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Resolution 2023-32821RESOLUTION NO. 2023-32821 A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY MANAGER (AS SET FORTH IN THE CITY COMMISSION MEMORANDUM ACCOMPANYING THIS RESOLUTION) AND WAIVING, BY 517TH VOTE, THE FORMAL COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENT IN SECTION 2-367(E) OF THE CITY CODE, FINDING SUCH WAIVER TO BE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE' CITY, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE THE FOLLOWING AGREEMENTS IN ORDER TO PROVIDE ENHANCED ON -DEMAND TRANSIT SERVICE TO THE CITY'S AREAS CURRENTLY BEING SERVED BY ROUTE 115, WHICH ROUTE WILL BE ELIMINATED BY MIAMI-DADE COUNTY AS OF NOVEMBER 13, 2023 AS PART OF THE BETTER BUS NETWORK: (1) AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA (COUNTY), PROVIDING FUNDING TO THE CITY FOR ENHANCED ON - DEMAND SERVICE; AND (2) AN AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BEEFREE, LLC D1B1A FREEBEE TO INCLUDE THE ENHANCED ON -DEMAND SERVICE AS PART OF THE SCOPE OF THE FREEBEE AGREEMENT; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE CITY, AT MINIMUM, HAS SECURED A LETTER OF COMMITMENT FROM THE COUNTY TO FUND THE ENHANCED ON -DEMAND SERVICE. WHEREAS, the Miami -Dade County ("County") Better Bus Network is a revamp of regional bus service, based on a comprehensive countywide study conducted by the Miami - Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works ("DTPW"), in collaboration with Transit Alliance Miami, a non-profit organization; and WHEREAS, the County is planning to launch the approved route changes on November 13, 2023, which changes include several new bus routes in Miami Beach, including routes 14, 15, 20, and 100 as well as improvements to service frequency; and WHEREAS, as part of the upcoming changes, and based on the County's analysis, the County will discontinue, Route 115 due to historically low ridership (an average of approximately 134 riders per weekday and 67 riders on weekends); and WHEREAS, Route 115 connects North Beach to South Beach, serving Mount Sinai Medical Center, primarily along the Alton Road corridor, as more particularly described in Attachment A to the City Commission Memorandum accompanying this Resolution, which service utilizes two (2) cut -away buses, operating approximately 13 hours a day, seven (7) days a week, at approximately 50-minute headways (i.e. frequency of service); and WHEREAS, the County is introducing new routes, including Route 14 from Omni Terminal in Miami to Mount Sinai Medical Center via the MacArthur Causeway, Alton Road, South Pointe Drive, Washington Avenue, Collins Avenue, and 41 Street, which will somewhat serve the areas affected by the discontinuation of Route 115; and WHEREAS, at the September 17, 2021 City Commission meeting, the Mayor and City Commission adopted Resolution No. 2021-31866, which urged the County to 1) provide reliable transit service in the South of Fifth neighborhood; 2) provide on -demand transit service in lieu of Route 115; and 3) closely coordinate with City officials any consolidation of bus stops in the City; and WHEREAS, as a result of the City Administration's advocacy and collaboration with DTPW, the County has agreed to maintain bus service in the South of Fifth neighborhood as well as Route 150/Airport Express service, which were originally slated to be eliminated; however, with respect to Route 115, the County has remained steadfast in its plans to discontinue the route; and WHEREAS, City staff has been working with DTPW and evaluating various options to help mitigate the impact of the County's upcoming discontinuation of Route 115 and provide a suitable public transit option to the affected City of Miami Beach customers; and WHEREAS, of the five (5) proposed options described in the City Commission Memorandum, the Administration considers Options 2A and 2B to be feasible and suitable mitigation options to the elimination of Route 115, by implementing a New Dedicated On - Demand Freebee Service, connecting North Beach and Mount Sinai Medical Center, and partially replacing Route 115, as described below: Option 2A: • This option would require dedicating one (1) additional Tesla X Freebee vehicle to serve the North Beach portion of Route 115 (all existing stops from 63 Street to 88 Street) and also serve Mount Sinai Medical Center, including providing a direct one -seat ride to Mount Sinai Medical Center as an on -demand service; • For this new service, riders would request a ride telephonically from a bus/trolley stop rather than through the mobile Freebee application due to complexities with creating a new geo-fence within an existing geo-fenced area; • Given one (1) Freebee Tesla X vehicle has a capacity to carry up to five (5) passengers, it is not known at this time whether this option will adequately meet passenger demand; • The annual operating cost of adding one (1) additional Tesla X Freebee vehicle is estimated to be $168,000.00, to be fully funded by the County through an Interlocal Agreement for a period of two (2) years; and following the two-year financial commitment by the County, this option would need to be partially or fully funded by the City and/or other sources or eliminated; and • An amendment to the City's current agreement with Freebee would be required to include this new service; and Option 2B: • This option would require dedicating one (1) additional Tesla X Freebee vehicle to operate along the North Beach portion of Route 115 (from 63 Street to 88 Street) and serve Mount Sinai Medical Center on a fixed route/fixed schedule service, including providing a direct one -seat ride to Mount Sinai Medical Center; • Given one (1) Freebee Tesla X vehicle has a capacity to carry up to five (5) passengers, it is not known at this time whether this option will adequately meet passenger demand; • The annual operating cost is estimated to be $168,000.00, to be fully funded by the County through an Interlocal Agreement for a period of two (2) years; and following the two-year financial commitment by the County, this option would need to be partially or fully funded by the City and/or other sources or eliminated; and • An amendment to the City's current agreement with Freebee would be required to include this new service; and WHEREAS, given that Route 115 historically served a low demand area, which would be better served through an on -demand service, and given the new Route 14, to be implemented as part of the Better Bus Network, will provide a direct connection from South Beach to Mount Sinai Medical Center, the Administration considers Options 2A and 2B to be viable in terms of mitigating the impact to the North Beach community as a result of the discontinuation of Route 115; and WHEREAS, in order to provide enhanced on -demand transit service to the City's areas currently being served by Route 115, the City Manager recommends: (1) authorizing the Administration to implement the enhanced on -demand service described in Option 2A and/or 2B: (2) authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute an Interlocal Agreement with Miami - Dade County, Florida ("County"), providing funding to the City for enhanced on -demand service; and (3) waiving, by 5/7th vote, the formal competitive bidding requirement in Section 2-367(e) of the City Code, finding such waiver to be in the best interest of the City, and authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute an amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Beefree, LLC d/b/a Freebee to include the enhanced on -demand service as part of the scope of the Freebee Agreement; provided, however, that the City, at minimum, has secured a letter of commitment from the County to fund the enhanced on -demand service. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that the Mayor and City Commission hereby accept the recommendation of the City Manager (as set forth in the City Commission Memorandum accompanying this Resolution) and waive, by 5/7th vote, the formal competitive bidding requirement in Section 2-367(e) of the City Code, finding such waiver to be in the best interest of the City, and authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute the following agreements in order to provide enhanced on -demand transit service to the City's areas currently being served by Route 115, which route will be eliminated by Miami -Dade County as of November 13, 2023 as part of the better bus network: (1) an Interlocal Agreement with Miami - Dade County, Florida ("County"), providing funding to the City for enhanced on -demand service; and (2) an amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Beefree, LLC d/b/a Freebee to include the enhanced on -demand service as part of the scope of the Freebee Agreement; provided, however, that the City, at minimum, has secured a letter of commitment from the County to fund the enhanced on -demand service. PASSED and ADOPTED this 18th day October, 2023. ATTEST: Dan Gelber, Mayor 0 3 2023 Rafaef E. Granado, City Clerk z APPRO%/EO AS TO . ..� FORti9 81 LAN CUA.CE �Fi FOR CXECUT10tq 2.7 ^ � . oRp Resolutions - C7 AD MIAMI BEACH COMMISSION MEMORANDUM TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission FROM: Alina T. Hudak, City Manager DATE: October 18, 2023 SUBJECT: A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY MANAGER (AS SET FORTH IN THE CITY COMMISSION MEMORANDUM ACCOMPANYING THIS RESOLUTION)AND WAIVING, BY5/7TH VOTE, THE FORMAL COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENT IN SECTION 2-367(E) OF THE CITY CODE, FINDING SUCH WAIVER TO BE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CITY, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE THE FOLLOWING AGREEMENTS IN ORDER TO PROVIDE ENHANCED ON -DEMAND TRANSIT SERVICE TO THE CITY'S AREAS CURRENTLY BEING SERVED BY ROUTE 115, WHICH ROUTE WILL BE ELIMINATED BY MIAMI-DADE COUNTYAS OF NOVEMBER 13, 2023 AS PART OF THE BETTER BUS NETWORK: (1)AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA (COUNTY), PROVIDING FUNDING TO THE CITY FOR ENHANCED ON -DEMAND SERVICE; AND (2) AN AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BEEFREE, LLC D/B/A FREEBEE TO INCLUDE THE ENHANCED ON -DEMAND SERVICE AS PART OF THE SCOPE OF THE FREEBEE AGREEMENT; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE CITY, AT MINIMUM, HAS SECURED A LETTER OF COMMITMENT FROM THE COUNTYTO FUND THE ENHANCED ON -DEMAND SERVICE. RECOMMENDATION The City Administration ("Administration") recommends that the Mayor and City Commission ("Commission") approve the Resolution authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute an Interlocal Agreement with Miami -Dade County ("County") and a contract amendment with BEEFREE, LLC ("Freebee") to implement a new dedicated on -demand Freebee service (as further described under Option 2 in the Analysis section of this memorandum) to mitigate the County's discontinuation of Route 115 as part of the upcoming launch of the Better Bus Network (or "Better Bus") on November 13, 2023, so as to provide uninterrupted public transit services to the affected community. BACKGROUND/HISTORY The County's Better Bus Network is a revamp of regional bus service based on a comprehensive countywide study conducted by the Miami - Dade County Department of Transportation and Public, Works ("DTPW") in collaboration with Transit Alliance Miami, a non-profit organization. The Better Bus study was initiated in June 2019 and approved, as amended, by Resolution No. R-920-21 of the Miami -Dade County Board of County Commissioners ("BCC") on October 5, 2021. The Resolution authorized the implementation, by the County, of service adjustments and route changes to the Better Bus Network. The County is planning to launch the approved route changes on November 13, 2023. The changes include several new bus routes in Miami Beach including routes 14, 15, 20, and 100 as well as improvements to service frequency. As part of the upcoming changes, and based on the County's analysis, the County will discontinue Route 115 due to historically low ridership (an average of approximately 134 riders per weekday and 67 riders on weekends). Route 115 connects North Beach to South Beach, serving Mount Sinai Medical Center, primarily along the Alton Road corridor (Attachment A). The service utilizes two (2) cut -away buses operating approximately 13 hours a day, seven (7) days a week, at approximately 50-minute headways (i.e. frequency of service). The County is introducing new routes, including Route 14 from Omni Terminal in Miami to Mount Sinai Medical Center via the MacArthur Causeway, Alton Road, South Pointe Drive, Washington Avenue, Collins Avenue, and 41 Street, which will somewhat serve the areas affected by the discontinuation of Route 115. Details and maps of the County -approved route changes to be implemented as part of the County's Better Bus Network can be found here (Better Bus SHIFTS Into Gear (miamidade.gov). Based on the County's assessment, frequency and reliability of County bus service in Miami Beach is expected to improve overall as a result of the Better Bus Network. However, the City Administration initially and consistently expressed a few concerns with the plan, as originally proposed by the County, including loss of County bus service in the South of Fifth neighborhood and the elimination of Route 115 without providing an alternative transit service for the affected communities, such as an on -demand service. At the September 17, 2021 City Commission meeting, the City Commission discussed the Better Bus Network, and, in particular, the City Administration's outstanding concerns with the plan as proposed at that time. The City Commission adopted Resolution No. 2021-31866 (Attachment B) on September 17, 2021, which urged the County to 1) provide reliable transit service in the South of Fifth neighborhood; 2) provide on -demand transit service in lieu of Route 115; and 3) closely coordinate with City officials any consolidation of bus stops in the City. On September 24, 2021, the City Clerk transmitted a copy of City Commission Resolution No. 2021-31866 to Miami -Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, the members of the Miami -Dade Board of County Commissioners, and the Director and Chief Executive Officer of 31 DTPW Following approval of BCC Resolution No. R-920-21 in October 2021, the County experienced challenges with implementing the amended Better Bus Network countywide. Accordingly, the County proposed a series of service adjustments to implement the majority of the network in or after November 2023. On July 6, 2023, the BCC authorized, via Resolution No. R-607-23, implementation of the bus service adjustments set forth in the revised Better Bus Network. As a result of the City Administration's advocacy and collaboration with DTPW, the County agreed to maintain bus service in the South of Fifth neighborhood as well as Route 150/Airport Express service, which were originally slated to be eliminated. With regard to Route 115, however, the County has remained steadfast in its plans to discontinue the route. The County has advised that it is in the process of providing information to riders and drafting and disseminating notifications, newsletters, and e-blasts with all forthcoming changes to its bus routes and other relevant Better Bus Network information. Once the collateral is received from the County, the City's Marketing and Communications Department will assist with disseminating the information to our community. On October 11, 2023, the Administration issued Letter To Commission ("LTC") No. 452-2023 dated October 11, 2023 (Attachment C) with history and an update on the County's imminent discontinuation of Route 115. ANALYSIS To help mitigate the impact of the County's upcoming discontinuation of Route 115 and provide a suitable public transit option to the affected customers, City staff has been working with DTPW and evaluating various options as further described below. Option 1: Enhance Mid -Beach On -Demand Freebee Service This option would augment the City's current on -demand Freebee service in the Mid -Beach area through the addition of one (1) Freebee Tesla X vehicle (for a total of three (3) Tesla X vehicles in service) operating the same service hours (Monday — Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.). Given the current Middle Beach on -demand transit service has only two (2) Tesla X vehicles serving a large geo-fenced area, passengers are currently experiencing average wait times of 20 minutes and many customers ultimately cancel the requested trip. The annual operating cost associated with the additional Tesla X vehicle is $168,000. Per correspondence from DTPW dated October 11, 2023 (Attachment D), the County is committing to fund this amount annually for a period of two (2) years through the execution of an Interlocal Agreement between the City and County. The Interlocal Agreement would require approval from the Miami -Dade County Board of County Commissioners as well as the City Commission. In addition, this option would also require executing an amendment to the current agreement between the City and Freebee for the provision of on -demand transit services in the City. Consistent with the current Mid -Beach on -demand service, the enhanced Freebee service would continue to provide direct service to/from Mount Sinai Medical Center, major transit hubs in North Beach, Middle Beach, and South Beach served by the Miami Beach Trolley and County bus services, and any location within the existing geo-fenced area in Mid -Beach (Attachment E). Depending on the passenger's trip origin or destination, a transfer may be required. Given the ' current demand on the Mid -Beach on -demand service, the Administration has concerns that this option may not adequately address current demand plus the needs of passengers affected by the discontinuation of Route 115; therefore, this option is not recommended. Note that following the two (2)-year financial commitment by the County for one (1) additional vehicle, this option would need to be partially or fully funded by the City and/or other sources or eliminated. Option 2A• ImRllement a New Dedicated On -Demand Freebee Service Connecting North Beach and Mount Sinai Medical Center to Partially Replace Route 115 This option would require dedicating one (1) additional Tesla X Freebee vehicle to serve the North Beach portion of Route 115 (all existing stops from 63 Street to 88 Street) and also serve Mount Sinai Medical Center as an on -demand service. For this new service, riders would request a ride telephonically from a bus/trolley stop rather than through the mobile Freebee application due to complexities with creating a new geo-fence within an existing geo-fenced area. Given one (1) Freebee Tesla X vehicle has a capacity to carry five (5) passengers, it is not known at this time whether this option will adequately meet passenger demand. The annual operating cost is estimated to be $168,000 to be fully funded by the County through an Interlocal Agreement as described in Option 1 above. Similarly, an amendment to the City's current agreement with Freebee would be required. As Route 115 historically served a low demand area (which is better served through an on -demand service) and given the new Route 14 (to be implemented as part of the Better Bus Network) will provide a direct connection from South Beach to Mount Sinai Medical Center, the Administration considers this option to be viable in terms of mitigating the impact to the North Beach community as a result of the discontinuation of Route 115. This option would provide a direct one -seat ride to Mount Sinai Medical Center. Following the two (2)-year financial commitment by the County for one (1) additional vehicle, this option would need to be partially or fully funded by the City and/or other sources or eliminated. Option 213• Implement a New Dedicated Fixed Route/Fixed Schedule Freebee Service Connecting North Beach and Mount Sinai Medical Center to Partially Replace Route 115 This option would require dedicating one (1) additional Tesla X Freebee vehicle to operate along the North Beach portion of Route 115 (from 63 Street to 88 Street) and serve Mount Sinai Medical Center on a fixed route/fixed schedule service. Given one (1) Freebee Tesla X vehicle has a capacity to carry up to five (5) passengers, it is not known at this time whether this option will adequately meet passenger demand. The annual operating cost is estimated to be $168,000 to be fully funded by the County through an Interlocal Agreement as described in Options 1 and 2A above. Similarly, an amendment to the City's current agreement with Freebee would be required. Given Route 115 historically served a low demand area (which is better served through an on -demand service) and given the new Route 14 (to be implemented as part of the Better Bus Network) will provide a direct connection from South Beach to Mount Sinai Medical Center, the Administration considers this option to be viable in terms of mitigating the impact to the North Beach community as a result of the discontinuation of Route 115. This option would provide a direct one -seat ride to Mount Sinai Medical Center. As with Option 2A, following the two (2)-year financial commitment by the County for one (1) additional vehicle, this option would need to be partially or fully funded by the City and/or other sources or eliminated. 32 Option 3• Implement a New Dedicated On -Demand Freebee Service to Replace Full Route 115 Service This option would require dedicating two (2) additional Tesla X Freebee vehicles to operate the same route and schedule as Route 115 but on an on -demand basis. For this new service, riders would request a ride telephonically rather than through the mobile Freebee application due to complexities with creating a new geo-fence within an existing geo-fenced area. The annual operating cost is estimated to be $328,800, of which the County would fund $168,000 through an Interlocal Agreement as in Options 1, 2A, and 2B above, and the remaining cost of $160,800 would need to be funded by the City. However, funding has not been identified, appropriated, or budgeted. Similarly, this option would require executing an amendment to the current agreement between the City and Freebee for the expansion of on -demand transit services in the City. While this option would provide an on -demand alternative for passengers affected by the impending discontinuation of Route 115, given the new Route 14 (to be implemented as part of the Better Bus Network) will provide a direct connection from South Beach to Mount Sinai Medical Center, the Administration is not recommending this option as it would duplicate bus service in South Beach. At the conclusion of the County's two (2)-year financial commitment for one (1) additional vehicle, this option would need to be partially or fully funded by the City and/or other sources, modified/reduced, or eliminated. Option 4: Implement a New Dedicated Trolley Loop to Replace Route 115 This option would create a new trolley loop to serve the same route, schedule, and service plan as Route 115. The service plan would consist of two (2) trolleys operating 13 hours a day, seven (7) days a week. The annual operating cost would be $728,000 if two (2) high - floor trolleys are utilized and $837,800 if two (2) low -floor trolleys are utilized. The County has not made a financial commitment to provide for this service. This option would require an amendment to the contract with the City's trolley operator (Limousines of South Florida, Inc.), currently on a month -to -month extension, to provide the expanded trolley service. Given the annual operating cost associated with providing a fixed route/fixed schedule transit service and considering that Route 115 serves a low demand area with historically low ridership, the Administration does not consider this option to be cost-effective and, thus, is not recommending this option. SUPPORTING SURVEY DATA According to the 2022 Community Satisfaction Survey, less than 10% of residents use public transportation as a primary mode of transportation to get around the City. At least 25% of residents consider biking, trolley or light rail/modem streetcar as the most viable alternatives to using a car for trips within the City. Enhanced on -demand public transportation services will serve to augment viable alternatives to using private vehicles. FINANCIAL INFORMATION Below are the total costs and costs to the City for each of the three (3) options evaluated: • Option 1 (Not Recommended): Total Cost: $168,000 for one (1) additional Tesla X vehicle (service to be funded by the County). Cost to City: $0. • Option 2A (Recommended for Consideration): Total Cost: $168,000 for one (1) additional Tesla X vehicle (service to be funded by the County). Cost to City: $0. • Option 2B (Recommended for Consideration): Total Cost: $168,000 for one (1) additional Tesla X vehicle (service to be funded by the County). Cost to City: $0. • Option 3 (Not Recommended): Total Cost: $328,800 for two (2) additional Tesla X vehicles. County will fund $168,000. Cost to City: $160,800. Funding has not been identified, appropriated, or budgeted). • Option 4 (Not Recommended): Total Cost: $728,000 (for two (2) high floor trolleys) to $837,800 (for two (2) low -floor trolleys). Funding has not been identified, appropriated, or budgeted. CONCLUSION Due to historically low ridership and productivity, the County will be discontinuing Route 115 as part of its Better Bus Network launch on November 13, 2023. To help mitigate the loss of public transit service for affected passengers, the Administration has been working with DTPW to develop and evaluate various mitigation options to serve the affected community with the goal of providing uninterrupted public transit service. Based on City staffs analysis, the Administration considers Options 2A and 2B to be feasible and suitable mitigation options to the elimination of Route 115 pending further discussion with DTPW and Freebee. Should the City Conmission approve this Resolution and endorse Option 2A or 26, the Administration will work with DTPW to execute an Interlocal Agreement, effective retroactively as of November 14, 2023, and with Freebee to execute a contract amendment on an expedited basis to be positioned to implement the transit mitigation service on November 14, 2023. If approved, the Transportation and Mobility Department and the Office of Marketing and Communications will develop and disseminate information to market and promote the service option to be provided. Middle Beach Is this a "Residents Riaht Does this item utilize G.O. to Know" item, pursuant to Bond Funds? City Code Section 2-14? Yes No 33 Strategic Connection Mobility- Increase multi -modal mobility citywide and connectivity regionally. Legislative Tracking Transportation and Mobility ATTACHMENTS: Description ❑ Attachment A- Map of Route 115 ❑ Attachment B - Resolution No. 2021-31866 ❑ Attachment C - LTC 452-2023 Miami -Dade County Better Bus Network— Discontinuation of Route 115 ❑ Attachment D- Letter from DTPW dated October 11, 2023 ❑ Attachment E - Mid -Beach On -Demand Freebee Service Map 34 0 DocuSign Envelope ID: 2889F3F2-4896-45FF-8D60-2485EA617595 18 St > a Cz N o � o c U 85 St 0115MID—NORTH BEACH = 77 St CONNECTION c = Q Cn o c a U as 63 St o� o Q Y U c c� c -0 cc c 0 ay Mt. Sinai Medical Center Ad 00 WW .' •' �� Sk a 0 Q a� Q c o a) > i� c N Q W aD E CZ 0 17 St NORTH 7[] MAP NOT TO SCALE 08/2017 Lincoln Rd O ©O @GoMiamiDade GO Miami -Dade Transit MIAMI•DADE 02.2021 miamidade.gov/transit O 311 or 305.468.5900 TTY/Fla Relay: 711 EM 35 DocuSign Envelope ID: 2889F3F2-4896-45FF-8D60-2485EA617595 SOUTHBOUND RUMBO SUR MA MORNING NANA / MA TIN D/REKSYON SID Collins Ave & 87 St 7:20 8:10 9:00 9:50 10:4011: Abbott Ave & 69 St 7:34 8:24 9:12 10:0210:5211: Mt Sinai Hospital 7:47 8:37 9:25 10:1511:0511: Lincoln & Washington 8:04 8:54 SIM 10:3411:2412: NORTHBOUND MORNING RUMBO NORTf D/REKSYON NO 12:20 1:10 2:00 2:50 3:40 4:30 5:20 6:10 7:00 12:32 1:22 2:12 3:02 3:52 4:42 5:32 6:22 7:12 12:45 1:35 2:25 3:15 4:05 4:55 5:45 6:35 7:22 1:04 1:54 2:44 3:34 4:24 5:14 6:04 6:54 7:37 Lincoln & Washington 8:06 8:56 9:46 10:36 11:26 12:16 1:06 1:56 2:46 3:36 4:26 5:16 6:06 6:56 Mt Sinai Hospital 8:21 9:11 10:00 10:50 11:40 12:30 1:20 2:10 3:00 3:50 4:40 5:30 6:20 7:10 Collins Ave & 69 St 8:35 9:25 10:14 11:0411:54 12:44 1:34 2:24 3:14 4:04 4:54 5:44 6:34 7:22 Collins Ave & 87 St 8:51 9:41 10:30 11:20 12:10 1:00 1:50 2:40 3:30 4:19 5:09 5:59 6:49 7:37 SOUTHBOUND RUMBO SUR MORNING AFTERNOON D/REKSYON SID . ..D APREMIDI Collins Ave & 87 St 7:20 8:10 9:00 9:50 10:40 11:30 12:20 1:10 2:00 2:50 3:40 4:30 5:20 6:10 7:00 Abbott Ave & 69 St 7:30 8:20 9:11 10:0110:5111:4112:31 1:21 2:11 3:01 3:51 4:41 5:31 6:21 7:10 Mt Sinai Hospital 7:40 8:30 9:22 10:1211:0211:5212:42 1:32 2:22 3:12 4:02 4:52 5:42 6:32 7:20 Lincoln & Washington 7:54 8:44 9:38 10:2811:1812:0812:58 1:48 2:38 3:28 4:18 5:08 5:58 6:48 7:33 NORTHBOUND MORNING RUMBO NORTE D/REKSYON NO9AIL.7 Lincoln & Washington 7:56 8:46 9:40 10:30 11:20 12:10 1:00 1:50 2:40 3:30 4:20 5:10 6:00 6:50 Mt Sinai Hospital 8:08 8:58 9:52 10:42 11:32 12:22 1:12 2:02 2:52 3:42 4:32 5:22 6:12 7:02 Collins Ave & 69 St 8:20 9:11 10:05 10:55 11:49 12:35 1:25 2:15 3:05 3:55 4:46 5:36 6:26 7:13 Collins Ave & 87 St 18:34 19:2 5 110:19111:09111:59112:4911:39 1 2:29 1 3:19 14:09 1 5:001 5:50 1 6:40 1 7:25 Scheduled times are approximate. Actual arrival and departure times may vary depending on traffic and road conditions. Las horas publicadas son aproximadas, pues dependen del trafico y otras condiciones de las vias. Ore yo apwoksimatif. Vre le bis yo ap rive oswa deplase ka varye selon kondisyon sikilasyon sou wout yo. BEACH ©© O @GoMiamiDade 1=1 GO Miami -Dade Transit 115 M IAM I•Du4DE CONNECTION miamidade.gov/transit 311 or 305.468.5900 TTY/Fla Relay: 711 DocuSign Envelope ID: 2889F3F2-4896-45FF-8D60-2485EA617595 F RESOLUTION NO. 2021-31866 A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, URGING MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, IN CONNECTION WITH THE BETTER BUS PROJECT, TO: 1) PROVIDE RELIABLE TRANSIT SERVICE IN THE AREA SOUTH OF FIFTH STREET; 2) PROVIDE ON - DEMAND TRANSIT SERVICE IN LIEU OF BUS ROUTE 115; AND 3) CLOSELY COORDINATE WITH THE CITY OFFICIALS ANY CONSOLIDATION OF THE BUS STOPS IN THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH. WHEREAS, according to the 2019 Miami Beach Resident Survey, 75% of residents are satisfied with the City's trolley service; however, 63% of residents are using their personal automobiles for trips within Miami Beach; and WHEREAS, the 2019 Miami Beach Business Survey rates transportation as one of the four most significant challenges for the future growth and stability of businesses; and WHEREAS, according to the same survey, 48% of businesses are satisfied with the effectiveness of public transit for employee commuting; and WHEREAS, the Better Bus Project is an advocacy -led and community -driven bus system redesign, led by Transit Alliance Miami and the Miami -Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works; and WHEREAS, Transit Alliance is a local, non-profit organization advocating for walkable streets, bikeable neighborhoods, and better public transit in Miami -Dade County; and WHEREAS, the Better Bus Project effort began in June of 2019 and it was an intensive two-year project; and WHEREAS, a goal of the redesign is to position the system for ridership growth by creating a more effective service; and WHEREAS, an overall network stands to benefit from several key system -wide improvements such as the increase in high -frequency routes, creating more viable connections, better serving high population/employment centers, resolving low productivity and circuitous routes, and integrating key municipal trolley services; and WHEREAS, "Design a Better Bus Network" is action item 13 in Resilient 305; and WHEREAS, on October 30, 2019, the City Commission adopted Resolution No. 2019- 3107E accepting the recommendations of the Neighborhood/Community Affairs Committee (NCAC) and approving conceptually the ridership concept of the Better Bus Network, provided that the South Beach Trolley Service to Belle Isle is retained; and WHEREAS, on February 26, 2020, the Miami -Dade County (County) project team presented a Draft Plan of the new network to the public; and WHEREAS, following a pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the County is currently in the final stage of stakeholder engagement and public outreach, and presented the final Better 37 DocuSign Envelope ID: 2889F3F2-4896-45FF-8D60-2485EA617595 Bus Network to the County's Transportation, Mobility and Planning Committee on September 13, 2021; and WHEREAS, the final plan will be voted on by the Board of County Commissioners in October of 2021; and WHEREAS, the Administration supports changes to the County bus service that would maximize access to jobs, increase ridership, and establish more frequent service for the residents, workforce, and visitors of Miami Beach; and WHEREAS, the Administration does not support elimination of transit service in South of Fifth neighborhood, and WHEREAS, the Administration requests that the County implement on -demand transit service in lieu of the Route 115; and WHEREAS, the Administration also requests that the County closely coordinate consolidation of any bus stops in Miami Beach with City officials. 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 urge Miami -Dade County, in connection with the Better Bus Project, to: 1) provide reliable transit service in the area South of Fifth Street; 2) provide on -demand transit service in lieu of bus route 115; and 3) closely coordinate with the City officials any consolidation of the bus stops in the City of Miami Beach. PASSED and ADOPTED this 171h day of September 2021. Dan Gelber, Mayor ATTEST: Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk L0`L'.� �r''ZRP rOR -\ 'k,\� TAAgenda12021109_September 171rtran portaionlReso` 8)9tterBus Project.docx 26 APPROVED AS TO FORM & LANGUAGE & FOR EXECUTION -23--L) CityAttorney ,', Date 38 DocuSign Envelope ID: 2889F3F2-4896-45FF-8D60-2485EA617595 OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER LTC # 452-2023 LETTER TO COMMISSION TO: Honorable Mayor Dan Gelber and Members of the City Commission FROM: Alina T. Hudak, City ManagerDocu Signed by: ��" � I I DATE: October 11, 2023 7AE29EF3401349E SUBJECT: Miami -Dade County Better Bus Network— Discontinuation of Route 115 The purpose of this Letter to Commission ("LTC") is to provide information on the upcoming discontinuation of Route 115 as part of the Miami -Dade County ("County") Better Bus Network. The County's Better Bus Network is a revamp of the regional bus service based on a comprehensive countywide study conducted by the Miami -Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works ("DTPW') in collaboration with Transit Alliance Miami, a non- profit organization. The Better Bus study was initiated in June 2019 and approved, as amended, by Resolution No. R-920-21 of the Miami -Dade County Board of County Commissioners ("BCC") on October 5, 2021. The Resolution authorized the implementation, by the County, of service adjustments and route changes to the Better Bus Network. The County is planning to launch the approved route changes on November 13, 2023. The changes include several new bus routes in Miami Beach including routes 14, 15, 20, and 100 as well as improvements to service frequency. As part of the upcoming changes, and based on the County's analysis, the County will discontinue Route 115 (Attachment A) due to historically low ridership (approximately 140 riders per day) and low productivity. The County is introducing new routes, including Route 14 from Omni Terminal in Miami to Mount Sinai Medical Center via the MacArthur Causeway, Alton Road, South Pointe Drive, Washington Avenue, Collins Avenue, and 41 Street, which will somewhat serve the areas affected by the discontinuation of Route 115. Details and maps of the County - approved route changes to be implemented as part of the County's Better Bus Network can be found here: (Better Bus SHIFTS Into Gear (miamidade.gov). Based on the County's assessment, frequency and reliability of County bus service in Miami Beach is expected to improve overall as a result of the Better Bus Network. However, the City Administration initially and consistently expressed a few concerns with the plan, as originally proposed by the County, including loss of County bus service in the South of Fifth neighborhood and the elimination of Route 115 without providing an alternative transit service for the affected communities, such as an on -demand service. At the September 17, 2021 City Commission meeting, the City Commission discussed the Better Bus Network, and, in particular, the City Administration's outstanding concerns with the plan as proposed at that time. The City Commission adopted Resolution No. 2021-31866 (Attachment B) on September 17, 2021, which urged the County to 1) provide reliable transit service in the South DocuSign Envelope ID: 2889F3F2-4896-45FF-8D60-2485EA617595 of Fifth neighborhood; 2) provide on -demand transit service in lieu of Route 115; and 3) closely coordinate with City officials any consolidation of bus stops in the City. On September 24, 2021, the City Clerk transmitted a copy of City Commission Resolution No. 2021-31866 to Miami -Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, the members of the Miami -Dade Board of County Commissioners, and the Director and Chief Executive Officer of DTPW. Following approval of BCC Resolution No. R-920-21 in October 2021, the County experienced challenges with implementing the amended Better Bus Network countywide. Accordingly, the County proposed a series of service adjustments to implement the majority of the network in or after November 2023. On July 6, 2023, the BCC authorized, via Resolution No. R-607-23, implementation of the bus service adjustments set forth in the revised Better Bus Network. As a result of the City Administration's advocacy and collaboration with DTPW, the County agreed to maintain bus service in the South of Fifth neighborhood as well as Route 150/Airport Express service, which were originally slated to be eliminated. With regard to Route 115, however, the County has remained steadfast in its plans to discontinue the route. To help mitigate the impact of the County's upcoming discontinuation of Route 115 and provide a suitable public transit option to the affected customers, City staff has been working with DTPW on a plan to augment the City's Freebee on -demand service in the affected area. The enhanced Freebee service would be funded by the County through an Interlocal Agreement with the City. After an evaluation of alternatives, the City Administration believes enhancing the current Freebee service can more efficiently serve the historically low transit demand in the area and provide direct service to Mount Sinai Medical Center. The details of the enhanced Freebee service are currently being developed between City and DTPW staff. In addition, pending further correspondence from DTPW, the City Administration anticipates including an item on the October 18, 2023 City Commission meeting agenda to obtain authorization to implement the enhanced Freebee service concurrently with the County's discontinuation of Route 115 as part of the upcoming launch of the Better Bus Network on November 13, 2023, so as to provide uninterrupted public transit services to the affected community. The County has advised that it is in the process of providing information to riders and drafting and disseminating notifications, newsletters, and e-blasts with all forthcoming changes to its bus routes and other relevant Better Bus Network information. Once the collateral is received from the County, the City's Marketing and Communications Department will assist with disseminating the information to our community. If you have any questions, please contact Jose R. Gonzalez, P.E., Transportation and Mobility Department Director. Attachments: A: Map of Route 115 B: City Commission Resolution No. 2021-31866 E S ADS ATH/RW/JRG 40 DocuSign Envelope ID: 2889F3F2-4896-45FF-8D60-2485EA617595 '18 St > a T, . 5 � � o c U 85 St 0115 MID -NORTH BEACH 77st CONNECTION � 70 o o Q U �a 63 St o Y U c c� a c C 0 Q Mt. Sinai Medical Center L0 Q a� Q c (D o > a) Q c co w W E Cz 17 St NORTH MAP NOT TO SCALE 08/2017 Lincoln Rd 000 @GoMiamiDade GO Miami -Dade Transit MIAMI•DADE 02.2021 miamidade.gov/transit O 311 or 305.468.5900 TTY/Fla Relay: 711 bwi� 41 DocuSign Envelope ID: 2889F3F2-4896-45FF-8D60-2485EA617595 SOUTHBOUND 1111111 RUMBO SUR MORNING AFTERNOON DIREKSYON SID MANANAIMATIN _ TARDE APREMIDI Collins Ave & 87 St 7:20 8:10 9:00 9:50 10:40 11:30 12:20 1:10 2:00 2:50 3:40 4:30 5:20 6:10 7:00 Abbott Ave & 69 St 7:34 8:24 9:12 10:02 10:52 11:42 12:32 1:22 2:12 3:02 3:52 4:42 5:32 6:22 7:12 Mt Sinai Hospital 7:47 8:37 9:25 10:1511:0511:5512:45 1:35 2:25 3:15 4:05 4:55 5:45 6:35 7:22 Lincoln & Washington 8:04 8:54 9:44 10:3411:2412:14 1:04 1:54 2:44 3:34 4:24 5:14 6:04 6:54 7:37 NORTHBOUND MORNING RUMBO NORTE - DIREKSYON NU . ..D APREMIDI .: _1__ w ■u__L !__-a___ w_w� w_�� w_�� �w_w� ��_wi �w_�i �_wi �_�i w_Ai I w_wi I A_wi I W_Ai LHILVIII Cc YYg711111r2LU11 O.Vv O.JV 7.ffFv IV.JV 1 I.Lv IL. IV I.Vv I.JV I L.■ry J.Jv I 'F.cv J. Iv v.Vv v.Jv Mt Sinai Hospital 8:21 9:11 10:00 10:5011:40 12:30 1:20 2:10 3:00 3:50 4:40 5:30 6:20 7:10 Collins Ave & 69 St 8:35 9:25 10:14 11:0411:54 12:44 1:34 2:24 3:14 4:04 4:54 5:44 6:34 7:22 Collins Ave & 87 St 8:51 9:41 10:30 11:20 12:10 1:00 1:50 2:40 3:30 4:19 5:09 5:59 6:49 7:37 SOUTHBOUND RUMBO SUR MORNING•• DIREKSYON SID MANANAIMATIN TARDEAPREMIDI Collins Ave & 87 St 7:20 8:10 9:00 9:50 10:40 11:30 12:20 1:10 2:00 2:50 3:40 4:30 5:20 6:10 7:00 Abbott Ave & 69 St 7:30 8:20 9:11 10:0110:5111:4112:31 1:21 2:11 3:01 3:51 4:41 5:31 6:21 7:10 Mt Sinai Hospital ' 7:40 8:30 9:22 10:1211:0211:5112:42 1:32 2:22 3:12 4:02 4:52 5:42 6:32 7:20 1:48 2:38 3:28 4:18 5:08 5:58 6:48 7:33 Lincoln & Washington 7:54 8:44 i1.3810:2811:1812:0812:58 NORTHBOUND MORNING RUMBO NORTE DIREKSYON NO Lincoln & Washington 7:56 8:46 9:40 10:3011:20 12:10 1:00 1:50 2:40 3:30 4:20 5:10 6:00 6:50 Mt Sinai Hospital 8:08 8:58 9:52 10:42 11:32 12:22 1:12 2:02 2:52 3:42 4:32 5:22 6:12 7:02 Collins Ave & 69 St 8:20 9:11 10:05 10:55 11:49 12:35 1:25 2:15 3:05 3:55 4:46 5:36 6:26 7:13 Collins Ave & 87 St 8:34 9:25 10:19 11:0911:59 12:49 1:39 2:29 3:19 4:09 5:00 5:50 6:40 7:25 Scheduled times are approximate. Actual arrival and departure times may vary depending on traffic and road conditions. Las horas publicadas son aproximadas, pues dependen del traflco y otras condiciones de las vias. Ore yo apwoksimatif. Vre le bis yo ap rive oswa deplase ka varye selon kondisyon sikilasyon sou wout yo. MID -NORTH O © O CcbGOMiamiDade GO Miami -Dade Transit Q115 BEACH MIAMI•DADE CONNECTION miamidade.gov/transit AD311 or 305.468.5900 TTY/Fla Relay: 711 MM DocuSign Envelope ID: 2889F3F2-4896-45FF-8D60-2485EA617595 RESOLUTION NO. 2021-31866 A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, URGING MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, IN CONNECTION WITH THE BETTER BUS PROJECT, TO: 1) PROVIDE RELIABLE TRANSIT SERVICE IN THE AREA SOUTH OF FIFTH STREET; 2) PROVIDE ON - DEMAND TRANSIT SERVICE IN LIEU OF BUS ROUTE 115; AND 3) CLOSELY COORDINATE WITH THE CITY OFFICIALS ANY CONSOLIDATION OF THE BUS STOPS IN THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH. WHEREAS, according to the 2019 Miami Beach Resident Survey, 75% of residents are satisfied with the City's trolley service; however, 63% of residents are using their personal automobiles for trips within Miami Beach; and WHEREAS, the 2019 Miami Beach Business Survey rates transportation as one of the four most significant challenges for the future growth and stability of businesses; and WHEREAS, according to the same survey, 48% of businesses are satisfied with the effectiveness of public transit for employee commuting; and WHEREAS, the Better Bus Project is an advocacy -led and community -driven bus system redesign, led by Transit Alliance Miami and the Miami -Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works; and WHEREAS, Transit Alliance is a local, non-profit organization advocating for walkable streets, bikeable neighborhoods, and better public transit in Miami -Dade County; and WHEREAS, the Better Bus Project effort began in June of 2019 and it was an intensive two-year project; and WHEREAS, a goal of the redesign is to position the system for ridership growth by creating a more effective service; and WHEREAS, an overall network stands to benefit from several key system -wide improvements such as the increase in high -frequency routes, creating more viable connections, better serving high population/employment centers, resolving low productivity and circuitous routes, and integrating key municipal trolley services; and WHEREAS, "Design a Better Bus Network" is action item 13 in Resilient 305; and WHEREAS, on October 30, 2019, the City Commission adopted Resolution No. 2019- 3107E accepting the recommendations of the Neighborhood/Community Affairs Committee (NCAC) and approving conceptually the ridership concept of the Better Bus Network, provided that the South Beach Trolley Service to Belle Isle is retained; and WHEREAS, on February 26, 2020, the Miami -Dade County (County) project team presented a Draft Plan of the new network to the public; and WHEREAS, following a pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the County is currently in the final stage of stakeholder engagement and public outreach, and presented the final Better 43 DocuSign Envelope ID: 2889F3F2-4896-45FF-8D60-2485EA617595 Bus Network to the County's Transportation, Mobility and Planning Committee on September 13, 2021; and WHEREAS, the final plan will be voted on by the Board of County Commissioners in October of 2021; and WHEREAS, the Administration supports changes to the County bus service that would maximize access to jobs, increase ridership, and establish more frequent service for the residents, workforce, and visitors of Miami Beach; and WHEREAS, the Administration does not support elimination of transit service in South of Fifth neighborhood, and WHEREAS, the Administration requests that the County implement on -demand transit service in lieu of the Route 115; and WHEREAS, the Administration also requests that the County closely coordinate consolidation of any bus stops in Miami Beach with City officials. 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 urge Miami -Dade County, in connection with the Better Bus Project, to: 1) provide reliable transit service in the area South of Fifth Street; 2) provide on -demand transit service in lieu of bus route 115; and 3) closely coordinate with the City officials any consolidation of the bus stops in the City of Miami Beach. PASSED and ADOPTED this 171h day of September 2021. ATTEST: Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk 2UZI r `sue 7:14gendM2021109_September ii7lTran; Dan Gelber, Mayor Project. docx APPROVED AS TO FORM & LANGUAGE & FOR EXECUTION City Attomey Date 44 10 M IAM I•D�ADE miamidade.gov October 11, 2023 The Honorable Dan Gelber Mayor, City of Miami Beach 1700 Convention Center Drive Miami Beach, FL 33139 RE: Enhanced FreeBee Service Dear Mayor Gelber: MIAMI-DADE Department of Transportation and Public Works Office of the Director 701 N.W. 1" Court • 17th Floor Miami, Florida 33136 Tel: 786-469-5406 Fax: 786-469-5580 Miami -Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) is offering a letter of intent to the City of Miami Beach to provide a commitment of funds for the enhanced existing FreeBee service. Currently, route 115, which will be eliminated November 13, 2023, serves mostly Alton Road from Lincoln Road to 88 Street. The City presently runs a FreeBee service covering the Alton Road segment no longer served by fixed route service. As such, the County is proposing to provide funding assistance for one additional FreeBee vehicle to augment the existing service. The County will commit to provide $168,000 annually, for two years, after which time the City will have to source alternative funding and resubmit their PTP funded trolley service plan to the County for approval. The County is dedicated to working with the City to enhance and complement the existing transportation network to better serve the needs of the City residents and tourists. Should you have any questions, please contact Linda Morris, Chief of Scheduling and Planning at linda.morris@miamidade.gov or (305) 302-2135. Regards, Eulois Cleckley, Miami -Dade County Director and CEO Department of Transportation and Public Works c: Alina T. Hudak, City Manager, City of Miami Beach 45 On -Demand Service Area: r� Getting around Mid -Beach just got easier! The Cit Miami Beach has partnered with Freebee to offer PEE On -Demand Transit (ODT) service to riders throughout Mid -Beach! ODT service provides first mile/last mile service connecting to the existing Miami Beach Trolley and Miami -Dade County Bus service within the geo-fenced service area and door- r' to -door service for trips originating and ending within gEZZ the geo-fenced service area. The service operates as a continuous vanpool, dynamically adjusting vehicle routing to appropriately meet ridership demand and service needs within the service area. Service Hours: Monday - Friday. 6:30am -10pm Saturday: Sam - 10pm Sunday: Sam - 8pm Fare: Free m