D1-1 Firm Experience.pdf

Arizona Department of Transportation On Call Transit Consultant Services BPM007068 Discipline 1: Transit Planning Studies

Page 1 AECOM FIRM EXPERIENCE

Firm Experience - Discipline 1: Transit Planning Studies

AECOM proudly presents our firm’s qualifications for the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) request for Discipline 1 (Transit Planning Studies) under the On Call Transit Services solicitation. Having completed a variety of tasks as a trusted partner to ADOT on multiple similar work assignments throughout Arizona, we bring our premier local expertise, supported by national practitioners knowledgeable in all facets of transit services required under this on-call contract.

With over 65 years of experience advancing transportation in Arizona, AECOM brings unparalleled knowledge, with our Arizona offices employing approximately 200 people representing transit and environmental planners, community outreach specialists, and data analysts.

As demonstrated in this section, we are confident our project experience meets the needs of each category and task identified under Discipline 1. Our proposal is formatted to readily present how our team’s qualifications and experience align with the Discipline 1 tasks, with several relevant projects crossing multiple categories. Our team is excited to continue our partnership with ADOT and transit agencies throughout the state to advance transit in Arizona.

DISCIPLINE 1 - TABLE 1 | RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE

Project Name

Relevant Project Elements

Tr an si t F ea si bi lit y St ud ie s Tr an si t S er vi ce

Im pl em en ta tio n Pl an s

Tr an si t O pe ra tio ns

P la nn in g St ud ie s Tr an si t F ac ili ty

P la nn in g

Tr an si t M ar ke tin g

Pl an s

Sh or t R an ge Tr an si t P la ns Re gi on al M ob ili ty a nd

Co or di na tio n

Pl an ni ng

Ri de rs hi p Su rv ey s

O rig in s an d

De st in at io n

St ud y

Ro ut e Pl an ni ng

Sy st em E ffi ci en cy

S tu dy Re gi on al P la nn in g w ith a Tr an si t Co m po ne nt

Tr av el F or ec as tin g

M od el in g Bi ke a nd P ed es tr ia n Ne tw or k St ud ie s Co m pl et e

St re et s

St ud ie s

Sa fe ty P la ns

Tr an si t A ss et

M an ag em en t P la ns

St at ew id e Tr an si t P la nn in g

Central Arizona Governments Mobility Gap Analysis

MAG Regional Transportation Plan

Verde Valley Master Transportation Plan

MAG BRT Regional Feasibility Study

CapMetro - Bergstrom Spur Transit Feasibility Study

Mesa Transit Master Plan 2050

Chandler Transportation Master Plan Update

Mountain Line Downtown Connection Center

Downtown Neighborhood Transit Study & Microtransit Assessment (DASH Circulator)

Phoenix On-Demand Microtransit Assessment

Valley Metro Maintenance of Way Asset Inventory Assessment

UDOT Cedar City Transit Study

Phoenix Public Transportation Agency Safety Plans

MassDOT Comprehensive Regional Transit Plan

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CENTRAL ARIZONA GOVERNMENTS

(CAG), MOBILITY GAP ANALYSIS |

Pinal County, AZ

The primary goal of this project was to enhance the understanding of transportation needs for seniors and individuals with disabilities in Pinal County. The project analyzed current Section 5310 and similar transportation providers, identified gaps between current services and needs, and prioritized strategies to address those gaps at a sub-regional level using a data-driven approach. Furthermore, the study examined the gaps in need and the existing financial shortfalls in meeting those transportation needs. The results of the study:

• Assisted current 5310 program providers in determining where they may be able to mitigate the lack of services

• Provided 5311 and 5307 service providers’ awareness of existing 5310 transportation providers and where existing transportation gaps are located.

• Encouraged the establishment of new providers, as well as understanding the financial responsibilities it would take to provide the services needed.

• Provided Pinal County with the tools to make financial decisions to potentially help existing programs expand in areas lacking services and/or establish a new program.

• Helped identify currently unknown existing providers throughout the county.

MAG REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION

PLAN (MOMENTUM)| Maricopa County, AZ

AECOM developed MOMENTUM

— the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) — to update the long-term regional transportation vision. The Phoenix metro area, primarily located within Maricopa County, is one of the fastest growing large metropolitan regions in the U.S.

Our multi-phase approach toward this large-scale plan development is centered around focused visioning, performance assessment, and scenario planning processes.

The cornerstone of this effort is the robust, performance-focused approach to identifying regional needs and priorities to move beyond past conventions and advance the region’s planning for future transportation needs. This comprehensive update to the long-term transportation vision delivers a decoupled policy-driven plan from a comprehensive prioritized program to best equip MAG to set future regional funding priorities and proactively respond to federal performance and air quality reporting. AECOM also supported MAG through various planning efforts, associated graphical and document production efforts.

MAG developed two scenarios of long-term regional transportation projects, each at two different funding levels, for a total of four combinations. Each scenario was shaped by an overarching philosophy and set of guiding principles that helped determine the mix of projects across modes best able to address future transportation needs and goals.

The scenario planning process helped local policymakers identify trade-offs associated with different investments and assess which investment packages best address regional transportation needs that are closer to achieving the vision and goals for the region’s transportation future.

Relevant Project Descriptions

VERDE VALLEY MASTER TRANSPORTATION PLAN (VVMTP) |

Yavapai County, AZ In partnership with Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG), AECOM is developing a VVMTP and Comprehensive Safety Action Plan (CSAP) that expands upon the Northern Arizona Regional Transportation Safety Plan (RTSP) by analyzing and identifying effective solutions to address multimodal regional safety. The CSAP will inform the safety aspects of the Master Transportation Plan.

AECOM will engage project committee members to identify project goals and objectives that inform the development and assessment of multimodal transportation network scenarios.

Additionally, AECOM will collaborate with member agencies to identify key regional policies and priorities to inform long-term implementation strategies and sustainable approaches toward continued regional investment. The final report will include a compiled regional VVMTP and ArcGIS StoryMap-based data dashboard. Key objectives include:

• Develop policies to address current and future transportation challenges and establish mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating policy outcomes.

• Plan for a cohesive transportation network that addresses the needs of all modes.

forecast future travel demand based on various scenarios.

• Create a detailed implementation plan that outlines priorities, costs, timelines, responsible parties, resource requirements, and opportunities to implement VVMTP.

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MAG BRT REGIONAL FEASIBILITY

STUDY | Phoenix, AZ

One of the main study goals was to identify and prioritize potential BRT corridors and logical locations for connecting to a future City of Phoenix BRT network such that it forms a cohesive regional BRT system. To achieve this goal, AECOM reviewed existing and future (2040) conditions like socioeconomic trends, transit propensity, land use patterns, transit services and infrastructure, travel demand, and transit ridership. All potential BRT corridors were assessed using quantitative and qualitative criteria and scored to understand the top performing corridors within the region.

Additionally, AECOM developed regional standards for various BRT elements such as running ways, stations, intersection improvements, improved service, off-board fare collection, and branding. The results of this study will serve as a springboard for surrounding communities to begin their own discussions about implementing BRT and will be integrated into the MAG Regional Transportation Plan: MOMENTUM. This study and associated outreach process will give member agencies a head start in future implementation through an enhanced understanding of BRT opportunities, challenges, and overall feasibility.

Stakeholder and Community Outreach: A comprehensive outreach approach was developed for this study, including conversations with stakeholders and members of the community that spanned the entire study timeframe. This approach was helpful to develop a regionally shared set of expectations surrounding BRT characteristics and to gain a better understanding of public and political perceptions of the mode.

Stakeholder outreach was largely intended to gauge the receptiveness of the seven MAG member agencies, including City of Mesa, to the idea of a regional BRT network and to understand the corridors in their respective cities that are being considered for HCT. Stakeholder outreach provided more focused opportunities to learn about the needs, wants, challenges, and opportunities of individual jurisdictions.

CAPITAL METRO BERGSTROM SPUR

PHASE 1: TRANSIT FEASIBILITY

STUDY | Austin, TX

The Bergstrom Spur Corridor is an abandoned 6.5-mile rail corridor located in South Austin. The purpose of this study was to envision an east-west transit service along the corridor, with an emphasis on corridor connectivity.

AECOM collaborated with the CapMetro Service Planning Team and strategically partnered with the City of Austin (COA) to align outcomes with ongoing Bergstrom Spur Trail enhancements.

The Bergstrom Spur Phase 1 Transit Feasibility Study explored and documented the potential for transit solutions and implementation within the Bergstrom Spur Corridor.

This feasibility study provided an overview of the existing conditions within the analysis area, including:

A key feature of this study was developing a transit market analysis collaboratively with CapMetro that provided a detailed look into the micro transit markets that drive transit. This analysis combined multiple data sets into a comprehensive transit market score that informed the analysis and transit investments.

The analysis included current and planned CapMetro high-capacity transit (HCT) routes, such as future Project Connect LRT and MetroRapid BRT lines. Additionally, the City of Austin’s active transportation network, including its bicycle and urban trail routes, was included in the analysis.

The subsequent phase involved a targeted public outreach campaign and the development of corridor-wide transit recommendations.

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CHANDLER TRANSPORTATION

MASTER PLAN UPDATE | Chandler, AZ

AECOM developed the transit element of the City of Chandler Transportation Master Plan Update. The Transit Element folded into the overall Transportation Master Plan update and guided the development of the future transit network. The process used in the preparation of the Transportation Master Plan included a combination of technical research and analysis, coordination with city staff, input from the Transportation Commission, and a series of public and stakeholder engagement activities. The process was incremental, including:

transit use

• Recommendations for future transit use and how emerging technologies can support it

• Analysis of potential funding sources for future transit network expansion Key objectives:

MESA TRANSIT MASTER PLAN 2050 |

Mesa, AZ

In collaboration with the City of Mesa, AECOM developed the 2050 Transit Master Plan (TMP) to determine the types of transit services, facilities, programs, and system features that will address the city’s short- and long-term needs. The TMP aims to establish a framework for future transit services in Mesa by focusing on productivity, leveraging emerging transit technologies, and evaluating potential new transit markets, while also coordinating with other transportation options such as pedestrian, bicycle, and automobile.

Engaging the community and stakeholders was a vital aspect of the TMP’s development.

Mesa’s TMP not only aims to enhance transit efficiency but also adopts an activity center-to-activity center approach, exploring emerging transit technology solutions and linking to major city destinations. This involved a technical assessment of existing transit operations, as well as capital and operational investments, socioeconomic factors, and land use conditions. Alongside TMP efforts, Mesa initiated planning for the General Plan and Transportation Master Plan. Recognizing that elements of the TMP would influence these initiatives, the project team established strategic coordination among the three plans to facilitate their successful development, involving project collaboration, joint outreach activities, and data sharing.

This integration presented a unique opportunity to shape Mesa’s future transit services, enhancing mobility, supporting economic growth, and fostering ridership growth.

Our subconsultant directed public and stakeholder outreach for this initiative, incorporating engaging activities to encourage community involvement, with a focus on creativity, visual appeal, simplicity, and incentives. For instance, the study team participated in “Celebrate Mesa,” a prominent community event in April 2023. Interactive activities centered on a single, straightforward question— creating in-house “ballot boxes” where attendees could “vote” on their preferred future transit modes. They also designed a pop-up banner and t-shirts for staff featuring the same key question. Voters had the chance to win gift certificates. Additionally, interviews were held with the mayor, city council members, the city manager, and assistant/ deputy city managers, as well as engaging with stakeholders such as Mesa Community College.

MOUNTAIN LINE DOWNTOWN

CONNECTION CENTER | Flagstaff, AZ

Through this project, AECOM led the site selection and concept design of a new transit center in Flagstaff.

The project will optimize transit in the community by strategically locating the connection center so it can be easily accessed by the public and improve the bus routing efficiency. The AECOM team followed LEED design standards and completed preliminary LEED assessment as well as meeting local Coconino County sustainability standards. The building is anticipated to meet LEED Gold standards.

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DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD

TRANSIT STUDY & MICROTRANSIT

ASSESSMENT (DASH CIRCULATOR) |

Phoenix, AZ

This study is an important component of the Transportation 2050 Program to continue expanding and improving Phoenix’s neighborhood circulator routes. In 2022, the Downtown NTS began with a focus area currently serviced by the DASH circulator. A Community Education and Engagement Plan outlining community participation in three phases was developed to facilitate community involvement.

Existing socioeconomic and demographic conditions and current DASH operations were documented and reviewed, followed by the Phase 1 community outreach to understand current and future needs. The technical findings and public outreach responses were used to develop four DASH route alternatives that expanded the current DASH alignment and service hours. Phase 2 community outreach focused on understanding the preferred alternative. Utilizing the public response, an alternative was selected, and additional outreach was conducted with stakeholders regarding the preferred alternative. Phase 3 community outreach was conducted via the Valley Metro Service Change, and the Citizens Transportation Commission approved the preferred alternative.

AECOM developed the NTS Community Engagement application, which is a one-stop app to educate the public about the project and serve as a platform to explore demographic and existing conditions data and as a medium to communicate and solicit comments on the proposed changes. Builder tool to optimize functionality while showcasing different content for each project phase. The existing conditions and transit demographic interactive maps assist users in understanding current transit options and visually locating the transit-dependent population.

During the active comment period, the public could add points on the map to indicate origins and destinations for their transit trips as well as provide other feedback related to the service. Subsequently, users could utilize the service options map to review proposed routes, see which key destinations it served, and identify their preferred routes.

The app also included buttons to public survey forms and facilitate Spanish translation.

VALLEY METRO MAINTENANCE

OF WAY (MOW) ASSET INVENTORY

ASSESSMENT | Phoenix, AZ The purpose of this project was to develop a comprehensive and current inventory of Valley Metro’s MOW assets located at the 27th Street facility. This facility houses critical infrastructure components, including traction power systems, signaling equipment, and Traction Power Substations (TPSS). AECOM supported Valley Metro by reviewing contract drawings, construction submittals, and as-built drawings to compile a detailed inventory of these assets and conduct a thorough asset assessment.

As part of the project, AECOM was granted access to and received training on Trapeze, Valley Metro’s cloud-based Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) system. We established asset lifecycle thresholds using this platform based on time, cost, and performance metrics. The team also determined each asset’s position within its age-related lifecycle replacement cycle and calculated fully loaded replacement cost estimates. In addition, AECOM developed a framework for assessing asset condition by establishing Condition Assessment Factors and Weights.

These standards were tailored to the specific characteristics of the identified assets and were designed to support consistent and objective evaluations. All recommendations and assessment standards were aligned with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requirements for Transit Asset Management (TAM) and State of Good Repair (SOGR), ensuring regulatory compliance and supporting Valley Metro’s long-term asset management strategy.

PHOENIX ON-DEMAND

MICROTRANSIT ASSESSMENT |

Phoenix, AZ The Microtransit Assessment identified and evaluated on-demand microtransit zones as a solution for first/last-mile connections, integrating with the region’s established fixed-route transit system. Implementing adaptable microtransit zones allows Phoenix to improve transit access more rapidly and with lower initial infrastructure and operational expenses.

The long-term strategy involves using travel patterns within the microtransit zones to guide the placement and frequency of fixed routes in the targeted neighborhoods.

The City of Phoenix is launching Project EASE, a three-year federally funded pilot to test on-demand microtransit as a flexible, technology-driven alternative to personal vehicles.

Backed by a $12.9 million federal grant and a $3.2 million local match, the initiative will introduce three geo-fenced microtransit zones in partnership with Via Transportation, Inc., complementing RAPID commuter service and integrating into the Valley Metro app for seamless trip planning, real-time tracking, and fare payment. Community engagement in 2025 will help shape service design, with the overall goal of reducing congestion, expanding transit access in underserved areas, and creating a more connected rider experience.

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PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AGENCY

SAFETY PLANS | Phoenix, AZ This study is a vital element of the Transportation 2050 (T2050) Program, which aims to enhance and expand the neighborhood circulator routes in Phoenix. The NTS focused on the area served by the DASH circulator. To encourage community involvement, a Community Education and Engagement Plan was developed, outlining participation in three phases. Technical findings and public outreach results led to the formulation of four DASH route alternatives that broadened the existing DASH alignment and service hours.

After reviewing public feedback, a selection was made, and further engagement with stakeholders about the preferred option followed. The Valley Metro Service Change process culminated in the Citizens Transportation Commission’s approval of the preferred alternative.

The Microtransit Assessment study identified and evaluated on-demand microtransit zones as a solution for first/last-mile connections, integrating with the region’s established fixed-route transit system. Implementing adaptable microtransit zones allows Phoenix to improve transit access more rapidly and with lower initial infrastructure and operational expenses. The long-term strategy involves using travel patterns within the microtransit zones to guide the placement and frequency of fixed routes in the targeted neighborhoods.

MASSDOT COMPREHENSIVE

REGIONAL TRANSIT PLAN |

Statewide, MA

The AECOM team worked for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Rail and Transit Division with all fifteen Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) commonwealth-wide to develop and update comprehensive regional transit plans (CRTPs). The work included evaluation of existing transit routes and services, community outreach to prioritize needs and plans, and developing strategies to improve public transit in communities across the state, focusing on performance.

The CRTP is intended to be a five-year transit plan from 2020-2025 and is an update and expansion of the Regional Transit Plans last developed in 2015. The CRTPs were developed in the context of several statewide and regional initiatives. The CRTPs are both a result of and a contributor to the ongoing discussions on regional transportation.

Recent and ongoing initiatives include the following:

Authorities (RTA Task Force)

All RTAs also signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with MassDOT in August of 2019.

The MOUs include agreement to complete the CRTP process. The MOUs also contain performance metrics and targets, agreement to maintain an up-to-date asset inventory, agreement to submit a fare policy by December 2020, agreement to submit a balanced budget annually, and reporting timelines. Overarching goals for the CRTPs included the following:

• Generate performance measures to define what a successful route looks like using the metrics and targets in the MOU as a baseline

performance benchmarks

agency

UDOT CEDAR CITY TRANSIT STUDY

(CCTS) | Cedar City, UT

The CCTS is being led by UDOT, in partnership with Cedar City. The study identifies and assesses short- and long-term strategies to enhance public transportation in the Cedar City region and improve fixed-route and paratransit services in the Cedar City study area in Iron County, located in southwest Utah. The plan also explores potential transit connections to nearby communities, including Enoch City, the Town of Brian Head, and surrounding recreational destinations. The study identified key origins, destinations, and unique trip pairs by analyzing Replica trip patterns, focusing on essential locations like grocery stores, health care facilities, and educational institutions. The study also accounted for recreation and tourism using the skiing visitor data from Brian Head Resort. Additionally, Remix was utilized to develop new routing options for mid-term and long-term scenarios, offering various coverage and frequency options.