Guidebook for Start-up Transit Agencies

Abstract

The objective of this project was to develop a guidebook for use by agencies in the process of initiating first time transit systems, as well as to provide a comprehensive overview of the planning and programming aspects of the public transportation environment. The guidebook is designed to act as a consolidated source to inform agency personnel of various activities, procedures and programs related to initiating and continuing to operate a public transit agency. By detailing the wide assortment of information related to starting and operating public transportation agencies, this document was also envisioned as a resource document and transit primer for those employees and policy makers new to the public transit industry. The report provides an overview of the institutional environment that public transit systems must understand, including the Florida DOT and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Federal and state transit funding sources, regulations and requirements are summarized. The key steps involved in the initiation of new transit systems are detailed and general timelines are provided.