D2-1 Firm Experience.pdf

Arizona Department of Transportation On Call Transit Consultant Services BPM007068 Discipline 2: Transit Planning Tasks

Page 1AECOM FIRM EXPERIENCE

Firm Experience - Discipline 2: Transit Planning Tasks

AECOM proudly presents our firm’s qualifications for the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) request for Discipline 2 (Transit Planning Tasks) 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 2. Our proposal is formatted to readily present how our team’s qualifications and experience align with the Discipline 2 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 2 - TABLE 1 | RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE

Project Name

Relevant Project Elements

Es tim at in g Tr an si t N ee ds

Tr an si t O pe ra tio ns

P la ns

Co m pr eh en si ve O pe ra tio na l An al ys is

Tr an si t I m pr ov em en t P la ns

Ca pi ta l N ee ds a nd

O pe ra tio na l

Effi ci en cy

S tu di es

Tr an si t M od el in g

M ar ke tin g An al ys is , B ra nd in g, Pr od uc t D ev el op m en t

Pr e-

En gi ne er in g

/ N

EP

A

Valley Metro Downtown Hub Bus Routes Study

DART On-Call Consulting Services

Valley Metro Planning Support Services

CAG Pinal County Coordinated Mobility Gap Analysis

Park City Park & Ride Transit Analysis

VIA Metropolitan Transit - Mobility on Demand (MOD) Support Services

Phoenix On-Demand Microtransit Assessment

Valley Metro Maximum Passenger Load and Running Time Analysis Study

Victor Valley Transit Comprehensive Operations Analysis

UDOT Cedar City Transit Study

Mountain Line Downtown Connection Center

Mesa Transit Master Plan 2050

Chandler Transportation Master Plan Update

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VALLEY METRO DOWNTOWN HUB

BUS ROUTES STUDY | Phoenix, AZ

Construction of the Valley Metro Light Rail South Central Extension, the Downtown Hub project, and the Phoenix Central Station necessitated rerouting commuter, local, and circulator routes in Downtown Phoenix. Upon completion of construction, the routes need to be returned to prior alignments as soon as possible. AECOM created five different routing scenarios using the Remix platform and developed a final routing recommendation based on post-construction infrastructure conditions, light rail operations, stakeholder feedback, traffic impacts shown through VISSIM modeling, and operational and capital cost comparisons. The interim route recommendation was implemented along with the inauguration of the South- Central extension. The final route implementation is being refined and will be implemented in the upcoming service changes.

Relevant Project Descriptions

DART ON-CALL CONSULTING

SERVICES | Dallas, TX

AECOM mobilized an experienced team of professionals and subconsultants, initiating task orders for a three-year contract supporting the Capital Planning Department at DART. Highlights of AECOM’s projects through the DART con-tracts are detailed below:

• CORE Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)Feasibility Study: The

AECOM team is working with DART to confirm priority projects, preliminary design (10% or other) for projects, schedule, and cost estimates for BRT improvements on 20 key system corridors. The team is developing design guidelines that can be shared with cities and private developers to enhance access to bus routes and better integrate bus stops/amenities.

• City Mobility Area Plans: This project will identify and advance projects, programs or services that can help service area cities and DART achieve their mutual goals.

This collaboration will be done through the development of area plans for each of DART’s 13 cities. Plans will build upon key goals and actions in the DART Transit System Plan and individual city comprehensive, area and/or strategic plans and result in specific recommendations to advance within each city.

• Sustainability Plan: The AECOM team is revising the Sustainability Program to align with DART’s Strategic Vision for seamless integration within the community and to be seen as an economic asset. AECOM is working with DART to update the Sustainability Policy and Plan to take a holistic approach toward enhancing sustainability by not only reducing the environmental footprint but also integrating with the communities. The goal of the project is to help DART reach APTA Silver or Gold level for Sustainability.

• Mobility Hub Concept Plan: The project team is developing three designs for future mobility hubs in the DART service area. The plans incorporate components of the DART Mobility Hub Guidelines, Climate Action Plan, and Strategic Plan. The conceptual designs include land use efficiency, safety and security, sustainability enhancements, and a suite of amenities such as bike/ scooter sharing, pop-up markets, park space and real time information monitors . The first two mobility hub designs have been developed for the Lawnview Station and Deep Ellum Station.

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VALLEY METRO PLANNING SUPPORT

SERVICES | Phoenix, AZ

AECOM has served as a partner to Valley Metro through the Planning Support Services contract since 2007 as either a prime or subcontractor.

AECOM has collaborated with Valley Metro and its regional partners to provide comprehensive planning services to support the development and enhancement of transit systems across the Phoenix metropolitan area. Some of the key projects underway or successfully completed in the last 10 years include:

• Capitol/I-10 West Light Rail Extension: AECOM led the alternatives analysis (AA) phase to evaluate potential high-capacity transit (HCT) improvements and determine the locally preferred alternative for a transit investment in the I-10 West Corridor. AECOM conducted technical analyses, including traffic studies, travel demand modeling analysis, development of design and operations concepts, and environmental review. AECOM is currently supporting Valley Metro’s work to advance the original project as two separate projects – CAPEX to the State Capitol Complex, and 10WEST to the Desert Sky Transit Center.

• Valley Metro Fiesta District Alternatives Analysis:

The City of Mesa initiated the Fiesta District AA, in partnership with Valley Metro, to explore the potential of expanding HCT to serve the Fiesta District. This AA included extensive stakeholder and public outreach, multidisciplinary technical analysis, and final acceptance of a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA).

• Transit Stop Inventory and Accessibility Study:

AECOM evaluated and documented accessibility criteria and compliance of bus stops with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In the field, teams used Collector, a mobile application, to document and photograph bus stops. Since the field survey and inventory in 2017, Valley Metro has used this information to prioritize funding for cities with bus stops that do not meet ADA requirements.

• Phoenix South Central Corridor HCT: The purpose of the AA was to consider alternative HCT transit modes and routes, including a No-Build option, to develop and present an LPA for subsequent planning and design.

AECOM later supported the final design for the South Central corridor.

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.

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VIA METROPOLITAN TRANSIT

- MOBILITY ON DEMAND (MOD)

SUPPORT SERVICES | San Antonio, TX VIA Metropolitan Transit (VIA) broadly explored opportunities to optimize transit network efficiency, that included Mobility on Demand (MOD)/Microtransit services, and other potential future transportation technologies.

Three MOD zones were in operation through a turnkey contract called VIA Link. Additional MOD zones were identified in VIA’s transit plan for implementation in FY 22.

AECOM supported VIA in reviewing RFPs for the MOD rideshare services and MOD innovation zones, by offering suggestions on how to strengthen the RFPs/ addenda based on industry knowledge and best practices.

Additionally, AECOM evaluated operational and maintenance plans that helped VIA determine the full range of opportunities and constraints related to pursuing in-house MOD operations. AECOM conducted research and evaluation of various components for in-house operations, which included vehicle requirements, vehicle types maintenance facility, labor requirements, parking requirements, IT infrastructure, MOD zone management and comparison with turnkey contract. AECOM developed a cost model for operating the MOD services in-house broken down by zone. This included estimates for startup cost (vehicle procurements, technology procurements, staffing cost for administration, etc.) and day-to-day operations cost for each MOD zone.

PHOENIX ON-DEMAND

MICROTRANSIT ASSESSMENT |

Phoenix, AZ 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.

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..

VALLEY METRO MAXIMUM

PASSENGER LOAD AND RUNNING

TIME ANALYSIS STUDY | Phoenix, AZ AECOM analyzed the maximum passenger load, on-time performance, and running times of Valley Metro’s 39 fixed-bus routes. The maximum passenger load for each Valley Metro bus route was analyzed, segmented by vehicle block and day type (weekday, Saturday, and Sunday service) for February 2020, February 2022, and September 2022. Based on the analysis, the appropriate bus length and seating capacity were recommended for future bus purchases and the need to replace 12-year-old 60-foot articulated buses. AECOM and Valley Metro procured a three-month Swiftly license to conduct the on-time performance and running time analysis using Swiftly’s schedule evaluation tools. The data from Swiftly was processed by route, day type (Weekday, Saturday, and Sunday service), time band (AM peak, midday, PM peak, evening, and late-night/early-morning), and seasonal periods (Fall, Spring, Summer) to support a one-year analysis window. A Python script was developed to automate the data exports for each route using Swiftly’s API tool. Further, to ensure the practicality of the recommendations, on-site ride validations were conducted to compare the suggested run times and real-time conditions before implementation.

PARK CITY PARK & RIDE TRANSIT

ANALYSIS | Park City, UT

This study evaluated potential transit service from New Quinn’s Park & Ride lot to the PEG/Vail resort, which is expected to be completed by 2028. AECOM conducted a thorough assessment of transit service characteristics, including proposed routing and stop locations, parking projections for the established horizon years, construction milestones for the resort and parking garages, and fleet inventory. AECOM then developed a service and operations plan for the build-out year of 2028, which included a conceptual schedule and an operations model detailing the recommendation’s total revenue miles and hours. The final deliverable comprised an implementation plan that facilitated phased implementation based on key milestones of construction projects in the study area.

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UDOT CEDAR CITY TRANSIT STUDY |

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.

VICTOR VALLEY TRANSIT

COMPREHENSIVE OPERATIONS

ANALYSIS | Victor Valley, CA

The Victor Valley Transit Comprehensive Operational Analysis is set at a 7-year horizon to reflect future development and growth. The goal of this COA is to arrest and reverse ridership declines and restructure VVTA’s bus network in Victor Valley to better align with customer needs while making progress towards metrics for high-frequency transit access. The analysis assessed the growth in the high desert region, such as new housing, warehousing, and other developments, to determine current transit needs, along with an onboard survey of existing riders to obtain rider demographics. The re-imagined network resulting from the analysis shall aim to increase transit usage by creating a positive end-to-end user experience that attracts and retains current, former, and future customers.

The assessment of the market and service from this COA resulted in service delivery strategies that would be implemented with existing operating resources.

AECOM is part of the project team undertook the mission to transform VVTA’s service. The project elements under AECOM’s scope of work include:

issues.

• Analyzing transfer points in the region and conduct Title

VI analysis for operation & maintenance facility.

• Supporting development of alternatives and future needs assessment.

new system.

• Assisting preparing the final action plan.

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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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.

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:

impact transit use

• Development of recommendations for future transit use and how emerging technologies can support it

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