Smater Travel Project Local MatchTHE CITY OF
Dui
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Local Match for Smarter Travel Project
DATE: July 17, 2014
Dubuque
band
AI -America City
r
2007 • 2012 • 2013
In 2010 IBM partnered with City of Dubuque and DMATS to create a Smarter Travel
Project. The goal of this project is to create route optimization for Jule transit. The Route
Optimization component aims to utilize the systems, algorithms and analytics developed
by IBM Researchers in combination with real-time origin, destination data gathered
through smartphone and Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) technology.
The project is designed to study people movement, analyze transit and transportation
systems challenges in Dubuque, and improve and optimize their operations. As part of
the project scope, IBM will evaluate transit and transportation use to develop
recommended changes, continue to gather data, analyze it, revise and refine the
demand estimates, and revise the optimization recommendations based on the long
term data gathered before and during the implementation phase of the project.
In 2011 Iowa DOT awarded $1,607,000 in Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program (ICAAP)
funding to DMATS for the Smarter Travel Project. The approved grant budget included
one million dollars for the IBM contract. ICAAP funding is an 80% State grant and 20%
local match commitment. The Smarter Travel project includes three components, each
relying on the others to provide a comprehensive approach to transforming Dubuque's
transit system with the goal of increasing ridership and reducing emissions. These
components include: (1) Smart Travel data collection, (2) Data analysis & route
optimization, and (3) Implementation of the "Midtown Loop" and "Nightrider" pilot routes. This
unique three -pronged approach addresses current riders and the way they use transit,
while considering the needs of choice riders.
The ICAAP grant funds for the Nightrider and Midtown Loop have been separated from
the project in a separate contract with the IDOT. The ICAAP grant funding for the
routes was approved by the IDOT in late November of 2013.
On July 15, 2014 ECIA staff received notice from the IDOT that the FHWA had
approved the funding for the Smarter Travel project. The IDOT has officially executed
the ICAAP contract with DMATS as the grantee for three years versus the one year
contact that was originally proposed.
The IDOT, City staff and ECIA are very committed to this project and plan to see it to
fruition. During the contract negotiations, the IDOT staff ruled that in-kind match for
$1,050,000 ICAAP funding was not eligible. To keep the project moving, DMATS staff
worked with City engineering in the fall of 2013 to secure $260,000 in local funds to
match the ICAAP funds through their local road project funding and DMATS Surface
Transportation Program (STP) funding. The $260,000 in local funding was identified as
the source of match for the $1,050,000 ICAAP grant funds for the IBM Vehicle Miles
Traveled (VMT) project with $260,000 of STP funds coming from DMATS to complete
the City road project.
DMATS staff has estimated the total cost of the project at $1,310,000 including the local
match. IBM will be paid $800,000 from the ICAAP grant and $200,000 from the City
local funds as match. DMATS staff will be paid $50,000 from the grant and $10,000
from the City local funds for oversight of the grant and to assist with the route
optimization process The remaining $200,000 balance in ICAAP funds and $50,000
balance in local match from the City funding will be utilized for technical support,
purchasing additional data, public engagement and outreach, marketing and recruitment
in each of the three years of the grant. As described, the City Street Program will still
have full funding in that these funds are being replaced by DMATS.
Transit ridership in Dubuque has seen a dramatic increase in the past 5 years. The
Jule has increased ridership from 373,376 in FY2010 to 478,370 in FY2014. This
increase of over 100,000 rides or 28% has come in large jumps with 50,000 of the rides
between FY2011 and FY2012 during the first round of the Smarter Travel Study and
over 30,000 of the rides between FY2013 and FY2014 after data was used to
restructure The Jule's routes.
ECIA Executive Director Kelley Deutmeyer and Transportation Director Chandra
Ravada are recommending the City of Dubuque approve $260,000 of local funds to
match the $1,050,000 of IADOT ICAAP funds to implement the IBM Smarter Travel
project.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
MCVM:jh
Attachment
plc
l C. Van Milligen
2
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager
Kelley Deutmeyer, ECIA Executive Director
Chandra Ravada, ECIA Transportation Director
Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer
Maurice Jones, Economic Development Director
Jennifer Larson, Budget Director
Bob Schiesl, Assistant City Engineer
Candace Eudaley, Director of Transit
3
East Central Intergovernmental Association
a regional response to local needs
TO:
Mike Van Milligen, City Manager, City of Dubuque
FROM: Chandra Ravada, ECIA Transportation Director
Kelley Deutmeyer, ECIA Executive director
CC:
Maurice Jones, Economic Development Director, City of Dubuque
Teri Goodman, Assistant City Manager, City of Dubuque
Bob Schiesl, Assistant City Engineer, City of Dubuque
Candace Eudaley, Jule Transit Manager, ECIA
Subject: Local Match for Smarter Travel Project
DATE: July 15, 2014
Purpose
The memo provides an explanation of the current status of the IBM Smarter Travel project and the
use of City funds as local match for overall project.
Background
In 2010 IBM partnered with City of Dubuque and DMATS to create a Smarter Travel Project. The goal
of this project is to create route optimization for Jule transit. The Route Optimization component aims
to utilize the systems, algorithms and analytics developed by IBM Researchers in combination with
real-time origin, destination data gathered through smartphone and Radio Frequency Identification
Device (RFID) technology.
The project is designed to study people movement, analyze transit and transportation systems
challenges in Dubuque, and improve and optimize their operations. As part of the project scope, IBM
will evaluate transit and transportation use to develop recommended changes, continue to gather
data, analyze it, revise and refine the demand estimates, and revise the optimization
recommendations based on the long term data gathered before and during the implementation phase
of the project.
In 2011 Iowa DOT awarded $1,607,000 million in ICAAP funding to DMATS for the Smarter Travel
Project. The approved grant budget included $1 million for the IBM contract. ICAAP funding is an
80% State grant and 20% local match commitment. The Smarter Travel project includes three
Dubuque Metres in Area Transportation L. , , Eastern Iowa ,.ipment Corporation
Eastern Iowa Regional Utility Services System Eastern Iowa Regional Housing Authority ECIA Business Growth, Inc.
Region 1 Employment and Training ECIA Regional Planning Affiliation Region 8 Regional Transit Authority
7600 Commerce Park, Dubuque, IA 52002 www.ecia.org ecia@ecia.org
563.556.4166 Iowa only: 800.942.4648 Relay Iowa 800.735.2943 f: 563.556.0348
components, each relying on the others to provide a comprehensive approach to transforming
Dubuque's transit system with the goal of increasing ridership and reducing emissions. These
components include: (1) Smart Travel data collection, (2) Data analysis & route optimization, and (3)
Implementation of the "Midtown Loop" and "Nightrider" pilot routes. This unique three -pronged approach
addresses current riders and the way they use transit, while considering the needs of choice riders.
Due to the length of time this project has taken to meet the FHWA and IADOT requirements for the
IBM route optimization piece, the ICAAP grant funds for the Nightrider and Midtown Loop have been
separated from the project in a separate contract with the IADOT. The ICAAP grant funding for the
routes was approved by the IADOT in late November of 2013. ECIA staff moved forward with a route
redesign based on current data from the new Jule ITS system and ridership patterns. The revamped
Jule routes were implemented in January, 2104 utilizing the ICAAP funding. As the IBM route
optimization piece moves forward, based on the contract with the IADOT and the scope of the IBM
route optimization project, the newly implemented Jule routes will be analyzed and compared to the
IBM route optimization data. Jule routes could be modified to reflect the recommendations from the
IBM route optimization project. Meanwhile, a second year of ICAAP funding was awarded to the Jule
to continue the NightRider and the Midtown loop routes. ECIA staff will pursue a third year of ICAAP
grant funding for both the Midtown Loop and NightRider. Three years is the maximum award for
ICAAP grant funding.
On July 15, 2014 ECIA staff received notice from the IADOT that the FHWA had approved the
funding for the Smarter Travel project. The IDOT has officially executed the ICAAP contract with
DMATS as the grantee for three years versus the one year contact that was originally proposed. The
timing is very critical. If the project would have been delayed any longer the funding would have
lapsed by October of 2014 and the grant rescinded. ECIA and IBM staff are prepared to begin the
project immediately.
There has been a great deal of momentum with the Jule in the last few years. Transit ridership in
Dubuque has seen a dramatic increase in the past 5 years. The IBM Smarter Travel project will
continue this momentum. The Jule has increased ridership from 373,376 rides in FY2010 to 478,370
rides in FY2014. This increase of over 100,000 rides or 28% has come in large jumps with 50,000 of
the rides between FY2011 and FY2012 during the first round of the Smarter Travel Study and over
30,000 of the rides between FY2013 and FY2014 after data was used to restructure the Jule's routes.
Fiscal Year
Ridership
Annual Percent Change
5 year Percent Change
FY10
373,376
FY11
397,584
6.48%
FY12*
440,252
10.73%
FY13
444,991
1.08%
FY14
478,370
7.50%
28.12%
* Free rides were provided to regular users for participating in the Smarter Travel Study
Financial
The IADOT, City staff and ECIA are very committed to this project and plan to see it to fruition. During
the contract negotiations, the IADOT staff ruled that in-kind match for $1,050,000 ICAAP funding was
not eligible. To keep the project moving, DMATS staff worked with City engineering in the fall of 2013
to secure $260,000 in local funds to match the ICAAP funds through their local road project funding
and DMATS STP funding. The $260,000 in local funding was identified as the source of match for
the $1,050,000 ICAAP grant funds for the IBM VMT project with $260,000 of STP funds coming from
DMATS to complete the City road project.
DMATS staff has estimated the total cost of project at $1,310,000 including the local match. IBM will
be paid $800,000 from the ICAAP grant and $200,000 from the City local funds as match. DMATS
staff will be paid $50,000 from the grant and $10,000 from the City local funds for oversight of the
grant and to assist with the route optimization process The remaining $200,000 balance in ICAAP
funds and $50,000 balance in local match from the City funding will be utilized for technical support,
purchasing additional data, public engagement and outreach, marketing and recruitment in each of
the three years of the grant. Table below provides detail description of the cost estimates by line
item.
Line Items
Federal
funds
(ICAAP)
local
funds
Total
IBM Smarter Travel project for three years
$ 800,000
$ 200,000
$ 1,000,000
Project Administration
$ 50,000
$ 10,000
$ 60,000
Data purchase, Public Engagement, Outreach,
Recruitment, Technical work and Marketing for 3
years
$ 200,000
$ 50,000
$ 250,000
$ 1,050,000
$ 260,000
$ 1,310,000
Conclusion
ECIA is requesting the City of Dubuque to approve $260,000 of local funds to match the $1,050,000
of IADOT ICAAP funds to implement the IBM Smarter Travel project. Work on the project will begin
immediately. Thank you for your consideration.