Houston-Galveston Area Council and the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) are partnering to conduct the 2022 Fixed-Routes Weekday Regional Transit On-board Origin/Destination Survey. This survey provides information about the characteristics and travel patterns of transit users in the H-GAC region by collecting statistically valid information from transit riders using the light rail, fixed-route local bus, and commuter bus.  The transit data collected will be used in the H-GAC’s Regional Travel Model and newly developed Activity-Based-Model. It will also be used in the development of travel demand forecast and analysis, Regional Transportation Plan, Transportation Improvement Program, a and variety of transportation planning studies. H-GAC, METRO, TxDOT, and seven other fixed-route transit providers in the H-GAC region are collaborating on this project.

We have allocated $1,100,000 of Transportation Planning funds and expect to receive a local contribution from METRO of $400,000 for a total project cost of $1,500,000. We are requesting an authorization to enter into Interlocal Agreement with METRO to receive $400,000 for this project.

Proposals were solicited to assist with the Regional Transit On-Board Survey and three responses were received. A Consultant Selection Committee evaluated, scored, and ranked the proposals in the following order:

1)      ETC Institute

2)      Dikita Management Services

3)      Creative Consumer Research

We are requesting authorization to negotiate contracts in the ranked order listed for the Regional Transit On-Board Survey.

Federal – Transportation Planning Funds: $1,100,000

METRO – Local Funds: $400,000

Total: $1,500,000

Yes

Request authorization to enter into an Interlocal Agreement with METRO to accept $400,000 of local contribution towards the Regional Transit On-Board Survey; and to negotiate contracts with consultants in the ranked order determined for an amount not to exceed $1,500,000 to conduct the Regional Transit On-Board Survey. (Staff Contact: Craig Raborn)