APPLICATION FORM MASS TRANSIT PROGRAM GRANT APPLICATION PROJECT NAME LEAD AGENCY PROJECT TYPE GENERAL PROJECT AREA

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1 Received by: Date: OFFICIAL USE: MASS TRANSIT PROGRAM GRANT APPLICATION PROJECT NAME LEAD AGENCY PROJECT TYPE GENERAL PROJECT AREA APPLICATION FORM Planning/ Project Development Capital/Equipment Amenities/ Enhancements TERMINI (TO/FROM) LENGTH (MILES) COUNTIES Davidson Rutherford Sumner/Robertson Williamson/Maury Wilson BRIEF DESCRIPTION PROPOSED ELEMENTS Pedestrian Improvements Bicycle Parking/ Storage Signage/ Wayfinding Signalization/ Traffic Control Customer/ User Information Transit Shelter Stop/Station Amenities Onboard Amenities Transit Service Improvements New Vehicle Acquisition Vehicle Replacement TDM Activities Vehicle Location Technology Vehicle Dispatching Technology Fare Payment Technology Transit/ Planning Software Education/Outreach AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION Name Title PROJECT HISTORY Project in TIP ID# Not in TIP, LRTP Project ID# Existing Project, Not in TIP or Plan New Project Other: GRANT FUNDING SUMMARY* Fiscal Year Amount Requested Match (at least 20%) 2012 $ $ 2013 $ $ 2014 $ $ 2015 $ $ Total $ $ *Please complete the PROJECT BUDGET WORKSHEET form and include any funding from other sources of revenue. Phone Department Agency/ Organization

2 OFFICAL USE: GRANT APPLICATION FORM FOR PROPOSAL NARRATIVE (Provide no more than 10 pages, responding to each of the following sections) Section 1. Project Description, Purpose, Please provide a detailed description of the proposed project including its purpose, need, and primary objectives. Applicants also must describe the following: Need, and Objectives Intended users Anticipated number of users Expected scope of work Major tasks/ activities Final deliverables / products Section 2. Benefits to Regional Mass Transit Initiatives Section 3. Benefits to Region and Local Community Describe the benefits of the proposed project to advancing the MPO s 2035 Regional Transportation Plan goal for improving transit opportunities in Middle Tennessee. Applicants should address how its proposal relates to the following objectives: Provide safe traveling options for all users of the transportation system Modernize and expand transit opportunities Increase connectivity among a mix of land uses including neighborhoods, schools, jobs, parks and public space, fresh food markets/ grocery stores, retail, entertainment venues, etc. Reduce the burden placed on highways to support the region s automobile centric development pattern Describe how the proposed project will benefit the region and affected local communities. Specifically, consider how the project helps to promote: MPO s four guiding principles 2035 Plan s three major policy Initiatives Local neighborhood or community plans In addition, please describe how the proposed project will help support traditionally underserved or vulnerable populations. Examples include children, seniors, persons with a physical or mental disability, ethnic and minority populations, non english speaking individuals, low income households, households without a personal automobile, populations with high rates of health disparities and chronic disease, etc. Section 4. Proposed Innovation Section 5. Sustainability of Effort Section 6. Project Deliverables, Schedule, & Milestones Describe how the proposed project incorporates innovative approaches to advancing the region s transit goals. Describe any history of the proposed project and how it will be sustained beyond the life of awarded grant funds. Provide a detailed schedule for the completion of the proposed project. Identify and describe key milestones, major tasks and activities, and the final deliverables/ products. Include a description of how the project will be managed and how progress will be tracked to ensure timely and efficient implementation. Include a description of the lead agency s recent experience in successfully implementing similar projects. This description should include the project or projects that were implemented and sufficient detail to demonstrate the project was successfully completed on time and within budget. Section 7. Budget Narrative Provide a descriptive narrative about the funds needed to complete the proposed project or program. Describe the source of matching funds. Applicants must provide documentation to validate that matching funds are secured and available.

3 OFFICIAL USE: Received by: Date: MASS TRANSIT PROGRAM BUDGET WORKSHEET PROPOSAL NAME: FISCAL YEAR PROPOSED PHASE/ TASK/ ACTIVITY GRANT FUNDS REQUEST LOCAL MATCH (20% ) OTHER FEDERAL OTHER LOCAL OTHER SOURCE TOTAL FUNDING TOTAL

4 MASS TRANSIT PROGRAM GRANT APPLICATION NASHVILLE MTA TRANSIT NOW NASHVILLE REAL-TIME ARRIVAL MOBILE APP DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL NARRATIVE SECTION 1: PROJECT DESCRIPTION, PURPOSE, NEED, AND OBJECTIVES The Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) proposes a project in partnership with Transit Now Nashville to develop a real-time mobile transit arrival application for smartphones. The Nashville MTA had almost 8.5 million riders over fiscal year 2011 and ridership continues to grow. MTA has recently implemented real-time arrival signage and information at the bus bays and waiting areas of the Music City Central transit station and along the Gallatin Road BRT Lite route using the OrbCAD Computer Aided Dispatch and Automatic Vehicle Location System. While the OrbCAD system supports a web interface of real-time bus information, it is not currently mobileformat friendly. MTA and Transit Now have been working together to assess the current system and develop an approach for a real-time arrival mobile application (app). Funding through the Mass Transit Program would allow us to secure the necessary vendor to develop programming language compatible with the OrbCad system to create a mobile application for use on Apple- and Android-based smartphones. Transit Now Nashville is a local grassroots organization whose mission is to raise awareness of the benefits of regional mass transit options for the Nashville and middle Tennessee area. Along with the MTA, Transit Now recognizes the vast benefits of using mobile device technology to enhance real-time information for riders. With transit mobile apps, MTA can improve the ridership experience and make riding public transit a more attractive option. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority reported record ridership in May 2011, and they attributed that increase to the release of a mobile app that lets passengers know when the next bus is arriving (NextBus, July 2011). The objectives of this project include making our public transit system easier to use for current riders while attracting new riders. A study of commuters in Boston and San Francisco found that real-time transit information can replicate the sense of freedom a car provides and actually encourage drivers to use public transit (Latitude, March 2011). 1

5 MASS TRANSIT PROGRAM GRANT APPLICATION NASHVILLE MTA TRANSIT NOW NASHVILLE REAL-TIME ARRIVAL MOBILE APP DEVELOPMENT SECTION 2: BENEFITS TO REGIONAL MASS TRANSIT INITIATIVES Developing a transit mobile app will advance the MPO s 2035 Regional Transportation Plan goal for improving transit opportunities in Middle Tennessee. Increasing ridership is key to improving transit opportunities and garnering support for future transit investment, and access to real-time arrival information via a mobile device has been found by numerous public transit agencies across the nation to do just that. In addition, the project relates to the objectives below as outlined in the 2035 Regional Transportation Plan. PROVIDE SAFE TRAVELING OPTIONS FOR ALL USERS OF THE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM This project helps enhance safe traveling options for all users of the transportation system. By accessing real-time bus arrival information, passengers are able to better plan and execute all facets of a trip. Bus travel includes pedestrian activities and the potential for bicycling activities, and better planning enhances the safety of the modes. MODERNIZE AND EXPAND TRANSIT OPPORTUNITIES Many transit agencies across the nation have already implemented mobile applications that provide real-time bus arrival information. In addition, the use of smartphones continues to increase. About 65% of the U.S. population will have a smartphone and/or tablet in 2015 (CNET, August 2011). The MTA has already received numerous requests from customers and potential customers to offer a mobile app. It is a logical next step for the MTA and will help modernize our communications approach. INCREASE CONNECTIVITY AMONG A MIX OF LAND USES While some may initially link real-time arrival information as appealing to the commuter and/or for work trip purposes, others have discussed how it actually increases public transportation use for a variety of trips. One regular transit rider and user of the OneBusAway mobile app of the transit systems in the Puget Sound region writes, I do feel more empowered just by having the information; it adds confidence to the days my routine changes and I need transit info on-the-fly (Sightline Daily, March 2011). This project has the potential to push occasional riders to becoming more frequent riders and connect them to schools, parks, public spaces, grocery stores, retail, entertainment venues, etc. 2

6 MASS TRANSIT PROGRAM GRANT APPLICATION NASHVILLE MTA TRANSIT NOW NASHVILLE REAL-TIME ARRIVAL MOBILE APP DEVELOPMENT REDUCE THE BURDEN PLACED ON HIGHWAYS Real-time arrival mobile applications for public transit have been found to encourage commuters who travel longer distances to choose transit over driving their automobile, which helps reduce the burden placed on highways. Having the assurance that they can easily plan and execute their trip can often be a deciding factor in abandoning their car miles from their workplace. SECTION 3: BENEFITS TO REGION AND LOCAL COMMUNITY MPO S FOUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES LIVABILITY This project will enhance the quality of life in the region by increasing travel choices and efficiency. Providing passengers with real-time arrival information at their fingertips, as they are out and going to work or running to the grocery store, makes transit more convenient, reliable, and easier to use. SUSTAINABILITY This project supports growth and prosperity for the region without sacrificing the health, environment, natural and socio-cultural resources of our residents. By helping make transit reliable and easier to use, it actually encourages more physical activity. It can generate a number of health benefits such as reduced obesity and reduced cases of asthma, heart disease, and cancer. PROSPERITY This project will increase the appeal of public transportation, which in turn increases ridership and support for transit investment. It will also make planning trips easier for the transit-dependent population who rely on buses to get to work or school. Businesses are choosing to locate in more accessible locations that provide transportation alternatives, increasing the region s economic development potential and in turn creating better opportunities for our residents. DIVERSITY This project appeals to a variety of people within the region that live and work in the greater Nashville area. It provides access to alternative transportation choices to choice riders, while also making trip planning more efficient for the transit dependent population. 3

7 MASS TRANSIT PROGRAM GRANT APPLICATION NASHVILLE MTA TRANSIT NOW NASHVILLE REAL-TIME ARRIVAL MOBILE APP DEVELOPMENT 2035 REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN POLICY INITIATIVES CREATE A BOLD, NEW VISION FOR MASS TRANSIT The Nashville MTA has successfully implemented computer-aided dispatch and automatic vehicle location technology to make operating the public transportation more successful. The next step is to provide that information to the public, so that they can more effectively plan and execute trips. This proactively addresses the concerns of worsening congestion as it encourages the growth of transit ridership and focuses on moving more people throughout Nashville. SUPPORT ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF WALKABLE COMMUNITIES The Nashville Metro Health Department just completed a Health Impact Assessment of the Nashville MTA s EasyRide Commuter Benefit Program. This program allows employers to provide public transportation for their employees at low- or no-cost. It was found that on average, users of the program had higher levels of physical activity. This project helps make transit reliable and easier to use, which will in turn foster healthier activity for our citizens. PRESERVE AND ENHANCE STRATEGIC ROADWAY CORRIDORS While the MPO focuses on repairing an aging roadway and bridge network to ensure the safety and security of the traveling public, the Nashville MTA can assist by moving people more efficiently through that network. This project is focused on making transit more attractive for non-riders, and therefore helps in that goal. SUPPORT TRADITIONALLY UNDERSERVED OR VULNERABLE POPULATIONS A report published by the Transportation Research Board (February 2010) found that those with cognitive disabilities may be better able to navigate a fixed-route system with the assistance of mobile applications. It allows them to plan and execute their trip without any personal assistance from caretakers or travel trainers, and become more comfortable with the system. This could assist the Nashville MTA in moving some costs away with the door-to-door paratransit service toward expanding fixed-route services. 4

8 MASS TRANSIT PROGRAM GRANT APPLICATION NASHVILLE MTA TRANSIT NOW NASHVILLE REAL-TIME ARRIVAL MOBILE APP DEVELOPMENT SECTION 4: PROPOSED INNOVATION This project is innovative in that it is a collaborative project involving both the Nashville MTA and the grassroots organization Transit Now Nashville. It will truly benefit citizens of Nashville and the region who use public transportation. This project is necessary for the growth and support of public transportation in the region. It is also innovative in that it expands the real-time technological capabilities of the fixed-route service in Nashville. SECTION 5: SUSTAINABILITY OF EFFORT As previously explained, Nashville MTA already has the OrbCAD system in place which provides the data necessary for real-time arrival information. This is already in place at the Music City Central transit facility and along the Gallatin Road BRT Lite route. This project would put the extra step in place to push the data out to mobile devices. The Nashville MTA has the capability to support the back-end data necessary for the success of the application. SECTION 6: PROJECT DELIVERABLES, SCHEDULE & MILESTONES Transit Now Nashville and the Nashville MTA have already begun regular meetings to determine the project workflow and logistics. The first phase will require developing the Application Programming Interface (API) to decipher that real-time data from the MTA s OrbCAD system. In turn, this will produce an Extensible Markup Language file (XML) that is the missing link that mobile applications need in order to display the real-time data from OrbCAD. The second phase will be the development of the mobile application using both the Apple and Android platforms. This will make the application synonymous with mobile devices across the twoiphones, smartphones, ipad, and Android tablets. We anticipate that the first phase will be developed and tested within three months of receiving the grant funding. The second phase can be developed somewhat simultaneously, but we anticipate it being complete within four months of receiving funding. Our goal is to release the mobile app in conjunction with Transit Now Nashville s Transit Week 2013, which is the third week in April. 5

9 MASS TRANSIT PROGRAM GRANT APPLICATION NASHVILLE MTA TRANSIT NOW NASHVILLE REAL-TIME ARRIVAL MOBILE APP DEVELOPMENT Mobile App Development Milestone 1: Coordination with ACS on OrbCAD System Milestone 2: API Development Milestone 3: Application Development Projected Completion 30 Days from Grant Award 90 Days from Grant Award 120 Days from Grant Award The Nashville MTA has had success in implementing the real-time arrival information at the Music City Central transit station and along the Gallatin Road BRT Lite route. It currently uses OrbCAD for dispatching as well. Transit Now Nashville is a champion of public transportation and has helped change the image of transit in the Nashville area. Combined, these agencies will develop an app that will be user-friendly and effective in growing public transportation ridership and support. SECTION 7: BUDGET NARRATIVE The total project cost is $70,000. We are requesting $56,000 through this Mass Transit Program Grant. Transit Now Nashville will be providing the local match of $14,000 (see Appendix A for documentation). The funding will be used to have a programmer first develop an API that is compatible with the Nashville MTA OrbCAD database and then create the mobile application. 6

10 transit [jj(j)1!1l March 1, South 16 th Sf, Nashville. TN (615) TI.ansitNowNashville.o,,} Mr. Paul Ballard Nashville MTA I30 Nester St. Nashville, TN Dear Mr. Ballard, On behalf of Transit Now Nashville, I would like to first offer our gratitude to your staff for taking the lead in the development of a mobile application that will better serve the citizens of Metro Nashville & Davidson County by providing them with real-time geographic data of your bus system. This will allow them to more efficiently plan their daily activities around public transit, and at the same time make yoor service more reliable by offering updated real-time data. We believe this will be a l1istorical moment for Nashville and raise the bar for other transit agencies across the coumtry. Therefore, we will pledge the financial match for your Nashville MPO grant application that you are pursuing this year. Sincerely, Nashv'ille's Public Transit Advocacy Group

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