AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Resolution 2024-157R, approving a Public Transit System Interlocal Agreement with the Capital Area Rural Transportation System (“CARTS”) for CARTS to provide public transit service and maintenance in the San Marcos urbanized area, with funding to CARTS in the amount of $2,278,000.00, of which $609,059.00 is to be paid by the city and the balance to be paid from federal and state sources; authorizing the City Manager, or her designee, to execute the agreement on behalf of the city; and declaring an effective date.
Body
Meeting date: August 20, 2024
Department: Public Works - Transit
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: $2,278,000.00
Account Number: 23006345 - TRANSIT ADMIN
Funds Available: $2,278,000.00
Account Name: LOCAL CITY ROUTE
Fiscal Note:
Prior Council Action: Res. 2023-147R, Approval for fiscal year 2024 Public Transit Interlocal Agreement.
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Background Information:
The Public Transit System Interlocal Agreement with Capital Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS) provides essential transportation to San Marcos Residents. CARTS provides transit service and maintenance under this agreement. This agreement provides public transit services which include fixed route service, complementary paratransit service, and interurban express service from San Marcos to Austin.
There is no cost-of-service increase. CARTS has maintained the Fiscal Year 2024 cost per hour of $86.00 for Fiscal Year 2025. The total cost of this agreement for this year is $2,278,000.00. The City’s local match responsibility is $609,060.00.
Resources for these costs are Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Texas Department of Transportation Public Transportation Division (TxDOT-PTN) transit grants and local funds. The local funds provide the required “match” for federal funds.
The costs will be apportioned as follows:
$439,881.00 - FTA American Rescue Plan funding
$889,059.00 - FTA section 5307 Small Urbanized Area
$280,000.00 - TxDOT-PTN Urbanized Area
$609,060.00 - General fund
$60,000.00 - Interurban express fares (projected)
The 2025 agreement includes a new section (section 8) for vehicles used in the San Marcos service. This section outlines responsibilities for both parties for maintenance and replacement of aging fleet. The section reads as follows:
Vehicles Owned by the City of San Marcos
At the City’s discretion, the City may provide vehicles owned by the City for use by CARTS. Any vehicles owned or provided by the City shall be maintained by CARTS in good working order and in a clean and sanitary condition. CARTS agrees to provide insurance that meets or exceeds the statutory minimums required by law for vehicles used for public transit. CARTS agrees to indemnify the City for any claims or losses arising from the use by CARTS of any vehicles owned or provided by the City.
At the end of the useful life of any vehicle(s) used in the City’s service and at the request of CARTS, the City will replace the vehicle(s) within a reasonable time subject to approval by the City Council or City Manager, as applicable.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
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Alternatives:
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Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval.