The Town of Huntsville has hired a consultant with the aim of improving the transit service it provides.
Selected in a Request for Proposal (RFP) process, Transit Consulting Network will begin a review of the existing service and make recommendations for improvements. The company completed the Town’s last transit needs study in 2006; it was the only company to respond to the RFP.
A staff report presented at the April 25 General Committee meeting noted that the consultant’s final report will provide comments and/or recommendations for improvements based on a review of:
- existing service levels;
- existing route design and town growth;
- existing fares;
- how the service is delivered;
- existing transit vehicles used and an assessment of alternatives;
- the need for specialized transit and how to better meet the accessibility needs of residents; and
- expanding transit services to areas north/south and west of town.
According to the staff report, “The (Transit Consulting Network) proposal lays out a clear work plan that will allow ample opportunity for public engagement and sets out clear objectives to be met at each stage of the process. Their ultimate goal and challenge is to make adjustments to the Huntsville Transit that will improve the ability to meet community needs while operating effectively within available resources today and in the future. The Study will make a business cases [sic] for well-reasoned recommendations for lowering unit costs and/or improving the quality and availability of public transportation, while ensuring full and timely compliance with AODA IASR (Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulation of Ontario) requirements.”
Huntsville Council had approved $20,000 in the 2018 budget, to be funded from transit reserves, for the needs assessment and ridership growth study. The proposal from Transit Consulting Network was $37,110 plus an additional $2,700 for an expanded service study for a total of $39,810 plus taxes.
In their report, staff noted that they have applied for a $40,000 Community Transportation Grant to assist with the cost of the project, but won’t know until early summer if the application was successful. Also, the report noted that this year’s bridge needs study came in $10,000 under budget, funds that could be directed toward the transit project, and that even if the grant application is not successful, funds could be found within the 2018 approved operational budget.
Related story: Town plans to hire consultant to review transit, look at expansion options
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One day a week for an extended route out side town limits, say hwy 60 to Dwight perhaps, would be a welcome addition to handicap people during fair weather at least. Cost one way to town with power wheel chair in a taxi is $50. If you have a pass to go to different areas of town during the designated day would be so helpful and a more reasonable rate
Hi Brian,
The 2018 operational budget lists expenses as $271,444 and revenue (fares and grants) as $145,976 with the shortfall to come from the tax levy. Those numbers are consistent with previous years. The budget is here if you want to check it out: https://www.huntsville.ca/en/townhall/budget.asp.
What does it cost to run the existing transit system for Huntsville, per year?
The Accessible Transportation Standard is available for perusal. There are several apps that allow one to optimize service routes financially. Consultants cost a minimum of 250% of planning/public works staff salaries. The $40,000 would have been more effectively directed toward the cost of vehicles (or perhaps, say, a less far-reaching RFP could have been tendered; with significant monies remaining for fleet). There is (and always has been) an increasing trend toward hiring consultants at all level of governments: The taxpayers apparently have deep pockets. With respect, then why are government workers so generously compensated (with a large payroll burden to fund their benefits)? They are intelligent and talented; and should be increasing their value to their employer (myself and all other taxpayers) by researching and extending themselves into new areas. At the very least, the RFP could have been replaced by a 6-month contract for a transportation engineer/technologist. Value for money: I hope that I’m not the only one voting with my wallet in October.
Hopefully the consultant will meet with local poverty groups to address the needs of the whole community.
Great to have a review…..it is time to address the needs of people living near downtown Huntsville….and work at Hidden Valley. Grandview and Deerhurst. It is time…..”