Triangle Region Transit Consolidation Update
Plan completed The Triangle Region Transit Consolidation/Implementation Plan was completed on August 1, 2003. Copies of the plan were provided to the Mayors, transportation staff and governing bodies in Cary, Durham, Raleigh and Chapel Hill and to the Triangle Transit Authority and North Carolina State University. Copies were also sent to County Commission Board Chairs, managers and transportation staff in Johnston, Wake, Durham, Orange and Chatham Counties. The final plan and other project related information is available on the project web site at www.triangelregiontransit.org under Project Updates. Plan presented to governing bodies The consulting team presented the Triangle Region Transit Consolidation/Implementation Plan to the Transportation Authorities in Durham and Raleigh; governing bodies of the Triangle Transit Authority, Cities of Durham and Raleigh and Town of Cary, and; faculty, staff and students at North Carolina State University during August – October 2003. The Chapel Hill Town Council discussed the plan during meetings in November. Based on the presentations and discussions, the following actions were taken. Actions taken by governing bodies August 27, 2003: Triangle Transit Authority Board of Trustees approved a resolution accepting recommendations in the final report. October 6, 2003: Durham City Council approved a resolution supporting the plan. October 16, 2003: Cary Town Council advised staff to move ahead with developing the Memorandum of Agreement. November 5, 2003: Raleigh City Council voted in favor of a motion by the Mayor to proceed with the Memorandum of Agreement. November 24, 2003: Chapel Hill Town Council approved a resolution rejecting the recommendations of the consolidation/implementation plan and authorized the town manager to work with the TTA to identify areas of possible collaboration with Chapel Hill Transit. (marketing and customer service; major procurement; bus stop signs and shelter maintenance; graphics, image, service name and route numbering; marketing materials and paint and body shop repairs) The Council also directed Chapel Hill Transit to continue efforts at coordination with other transit providers in the Triangle Region and enhance that coordination when possible.” North Carolina State University is continuing to assess its options.
Current status and progress With direction from the governing bodies, consolidation coordinators were identified for Raleigh, Cary, Durham and the Triangle Transit Authority and they began meeting in late October. Representatives from NCSU and the Town of Chapel Hill have continued to be invited to attend and participate in the discussions. Tasks the consolidation coordinators have undertaken through January 2004 include: 1) Developing a draft organization chart for the regional system. 2) Evaluating Memorandums of Agreement and Cost Allocation Plans from other areas around the country. 3) Initiating efforts to prepare a draft Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). 4) Developing a scope of work for consultant services to prepare a Net Cost Allocation Plan that will be part of the MOA. 5) Establishing and having the first meeting of the Human Resources working group. 6) Accepting a work plan and cost proposal for AECOM Consult to prepare a Net Cost Allocation Agreement. Upcoming activities Activities the consolidation coordinators will be involved with between February – June 2004 include: 1) Continue work of the Human Resources working group, identifying and addressing personnel related issues. 2) Evaluate and establish other working groups, as appropriate. 3) Complete the Net Cost Allocation Agreement. 4) Prepare Memorandums of Agreement and present to governing bodies for approval. 5) Identify and move ahead with initial consolidation tasks, subject to governing bodies approving Memorandums of Agreement.