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Home My WebLink About2.A. Discussion of DARTS Transportation Proposal 4ROSEMOUNTEXECUTIVE SUMMARY CITY COUNCIL City Council Work Session Date: April 15, 2014 AGENDA ITEM: Discussion of DARTS Transportation AGENDA SECTION: Proposal Discussion PREPARED BY: Kim Lindquist, Community Development AGEN A NO. Director Z ATTACHMENTS: PowerPoint, Transit Options Matrix APPROVED BY: RECOMMENDED ACTION: Discussion Item Only ISSUE DARTS recently applied for and received from the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging a grant to provide transportation to older adults (60 years older) in Dakota County. The funding for this $63,000 grant comes from the federal government under the Tide III/Older Americans Act. DARTS has approached select cities in Dakota County (Farmington, Lakeville,Burnsville, Eagan, Rosemount, and Apple Valley) in hopes of partnering with these cities to provide service starting March 17, 2014. DARTS is asking each city to contribute $5,000 for service that will extend through April 1, 2015. DARTS will provide door-to-door transportation service to any location in these five cities, but will only pick-up residents in the cities that have participated in the funding. This service is distinct from Metro Mobility as participants do not need to be ADA certified and deemed eligible by the Metropolitan Council in order to use the service. It is staffs understanding that Farmington, Lakeville and Apple Valley have agreed to participate and Eagan and Burnsville have declined. The current plan for operation of the DARTS Tide III transportation service is eight hours per day, three days per week (Tuesday-Thursday 7:30am to 4:30pm). Participants are requested to pay a sliding fee from$3.50 - $7.50 each way, but no rider will be refused service if unable to pay. As a new program, the community need and likely usage for this expanded service is speculative at this time. The marketing of the program will need to be extensive to reach this population and encourage their participation in the service. F or this reason, it may be reasonable to start with program participation of one-year pilot program to gauge resident need and acceptance. It can be projected that additional ridership could occur in the future with the addition of 150 new senior housing units over the next year. I spoke with Ms. Whited prior to the meeting to discuss the item in more detail. She indicated that while Eagan, the City, declined, there is a senior organization that is looking into participating. She did indicate that the partner does not have to be a local government. She also indicated that the grant is for one year but they anticipate receiving the grant for the next 4 years (a 5-year cycle) since the same criteria is used for each evaluation. Regarding the funding level, that is less certain. She indicated that the sequestration impacted the funding program and it is unclear what level of funding will be available in the next years of the 5-year cycle. She indicated they are exploring other funding sources so the city doesn't necessarily have to increase their contribution to the program. I asked if their DARTS had approached Dakota County about assisting in financing the program. She indicated that her position is funded by a grant with the match being paid by the County. Ms. Whited has requested additional information regarding the County's role in the program as she has been asked by several communities about this topic. As she is relatively new to the position she has asked others in the organization. If I receive that information prior to Tuesday night, it will be forwarded to the Council. Staff is looking for direction from the Council about participating in the transit program. Ms. Whited indicated that communities are entering into an MOU for one year only. Should the Council decide to participate in the program, the $5,000 contribution would come from the Council Contingency account. CONCLUSION Please provide direction to staff. This item is tentatively scheduled for Council action on May 6, depending upon the discussion at the worksession. 2 DARTS History and Current Programs ',ONNECTIONS HCH AGING. • DARTS began in 1974 as a community-powered organization that provided rides so older adults could get to college courses. • DARTS programs now include home services, caregiver support, and volunteer opportunities, in addition to its transportation programs. • A few years ago, the Metropolitan Council awarded DARTS the contract to provide Metro Mobility and Transit Link transportation services in Dakota County. • 2014 marks DARTS 40th anniversary of providing programs that focus on helping older adults maintain their independence through the wide array of services we provide. SENIOR TRANSIT OPPORTUNITY FOR ROSEMOUNT 'CONNECTIONS RICH AGING. • DARTS has new grant funding through the Metropolitan Area Ag oposed Service Area Aging (MAAA) to offer door-to-door service without ADA certifical Dakota County cities. WEST • Need: An estimated 500 Rosemount citizens are non-drivers ove ENOOTA PA SO°P. years old; 7, 100 in the proposed 6-city service area. [Using MAAA estimat HEIGHTS older adults that do not drive.] INVER EAGAN GROVE HEIGHTS • Demand: About 109 paratransit riders from Rosemount used two Council transit options through DARTS last year ROSEMOUNT NININGER kLLEY HASTINGS • Why add another layer of service? ADA certification (Metro Mobility) ability to walk to the bus without help (Transit Link). EMPIRE VERMILION MAR SHAN FARMING REQUEST FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION :ONNECTIONS IICH AGING. • DARTS' original MAAA funding request: $100,000. Received $63,000 for 1 year grant with a 5-year renewal option. • To include Rosemount in this new service, we're asking for a $5,000 contribution this year with an option for additional years. • The funds will be used to serve more people. • With your city's contribution, any city resident over 60 years will be eligible to ride anywhere within the 6-city service area. • Your city can get quarterly general demographic rider reports. PROPOSED SERVICE DETAILS XONNECTIONS RICH AGING. • 8 hours of service per day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays • Dedicated driver for this route. They help from door-to-door and help with shopping bags. • Riders can make standing appointments in advance. • Rider Fare is based on stated income. ($3.50 - $7.50 ). Companions ride for free. • Rider contributions are used to fund more rides. • Phone confirmation one business day before ride. DARTS Ride Connection .4£3v ✓ f``.a*!M."*"<✓hxb.fir,w: S Ff ry. 4 , • • .0.5 ''H' a ,µms:• � a'nb D-I :ONNECTIONS ! �:g:� i IICH AGING. try T " w, � �� a " gyp- a ,, b a5y, �' } a , • Wheelchair Lift-Equipped IN PARTNERSHIP WITH YOUR CITY DARTS DIAL-A-RIDE SERVICE • Accommodates 1-16 People BEGINS NIARCh# 3°° IN YOUR AREA • Operates Tuesday-Thursday (7:30am-4:30pm) i.. • Sliding Fees ,� ($3.50-$7.50 each way) r •a • Advance Scheduling a.. "'" (2-7 Business Days) NESERVA',iC)N?f EGISTRATtON INFORMATION O CE AR, uiNE (651 ) 234-2281 This individualized service for area residents age 60 and older in Lakeville,Farmington,Burnsville,Eagan,Apple Valley and Rosemount offers assistive,door-to-door transportation to any destination within this six-city area. Additional DARTS Dial-A-Ride Information: CHEATING CONNECTIONS• You must schedule your ride at least?days in advance. THAT ENOICH AGING. • Be ready 10 minutes before your slated pickup time. • When calling to schedule a ride,please leave a detailed message. 1645 Marthaler Lane • Calls requesting more information will be returned in West St.Paul,MN 55118 the order received. www.dartsconnects.com • One business day before your ride,you'll receive a phone call confirmation. .nu service is wn;ai?rnnded caller tano.o wun me mm<p<nun Ate.Aa<n<�•s<n Aamg, In(,az pact ci the ola<r American Act Peatcam and the d u es ci ta4lvll lcane iaemingran. TRANSIT OPTIONS PROVIDED BY DARTS IN DAKOTA COUNTY Metro Mobility Transit Link Proposed DARTS Ride Connection Rider Eligibility Certification required due General Public People e6il or Farmington,ldewho eside to disability or health in condition. Burnsville,Eagan, Apple Valley,Rosemount. Restrictions New riders need health Trip origins&destinations Any destination within professional approved on must be more than 1/4-mile Lakeville, Farmington, certification. from regular transit from Burnsville,Eagan, Apple Nov.-March&more than Valley,Rosemount. Approval process can take 1/2-mile from regular transit two weeks. from April-Oct.to be eligible. One-way Fares $3.00 Non-Rush Hour $2.25 for under 10 miles $3.50-$7.50 $4.00 Rush Hour(Mon.-Fri. $4.50 10-20 miles Sliding fee based on monthly 6am-9am&3pm-630pm) $6.75 for 20+miles income. Exact change or fare ticket Exact change or fare ticket No one will be denied a ride if required. Or, online via required. they are unable to pay the credit card. sliding fee. Driver escort Door to Door Curb to Curb D or driver week Pick-up Time Within 30 minutes,before Within 30 minutes,before or Rider must be ready 10 minutes Window or after,your reserved after,your reserved time. before pick-up time. time. Bags Allowed Up to 4 grocery bags. Up to 4 grocery bags. Up to 4 grocery bags. Personal Care Free Free Free Assistant, Children Type of Vehicle Small, wheelchair Small,wheelchair equipped wheelchair equipped bus equipped bus bus Service Hours Weekdays and Weekend Monday—Friday Tues, Wed,Thursday Days. Times vary by city 6am-7pm 7:30am—4:30pm that are the same as fixed route buses. (See page 2) Reservations From 1-4 days in advance Up to 5 business days in From 2-7 business days in advance. advance. Taken 7 days a week Confirmation call I business Reservations taken 5 days per between 6am-5pm. day prior to ride. week by message on the reservation line. Confirmation call 1 business day prior to ride. Service Areas All areas served by Where regular transit route is Any destination within daytime, fixed route bus unavailable. Lakeville,Farmington, service. Also,those Burnsville,Eagan,Apple designated as"Transit 7-County Metro area.May Valley,Rosemount Taxing District." See require transfer to another attached chart. transit service. 1 Metro Mobility Service Hours by Individual City in Dakota County COMMUNITY WEEKDAYS SATURDAY SUNDAY Apple Valley 4:45 AM 11:30 PM 8:00 AM 8:45 PM 8:00 AM 4:00 PM Burnsville 5:00 AM 11:45 PM 7:15 AM 10:30 PM 7:30 AM 9:30 PM Eagan 5:15 AM 11:45 PM 7:45 AM 9:15 PM 8:00 AM 9:00 PM Inver Grove Heights 5:15 AM 1:45 AM 6:15 AM 1:45 AM 7:00 AM 12:30 AM Lilydale 5:15 AM 11:45 PM 8:00 AM 8:45 PM 8:00 AM 6:15 PM Mendota 5:15 AM 8:15 PM 8:00 AM 4:00 PM 8:00 AM 4:00 PM Mendota Heights 5:15 AM 11:45 PM 8:00 AM 8:45 PM 8:00 AM 6:15 PM MSP Airport 24HR 24HR 24HR 24HR 24HR 24HR Rosemount 5:15 AM 7:15 PM 8:00 AM 4:00 PM 8:00 AM 4:00 PM South St. Paul 5:00 AM 2:00 AM 6:15 AM 1:45 AM 7:15 AM 12:30 AM Sunfish Lake 5:15 AM 11:00 PM 8:00 AM 4:00 PM 8:00 AM 4:00 PM West St. Paul 5:15 AM 1:45 AM 5:45 AM 1:45 AM 7:00 AM 12:00 AM 2