TRANSIT DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Project Description
The first step will be to complete a Rapid City transit service needs analysis, intended to determine the current status of the local transit system in light of federal and state mandates by analyzing the existing transportation and socio-economic issues and how the transit system can address those issues. The consultant will establish a strategic direction for the Rapid Transit System and identify what potential improvements/alternatives are available. As part of the needs analysis, the consultant shall identify new and existing transit and paratransit issues in the Rapid City Area MPO. The consultant shall provide a matrix or other method of comparing all the alternatives and relative merits and/or drawbacks for each of the alternatives as part of this step. The Transit Development Plan shall address the increasing importance of the following issues:

-- The increasing system operation costs (fuel, personnel, etc.) that require maximum efficiencies and growing capital costs, encouraging effective procurement strategies.

-- Transit service equity issues that arise due to the Environmental Justice Executive Order.

-- The increasing technology opportunities (smart cards, traffic signal prioritization for transit vehicles, and other ITS applications) that may become more affordable and should be streamlined into operation and capital investments.

-- The continued route productivity monitoring and appropriate restructuring that may be necessary.

-- The greater transit promotion and outreach techniques with private sector employers that hold great potential in tapping new markets.

-- The innovative transit service alternatives and associated vehicle replacement strategies that have gained increasing support among local transit professionals and elected leaders.

-- The residential and commercial growth that has continued to occur throughout the city, requiring the transit service to respond to the evolving needs of the population, its geographic coverage and its demographic characteristics.

-- The need for a temporary bus snow route system design.

-- The concept of "cost-pricing" both transit and paratransit fares based on the length and time of trip, that may assist revenue enhancement and service productivity.

This contract was awarded to the consulting firm of SRF Consulting Group, Inc.

Final Report