Title
Transit Update - Rural Transit Solutions Fund and Regional Transit
Proposed Motions
1. That Council receive the Rural Transit Solutions Fund and Regional Transit update for information, as presented.
2. That Council direct Administration to include the purchase of a Transit Bus in the 2024 Budget, as presented.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motions, as presented.
Purpose
To provide an update to members of Council regarding recent transit developments and to ensure funding is in place to purchase a transit bus in support of tri-regional transit growth.
Summary
Rural Transit Solutions Fund
Earlier this year the Federal Government opened intake for funding capital transit projects under the Rural Transit Solutions Fund. The grant program targets development of transit solutions for rural and remote communities through providing 80% funding towards eligible capital projects. The funds are being distributed as long as there are funds remaining.
The Tri-Region Local On-Demand Transit System is experiencing growth and is nearing capacity. To take advantage of this funding opportunity, Parkland County has recently applied to the Rural Transit Solutions Fund for purchase of a 20-passenger bus. The application requested funding for a bus estimated to cost $385,000 of which $308,000 (80%) would be covered by fund and the remaining $77,000 (20%) is proposed to be funded in the County’s 2024 budget.
Should Parkland County not be successful with the grant application, the proposed bus purchase will not occur, and the funding will not be spent in 2024.
The current bus pool consists of six 22-passenger busses. The City of Spruce Grove purchased and owns four busses, the Town of Stony Plain purchased and owns two busses, and Parkland County does not currently own any. This bus would be added to the Tri Region Local On-Demand bus pool. Operation and maintenance costs for the On Demand busses is shared based on proportion of usage. A capital contribution of a bus will maintain costs at the operations level for all three communities and will be recognized within the cost share calculations in favour of Parkland County.
Regional Transit Update
Since the dissolution of the Edmonton Regional Transit Services Commission in May of 2023, conversations aimed at better coordinating transit services in the Alberta capital region continue. A Joint Operations Implementation Team has been established and met in March and April of 2023 to develop an action plan consisting of short, medium, and long-term actions to advance shared interests in regional transit collaboration. A draft Memorandum of Understanding and Terms of Reference are being developed and will be circulated to the capital region municipalities soon. Regional Transit is anticipated to be a topic on the agenda of the early November Capital Region Mayor’s and CAO’s meeting.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications:
Goal 1 - To explore strategies that encourage new businesses to locate in Parkland County.
Goal 3 - To create a sense of belonging and well-being by linking our communities together with roadways, pathways, and utilities.
Goal 4 - To strive for organizational excellence in delivering County services and programs to residents, businesses, and community groups.
Through Pillar A - We recognize the diversity of Parkland County’s communities, while fostering a united vision for Parkland County as a whole.
Through Pillar B - We support the continuation and evolution of traditional economic activities, while pursuing new opportunities for diversified and sustainable growth.
Through Pillar D - We maintain the public’s trust through transparent and fair decision-making, superior service delivery, and effective engagement.
Financial Impact:
Cost: $385,000 in 2024 Budget
Source of Funding: $308,000 Grant (80% funded through Rural Transit Solutions Fund), and
$77,000 Tax (20% funded through Tax in 2024 Budget)
Subject to grant approval in 2024