The City of Fort Worth and The Fort Worth Transportation Authority (Trinity Metro) have been working closely to identify opportunities for first-mile/last-mile connections to transit service. In December 2018, the Trinity Metro Board of Directors approved a Pilot On-Demand Rideshare Service to address the issue. The January 2019 opening of the TEXRail Mercantile Station in North Fort Worth provided an opportunity to utilize this pilot service in the area. Due to the sparsely dense area, it is difficult to establish high-performing, fixed-route bus services. However, the on-demand service will provide access to the high number of jobs in the area through a connection to the TEXRail Mercantile Station. This 12-month pilot service will implement on-demand service and measure its effectiveness in an effort to expand the service after the pilot has expired. The City has agreed to help fund the pilot service as a way to increase transit ridership and improve access to the available transit system. The City previously appropriated $500,000.00 in anticipation of City support for the on-demand service pilot. Trinity Metro identified $500,000.00 from its FY2019 Operating Budget and the Board of Directors has authorized staff to negotiate and execute agreements to provide on-demand services for 12-months not to exceed $1,000,000.00. Trinity Metro is also pursuing private funding that will add to the available funding that will allow a possible extension of the pilot service. This Interlocal Agreement is in COUNCIL DISTRICTS 2 and 4. This contract will be with a governmental entity, state agency or public institution of higher education: (Fort Worth Transportation Authority). |
