Cocoa Beach FL 32931 Route 4

Cape Canaveral Public Library 201 Polk Ave Cape Canaveral FL 32920 Route 9 Central Brevard Library & Reference

Center 308 Forrest Ave Cocoa Beach FL 32922 Route 1

Cocoa Area Chamber of Commerce 400 Fortenberry Rd Merritt Island FL 32952 Route 3

Cocoa Beach City Hall 2 S Orlando Ave Cocoa Beach FL 32932 Route 9

Cocoa Beach Public Library 550 N Brevard Ave Cocoa Beach FL 32931 Route 9

Deuk Spine Institute 8043 Spyglass Hill Rd Melbourne FL 32940 Route 7

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Library 955 E University Blvd Melbourne FL 32920 Route 27




Eau Gallie Public Library 1521 Pineapple Ave Melbourne FL 32935 Route 33 Florida Historical Society/ Rossetter

House Museum 1320 Highland Ave Melbourne FL 32935

Route 1 and 33

Franklin T. DeGroodt Public Library 6475 Minton Rd SE Palm Bay FL 32909 Route 1, 22,

and 23 Heneger Center for the Performing

Arts 625 E New Haven Ave Melbourne FL 32901

Route 21 and 26

Historic Cocoa Village 1 Oleander St Cocoa FL 32922 Route 4 and

6 Holmes Regional Medical Center 1350 S. Hickory Street Melbourne FL 32901 Route 21

Kennedy Space Center FL No Routes

Liberty Bell Museum 1601 Oak St Melbourne FL 32901 Route 21 and 26

Maxwell C King Center for the Performing Arts

3865 N Wickham Rd Melbourne FL 32935 Route 1 and

28

Melbourne Beach Public Library 324 Ocean Ave Melbourne


Melbourne City Hall 900 E Strawbridge Ave Melbourne FL 32901 Route 21 and 26

Melbourne Public Library 540 E Fee Ave Melbourne FL 32901 Route 21 Melbourne/Palm Bay Area Chamber

of Commerce 1005 Strawbridge Ave Melbourne FL 32901 Route 26

Merritt Island Public Library 1195 N Courtenay Pkwy Merritt Island FL 32953 Route 3

Mims/Scottsmoor Public Library 3615 Lionel Rd Mims FL 32754 Route 5 North Brevard Children's Medical

Center 1653 Jess Parrish Ct Titusville FL 32976

Route 2 and 5

Palm Bay City Hall 120 Malabar Rd Palm Bay FL 32907 Route 1,

Route 22, Route 23

Palm Bay Public Library 1520 Port Malabar Blvd NE Palm Bay FL 32905 Route 27

Port Canaveral 445 Challenger Rd Cape Canaveral FL 32920 Route 9

Port St. John Public Library 6500 Carole Ave Port St John FL 32927 No Routes

Rockledge/Viera City hall 1600 Huntington Lane Rockledge FL 32955 Route 1 and

6 Satellite Beach Public Library 751 Jamaica Blvd Satellite Beach FL 32937 No Routes

Satellite Beach City Hall 565 Cassia Blvd Satellite Beach FL 32937 No Routes

Sebastian Inlet State Park 9700 S Hwy A1A Melbourne


South Mainland Public Library 7921 Ron Beatty Blvd Micco FL 32976 No Routes

Suntree/Viera Public Library 902 Jordan Blass Dr Melbourne FL 32940 Route 1 Titusville Area Chamber of

Commerce 2000 S Washington Ave Titusville FL 32780 Route 1

Titusville City Hall 555 S. Washington Ave Titusville FL 32796 Route 1, 2,

and 5 Titusville Public Library 2121 S Hopkins Ave Titusville FL 32780 Route 2




Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum

6600 Tico Rd Titusville FL 32780 Route 1

West Melbourne City Hall 2240 Minton Rd West

Melbourne FL 32904 Route 25

West Melbourne Public Library 2755 Wingate Blvd West

Melbourne FL 32904 Route 25

Based on the existing transit services and concentrations of targeted populations, the following needs have been identified as priority areas for increased mobility options. Needs that may be eligible activities under the Section 5310 program have also been identified as part of the needs assessment and were chosen based upon a high percentage of target populations combined with a lack of existing transportation service.

• Transportation services to “transit deserts” where there are greater numbers of target populations, including additional service within the City of Titusville and expanded transportation service to Port St. John and other surrounding areas. There is also a need for additional transit service in the south portion of the county near Micco.

• Increased frequencies and later evening hours on the fixed-route transit system.

• Transfer points for improved mobility across the north and south portions of the county and access to transportation services in the surrounding counties.

• Bus stop accessibility improvements.

• Additional agreements with municipalities for the installation and cleaning of bus shelters, benches, and pads.

• Coordinating with other volunteer organizations to expand the number of volunteers in the Volunteers in Motion program.

• Obtaining additional funding for expanding the paratransit system, the Volunteers in Motion program, and for agency vanpools to provide transportation services to clients.

BARRIERS TO COORDINATION

Space Coast Area Transit and the Space Coast TPO coordinate regularly for opportunities to address barriers to transportation coordination within Brevard County. Some of the issues and barriers to transportation and coordination within Brevard County are summarized below.

• The inability to obtain local matching funds for federal and state grants is a barrier to implementing new transportation services. Space Coast Area Transit recently returned an FDOT Service Development grant to provide a regional transit route connecting with Orange County due to the lack of a local match for the grant.

• Funding has been reduced within the draft budget and Space Coast Area Transit will be tasked with removing one bus from an existing route to operate within the budget constraints. While there are transportation needs, Space Coast Area Transit must make efficiency improvements


using the existing resources due to a lack of any additional funding for transit improvements or new services. At the same time, there is a need for additional weekend service, particularly in Mims, West Cocoa, and Viera where there is no Saturday service, the Cocoa/Rockledge route needs an additional Saturday bus, and the Route 1 (Titusville to Melbourne) operates only every two hours. Also, there are only three fixed-routes currently operating on Sunday.

• Ridership growth and overcrowding on the buses is resulting in on-time performance issues and a need to improve existing services rather than expand service to new areas. In addition, strollers, shopping bags, and bicycles have added to overcrowding issues on the buses.

• Bus stop accessibility and maintenance improvements are needed at the bus stops. Space Coast Area Transit recently completed an inventory of over 850 bus stops, with only 11 of the stops in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Space Coast Area Transit has prepared estimated costs for improvements at the stops and a five-year phased implementation plan to be used as a guide for improvements. However, based on the anticipated annual revenues and total planning-level cost estimates for improvements, Space Coast Area Transit will need to seek additional funding to improve accessibility at the existing bus stops.

• Vehicle operator retention has become an issue for Space Coast Area Transit based on the operator’s pay grades.

Public meeting participants were asked to identify what they believe are the greatest barriers to public transportation in Brevard County. The top three barriers that were identified are listed below.

1. There are transit deserts in the county where there is no public transportation available. There are only a few left, but the areas are barriers to transportation. For example, there are limited transportation services available in Titusville. The existing route has only one bus that operates on a loop route and people sometimes walk five miles to access the fixed-route. Route frequencies and span of service can also leave individuals abandoned based on the timing of their travel needs.

2. The infrastructure is inaccessible and there needs to be more bike lockers not only for passengers riding the bicycles, but also to reduce the number of bikes on the buses for other passengers on-board the bus. In addition, as FDOT works on road widening and road surfacing projects pads and sidewalks will be added to improve accessibility in Brevard County.

3. The cost of transportation is a barrier for some people. The availability of discounted weekly and monthly passes and programs to provide passes to low-income individuals is beneficial.

GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND STRATEGIES

Goals, objectives, and strategies are critical to the implementation of the TDSP. This section includes the Space Coast Area Transit long range goals, specific measureable objectives that identify actions that can be taken to achieve the goals, and strategies that will be conducted to achieve the objectives. The goals, objectives, and strategies will be reviewed annually to determine the progress towards achieving the long range goals and corresponding objectives. Some goals that are still identified as a need that were not achieved from the 2007 Major TDSP and 2012 Minor TDSP due to lack of funding have been maintained in this Major TDSP Update.


Goal 1: Secure funding necessary to meet the service needs of the Transportation Disadvantaged and improve mobility in Brevard County.

Objective 1.1: Investigate and pursue all available funding opportunities to support and expand existing transportation services.

Strategy 1.1.1: Encourage previous New Freedom subrecipients to apply for operational funds through other grant opportunities, including the Section 5310 competitive grant application process for the provision of transportation for elderly persons and persons with disabilities.

Strategy 1.1.2: Identify funds to support later evening services that were previously funded through the JARC program to maintain the current levels of service.

Strategy 1.1.3: Work with local agencies to continue to receive sufficient funding to provide agency trips.

Strategy 1.1.4: Identify local funding options, including but not limited to the 9th Cent Gas Tax.

Objective 1.2: Continue to pursue local public and private funding to provide operating assistance for the fixed-route and paratransit programs.

Strategy 1.2.1: Develop and meet annually with a core group of transit advocates including elected officials, community advocates, agency heads, education leaders, and business leaders from the Economic Development Council of Florida’s Space Coast, Florida’s Space Coast Office of Tourism, and the Space Coast Economic Development Commission to discuss and identify future funding opportunities for transit.

Strategy 1.2.2: Educate the general public and local decision makers on the importance of public transportation and the need for local financial support.

Strategy 1.2.3: Identify and accommodate opportunities for private sector participation and public/private partnerships in funding the public transportation system.

Strategy 1.2.4: Continue marketing efforts to demonstrate Space Coast Area Transit’s ability to leverage local funds

Strategy 1.2.5: Coordinate with the Space Coast TPO for the use of transit planning funds to support and improve transportation services for the Transportation Disadvantaged.

Objective 1.3: Pursue matching funds for the operation of regional transit service to connect with other transit agencies and facilitate cross county travel.

Strategy 1.3.1: Meet with public transportation providers in other counties, including LYNX (Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties), Votran (Volusia County), and GoLine (Indian River County) to identify any opportunities for coordinating and funding regional transit services.


Objective 1.4: Continue to coordinate and obtain the necessary funding from the CTD, FDOT, and FTA for the provision of ADA and TD transportation services.

Strategy 1.4.1: Attend opportunities to advocate and encourage support for the TD population and transportation services.

Strategy 1.4.2: Continue to successfully complete reporting requirements by submitting an annual TDSP update, Annual Operating Report, and quarterly planning grant progress reports.

Strategy 1.4.3: Continue to comply with all state and federal reporting and compliance monitoring requirements for grant recipients.

Goal 2: Implement a fully coordinated transportation system integrated with other transportation modes and Brevard County’s Complete Streets principles.

Objective 2.1: Maximize coordination with public and private agencies and other transportation operators in Brevard County.

Strategy 2.1.1: Maintain existing coordination contracts and execute new ones, where feasible, needed, and cost-effective.

Strategy 2.1.2: Continue to support the Volunteers in Motion program and explore opportunities for expansion of the program through partnerships with Brevard County volunteer programs.

Strategy 2.1.3: Participate in coordination activities where information can be distributed to potential partners and customers.

Objective 2.2: Communicate and coordinate with other counties to promote ride-sharing practices and transportation arrangements.

Strategy 1.3.2: Meet annually with public transportation providers in other counties, including LYNX (Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties), Votran (Volusia County), and GoLine (Indian River County) to identify any opportunities for ride-sharing.

Objective 2.3: Encourage the connections between transit, land use, and Complete Streets principles through coordination with the TPO, Brevard County, and municipalities in the growth management process including comprehensive plans, land use codes, corridor studies, and site review of development

Strategy 2.3.1: Continue to coordinate with cities in the county, including existing cities with agreements for bus benches and shelters and the provision of transit service.

Strategy 2.3.2: Continue to coordinate with EFSC for the placement of shelters and service for students.

Strategy 2.3.3: Meet with non-contracted cities to discuss opportunities to develop agreements for bus shelters, benches, and transit service.


Goal 3: Enhance citizen mobility by increasing availability of public transportation service to the county’s citizens.

Objective 3.1: Ensure that the fixed-route, vanpools, and paratransit systems continue to remain responsive to the needs of the transportation disadvantaged.

Strategy 3.1.1: Continue pursuing funding for the expansion of evening and weekend fixed-route service.

Strategy 3.1.2: Provide connectivity throughout the county with a focus on major attractors.

Strategy 3.1.3: Establish express bus service along major corridors for increased frequencies.

Strategy 3.1.4: Continue pursuing funding for the expansion of fixed-route service to reduce transit deserts in Brevard County, including areas such as Port St. John.

Objective 3.2: Continue maximizing use of the fixed-route bus service for the transportation disadvantaged.

Strategy 3.2.1: Ensure new bus stops are accessible to persons with disabilities and meet Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) compliance requirements.

Strategy 3.2.2: Annually implement phased improvements that were established as part of the Space Coast Area Transit ADA bus stop assessment completed in 2015.

Strategy 3.2.3: Provide fixed-route travel training for transportation disadvantaged patrons wanting to make use of the fixed-route services.

Strategy 3.2.4: Install bus shelters and benches at appropriate locations, when feasible and agreements are in place with the municipalities.

Strategy 3.2.5: Conduct a comprehensive operational analysis to identify efficient transfer points that may enable transportation disadvantaged passengers using the fixed-route service.

Objective 3.3: Implement increased paratransit service.

Strategy 3.3.1: Reduce the number of paratransit cancellations and no-shows.

Strategy 3.3.2: Develop and adhere to a vehicle acquisition and replacement plan to ensure that the needed capacity is available.

Strategy 3.3.3: Provide patrons with alternate trip travel times that may better accommodate their needs due to the availability of extra capacity on specific days with fewer trip reservations.

Strategy 3.3.4: Coordinate with the Volunteers in Motion program to transport regular passengers that have occasional trip requests beyond the ¾-mile ADA boundary.


Strategy 3.3.5: Recruit new volunteers for the Volunteers in Motion program to help absorb agency trips that have migrated to the paratransit system

Objective 3.4: Reduce the duplication of TD services provided within the county

Strategy 3.4.1: Continue to explore multi-loading opportunities such as group trips to major attractors.

Goal 4: Improve the rider experience and responsibility.

Objective 4.1: Monitor service quality and maintain minimum standards.

Strategy 4.1.1: Meet or exceed 90 percent on-time performance goal for both paratransit and fixed-route service.

Strategy 4.1.2: Track and improve call hold time to meet or exceed the 95 percent goal for answering calls within three rings with hold times of less than two minutes, when new phone system is procured.

Strategy 4.1.3: Complete staff training on ADA practices and procedures to include training on compliance with the revised Department of Transportation ADA Reasonable Modification of Policies and Practices guidelines.

Strategy 4.1.4: Acquire new paratransit software to assist with the required paratransit five minute warning or notification of arrival phone calls.

Strategy 4.1.5: Continue the employee input process to include vehicle operators in procurement and service decisions to increase productivity

Objective 4.2: Maximize customer comfort and safety.

Strategy 4.2.1: Implement an identification card program for older adults to streamline the fare collection process.

Strategy 4.2.3: Maximize availability of service information and ensure that material is available in accessible formats, including print, radio, and video media.

Strategy 4.2.4: Acquire new and upgraded vehicles and Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) equipment, as funding permits.

Strategy 4.2.5: Maintain experienced and trained staff needed to operate, maintain, and administer all coordinated system functions.

Strategy 4.2.6: Conduct periodic surveys with passengers to ensure that fixed-route and paratransit services are meeting the needs of the Transportation Disadvantaged community, where feasible and when funding is available to expand services to meet those needs.


Objective 4.3: Increase customer responsibility awareness.

Strategy 4.3.1: Develop and distribute a “How to Ride Guide” for the paratransit system.

Goal 5: Ensure program accountability and continued planning efforts for the Transportation Disadvantaged individuals.

Objective 5.1: Adhere to the policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of the CTD, FDOT, State of Florida, FTA, and Brevard County.

Strategy 5.1.1: Maintain and update the Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan that also serves as the coordinated plan for Brevard County, as required by the FCTD and FTA

Strategy 5.1.2: Collect and compile the data necessary for the evaluation of transportation disadvantaged service. This data will be reported in the AOR, National Transit Database (NTD), and the annual CTC evaluation

Strategy 5.1.3: Continue to provide updates and review performance reports at the TDLCB meetings.

Strategy 5.1.4: Continue to ensure that the fixed-route service is in compliance with ADA regulations and requirements.

IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE

The Implementation Plan presented in this section is derived from the goals, objectives, and strategies and has been developed to assist with achieving the long range goals. Similar to the goals, objectives, and strategies, the implementation schedule will be reviewed and updated on an annual basis to assess progress in accomplishing. Table 14 presents the strategies, responsible party(ies) for accomplishment, the anticipated beginning and ending date, and any known costs associated with the Implementation Plan.

Table 14: Implementation Plan

Strategies Responsible Party(ies)

Timeframe Potential Cost

Encourage previous New Freedom subrecipients to apply for operational funds through other grant opportunities, including the Section 5310 competitive grant application process, for the provision of transportation for elderly persons and persons with disabilities.

Space Coast Area Transit, FDOT,

Service Providers

Ongoing 2016

forward

Varies

Identify funds to support later evening services that were previously funded through the JARC program to maintain the current levels of service.


2016

Work with local agencies to continue to receive sufficient funding to provide agency trips

Space Coast Area Transit, Human

Services Agencies

Ongoing 2016-2020

Varies




Develop and meet twice annually with a core group of transit advocates including elected officials, community advocates, agency heads, education leaders, and business leaders from the Economic Development Council of Florida’s Space Coast, Florida’s Space Coast Office of Tourism, and the Space Coast Economic Development Commission to discuss and identify future funding opportunities for transit.


Ongoing Not Applicable

(N/A)

Educate the general public and local decision makers on the importance of public transportation and the need for local financial support.


Ongoing $15,000 annually

Identify and accommodate opportunities for private sector participation and public/private partnerships in funding the public transportation system.


Ongoing Varies

Continue marketing efforts to demonstrate Space Coast Area Transit’s ability to leverage local funds



Coordinate with the Space Coast TPO for the use of transit planning funds to support and improve transportation services for the Transportation Disadvantaged.


Ongoing Varies

Continue attending TD Day to advocate and encourage support for the TD population and transportation services.

Space Coast Area Transit, TDLCB


Continue to successfully complete reporting requirements by submitting an annual TDSP update, Annual Operating Report, and quarterly planning grant progress reports.


2016 N/A

Continue to comply with all state and federal reporting and compliance monitoring requirements for grant recipients.


Ongoing N/A

Maintain existing coordination contracts and execute new ones, where feasible, needed, and cost-effective.


Ongoing N/A

Continue to support the Volunteers in Motion program and explore opportunities for expansion of the program through partnerships with Brevard County volunteer programs.



Participate in coordination activities where information can be distributed to potential partners and customers.


Ongoing N/A

Meet annually with public transportation providers in other counties, including LYNX (Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties), Votran (Volusia County), and GoLine (Indian River County) to identify any opportunities for ride-sharing and funding for regional transit service.


Ongoing N/A

Continue to coordinate with cities in the county, including existing cities with agreements for bus benches and shelters and the provision of transit service.

Space Coast Area Transit, Brevard

County, TPO

Ongoing N/A

Continue to coordinate with EFSC for the placement of shelters and service for students.


Ongoing N/A

Meet with non-contracted cities to discuss opportunities to develop agreements for bus shelters, benches, and transit service.


County, TPO

2016 N/A




Continue pursuing funding for the expansion of evening and weekend fixed-route service.


2016 Varies

Provide connectivity throughout the county with a focus on major attractors.


2020 Varies

Establish express bus service along major corridors for increased frequencies.


2020 $300,000 per route

Ensure new bus stops are accessible to persons with disabilities and meet ADAAG compliance requirements.


Ongoing Varies

Annually implement phased improvements that were established as part of the Space Coast Area Transit ADA bus stop assessment completed in 2015.


2016-2020 $150,000 Annually

Provide fixed-route travel training for transportation disadvantaged patrons wanting to make use of the fixed-route services.


2016 Varies

Install bus shelters and benches at appropriate locations, when feasible and agreements are in place with the municipalities.


2016-2020 1% of 5307

funding Conduct a comprehensive operational analysis to identify efficient transfer points that may enable transportation disadvantaged passengers using the fixed-route service.


2016 $150,000

Reduce the number of paratransit cancellations and no-shows. Space Coast Area Transit

Ongoing Cost Reduction Potential

Develop and adhere to a vehicle acquisition and replacement plan to ensure that the needed capacity is available.


2016-2020 Varies

Provide patrons with alternate trip travel times that may better accommodate their needs due to the availability of extra capacity on specific days with fewer trip reservations.


Ongoing N/A

Coordinate with the Volunteers in Motion program to transport regular passengers that have occasional trip requests beyond the ¾-mile ADA boundary.


2016-Ongoing

Varies

Recruit new volunteers for the Volunteers in Motion program to help absorb agency trips that have migrated to the paratransit system


2016-Ongoing

N/A

Continue to explore multi-loading opportunities such as group trips to major attractors.


Ongoing Varies

Meet or exceed 90 percent on-time performance goal for both paratransit and fixed-route service.


Ongoing N/A

Track and improve call hold time to meet or exceed the 95 percent goal for answering calls within three rings with hold times of less than two minutes.


Ongoing N/A

Complete staff training on ADA practices and procedures to include training on compliance with the revised Department of Transportation ADA Reasonable Modification of Policies and Practices guidelines.


2015 $10,000

Acquire new paratransit software to assist with the required paratransit five minute warning or notification of arrival phone calls.


2016/2017 $500,000

Continue the employee input process to include vehicle operators in procurement and service decisions to increase productivity


Ongoing N/A




Implement an identification card program for older adults to streamline the fare collection process.


2016 $25,000

Maximize availability of service information and ensure that material is available in accessible formats, including print, radio, and video media.


Ongoing $20,000

Acquire new and upgraded vehicles and Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) equipment, as funding permits.


2017 Varies

Maintain experienced and trained staff needed to operate, maintain, and administer all coordinated system functions.


County

2015-Ongoing

N/A

Conduct periodic surveys with passengers to ensure that fixed-route and paratransit services are meeting the needs of the Transportation Disadvantaged community, where feasible and when funding is available to expand services to meet those needs.


2016, 2019 $15,000

Develop and distribute a “How to Ride Guide” for the paratransit system. Space Coast Area Transit

2016 $15,000

Maintain and update the Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan that also serves as the coordinated plan for Brevard County, as required by the FCTD and FTA

Space Coast Area Transit, TDLCB

Ongoing $26,000 for major updates

Collect and compile the data necessary for the evaluation of transportation disadvantaged service. This data will be reported in the AOR, NTD, and the annual CTC evaluation.


Ongoing N/A

Continue to provide updates and review performance reports at the TDLCB meetings.


Ongoing – Quarterly

N/A

Continue to ensure that the fixed-route service is in compliance with ADA regulations and requirements.


Ongoing N/A

It is important to note that while some of these activities may be undertaken by staff and therefore not have a cost associated with performing the activity, Space Coast Area Transit staff perform multiple functions and may not have the capacity to add additional activities. Additional staff that would have an associated cost might be necessary to complete many of the recommended coordination and reporting functions identified or these activities may require outsourcing. Also, the TDLCB has committed to representing and being advocates for the transportation disadvantaged and consistent with such advocacy has initiated discussions regarding a resolution supporting additional funding for transit services to assist TD populations with transportation access.

Space Coast Area Transit Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan| Section 2: Service Plan 42

SECTION 2: SERVICE PLAN

This section of the TDSP addresses the operational elements of how, when, and what services are available to TD eligible persons and the manner by which to utilize. Although services are subject to change, the information contained in this section is based on services currently in operation and policies and procedures that guide service delivery.

OPERATIONS ELEMENT

The federal DOT revised its rules under the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, specifically to provide that transportation entities are required to make reasonable modifications/accommodations to policies, practices, and procedures to avoid discrimination and ensure that their programs are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Revisions that will affect paratransit service for ADA eligible passengers and the overall paratransit program, include:

• Provisions must be provided to those passengers who need assistance beyond the curb in order to use the paratransit service; therefore, the service will no longer be referred to as curb-to-curb, but rather origin-to-destination.

• The method for filing an ADA complaint will be advertised sufficiently, including posting the procedures on the Space Coast Area Transit website. The Customer Service Supervisor will be the designated contact person.

• Operators will now need to coordinate pickup locations with their passengers when there are multiple entrances at the location rather than designating one entrance as the pickup location.

• If the occupied weight of a mobility device and the passenger, exceed the design weight load of the vehicle lift/ramp, passengers will now be permitted to board the fixed route bus separately from the wheelchair device.

• The new standard will be for operators to open building doors for passengers, if needed.

• Operators will now have to assist passengers with navigating an incline or around obstacles located between the bus and the door.

• Space Coast Area Transit will provide manual calls to passengers with a five minute warning notification of vehicle arrival. This process will occur until the new paratransit software program is available to robotically conduct the phone calls.

The revised DOT rules under the ADA and Section 504 have been incorporated into this Service Plan.

TYPES, HOURS, AND DAYS OF SERVICE

The Brevard County CTC, Space Coast Area Transit, coordinates transportation services that include ambulatory and non-ambulatory, origin-to-destination paratransit services, agency and general vanpool service, as well as subscription trips, contracted routes, and fixed-route transit service. The paratransit service requires an advance reservation and is a non-emergency transportation system serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, children at-risk, and other transportation disadvantaged persons.


FIXED-ROUTE TRANSIT

The fixed-route transit service is available to the general public and operates Monday through Sunday; however, Saturday and Sunday services are limited. The fixed-route service does not currently operate on New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

The fixed-route service focuses on the urbanized area east of I-95 in the county. The full fare for fixed-route bus service is $1.50 and $0.75 cents for half-fare riders. Those eligible for Reduced Fare include seniors (60+), disabled, veterans, and students. Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) Students ride for free with a valid EFSC Student ID. Medicare cards are accepted as proof for reduced fare. There is no charge for children under the age of five (5), or for transfers. Space Coast Area Transit also offers 10 ride passes for $12.00 to full fare riders and $6.00 for half fare riders. Monthly passes are also available at $42.00 full fare riders and $21.00 for half fare riders. Melbourne residents can ride Routes 1, 21, and 24 for free, because of a grant obtained by the city. Dial-A-Bus service is $2.50 for regular full fare riders and $1.25 for half fare riders.

Table 15 identifies the current span of service for the fixed-route transit routes.

PARATRANSIT SERVICE

The ADA paratransit service operates the same days and hours as the fixed-route system within a ¾-mile buffer around each route as shown in Map 5. Individuals living within ¾-mile of a fixed-route and are unable to access or use the fixed-route can apply for certification under the ADA. Eligibility is conferred to persons with disabilities who are able to demonstrate that they are unable to use Space Coast Area Transit fixed-routes due to the nature and extent of their disability or because the fixed-route bus service is not fully accessible. The ADA Paratransit service is only for pickups and destinations with ¾-mile of a Space Coast Area Transit fixed-route.

Currently, individuals who would like to become certified as eligible to receive ADA complementary paratransit service must first contact Space Coast Area Transit. Space Coast Area Transit customer service personnel handle the initial telephone contact. A detailed application is sent to each interested individual along with a description of ADA eligibility and services. Every applicant is required to provide, along with the ADA application, permission for Space Coast Area Transit to contact a qualified professional familiar with the applicant’s disability. Space Coast Area Transit personnel then review each application to determine if the individual should be certified as ADA-eligible because the nature or extent of their disability prevents them from using Space Coast Area Transit fixed-route bus services. Applicants are notified in writing within three weeks of the receipt of their application regarding the outcome of the eligibility determination process. All persons who are denied ADA-eligibility have the right to appeal the decision and are provided with information regarding Space Coast Area Transit’s ADA eligibility appeal process. Space Coast Area Transit repeats the certification process every three years.

The fare for ADA-paratransit service cannot be more than twice the amount of the regular bus fare and is currently $3.00, with a reduced fare of $1.50. Those eligible for a reduced fare include seniors (60+),


transportation disadvantaged, veterans and students. The ADA paratransit service can be used for any purpose. Because such door-to-door service is expensive to operate, Space Coast Area Transit has been working on various efforts to encourage ADA-eligible patrons to use the fixed-route system to the extent practical. This approach can save Space Coast Area Transit money in the long run; however, anytime Space Coast Area Transit extends a fixed-route or expands service with new fixed-routes, it must provide complementary ADA paratransit service. Because of the unique nature of Space Coast Area Transit’s

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Table 15: Fixed-route Span of Service

Route # Description Monday-Friday Saturday Sunday Frequency

Route 1 Melbourne/Titusville Connector

5:10am-8:30pm 7:20am-6:30pm N/A 60 Min (Mon.-Fri.)/ 60/120/180 Min. (Sat.)

Route 2 Titusville 6:14am-7:55pm 8:23am-5:55pm N/A 60 Min. (Mon.-Fri.)/ 60 Min./120 Min. Mid-Day(Sat.)

Route 3 Merritt Island 7:49am-6:02pm 8:16am-5:02pm N/A 60 Min. (Mon.-Fri.)/ 60 Min./120 Min. Mid-Day (Sat.)

Route 4 520 Connector 5:50am-11:35pm 5:50 am-11:35pm 8:00am-5:55pm 30 Min./60 Min. Evening (Mon.-Sat.)/ 60 Min. (Sun.)

Route 5 Mims/Titusville 8:00am-4:55pm N/A N/A 60 Min./180 Min. Mid-Day

Route 6 Cocoa/Rockledge 5:45am-8:12pm 7:15am-6:10pm N/A 30/60 Min Evening (Mon-Fri.)/ 60 Min. (Sat.)

Route 7 Rockledge/ Viera 7:27am-5:51pm N/A N/A 60 Min. (Mon.-Fri.)

Route 8 West Cocoa 6:45am-5:40pm N/A N/A 90-240 Min

Route 9 Beach Trolley 6:00am-11:13pm 6:00am-11:13pm 7:45am-5:40pm 30/60 Min Evening (Mon-Sat.)/ 60 Min./120 Min. Mid-Day (Sun.)

Route 21 Downtown Melbourne 7:15am-8:19pm 7:15am-6:19pm 10:00am-3:03pm 30 Min./60 Min. Evening (Mon.-Fri.)/ 60 Min./120 Min. Mid-Day (Sat.)/ 60 Min. (Sun.)

Route 22 South Palm Bay 7:05am-8:30pm 7:35am-5:30pm N/A 60 Min. (Mon-Fri.)/ 60 Min./120 Min. Mid-Day (Sat.)

Route 23 West Palm Bay 6:05am-8:30pm 7:35am-5:30pm N/A 60 Min. (Mon-Fri.)/ 60 Min./120 Min. Mid-Day (Sat.)

Route 24 Melbourne 6:55am-8:50pm 7:55am-5:50pm N/A 60 Min. (Mon-Fri.)/ 60 Min./120 Min. Mid-Day (Sat.)

Route 25 Palm Bay Connector 6:07am-8:50pm 8:07am-6:07pm N/A 60 Min. (Mon-Fri.)/ 60 Min./120 Min. Mid-Day (Sat.)

Route 26 South Beach 7:00am-7:52pm 8:00am-6:05pm N/A 120/180 Min. (Mon.-Fri.)/ 120/180 Min. (Sat)

Route 27 East Palm Bay 6:35am-8:30pm 7:35am-5:30pm N/A 60 Min. (Mon-Fri.)/ 60 Min./120 Min. Mid-Day (Sat.)


Route 28 North Melbourne 6:55am-8:50pm 7:55am-5:50pm N/A 60 Min. (Mon-Fri.)/ 60 Min./120 Min. Mid-Day (Sat.)

Route 32 South Mainland Dial-A-Bus (Viera Complex to Sebastian Super Wal-Mart)

8:00am-4:00pm (Mon, Tues, Friday)

N/A N/A Call before 2pm the day before your trip for home pickup

Route 33 Eau Gallie Arts District 10:30am-2:20pm N/A N/A Two AM trips and One PM trip


service design, all modes of public transportation in Brevard County explicitly serve the transportation disadvantaged population.

The TD paratransit service is available county-wide. The TD non-sponsored trips are general purpose trips that are not subsidized by a governmental or social service agency. Individuals must be certified as TD-eligible to receive these trips. Thus, the service is available to persons who, because of physical or mental disability, income status, age, or for other reasons, are unable to transport themselves or purchase transportation. TD transportation is generally provided Monday through Friday from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. However, some group work trips are provided on a regular basis after hours to specific employment sites and TD dialysis trips are offered on Saturdays. In addition, at least one Space Coast Area Transit lead operator is on-call each night to provide additional after hour trips, as needed.

The State of Florida TD Trust Fund subsidizes non-sponsored trips. TD clients pay $3.00 per one-way trip ($1.50 for senior citizens (60+), persons with disabilities, veterans, and students). The remainder of the trip costs is paid by the TD Trust Fund (TDTF) according to a base plus mileage formula. Because the demand for TD non-sponsored, general purpose transportation service is greater than the funds available, a set of trip priorities has been established. The current trip priorities for TD non-sponsored trips are listed below and monitored through the Space Coast Area Transit’s Passenger Management System, internal review in customer service, and through reporting to the LCB.

• Medical appointments - 55 percent of trips

• Food shopping - 5 percent of trips

• Employment - 20 percent of trips

• Other - 20 percent of trips

In addition to the trip purpose priorities established through the Passenger Management System, TD eligibility was established through customer self-certification. The TD eligibility process has been reviewed by Space Coast Area Transit staff and the LCB to determine if a formal eligibility process is needed. The LCB voted not to impose a formal eligibility certification process following the conclusion of the last review and to continue accepting customer self-certification. Space Coast Area Transit has also collected information pertaining to passengers’ ages, disabilities, and income levels as part of the normal telephone reservation process for further review. The self-certification process for TD non-sponsored trip eligibility determination has continued and will be further reviewed based on the LCB recommendations and/or if required by the FCTD. In addition, as funds become more restrictive this process could be further reviewed to determine a formal eligibility process.

TD trip cancellations may be made by calling the same telephone number that is used to make a trip reservation. Cancellations are handled by Space Coast Area Transit reservationists during normal office hours. TD customers may provide notice of a cancellation after hours by leaving a recorded telephone message for Space Coast Area Transit staff. Cancellations received at least 24 hours before the scheduled pick-up time are reflected on the TD customer’s service record as a cancellation; however, the accumulation of cancellations does not result in the suspension of service. A TD customer’s request for


cancellation of a scheduled trip is considered a passenger no-show if the cancellation is not received at least 24 hours before the scheduled pick-up time. Space Coast Area Transit has established and implemented a no-show policy for TD transportation that is presented in Appendix C. TD customers who accumulate more than three no-shows in six months may have their paratransit privileges suspended, at the sole discretion of the CTC. As outlined in the Brevard County Local Coordinating Board for Transportation Disadvantaged Services Cancellation and No-Show Policy, the following steps may be taken by the CTC and/or contract operators in response to passenger no-shows:

• One (1) No-Show: Attach door hanger, stating missed ride appointment to trip recipient’s door. Mail out policy reminder form to TD Client.

• Two (2) No-Shows: Attach door hanger stating missed ride appointment to trip recipient’s door. Mail out policy reminder form to TD client. The transportation operator may follow-up with a phone call four (4) days after mail-out. The purpose of the call would be to discuss reason(s) for the no-show and possible preventative actions.

• Three (3) No-Shows: Attach door hanger to trip recipient’s front door stating missed ride appointment. Mail out policy reminder form to TD client. The transportation operator must follow-up with a phone call four (4) days after mail out to discuss reason(s) for no-show and possible preventative actions. The transportation operator must notify the CTC of the third no show. The CTC may direct further action such as:

1. Referral to sponsoring agency or Family & Children Services for review. 2. Further action as determined appropriate by the CTC including permanent suspension of

paratransit privileges. TD customers who are utilizing paratransit service for life-sustaining medical purposes will not be suspended for passenger no-shows, as the loss of transportation could be life-threatening. However, Space Coast Area Transit will work closely with these individuals to reduce the number of cancellations and no-shows.

VOLUNTEERS IN MOTION PROGRAM

The Volunteers in Motion program began in 1996 in an effort to provide reliable transportation to Brevard County’s elderly citizens who are unable to use Space Coast Area Transit’s fixed-route system. The program is coordinated by Space Coast Area Transit, the Senior Resource Alliance, and Aging Matters. Volunteers in Motion transportation services are provided by 26 volunteers serving 703 clients per year. Even with the volunteers donating 5,400 hours annually, the demand for transportation trips through this service cannot be met. The Volunteers in Motion program not only provides transportation to and from grocery stores, but also assist passengers with shopping and unpacking groceries in their homes. Volunteer assistance is used in all aspects of the program including dispatchers, schedulers, drivers, and escorts. This innovative, volunteer-provided service is absorbing trips that would otherwise have to be provided through the paratransit service; therefore, helping to reduce the local operating cost of the paratransit service and creating additional paratransit trip capacity in Brevard County.


VANPOOL PROGRAM

Space Coast Area Transit also contracts with vRide to provide one of the largest vanpool programs in the nation. The vans are purchased by the County Commission with federal capital grants and leased to commuters and social service agencies. The fees charged for the vanpools cover maintenance, insurance, and administration. Commuters participating in the program sometimes meet at one of three centralized Park & Ride lots. Forty-seven commuter vans are operated daily, with the two largest destinations being the Space Center and the Veterans Administration clinic.

Through the vanpool program, human services agencies without the resources available to operate and maintain vehicles are able to provide transportation services to transportation disadvantaged clients. Forty-two agency vans are operated by agencies including the Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation, Senior Care of Brevard, Space Coast Center for Independent Living, and 18 other agencies. These human services agencies are leasing vans for $685 per month, including insurance and maintenance making the vanpool program a more affordable option for providing transportation service to clients.

ACCESSING SERVICES

Persons eligible to use the paratransit service may make a reservation from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Reservations are made on a first come, first serve basis. Paratransit trips that are ADA-eligible should be scheduled at least 24 hours prior, but can be scheduled up to 14 days in advance of the trip. Paratransit trips that are TD-eligible should be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance, but can be scheduled up to one week in advance of the requested trip. Trips may be scheduled by calling Space Coast Area Transit at (321) 633-1878 and asking for a Paratransit Representative. All ADA-eligible South Mainland residents should call (321) 952-4672. Trips that occur on a regular basis do not need to be reserved each time. Subscription or standing order trips are trips made to the same destination three or more times per week (i.e., dialysis). Customers are required to have all necessary information available regarding their requested trip, i.e., addresses, appointment times, duration of appointment when scheduling service.

Space Coast Area Transit provides after hour communications by operating a 24 hour cancellation line with a voicemail box and a separate after hours line with a voicemail box that is activated after 7:30 p.m. on weekdays.

Space Coast Area Transit’s current reservation software is Trapeze. The program prevents duplications of a reservation by alerting the Customer Service Representative with a pop-up window when a duplicate trip is trying to be scheduled. As Space Coast Area Transit moves forward with technological improvements accessing services will provide additional alternatives such as call warnings for vehicle arrival and potential on-line application options.

TRANSPORTATION OPERATORS AND COORDINATION CONTRACTORS

Brevard County is a partial brokerage system, contracting with two transportation operators (VRIDE, Inc. and Brevard County School Board) and two coordination contract agencies (Brevard Alzheimer’s


Foundation and Space Coast Center for Independent Living). The coordination contract agencies provide their own transportation for their clients using vehicles purchased through the former New Freedom program and complementing the coordinated system. Agencies that purchase service from Space Coast Area Transit include Agency for Persons with Disabilities and Aging Matters.

Space Coast Area Transit’s bus fleet serves several not-for-profit agencies with contracted, demand/response service. The agencies that Space Coast Area Transit serves include Brevard Achievement Center, Bridges BTC, INC., Easter Seals and Seniors at Lunch. The agencies work with Space Coast Area Transit to transport agency customers to designated centers in the morning and return the customers in the afternoon. The typical service day consists of picking up passengers at their homes and transporting them to the agency facilities between 6:30 am and 9:00 am. In the afternoon, the bus reverses the route, returning clients to their homes, generally between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm. Some buses also provide trips to meal sites from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. The costs are negotiated through a contract process. Other residents of the County may use this service on a seat available basis for $1.50 per one-way trip; seniors and persons with disabilities are charged $0.75.

PUBLIC TRANSIT UTILIZATION

Persons who are transportation disadvantaged also may use the fixed routes operated by Space Coast Area Transit. Although use of the fixed-route is always encouraged among the TD Population in Brevard County, the limited days and hours of service, as well as limited geographic coverage, prohibit the use of the fixed-route system for all TD trips. Many of the fixed route service riders are TD eligible and one of Space Coast Area Transit’s goals is to meet as many TD trips as possible through its fixed-route transit system. Fixed-route utilization maximizes area investment and reduces overall costs of services as compared to increase usage of the paratransit system.

SCHOOL BUS UTILIZATION

Space Coast Area Transit and the Brevard County School District coordinate and provide group trips for youth activities during the summer months and as necessary for emergency transportation.

VEHICLE INVENTORY

The Space Coast Area Transit fixed-route and paratransit services are provided with a fleet of 24 fixed-route buses and 92 paratransit vans, according to the 2013 National Transit Database. The vehicle inventories for Space Coast Area Transit are presented in Appendix D.

SYSTEM SAFETY PROGRAM PLAN CERTIFICATION

The MOA between the CTC and the FCTD requires the CTC to develop and implement a System Safety Program Plan (SSPP). Space Coast Area Transit has an approved SSPP that was developed in compliance with Chapter 14-90, FAC, Equipment and Operational Safety Standards and Governing Public-Sector Bus Transit Systems. The SSPP certification for the Space Coast Area Transit biennial review completed in October 2014 is presented in Appendix E. The review determined that Space Coast Area Transit was in


compliance with Chapter 14-90, FAC with recommendations for updates to policies and references associated with event investigation, operating requirements, and vehicle equipment standards.

INTER-COUNTY SERVICES

Currently, Space Coast Area Transit does not have any formal agreements with other CTCs to provide inter-county TD transportation services. Since the public has indicated interest in accessing locations outside of the County, such as: UCF, Orlando International Airport, and the Veterans Hospital in Lake Nona, discussion are being pursued to develop coordination for future inter-county service. Funding was secured from the FDOT for inter-county service to UCF, but the local match could not be secured to implement service. Review of potential funding and service options will continue in an effort to meet the need for inter-county service.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE

In addition to coordinating public transportation in Brevard County, Space Coast Area Transit is the designated coordinator of Emergency Service Function (ESF) #1. This role encompasses the coordination of all phases of emergency preparedness transportation. Space Coast Area Transit has developed a coordination manual that details steps to be taken during all phases of a natural disaster and/or emergency. In the role of ESF #1 coordinator, Space Coast Area Transit works closely with other emergency support functions like public works, law enforcement, the Red Cross, School Board, and Health Department to provide for safe and efficient evacuation of Brevard County residents. Space Coast Area Transit also has a detailed plan in place for hurricanes and other natural and/or man-made disasters. This plan has successfully been used to carry out evacuations during several hurricanes and wildfire emergencies. Space Coast Area Transit encourages residents with special needs to pre-register with the Emergency Management Office at 321-637-6670 to ensure that the highest quality of emergency service is possible when it is needed. Transportation services are provided round trip during declared emergencies and Space Coast Area Transit provides approximate arrival times to all municipalities and county pick-up locations. In addition, Space Coast Area Transit staff participate in Brevard County Emergency Management outreach activities as appropriate to let the public know they provide transportation during designated emergencies. Participation in these outreach activities also provides another opportunity for marketing Space Coast Area Transit’s regular services and informing the public that they are a part of the community.

EDUCATIONAL EFFORTS AND MARKETING

Space Coast Area Transit has successfully completed a number of media and public relations campaigns designed to increase awareness and use of public transportation available in Brevard County including paratransit, fixed-route bus, and vanpool. In October of 2010, Space Coast Area Transit received four first-place marketing awards and was awarded best of show for their social media marketing efforts at the 36th Florida Public Transportation Association (FPTA) Annual Conference. The awards for marketing included signage and a cable television commercial that was funded by FDOT to increase transit ridership on the congested 520 and A1A corridors. Using a play on words, the campaign featured a medieval “knight” to


promote “night service” on the two routes serving the 520 and A1A corridors, Route 4—520 Connector and Route 9—Beach Trolley. Awards were also won for the campaign honoring the ten-millionth transit rider, effective communication through the social media marketing campaign, and the development of a Bus-4-Life application.

A majority of the marketing campaigns have focused on educating the public about fixed-route bus service in Brevard County and providing incentives to encourage use of Space Coast Area Transit buses. Space Coast Area Transit also makes available a master book of standardized maps and routes, providing detailed information about each Space Coast Area Transit fixed-route bus schedule, fare information, transfers and a system overview. This information is also available on the Space Coast Area Transit website in an interactive format as well as schedules that can be viewed and printed.

Another feature that Space Coast Area Transit has implemented is the Trip Planner, found at www.ridescat.com. The Trip Planner allows a rider to input their starting and ending location, resulting in a preferred route and stops for their trip. The Trip Planner also has the option of choosing frequently visited Brevard County landmarks for starting or ending locations. The list of landmarks includes some of the locations that are within walking distance of a bus stop. Categories of landmarks include: colleges, courthouses, drugstores, government buildings, hospitals, hotels, leisure, libraries, malls, medical centers, nursing homes, parks, restaurants, schools, shopping centers, and Wal-Marts. By creating a personalized account, the user can save his or her trip and route information.

Space Coast Area Transit also makes numerous public presentations each year to educate the public about Space Coast Area Transit services. Standardized speakers bureau presentation materials have been developed to facilitate presentations to the public. These materials include a short video describing Space Coast Area Transit’s umbrella of public transportation services, a script for presenters, and promotional materials for audience members (e.g. fans, cups). Space Coast Area Transit also regularly submits press releases to local newspapers to notify the public of service changes and enhancements, as well as public meetings concerning public transportation.

One of the more recent marketing campaigns developed by Space Coast Area Transit was the filming of marketing and educational videos relating to the new fareboxes that were installed on the fixed-route buses. The marketing campaigns also included the creation of posters and other informational materials to help the transit users better understand how to use the new fareboxes. As Space Coast Area Transit implements changes to the existing system, the transit agency continues to proactively look for innovative ways to educate and ease transit users through the modifications using marketing campaigns.

The materials listed in this section will continue to be updated as necessary to provide customers with current information. Space Coast Area Transit staff also attends the quarterly TDLCB meetings and provides performance report updates. As part of the TDSP, Transit Development Plan process, Title VI Program and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Plan updates, and other planning efforts outreach activities are conducted to educate the public and provide opportunities for input related to existing and future transportation services. All outreach activities provide an opportunity for the public to learn how

http://www.ridescat.com/


the system operates and when services are available. Space Coast Area Transit also utilizes Brevard County Public Access television to market and educate the public on services.

ACCEPTABLE ALTERNATIVES

Space Coast Area Transit operates public transit service throughout Brevard County and is the designated CTC. Any agency purchasing transportation services or providing transportation funding for the transportation disadvantaged with transportation disadvantaged funds shall expend all transportation disadvantaged funds through a contractual arrangement with the CTC or an approved coordination provider except when it is better suited to the unique and diverse needs of a transportation disadvantaged person, the sponsoring agency may purchase or provide transportation by utilizing the following alternatives:

• Privately owned vehicle of an agency volunteer or employee;

• State owned vehicles;

• Privately owned vehicle of a family member or custodian;

• Common carriers, such as commercial airlines or bus; and

• Emergency medical vehicles.

The sponsoring agency may utilize other modes of transportation when the community transportation coordinator determines it is unable to provide or arrange the required service. Information pertaining to these denials for service shall be reported by the community transportation coordinator on a quarterly basis or more frequently as specified by the TDLCB.

The current designation of Space Coast Area Transit as the CTC has proven successful in the provision of fixed-route and paratransit service and coordination of the Volunteers In Motion and vanpool programs. The CTC has been very successful in providing a low cost, efficient transportation option to agencies that do not have transportation so that transportation needs can be easily met within the TD program in Brevard County.

Additional transportation options in Brevard County can be reviewed on the http://www.safeandmobileseniors.org website, which provides transportation information for all counties in Florida through the Safe Mobility for Life Coalition. While there are other providers in Brevard County based on vehicle requirements and/or costs these services may not be accessible to some TD persons.

SERVICE STANDARDS

Transport of Escorts and Dependent Children Policy - Space Coast Area Transit provides space for all escorts and dependents for all scheduled riders; however, a fare must be paid. If an escort is required for medical needs, then no fare shall be charged and the escort is considered a personal care attendant. There are no age limits for those that require escorts.

http://www.safeandmobileseniors.org/


Use, Responsibility, and Cost of Child Restraint Devices – It is the responsibility of the passenger to provide a child restraint device necessary for transporting children as defined by and in accordance with current state law.

Out-of-Service Area Trips – Space Coast Area Transit does not provide out of area trips with Transportation Disadvantaged funding.

Passenger No-Shows – The Cancellation and No-Show policy is included in Appendix C.

CPR/First Aid – All Space Coast Area Transit vehicle operators must have up to date CPR and First Aid training.

Driver Criminal Background Screening – Space Coast Area Transit follows all DCF policies regarding background checks of vehicle operators.

Rider Personal Property – It is the responsibility of the passenger to care for their own personal property. Space Coast Area Transit maintains a lost and found; where all items are kept for at least one quarter. It is also the responsibility of the rider to ensure that the rider carries on the bus, no more than they can carry themselves. Vehicle operators may assist passengers as necessary with boarding and alighting the passenger’s personal property and may at their discretion not transport items that pose a safety hazard.

Advance Reservation Requirements – Space Coast Area Transit will accept all Transportation Disadvantaged reservations from at least one day prior up to one week prior the scheduled trip.

Pick-Up Window – All scheduled customers are given a pick-up window and told to be ready for their trip 15 minutes before the scheduled pick up time. A call will be provided to the passenger five minutes prior to vehicle arrival as required under the ADA. Five-minute warning calls may also be made to TD passengers, but it is not required.

Public Transit Ridership – Space Coast Area Transit does not have a specific public transit ridership goal. All Transportation Disadvantaged customers are first reviewed to determine if they can ride the fixed routes.

On-Time Performance – Space Coast Area Transit’s goal is that 90 percent of the Transportation Disadvantaged trips shall fall within the pick-up window.

Accidents – 1.2 accidents per 100,000 miles will be the maximum between each road call.

Road Calls – There should be no less than 10,000 miles between each road call.

Complaints – Space Coast Area Transit has not set a standard for the number of complaints. However, all complaints are received and documented for follow-up and resolution. The toll-free number to complete the complaint process will be added to the Space Coast Area Transit website, and listed on other frequently used materials. The Space Coast Area Transit website and administrative office will include the full instructions for how to complete the complaint process and information for the designated contact


person. Currently, information regarding making complaints is available on the Space Coast Area Transit website. Complaints can be made verbally by calling 321-633-1878.

Call-Hold Time – All calls should be answered within three rings and should not be placed on hold for longer than 2 minutes. This standard should be accomplished for 95 percent of completed calls.

Vehicle Transfer Points – Space Coast Area Transit transfer points shall provide shelters, security and safety for all passengers.

Local Toll-Free Number – Space Coast Area Transit shall post a local toll free number for complaints or grievances inside all vehicles. The TD Helpline number shall be posted in all vehicles. All Transportation Disadvantaged related information and materials shall include the TD helpline number as reprinting allows.

Clean Vehicles – The interior of all vehicles shall be free of grime, oil, trash, torn upholstery, damaged or broken seats, protruding metal or other objects that could soil items placed in vehicles or provide discomfort to the passengers.

Billing Requirements – All Transportation Disadvantaged related bills shall be paid within 45 working days to Transportation Disadvantaged subcontractors as stated in their coordination agreements, after receipt of payment by the Brevard County Finance Department in accordance with Brevard County policies, Local Coordinating Board rules and Section 287.0585 of the Florida Statutes. If the coordination contract does not specify the 45-working day timeframe then payment will be made within 7 working days after receipt of payment in accordance with Section 287.0585 of the Florida Statutes.

Passenger Trip Database – Space Coast Area Transit shall maintain a passenger trip database on each rider being transported within the Transportation Disadvantaged system.

Adequate Seating Policy – Space Coast Area Transit will provide adequate seating for paratransit services for each rider and escort, child or personal attendant and no more passengers will be scheduled or transported, at any time, than the manufacturer’s vehicle seating capacity for paratransit service. All vehicles are reviewed for capacities and noted in the reservation system.

Driver Identification Policy – Space Coast Area Transit drivers will announce and identify themselves by name and company when picking up riders except in situations where the driver regularly transports the rider. Each driver will have a photo ID on himself or herself that is in view of the passenger.

Passenger Assistance Policy – The driver shall provide boarding assistance such as opening the door, fastening the seatbelt or securing wheelchair devices, etc. Reasonable accommodations will be made for those passengers who need assistance beyond the curb in order to use the paratransit service. In addition, if needed, the operators will open building doors for passengers and assist with navigating an incline or around obstacles located between the bus and the door. Whenever feasible, requests for modifications should be made in advance.


Vehicle Two Way Communications – All Space Coast Area Transit vehicles shall have two-way radios that are in good working condition. All trip monitoring is done by two-way radio system between the radio operator and vehicle operators. All lead operators, operations managers, and customer service supervisors are equipped with two-way radios and are monitored while on duty. Technological advances such as Mobile Data Terminals can provide additional communication options.

Vehicle Heating and Air Conditioning – All Space Coast Area Transit vehicles shall have working heating and air conditioning systems.

Hours of Service - Space Coast Area Transit’s Transportation Disadvantaged service hours are generally as follows:

Monday-Saturday 1:30 am to 7:30 pm

Sunday 7:20 am to 4:30 pm

Hours of Intake – Space Coast Area Transit’s Transportation Disadvantaged service hours are as follows:

Monday-Saturday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Provisions for After Hours Reservations/Cancellations – Space Coast Area Transit provides after hour communications in the following manner: Operations of a 24 hours cancellation line with voicemail box. A separate after hour’s line with voicemail box is activated after 7:30 pm on weekdays.

Smoking, Eating, and Drinking – Passengers and drivers are prohibited from smoking, eating, or drinking on vehicles in the coordinated system. Appropriate signage has been posted in all vehicles.

In addition to the above service standards, Space Coast Area Transit, as a department of Brevard County Board of County Commissioners, must meet standards as outlined in Brevard County Policies, Administrative Orders, Merit System rules, Labor Agreement, and any additional County policies governing employment.

LOCAL COMPLAINT AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES AND PROCESS

The first notice of a grievance should go directly to the contracted TD provider. If the TD provider is unable to resolve the problem, the CTC and Grievance Subcommittee are given an opportunity to review. The Space Coast Area Transit Grievance Procedures and Process are presented in more detail in Appendix F. The Grievance Procedures are also available on the Space Coast Area Transit website.

Space Coast Area Transit has an existing complaint tracking process in place and will continue to use the existing process. The Customer Service Supervisor will remain the designated contact person for all complaints. The method for filing an ADA complaint will be advertised sufficiently, including posting the procedures on the Space Coast Area Transit website, in accordance with the revised DOT guidelines for ADA and Section 504 compliance.


COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION COORDINATOR MONITORING PROCEDURES OF OPERATORS AND COORDINATION CONTRACTORS

As part of the operator and coordination contractor monitoring process, Space Coast Area Transit conducts an initial inspection including the review of all operators’ driving records, criminal background checks, and proof of valid operator’s license.

Ongoing monitoring is conducted through coordination meetings to discuss service, day-to-day interactions, and business reviews. In addition, coordinated contractors receiving grant funds through the New Freedom program are monitored to ensure compliance with program requirements. Previous monitoring included a review of vehicle maintenance logs, trip logs, current certificates of insurance, safety mechanisms, vehicle condition, non-discrimination policies, etc. Contractors are notified of the results of the monitoring process through individual meetings with Space Coast Area Transit staff. If a contractor receives an unfavorable report, Space Coast Area Transit will submit a letter to them of breach of contract. If they are non-responsive to the letter, the contractor will be referred to the County Attorney and the contract will be reviewed for any stipulations.

In addition, operators and coordination contractors are invited to attend the quarterly TDLCB meetings to review and discuss transportation services.

COST/REVENUE ALLOCATION AND RATE STRUCTURE JUSTIFICATION

The rate structure is the same for all Transportation Disadvantaged trips in Brevard County. The Transportation Disadvantaged rates were determined through the Rate Calculation method mandated by the CTD. The rate calculation model considers past and projected costs and revenues associated with Space Coast Area Transit’s transportation services. The rate model is updated annually by Space Coast Area Transit to reflect changes in revenues and expenditures. Presented in Table 16 are the current full fares and half fares, the FY16 TD billing rates, and the agency vanpool cost.

Table 16: Fares

Full Fare Half Fare1 Fixed-Route Single Ride $1.50 $0.75 Fixed-Route Ten Ride Pass $12.00 $6.00 Fixed-Route Monthly Pass $42.00 $21.00 Paratransit $3.00 $1.50

Transportation Disadvantaged Per Passenger Mile FY16 Ambulatory $1.74 FY16 Wheelchair $2.97

Agency Vanpool Monthly Lease $685 per month

1Half fares are available for passengers age 60 and over, Transportation Disadvantaged, veterans, and students.

Space Coast Area Transit Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan| Section 3: Quality Assurance 59

These rates were approved by the TDLCB in May 2015. Both the TDLCB and the CTC will continue to monitor the rates to determine when, and if, these rates need to be modified due to changes in the cost of delivering the trips. For further details, the rate model worksheets are presented in Appendix G.

SECTION 3: QUALITY ASSURANCE

CTC EVALUATION PROCESS

Previously, Space Coast Area Transit has completed the CTC Review Workbook and presented the findings to the LCB for discussion prior to finalizing the review. Based on input from the Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged staff, SCAT is currently reviewing options for an outside firm to complete the next CTC review. Once the review is complete, the results will be submitted to the FCTD.

The most recent CTC evaluation was completed and presented to the LCB in November 2012. Based on the review compiled by staff, there were four findings. The findings related to the listing of TD hours of service, call hold time tracking, development of a standard for eating, drinking, and smoking, and proof of quarterly monitoring of driving records. Recommendations and resolutions for these findings were also presented to the TDLCB. The detailed CTC Evaluation and meeting minutes relating to the TDLCB review are presented in Appendix H.

Space Coast Area Transit Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan| Appendix A: Summary of Existing Plans and Documents

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APPENDIX A: SUMMARY OF EXISTING PLANS AND DOCUMENTS

STATE OF FLORIDA 5-YEAR & 20-YEAR TD PLAN

Developed by the CTD, this plan is required under Florida Statutes and includes the following elements:

• Explanation of the Florida Coordinated Transportation System;

• Five-Year Report Card;

• Florida Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability Review; and,

• Strategic Vision, Goals, Objectives, and Measures.

The long-range and five-year strategic visions were reviewed and used for guidance and are indicated below.

Long-Range Strategic Vision

Create a strategy for the FCTD to support the development of a universal transportation system with the following features:

• A coordinated, cost-effective multi-modal transportation system delivered through public-private partnerships;

• A single, uniform funding system with a single eligibility determination process;

• A sliding scale of fare payment based on a person’s ability to pay;

• Use of electronic fare media for all passenger; and,

• Services that are designed and implemented regionally (both inter-county and inter-city) throughout the state.

Five-Year Strategic Vision

Develop and field-test a model community transportation system for persons who are TD incorporating the following features:

• Statewide coordination of community transportation services using Advanced Public Transportation Systems including Smart Traveler Technology, Smart Vehicle Technology, and Smart Intermodal Systems;

• Statewide coordination and consolidation of community transportation funding sources;

• A statewide information management system for tracking passenger eligibility determination;

• Integration of Smart Vehicle Technology on a statewide multi-modal basis to improve vehicle and fleet planning, scheduling, and operations. This effort includes vehicle and ridership data collection, electronic fare media, and geographic information system (GIS) applications; and,

• Development of a multi-modal transportation network to optimize the transportation system as a whole, using Smart Intermodal Systems. This feature would be available in all areas of the state via electronic access.


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STATE OF FLORIDA 5-YEAR TD PLAN

The Commission’s most recent long range plan was adopted in 1997. Developed by the CTD in 2005, the State of Florida’s Five-Year TD Plan builds on the direction established in the 1997 plan, satisfies the Commission’s statutory requirement for plan development under Florida Statute 427, and will guide the decision-making process. The goals included in the plan are structured around the five thematic elements of the Commission’s vision and are listed below.

• Sound financial system

• Adequate quality services

• Accessible physical infrastructure

• Coordination, cooperation, and inclusion

• Education and marketing

The Commission has also developed a multi-year implementation plan that identifies actions that the Commission can implement, identifies the parties responsible for implementing each action, and establishes deadlines for completion. Performance measures were also developed to help the Commission determine the effectiveness of the plan.

SPACE COAST AREA TRANSIT TDSP MAJOR UPDATE (2007)

The Space Coast Area Transit TDSP Major Update was completed and approved by the LCB in 2007. The TDSP is used by the CTC and the LCB to maintain and/or improve transportation services for the TD and to serve as a framework for performance evaluation. Annual TDSP updates are submitted to the Florida CTD for final approval. Brevard County services under the TD program are provided funding from state TD funds, local revenues, and private sources.

Barriers to coordination that were identified in the 2007 TDSP include:

• Lack of federal guidance;

• Difficulties of measuring the unmet needs of seniors who are not attempting to access publicly funded services;

• Lack of clear-cut definition of “mobility needs” which makes it difficult to agree upon a standard for collecting, recording, and reporting data;

• Funding constraints limit local governments/transit agencies in carrying out plans;

• Negative perception of transit use/senior vans compared to private automobile use making seniors less likely to want to walk or use transit;

• Coordinating transit use on a regional scale; and,

• Rural and/or suburban areas are less likely to have mobility needs met, due to limited services, fewer activities, and increased distances between destinations.


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SPACE COAST AREA TRANSIT TDSP MINOR UPDATE (2012)

The TDSP Minor Update completed in 2012 included a review of the TDSP Major Update goals, objectives, and strategies, development of an implementation plan, and documentation of accomplishments since the TDSP Major Update was adopted. Key actions to be initiated include coordination with the LCB to establish a TD eligibility process, pursuing permanent funding options, expanding the agency-sponsored vanpool program and the Volunteers in Motion program to create additional paratransit capacity, investigate ability to accept additional standing orders on the paratransit system, incorporate additional Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technologies, and examine the potential for coordination with taxis and express bus service to neighboring counties. Projects for consideration, if funding becomes available, include increasing frequency, developing an incentive program to promote transportation, initiating express bus service along major corridors, establishing connections to neighboring counties, and research and development of circulator bus systems in areas of need.

SPACE COAST AREA TRANSIT 2013-2022 TRANSIT DEVELOPMENT PLAN MAJOR UPDATE

The most recent major Transit Development Plan (TDP) update was developed and adopted by the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners in 2012. The current TDP goals focus on six primary areas, including:

• Integrating with other modes and complete streets principles;

• Increasing the availability of public transportation;

• Improving the experience of the Space Coast Area Transit passengers;

• Ensuring program accountability;

• Securing the funding necessary to meet service needs; and,

• Building on Space Coast Area Transit’s award-winning marketing and strategies to increase ridership, use of park and ride lots, the ReThink vanpool program, and participation in the Volunteers in Motion program.

The TDP included operating recommendations to improve the existing service and implement new services to capture the emerging and underserved transit markets while providing connectivity through Brevard County. Capital, planning, and policy recommendations are also included in the TDP ten-year needs plan. However, based on funding levels, transit improvements included in the needs plan will not be implemented without securing additional revenue. Therefore, two financial plans were developed to present both the costs associated with the needs plan and the status quo plan associated with maintaining the current level of service. Space Coast Area Transit has secured grant funds and matching local funds to begin service on a new route connecting Rockledge and Viera and has increased frequencies on several routes by adding additional buses and creating efficiency improvements. Consistent with the TDP recommendations, Route 3 has been extended to provide service to the courthouse and Route 22 was extended along Malabar Road to provide service to the Palm Bay Hospital.


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SPACE COAST AREA TRANSIT 2015 TRANSIT DEVELOPMENT PLAN ANNUAL UPDATE

The Space Coast Area Transit 2015 TDP annual update is an interim year report submitted to FDOT to document the transit agency’s achievement and annual progress towards implementing the goals of the TDP Major Update. The annual update progress report includes the following components and any new recommendations for the new horizon year (2024).

• Past year’s accomplishments compared to the original implementation program;

• Analysis of any discrepancies between the plan and its implementation for the past year and steps that will be taken to attain the original goals and objectives;

• Any revisions to the implementation program for the coming year;

• Revised implementation program for the tenth year;

• Added recommendations for the new tenth year of the updated plan;

• A revised financial plan; and,

• A revised list of projects or services needed to meet the goals and objectives.

Space Coast Area Transit reported the following accomplishments in the 2015 TDP Annual Update:

• Implementation of the new Route 7 from Rockledge to Viera;

• Added an additional five fixed-route buses to improve frequencies on some of the higher performing routes;

• Extended Route 3 to the courthouse;

• Secured funding for the route to the University of Central Florida (UCF); however, the local match was not identified to allow for implementation of this service;

• Increased the fixed-route and paratransit fare to assist with the shortfall relating to increased operating and healthcare costs;

• Completed an ADA bus stop assessment with associated costs and recommendations for phased improvements;

• Replaced hard to read bus stop signs and added QR codes to the bus stops;

• Extended Route 22 to the Palm Bay Hospital;

• Upgraded lighting and security at the terminals;

• Installed new upgraded fareboxes and completed operator training; and

• Developed an agreement with the City of West Melbourne to install bus shelters and benches within the city and created an implementation plan for the City of Palm Bay to install 15 shelters and 20 benches over the three year period.

Based on the constrained financial plan and lack of new funding, there were no new recommendations added to the new horizon year for this annual progress report.


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SPACE COAST TPO 2035 ADOPTED LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN

The Space Coast TPO 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) is in the process of being developed. The transit system key objectives and strategies included in the 2035 LRTP are primarily drawn from the Space Coast Area Transit TDP. The key objectives and strategies include increasing service to accommodate the current growth in ridership and the future projected growth in population, if possible, shifting ridership from paratransit service to the fixed-route transit system, maintaining connectivity to intermodal hubs, improving real-time transit management and information, increasing frequencies on the highest performing routes, and providing new transit routes to underserved areas. This document reiterates that Space Coast Area Transit’s ridership has grown significantly, but the agency does not have sufficient funding to plan for expanded routes or increased service frequency. While the 2035 LRTP indicated a need for new transit routes to four underserved areas, based on the availability of funding only one new route (Titusville to Cocoa via Grissom Road) was included in the cost-feasible plan along with increased frequency on four existing routes (Routes 6, 21, 23, and 28).

SPACE COAST TPO TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

The Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) includes each transportation project to be implemented over a five year period. The TIP is a realistic forecast of projects that have committed local, state, federal, and other funds and serves as the TPO’s short range plan. The list of funded transportation projects is developed annually with input from the community and updated throughout the year. Transit projects included in the current fiscal year (FY) 2015-2019 TIP are consistent with the current funding levels and demonstrate that Space Coast Area Transit’s JARC funding for evening and weekend service on routes in the Palm Bay-Melbourne area of Brevard County will be discontinued after FY 2015. In addition, Space Coast Center for Independent Living has been included to receive operating assistance under Section 5310.

BREVARD COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

Brevard County’s goal is to provide a “safe, convenient and energy efficient transportation system … that supports the community … and enhances the mobility of people and goods while reducing reliance on automobile and minimizing impacts to neighborhoods, cultural resources and natural habitats.” To this end, the County’s comprehensive plan has a number of objectives and policies within its Future Land Use and Transportation Elements that promote and support the use of multimodal transportation systems.

Within its Transportation Element (TE), Brevard County has adopted Objective 4 to encourage multimodal transportation alternatives to accommodate existing and proposed major trip generators/attractors, Objective 6 to recognize the interrelationship of land use patterns and transportation needs, and Objective 11 to establish complete streets policies to enable safe access for the community.

Pursuant to Objective 1, the performance of roadways and other modes (including transit) is to be routinely monitored as appropriate. To achieve Objective 4, the County routinely considers transit as a supplement to road improvements (Policy 4.2), cooperatively works with municipalities to establish


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parking strategies and park-and-ride sites (Policy 4.3), and continues to promote expansion of vanpool programs and services to the transportation disadvantaged to the extent practicable (Policies 4.4 and 4.5). The County also participates in the “welfare-to-work” plan, which recognizes the important role that transit plays in assisting citizens in the transition from welfare to employment. Brevard County also encourages land use patterns and site planning activities that can be conveniently and economically served by transit, bicycle, and pedestrian modes (Policy 6.6). Furthermore, the County encourages streets, bridges, and transit stops to be planned, designed, operated, and maintained in a way that pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, and motorists can travel safely (Policy 11.4). Transit vehicles, facilities, and routes are elements of the County’s Complete Streets Program (Policy 11.5). An essential component of transit planning is public participation. Objective 7 stipulates that the County shall encourage public involvement in the transportation planning process, and Policies 7.1 through 7.4 define the guidelines for obtaining public input.

Within its Future Land Use Element (FLUE), Policy 2.13 allows residential developments within Neighborhood Commercial and Community Commercial land use designations. The integration of residential into commercial developments is encouraged to utilize public transit and neo-traditional development techniques. In Objective 9, the County has adopted standards and incentives for large-scale, mixed-use projects – termed the New Town Overlay (NTO). An example of such a new town is Viera. The NTO encourages the use of transit and addition of transit corridors. The FLUE also contains redevelopment and re-gentrification provisions (Objective 11) that encourage the coordination of redevelopment activities with transportation improvements, including mass transit (Policies 11.1.B., 11.8.E., and 11.9.H.).

CITY OF COCOA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN (2010)

The City of Cocoa’s transportation goal is to provide a safe, efficient, and comprehensive multimodal transportation system that is available to all residents and visitors. In addition to the mobility strategies established in TE Objective 2.1.3, the City also adopts public transit provisions (Objective 2.1.12) that require the City to coordinate with Brevard County, Space Coast TPO, Space Coast Area Transit, and neighboring municipalities to determine public transportation demands and establish new public transportation management solutions and routes (including transit stops, terminals, maintenance, and improvements) to serve the general population and special needs populations (Policies 2.1.12.1 and 2.1.12.3). The City routinely considers transit as an alternative to roadway improvements (Policy 2.1.12.5) and periodically reviews its Land Development Regulations and offers incentives to developers to ensure that development allows and encourages accessibility to public transit (Policies 2.1.12.6 and 2.1.12.7). Cocoa also requires, within its FLUE Objective 1.2.1, that new developments incorporate “Smart Growth” principles, including requiring new developments and infill developments to provide connectivity to public transit (Policy 1.2.1.6).

CITY OF COCOA BEACH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN (2010)


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The City of Cocoa Beach strives to provide a functional transportation network that ensures safe, convenient, and energy efficient mobility within the city through a variety of transportation modes, including transit. Through its TE Objectives and Policies, the City continually investigates, in conjunction with the County and Space Coast Area Transit, opportunities to improve the efficiency of its multimodal transportation system (Objective V-A.2) and appropriate standards to improve accessibility to transit services (Policy V-A.2.3). The City also requires new commercial and residential developments to provide transit amenities, such as bus stop improvements or dedicated spaces for shelters, stops, etc., if they are located on an existing or proposed bus route. Such developments are also required to provide transit information to employees and/or residents (Policy V-A.4.4). The City of Cocoa Beach also encourages Space Coast Area Transit to investigate the use of transit services during times of evacuation to reduce traffic volumes on the evacuation routes (Policy V-A.5.2).

TOWN OF GRANT-VALKARIA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN (2010)

The Town of Grant-Valkaria was incorporated on July 25, 2006, by referendum joining the communities of Grant and Valkaria. It is located in Brevard County south of Melbourne bordered by Malabar to the north, Palm Bay to the west, Micco to the south, and the Indian River Lagoon to the east. The Town adopted its comprehensive plan on October 26, 2011. With respect to transportation, the Town’s goal is to provide a safe, convenient, and energy efficient transportation system that supports the community and enhances mobility of people and goods. The Town recognizes the inter-relationship of land use patterns and transportation needs (TE Objective 4) and encourages land use patterns and site planning activities that can economically and conveniently be served by transit, bicycle, and pedestrian modes (Policy 4.4). Policy 7.4 also establishes that the Town will provide measures for the acquisition and preservation of public transit rights-of-way and corridors when necessary.

Additionally, as part of its energy conservation goals (FLUE Objective 13), the Town promotes development patterns that reduce the need for new roads and infrastructure, encourages the use of multiple modes of transportation, and provides access to future transit routes. To that end, the Town will work with Space Coast Area Transit to help determine the feasibility of establishing transit service (FLUE Policy 13.3) within the Town.

CITY OF MELBOURNE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN (2010)

The goal of the City of Melbourne’s TE is to provide a safe, efficient, and convenient transportation system that considers both motorized and non-motorized users of the transportation network. Objective 1.7 promotes the development of a multimodal system to reduce individual motor vehicle travel. Through Policies 1.7.1 through 1.7.19, the City shall design all major roadways as complete transportation corridors incorporating transit, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities (Policy 1.7.1), and require connectivity between public transit and developments along future collector roads (Policy 1.7.2). Other policies in this Objective promote and encourage other modes that support the use of transit, including improvements and enhancements to bicycle and pedestrian facilities, creation of pedestrian-friendly environments and streetscapes, and parking standards to encourage walking. Additionally, by 2014, in coordination with the


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Space Coast TPO, the City of Melbourne shall evaluate the need for additional public transit routes to serve major trip generators and attractors (Policy 1.7.16) and update the Land Development Regulations to include site and building design standards for development in public transportation corridors to assure accessibility of the new development to transit (Policy 1.7.17). The City also measures annual transit trips per capita as one indicator of achieving the City’s mobility goals (Policy 1.5.4).

The City of Melbourne also aims to achieve a sustainable and energy efficient environment and has adopted provisions within both the TE and the FLUE to encourage the use of transit and other modes of transportation in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, Policy 1.13.2 promotes sustainable developments through master planned communities that feature a strong pedestrian network with access to dedicated transit corridors. Policy 1.19.2 promotes walking, bicycling, and use of transit by requiring compact design, shared facilities between adjacent or nearby uses, and interconnectivity between transit stops and walkways, bicycle ways, and parking.

CITY OF PALM BAY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN (2001)

The City of Palm Bay desires to serve the transportation needs of all residents and visitors by providing a safe, balanced, efficient, and comprehensive transportation system. Objective 1-5 of the TE states that the City shall work to increase ridership on mass transit and paratransit service within the City. The implementing policies under this Objective include Policy 1.5C, which incorporates bus benches, shelters, park-and-ride lots, and bus stops into design plans for new or revised development projects; Policy 1.5D, which requires coordination with the TPO, FDOT, Area Agency on Aging, and Space Coast Area Transit in the provision of public transit and/or paratransit service; and Policy 1.5E, which requires that brochures, newsletters, and other informational materials regarding the availability of public transit and paratransit services be made available to transportation disadvantaged groups. Objective 1.9 of this Element states that the City’s multimodal transportation system shall be coordinated with the FLUE. Through Policies 1.9A and 1.9B, the City requests Space Coast Area Transit to provide transit service to all major traffic generators/attractors, major employers, and employment centers within the City. The TE also requires the development of land use, site design, and building design guidelines for development activities within “exclusive public transit corridors” within the City (Policy 1.9D). This policy may have been created with the possibility of the high speed rail or other exclusive premium transit services or a facility in mind. The City works to ensure consistency between the TE and FLUE relative to policy direction on transportation planning and land use patterns (including housing and employment patterns).

CITY OF ROCKLEDGE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN (2011)

The TE states that the City shall provide a safe and efficient transportation system that offers a variety of transportation modal options. According to Section 2-K of the City of Rockledge’s adopted comprehensive plan, the City Council adopted and included within the TE the goals, objectives, and policies of the Space Coast TPO, which provides for a comprehensive and coordinated transportation system for the safe and efficient movement of people and goods. However, neither the TE nor the FLUE contain provisions that specifically promote, support, or encourage the use or enhancement of public transportation.


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CITY OF SATELLITE BEACH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN (2014)

The City of Satellite Beach’s goal is to develop a transportation system, including a traffic circulation and public transit system that ensures safe and efficient movement of people and goods based on major trip generators and the special needs of the transportation disadvantaged – at reasonable cost and minimum detriment to the environment. Objective 1.4 of the TE requires the City to establish means of coordination on transportation-related issues, including addressing the needs of the transportation disadvantaged and special needs, with the FDOT, the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, Brevard County, the TPO, the State Land Planning Agency, Space Coast Area Transit, and other private or public transportation-related agencies. Additionally, the City will interface with Space Coast Area Transit and the Brevard County Commission at least every three years to inform them of Satellite Beach’s specific transportation needs (TE Policy 1.4.2). To further support transit use and overall mobility, the City will designate the Planning and Zoning Advisory Board to review the impact of permit requests on public transit and to encourage land uses that promote public transportation within designated public transportation corridors (TE Policy 1.5.3).

CITY OF TITUSVILLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN (2014)

The City of Titusville’s TE includes objectives to promote alternative modes of transportation, including public transit facilities. Policy 1.3.1 indicates that the city shall promote the development of “Complete Streets” designed and built to accommodate automobiles, transit vehicles, and non-motorized vehicles. Policy 1.3.3 states that the City shall seek funding in order to participate with Space Coast Area Transit in the provision of bus shelters along transit routes, particularly in areas of frequent use. Objective 1.5 speaks to examining the need for transit services based on existing and proposed major trip generators and projected growth, and Policies 1.1.9 and 1.5.3 require new DRIs or other large scale planned developments to make contributions, enhancements, or provisions towards the public transportation system. However, there is not a strong requirement within the TE requiring transit as part of site design or the development approval process. Additionally, there are no provisions requiring connectivity or accessibility to transit for new developments, redevelopments, or infill developments in general; neither are there provisions that promote, encourage, or incentivize the use of public transit.

CITY OF WEST MELBOURNE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN (2011)

In addition to its Transportation Services Standard Element, the City of West Melbourne has adopted a Multimodal Transportation Element (MMTE) with implementing goals, objectives, and policies. The MMTE’s goal is to provide for the mobility needs of City residents and visitors by supporting, promoting, and encouraging a safe, accessible, and efficient transportation system with varied alternatives, improved connectivity, and enhanced quality of life. This goal is to be achieved through implementation of a sequence of planning directives and objectives. Objective 1 fosters a comprehensive multimodal system to meet the needs of pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation riders, and motorists. Objective 2 establishes user-based financing strategies as the preferred means to fund new transportation and transit improvements and programs. Objective 3 utilizes transportation land use master planning strategies as a means of coordinating future land use practices with the expansion and improvement of the multimodal


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transportation system. Lastly, Objective 4 ensures the development of a linked/connected transportation system that provides connectivity between the City of West Melbourne and the larger Brevard County area. The implementing policies under these planning objectives provide specific standards and guidelines addressing roadway alternatives to connect community centers, neighborhoods, schools, civic buildings, and parks/recreation areas and the pedestrian network to increase opportunities for walking to shopping, services, employment, schools, and other destinations. Objective 7 of the City’s Future Land Use Element also provides for the coordination of land use development practices and transportation planning efforts to improve connectivity between uses and foster the use of transit, ride sharing, bicycling, and walking. Policy 7.1 of this Objective establishes multimodal strategies that include, among other strategies, community transit service, transit facility enhancements, modified parking standards, complete streets policies with pedestrian and bicycle enhancements, and transportation demand management programs.

Space Coast Area Transit Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan| Appendix B: Local Coordinating Board Certification

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APPENDIX B: LOCAL COORDINATING BOARD CERTIFICATION

Space Coast Area Transit Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan| Appendix C: No-Show Policy 71

APPENDIX C: NO-SHOW POLICY

Space Coast Area Transit Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan| Appendix D: Vehicle Inventory 72

APPENDIX D: VEHICLE INVENTORY

Space Coast Area Transit Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan| Appendix E: System Safety Program Plan Certification

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APPENDIX E: SYSTEM SAFETY PROGRAM PLAN CERTIFICATION

Space Coast Area Transit Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan| Appendix F: Space Coast Area Transit Grievance Procedure

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APPENDIX F: SPACE COAST AREA TRANSIT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

Space Coast Area Transit Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan| Appendix G: FCTD Rate Model Calculation spreadsheets

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APPENDIX G: FCTD RATE MODEL CALCULATION SPREADSHEETS

Space Coast Area Transit Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan| Appendix H: Space Coast Area Transit TDLCB CTC Evaluation and Corrective Action Plan

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APPENDIX H: SPACE COAST AREA TRANSIT TDLCB CTC EVALUATION AND CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN

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