CITY OF HALLANDALE BEACH
MEMORANDUM
DATE: June 4, 2008
TO: D. Mike Good, City Manager
FROM: William M. Brant, P.E., Director, Public Works, Utilities and Engineering
SUBJECT: Tri-City Trolley AR #053/05
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this agenda item is to propose the implementation of a trolley system that would access key centers in the cities of Hollywood, Hallandale Beach and Aventura.
BACKGROUND:
Each of the cities of Hollywood, Hallandale Beach and Aventura has a unique center that has developed into a major regional attraction. The Aventura Mall is a major shopping venue; Hallandale Beach is home to two gaming establishments, and Hollywood boasts Young Circle, which has become a major hub for dining, entertainment, arts and shopping. By connecting each of these three major attractions together using one trolley route, the cities can provide residents with an inviting transit option, while simultaneously stimulating the economies of the local businesses. An additional benefit would result from utilizing the Dixie Highway Corridor, thus reducing congestion on US 1.
DISCUSSION:
In recent years there has been a consolidated effort, under the leadership of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to establish a commuter rail system on the FEC railway. Though progress has been made toward reaching this goal, its attainment will doubtless be more than 10 years away. The proposed system essentially provides similar connectivity, though on a smaller scale.
Following is a description of the proposed Tri-City Trolley system:
Vehicles: Trolleys or other distinct, attractive vehicles
Headway: No more than 15 minutes
Hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m., Monday – Saturday
Stops: Young Circle, Hallandale Beach City Hall, Aventura Mall
Route: Dixie Corridor (reduced traffic)
Fare: Free
Cost
An estimated 5 vehicles would be required, 4 of which would be operating each day. At a cost of $115,000 each, the capital outlay for the proposed system would be an estimated $575,000. At an estimated operations and maintenance cost of $40 per vehicle per hour, approximately $748,800 would be required to operate each year:
$40/hour X 4 vehicles X 15 hours/day X 6 days/week X 52 weeks = $748,800
Funding
There are several funding mechanisms which may be tapped to develop the Tri-City Trolley.
Ø FDOT: Each year the Florida Department of Transportation, District 4, offers the Public Transit Service Development Program as a part of its Discretionary Grant Program. Maximum funding for each project in the current fiscal year is $300,000.
Ø Broward County: Broward County’s Transportation Department typically apportions funding for community bus systems. The funding rate is $20/hour for operations and $12,000 per year for capital expenditures. This would yield approximately $105,600 annually.
Ø Chamber of Commerce Participation: Given the clear benefit of the Tri-City Trolley to the communities, it is anticipated that there will be participation from all three of the respective chambers of commerce.
Ø Business Participation: Businesses in the three attractions centers would also participate in this program that draws in customers.
Ø Advertisements: Funding could also be obtained from advertisements.
Ø Municipal Participation: With effective utilization of all the aforementioned funding mechanisms, it is anticipated that sufficient funding will be raised to cover the costs of the Tri-City Trolley. In the event that there is any portion of funding that is not covered by the funding mechanisms outlined above, municipalities could each agree to contribute equally to fund the balance.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Commissions of Hallandale Beach and Hollywood authorize a joint in-house study, preferably with the participation of the City of Aventura, to investigate the feasibility of the proposed Tri-City Trolley. Once completed, a final report will be provided with program operations and funding recommendations.
Reviewed:
_______________________________ __________
D. Mike Good, City Manager Date
_____Approved _____Disapproved _____Hold for Discussion