Resolution 2021-31563 RESOLUTION NO., 2021-31563
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE RESUMPTION OF THE
CITYWIDE TROLLEY SERVICE, BASED UPON FUNDING AVAILABILITY
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020-2021; AND, FURTHER, AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXTEND THE ON-DEMAND FREEBEE SERVICE FOR
ELDERLY RESIDENTS LIVING IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING FACILITIES
THROUGHOUT THE CITY THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2021.
WHEREAS, on April 30, 2014, the City Commission approved the award of Invitation to
Bid (ITB) No. 2014-154-SR for Turn-Key Trolley Operations and Maintenance Services to
Limousines of South Florida, Inc. (LSF); and
WHEREAS, on May 8, 2014, the City and LSF executed the Agreement, which
Agreement was subsequently modified pursuant to Amendments 1 through 10; and
WHEREAS, in the interest of public health, and to help prevent the spread of COVID-19,
the City suspended all trolley service on Thursday, March 26, 2020 at 7:00 PM; and
WHEREAS,on September 28, 2020,the City Manager issued the City's Phase 3 Opening
Order, keeping with the Governor's Executive Order 20-244 and Miami-Dade County's
Emergency Order 30-20; and
WHEREAS, resuming our trolley service is of utmost importance for the City and should
be accomplished in conjunction with the reopening of restaurants, hotels, and schools in order to
provide access to jobs and support our local economy; and
WHEREAS, the Administration recommends resuming citywide trolley service at a
reduced service level of approximately 30-minute service frequency based upon funding
availability for fiscal year 2020-2021; and
WHEREAS, to allow for social distancing on-board the trolleys, vehicle capacity would be
limited to 10-12 passengers; and
WHEREAS, the City will supply all LSF drivers with a Center for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) approved disinfecting solution to spray throughout the interior of the trolley
vehicle after each loop to disinfect high-touch areas including door handles, steering wheel, seat
belts, buttons, handholds/railings, and pull cords in response to current pandemic; and
WHEREAS, city staff will conduct periodic trolley inspections to ensure LSF drivers are
properly disinfecting vehicles and meeting the City's expectation; and
WHEREAS,LSF will be required to conduct daily temperature checks on all drivers before
they enter the facilities and board the trolley vehicles; and
WHEREAS, all drivers will be required to wear facial masks at all times; and
WHEREAS, passengers will be required to wear a facial mask or facial covering at all
times and follow social distancing while waiting to board at a trolley stop, boarding, on-board the
vehicle, and disembarking; and
WHEREAS, signage will be posted on-board all trolley vehicles advising passengers of
limited capacity and where seating is allowed/prohibited, requirements to wear facial mask/facial
covering while aboard the trolleys as well as encouraging riders to conform to CDC-
recommended prevention and hygiene practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, on November 16, 2020, the Administration resumed on-demand Freebee
service for elderly residents living in affordable housing facilities throughout the City; and
WHEREAS,the Freebee service providesan alternative mobility option for seniors in lieu
of the trolley service and is funded through CARES Act funds which the City secured from Miami-
Dade County through December 30, 2020; and
WHEREAS, using City funds, the service was extended from December 31, 2020 through
January 20, 2021, to provide the City Commission an opportunity to discuss whether or not to
continue this service for elderly residents; and
WHEREAS, Freebee service for elderly was implemented in response to the on-going
pandemic and constitutes a departure from the original scope of work approved by the City
Commission (Middle Beach on-demand transit service); and
WHEREAS, the Administration recommends that the Freebee service for elderly be
extended through September 30, 2021, in lieu of Middle Beach on-demand transit using funds
originally budgeted for the operation of the Middle Beach on-demand transit service in Fiscal Year
2020/21.
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that the Mayor and City Commission hereby authorize
the resumption of the citywide trolley service, based upon funding availability for fiscal year 2020-
2021; and, further, authorize the City Manager to extend the on-demand Freebee service for
elderly residents living in affordable housing facilities throughout the City through September 30,
2021.
PASSED and ADOPTED this 13th day of January 2021.
ATTEST:
Dan Gelber, Mayor
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Rafael E. Granado, ity CI rk
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New Business and Commission Requests-R9 J
MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Raul J.Aguila,Interim City Manager
DATE: January 13,2021
SUBJECT: DISCUSSION ON RESUMPTION OF CITYWIDE TROLLEY SERVICES AND ON-DEMAND FREEBEE
SERVICE FOR ELDERLY RESIDENTS LIVING IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING FACILITIES THROUGHOUT
THE CITY.
RECOMMENDATION
Given that the City is currently in Phase 3 of its COVI D-19 reopening plan,and due to the importance of the City's trolley service in
supporting multimodal mobility and economic recovery, the Administration recommends resuming trolley service in mid to
late February 2021 at a reduced service level and with a high frequency of interior vehicle cleaning, contingent on the status of the
COVI D-19 pandemic and any applicable Miami-Dade County emergency orders in effect at that time.
Furthermore, on November 16, 2020, the Administration resumed on-demand Freebee service for elderly residents living in
affordable housing facilities throughout the City. The Freebee service provides an alternative mobility option for seniors in lieu of the
trolley service and is funded through CARES Act funds which the City secured from Miami-Dade County through December 30,
2020. Using City funds, the service will be extended from December 31, 2020 through January 20, 2021, to provide the City
Commission an opportunity to discuss whether or not to continue this service for elderly residents
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
Based on the 2019 Miami Beach Resident Survey,75%of residents surveyed are satisfied with the trolley service,however,service
reliability and service frequency were the main factors of service dissatisfaction. Based on the same survey,63%of respondents use
their automobile as a primary mode of transportation for trips within Miami Beach,and 73%of respondents consider trolleys and local
bus circulators as the most viable alternative to using a personal automobile within the City.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City's trolley service was providing a reliable transportation option to over 14,000 daily
passengers and removing approximately 5,400 vehicle trips per day from our local streets. Service operated 18 hours a day,
Monday to Saturday,and 16 hours a day on Sundays,with 25 vehicles in service and an average service frequency of 15-20 minutes,
at a cost of approximately$986,000/month.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, staff closely monitored trolley ridership data throughout March 2020 and modified trolley
service levels to properly meet passenger demand. Additionally,to protect the health of trolley passengers and drivers,the following
educational and sanitation efforts were conducted throughout March 2020:
1. Installed CDC-approved educational posters(two per vehicle in English and Spanish).
2. Provided guidelines on-board the trolleys advising elderly and immune-deficient passengers not to take public transportation
unless urgent and necessary.
3. In addition to standard daily cleaning practices,the trolley operator(LSF)increased the frequency of cleaning to help protect
passengers from the spread of the virus. In particular, "high touch" areas, including buttons, handholds, pull cords, and rails
were cleaned more frequently.
4. On Friday,March 13,2020,LSF deployed a dedicated sanitation van and personnel to sanitize all trolley vehicles during the mid-day
shift change,7 days a week.
5. On Saturday, March 14, 2020, the City and LSF established dedicated stations with personnel sanitizing all trolley
vehicles throughout the day using industrial grade CDC-approved sanitizing products.Trolley cleaning continued in this fashion until
service was suspended.
6. Clorox disinfecting wipes were provided on-board the trolley vehicles while supplies lasted.
7. Due to a significant decrease in ridership, on March 21, 2020, citywide trolley service was modified to operate at 30-minute
service frequency(headways)from 8 AM-7 PM,7 days a week.The Via 11 Street Loop was discontinued.
Throughout the month of March 2020,the City's trolley ridership decreased by over 85%as a result of the pandemic. Ultimately,in
the interest of public health and to help prevent the spread of COVI D-19,the City suspended all trolley service on Thursday, March
26, 2020 at 7 PM. The public was made aware of service suspension through all applicable channels including, but not limited to,
social media,trolley website,trolley customer service line,trolley email,advance notices on-board the trolleys,notices at major stops,
and rider alerts on the trolley tracker mobile application.
•
Since suspension of trolley service on March 26,2020,the City has received about 200 trolley service-related inquiries,mainly from
residents. The low number of inquiries is likely due to significantly reduced demand from residents,workforce,and visitors resulting
from emergency orders requiring various closures of establishments in the City and the "stay at home" messaging throughout the
pandemic. Staff anticipates receiving more inquiries as more businesses and restaurants open during Phase 3 of the City's
and County's COVID-19 reopening plan.
Due to social distancing on-board transit vehicles, Miami-Dade County has limited vehicle capacity to 19 passengers on its regular
40-foot buses, and 40 passengers on its 60-foot articulated buses. Reduction in vehicle capacity is resulting in missed trips and
longer passenger wait times. To compensate for reduced capacity and supplement its bus fleet,the County requested the use of the
City's trolley vehicles along County bus routes primarily serving Miami Beach via the same provider(LSF). This temporary use was
approved by the City Commission on July 29,2020,via Resolution No.2020-31373. Upon written notification from the City,LSF will
make available for the City's use any number of trolley vehicles from the City's fleet within 30 days of the notification.The County's
use of the City's trolleys operated by LSF commenced on July 31, 2020, and, since that date, LSF's monthly fixed costs
(approximately$167,095/month incurred in association with protection of the City's program assets (33 trolley vehicles))are being
covered through the County's scheduled service hours. Thus,the City is no longer accruing any debt associated with suspension of
trolley service as long as either the County or the City operate the City's trolley vehicles.
While the agreement between the County and LSF that allows for temporary use of City's trolley vehicles is set to expire on
December 31, 2020, based on a recent conversation with County staff, the County anticipates extending the agreement. It is,
however, important to note that LSF staff communicated to City staff that they will soon be replacing Miami Beach trolleys operating
along County bus routes with low-floor buses which LSF has recently purchased. If either the County or LSF elect to discontinue
use of the City's trolley vehicles prior to the City resuming its trolley service.the City would immediately resume accruing
fixed costs associated with the protection of the program assets at a cost of approximately$167.000/month until the City
resumes its trolley service
ANALYSIS
Tentative Service Resumption Timeline
On September 28,2020,the City Manager issued the City's Phase 3 Opening Order,keeping with the Governor's Executive Order
20-244 and Miami-Dade County's Emergency Order 30-20. As such,the Administration anticipates resuming citywide trolley service
at a reduced service level and an increased cleaning frequency described below sometime in mid to late February(to provide the
required 30-day advance notification to LSF and Miami-Dade Transit) pending the status of the COVID-19 pandemic and any
applicable County emergency orders at that time. As documented in the 2019 Miami Beach Community Survey,our citywide trolley
service is the backbone of multimodal mobility in Miami Beach and an essential service for many of our residents, workforce
employees,and visitors. The service promotes economic development,complements County bus service,and fosters a pedestrian-
scale environment where biking and walking are viable mobility options. Resuming our trolley service is of utmost importance for the
City and should be accomplished in conjunction with the reopening of restaurants,hotels,and schools in order to provide access to
jobs and support our local economy.
It is worth noting that out of 28 municipalities in Miami-Dade County that provide local circulator services,only a handful
suspended their services temporarily during the pandemic. Moreover, none of the municipalities that suspended their
circulator services provided a level of service or ridership comparable to the Miami Beach Trolley which served over
14,000 trips daily prior to the pandemic. The only comparable trolley service is City of Miami which never suspended its
trolley services during the pandemic.
Reduced Service Plan
The City's trolley service is largely funded by resort tax and parking surplus funds—sources which have been significantly impacted
due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of this financial impact, the Administration is proposing that trolley service resume
operation at a reduced service level and ramp-up to normal (pre-COVID) service level as the economy recovers. At a reduced
service level and with available funding,staff believes the City can provide citywide trolley service for approximately 11 hours a day,7
days a week,from 9 AM to 8 PM,with 15 vehicles in daily service and 30-minute average service frequency(passenger wait times).
The cost of the reduced service plan is estimated to be$511,000/month or$4.1 million for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2020/21 (an
approximate savings of$7.7 million as compared to regular service level).The reduced trolley service can be funded in Fiscal Year
2020/21 primarily through the City's share of County half-cent transit surtax funds (People's Transportation Plan (PTP) funds)
and F DOT Transit Service Development grant funds.
To allow for social distancing on-board the trolleys. vehicle capacity would be limited to 10-12 passengers. Reduction in service
frequency combined with reduced vehicle capacity is expected to result in some missed trips and extended passenger wait times.To
compensate for lost capacity, staff will monitor passenger demand among all routes and reassign vehicles as needed to minimize
missed trips. Transit agencies around the U.S., including Miami-Dade Transit, are placing more vehicles in service. For the Miami
Beach trolley service,however,funding is the limiting factor hindering our ability to add vehicles to compensate for social distancing.
Vehicle Cleaning in Response to COVID-19
Protecting the safety and health of our trolley passengers and drivers is of utmost importance. To that end,the City will supply all LS F
drivers with a Center for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC)approved disinfecting solution to spray throughout the interior of the
trolley vehicle after each loop to disinfect high-touch areas including door handles, steering wheel, seat belts, buttons,
handholds/railings, and pull cords. The estimated cost to the City to provide this level of cleaning is approximately$9,000/month.
City staff will conduct periodic trolley inspections to ensure LSF drivers are properly disinfecting vehicles and meeting the City's
expectation_ Furthermore. LSF will conduct an extensive/deep cleanina of event trolley vehicle each niaht usina CDC-aooroved
products.
Staff will explore the feasibility of installing hand sanitizing dispensers and gel/foam for passengers on-board the trolley vehicles.The
cost of such solution would vary depending on usage;however,it is estimated to be$37,000 for the first month(includes installation
of dispensers in all trolleys) and $10,000 - $20,000 every month thereafter, depending on usage. The total cost to the City of
providing the spraying and hand sanitizing solutions is estimated to be $197,000 through end of Fiscal Year 2020/21 and may
fluctuate depending on usage.
Driver and Passenger COV I D-1a Prevention Measures
Upon service resumption, LSF will be required to conduct daily temperature checks on all drivers before they enter the facilities and
board the trolley vehicles. All drivers will be required to wear facial masks at all times. A clear face shield may be wom in tandem with
a face mask.
Passengers will be required to wear a facial mask or facial covering at all times and follow social distancing while waiting to board at a
trolley stop,boarding,on-board the vehicle,and disembarking. Passengers wishing to board will be instructed to wait for passengers
on-board to exit before entering the trolley vehicle.
Signage will be posted on-board all trolley vehicles advising passengers of limited capacity and where seating is allowed/prohibited,
requirements to wear facial mask/facial covering while aboard the trolleys as well as encouraging riders to conform to CDC-
recommended prevention and hygiene practices to prevent the spread of COVI D-19.
Drivers will be required to communicate to passengers the above requirements and guidelines and to ensure compliance to the extent
possible.
Miami-Beach On-Demand Transit Service(Freebeel
As of March 24,2020,the Middle Beach on-demand Freebee service was suspended,and the resources previously allocated to this
service were reassigned to transport seniors living in several affordable housing facilities in South Beach and Middle Beach to the
closest Publix supermarket for groceries. Freebee operated in this manner until the service was suspended on April 2,2020 in the
interest of public safety. At that time,Freebee provided service to a total of 386 passengers over a span of eight(8)days(average of
48 passengers per day). The cost to provide the service was estimated to be$12.60/passenger.
On November 16,2020,the Administration resumed on-demand Freebee service for elderly residents to provide a reliable mobility
alternative to elderly residents living in affordable housing facilities in South, Middle,and North Beach. From November 16 through
December 30,2020,the service is funded through CARES Act funding which the City was able to secure from Miami-Dade County.
The service was extended from December 31,2020 through January 20,2021 using City funds to provide the City Commission an
opportunity to discuss whether or not to continue this service.
Freebee service is currently provided to/from about 16 elder facilities located throughout the City and the closest Publix supermarket
or pharmacy using three (3)vehicles operating seven(7)days a week,for approximately 10.5 hours a day from 7 AM to 5:30 PM.
Customers must call in advance to schedule a ride except for Rebecca Towers residents who have a dedicated Freebee vehicle due
to high demand. The number of passengers on each Freebee vehicle is limited to one (1) per row (or no more than two (2)
passengers at any time in a vehicle). Vehicles are sanitized daily by Freebee staff, including between trips and every night to
minimize the spread of COVI D-19. City staff is monitoring the performance of the Freebee service to determine if any operational
changes are needed to improve its efficiency, including expansion of services to additional facilities. From November 16 through
December 14, 2020, Freebee provided service to approximately 2,700 passengers (average of 100 passengers per day) and
service has been well-received by our elderly residents.
Given that this Freebee service is being implemented in response to the on-going pandemic and constitutes a departure from the
original scope of work approved by the City Commission (i.e. Middle Beach on-demand transit service), the Administration seeks
direction from the City Commission as to whether the Freebee service for seniors should continue past January 20,2021 using funds
originally budgeted for the operation of the Middle Beach on-demand transit service in Fiscal Year 2020/21.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The cost of providing citywide trolley service at the reduced service level recommended is estimated at$4.1 million in FY2020/21
(i.e. savings of $7.7 million as compared to normal (pre-COVID) trolley service) and can be funded in Fiscal Year 2020/21
primarily through the City's share of County half-cent transit surtax funds (People's Transportation Plan (PTP)funds) and FDOT
Transit Service Development grant funds. Funding is identified in the Transportation and Mobility Department's adopted FY 2020/21
operating budget.
The cost of providing on-demand Freebee service to senior residents living in affordable housing facilities from November 16 through
December 30,2020 is estimated at$36,000 and will be reimbursed to the City through the Counts CARES Act funding.The cost
of service extension through January 20,2021 is approximately$16,000. A total of$256,000 is identified in the Transportation and
Mobility Department's adopted FY 2020/21 operating budget for operation of on-demand transit service. The remaining $204,000
budgeted could be used to continue the Freebee service for senior residents through the end of FY 2020/21 or, altematively, to
resume the Middle Beach on-demand transit service once trolley service resumes.
CONCLUSION
Given that the City is currently in Phase 3 of its COVI D-19 reopening plan,and due to the importance of the City's trolley service in
supporting multimodal mobility and economic recovery,the Administration believes that it is in the best interest of the City to resume
trolley service at a reduced service level and with a high frequency of interior vehicle cleaning in mid to late February 2021 in order to
provide the required 30-day advance notice to Miami-Dade Transit. Resuming trolley service would be contingent on the status of the
COVI D-19 pandemic and any applicable Miami-Dade County emergency orders in effect at that time.
Furthermore,the Administration resumed on-demand Freebee service on November 16,2020 to meet the essential mobility needs
of elderly residents living in affordable housing facilities throughout the City and to provide an alternative mobility option for seniors in
lieu of trolley service (once it resumes). The on-demand Freebee service for elderly residents uses CARES Act funding through
December 30,2020 and City funding from December 31,2020 through January 20,2021. The Administration seeks direction from
the City Commission as to whether the on-demand Freebee service for elderly residents should continue past January 20,2021,or
for the remainder of FY2020/21,in lieu of providing the Middle Beach on-demand transit service once trolley service begins.
Applicable Area
Citywide
Is this a"Residents Right Does this item utilize G.O.
to Know"item,pursuant to Bond Funds?
City Code Section 2-14?
No No
Strategic Connection
Mobility-Increase multi-modal mobility citywide and connectivity regionally.
Legislative Tracking
Transportation and Mobility