1. Modern cities invest in modern public transit Brian Marshall Chief Executive Officer Capital Area Transit System CONNECT Policy Forum 21st July 2011

2. Who We Are Capital Area Transit System – Regional Transit Authority of Baton Rouge. CATS is one of only two RTA’s in Louisiana – the other being NORTA (New Orleans Regional Transit Authority). Serving Baton Rouge with 60 fixed route vehicles and 20 paratransit vehicles. Operate contractual services for Southern University and special service for LSU football games. CATS-On-Demand for disabled passengers.

3. CATS-On-Demand Curb-to-curb service for the people who need special attention and cannot use regular fixed route service. Charges regular fare of $1.75 Needs prior certification from CATS to use the service. Service provided by Reliant Transportation, a private provider. Demand for this service doubled post Hurricane Katrina.

4. System Map

5. Governance Governed by Board of Commissioners that is responsible for overseeing service, management and financial policies. Commissioners appointed by Metro-Council. Term limit of 3 years (rotational). Metro-Council has the final authority to approve service changes.

6. FUTUREBR Study – Transit Element FURUTEBR identified mass transit as key economic development tool for the city. Recommended integration of land use and transportation facilites by incorporating ‘Complete Streets’ elements. Promoted rail link between Baton Rouge and New Orleans to drive the growth of the corridor (Both regions account for 45% of state’s population, 48% of state’s jobs and 53% of state’s GDP). Strengthen and enforce connectivity requirements.

7. Regional Coordination - Transit Projects Work with LaDOTD, FTA, FHWA, City-Parish, CRPC and other public and private entities in developing transit projects. CRPC provides technical and planning assistance. CRPC’s Long Range Plan Transportation Improvement Plan are critical for capital projects development and implementation. Partner with CRPC in developing and implementing Coordinated Human Services Transportation Plan.

8. CATS Recent Initiatives MYCATS – Planning Study Three components – Comprehensive Operations Analysis, Market Research and Alternatives Analysis for Bus Rapid Transit. Study provides blueprint for near term route modifications, short term expansion and long term comprehensive transit system. Study includes preliminary plan for Bus Rapid Transit on Florida Blvd corridor. FUTUREBR study provides macro level direction while MYCATS provides micro level operational details.

9. FTA New Starts Process for Rapid Transit Projects

10. Complete Streets - Transit Amenities A community with a complete streets policy ensures safe and convenient access to public transit for all users. CATS promotes ‘Complete Streets’ elements by providing comfortable and accessible bus stops, ADA ramps and bike racks on buses. Larger investment needed to provide sidewalks, transit lanes, bus bays and walking trails.

11. Rapid Transit Case Studies New Mexico Rail Runner Express between Albuquerque and Santa Fe - Role model for New Orleans – Baton Rouge service. - The project is part of Governor Richardson’s Investment Partnership Plan. - NMDOT and Mid-Region Council of Governments (MPO) are lead agencies. - Private partnership in developing stations, local connectivity and subsidizing fares. CATS in Charlotte, NC Capital Metro in Austin, TX Regional Transit in Sacramento, CA

12. Transit – An Important Economic Development Tool For every $1 invested in public transportation, $4 in economic returns is generated. Every $10 million in capital investment in public transportation yields $30 million in increased business sales. Every $10 million in operating investment yields $32 million in increased business sales. Households that are likely to use public transportation on a given day save more than $10,000 every year.

13. Questions?