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Approval of Task Work Order No. 2025-2034 to Research and Technical Assistance Master Agreement With The University of South Florida Board of Trustees for Professional Services Related to Major Update to Hernando County’s Transit Development Plan
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
On January 9, 2024, the Hernando County Board of County Commissioners approved a Master Agreement between University of South Florida Board of Trustees (USF) and Hernando County (County File 24-A0153/EK). This agreement allows for work orders up to a total contract value of $300,000.00 with individual work orders typically not to exceed $50,000.00 unless otherwise agreed to by the Board of County Commissioners.
The Transit Division has requested a Task Work Order for Professional Services from USF’s Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) to assist in the completion of the Major Update to the Hernando County Transit Development Plan (TDP). This major update is required every five years by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for continued Block Grant funding. Task Work Order #2025-2034 TDP is for $181,425.53 (One Hundred Eighty-One Thousand Four Hundred Twenty-Five Dollars and Fifty-Three Cents).
The TDP update covers a 10-year planning horizon. CUTR will prepare the major update to the TDP in coordination with the Transit Division and the Hernando/Citrus Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) staff. The recommendations from the TDP will also be incorporated into the Transit Element of the MPO Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP).
In the intervening years, an annual progress report is produced, in coordination between County staff and the Hernando/Citrus MPO, to address the status of the system relative to grant funding, planning, and capital procurement objectives.
The following are the transit service recommendations contained in the 10-year Hernando County TDP:
Alternative Service Designs, and may focus on one or more of the following:
• Upgrading the existing fixed-route system (span & frequency of service).
• Expanding fixed routes to provide more connectivity.
• Extending coverage to more areas.
• Making regional connections.
• Consideration of new service types (e.g., providing flex-route service to lower density area or activity center circulators).
• ADA service changes to complement fixed-route expansion.
Capital and Operating needs including:
• Fleet Requirements.
• Facilities.
• Transit Infrastructure.
The major update must be reviewed by the MPO and adopted by the Board then submitted to FDOT no later than December 1, 2024.
It is anticipated that the 2025-34 TDP will be presented to the Hernando County Board of County Commissioners at the November 19, 2024, meeting. Periodic presentations and updates on the TDP will be provided to the MPO Board and Committees prior to the adoption of by the Hernando County Board of County Commissioners.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Funds are available in Account No. 0011-34001-5303107, MASS TRANSIT-FTA SEC 5307 - PROF-SRV-CONSULTING.
LEGAL NOTE
The Board has the authority to act on this matter pursuant to Chapter 125, Florida Statutes.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board approve Task Work Order #2025-2034 TDP in the amount of $181,425.53 to USF/CUTR for the 2025-34 Transit Development Plan (TDP) Major Update and authorize the Chief Procurement Officer to approve related change orders if needed as the budget and contract allow.