Authorize the execution of the Fort Bend County Interlocal Agreement for the Public Transportation Services Annual Program in the amount of $70,000.

Fort Bend County (FBC) operates a Commuter Park and Ride and a Demand Response service that serves the transit needs of the citizens of Fort Bend County. The target users of the transit services are residents of FBC who regularly travel to the West Bellfort Metro Park-n-Ride lot, Greenway Plaza, the Galleria Area, the Texas Medical Center, and other destinations in Harris County and within Fort Bend County.

In 2006, the Sugar Land City Council approved an Interlocal Agreement with FBC, with automatic yearly renewal, to pay $70,000 to the County to help provide the Commuter and Demand Response transit services. Due to budget cuts in FY18, the agreement was terminated.

Transit service is a good alternative to driving, especially when considering long and congested commuting routes. Instead of driving, the passenger is free to make better use of their time such as resting, reading a book or any other less stressing activity. In addition, public transportation also benefits those not using it. Since it is a more efficient mode of transportation, it virtually increases roadway capacity (less single occupancy vehicles on the road) and helps reduce greenhouse gases and other pollutants emission. Finally, it is an accessible transportation option for those that cannot drive (such as kids, young adults or seniors, for example).

On May 22, 2018, Fort Bend County Commissioner James Patterson presented to the City Council an updated ridership report that showed 67% of rides of the Commuter Service and 16.6% of rides of the Demand Response Service are used by Sugar Land residents. He also requested the City enter into a new Interlocal Agreement and the $70,000 contribution. With the current ridership, each ride would represent a cost of 38 cents for the City.

Staff has made the following revisions to the prior agreement to allow the City to be more involved in the FBC Transit service operation:

1. FBC will present an annual ridership report to the City Council, no later than May 31st of each year;
2. FBC will provide ridership reports on a quarterly basis, for both Commuter and Demand Response Services, so the City is able to measure the program growth and success;
3. FBC will share operational data for the transit services with the City, allowing to identify usage trends;
4. FBC will receive and consider operational suggestions from the City, based on the City's own mobility studies and surveys;
5. FBC will allow the City to provide marketing support through the City's existing media channels and/or other marketing efforts; and
6. FBC and the City shall negotiate the costs involved in carrying out an in-depth survey, at the City's request.

Any marketing or advertising to be provided by the City, regarding the FBC Transit Services, must be approved by the County prior to implementation.

The County will:

• Continue to provide both Commuter and Response Demand transit services;
• Present an annual ridership report to City Council;
• Provide ridership reports on a quarterly basis;
• Share operational data for the Transit Services with the City;
• Receive and consider operational suggestions from the City.
  
  

Upon City Council approval, the agreement term shall be one (1) year from the effective date. The agreement will automatically renew for successive one (1) year terms, subject to the right of the City or County to terminate it by giving the other party written notice of termination at least 30 days prior to the end of the then-current term. The amount of $70,000 will be paid yearly, as long as the agreement remains in place and will be made available from the General Fund Operating Budget.

The $70,000 for FY18 was reinstated in the Budget Amendment approved on July 3, 2018 by City Council. Other participants in this FBC Transportation Service program include the City of Richmond and the City of Rosenberg.

The Engineering Department recommends that the City Council authorize the execution of the Fort Bend County Interlocal Agreement for the Public Transportation Services annual program in the amount of $70,000.