Item 05 Mass TransitMonroe County Comprehensive Plan Update
MASS TRANSIT
Table of Contents
Item
Page
5.0. MASS TRANSIT ELEMENT.....................................................................................................................1
5.1 Introduction ................................... 1
..................................................
5.2 Existing Public Transit Facilities and Routes................................................................... 2
5.2.1 Miami -Dade Transit Service..................................................................................... 2
5.2.2 City of Key West Transportation Services.......................................................... 6
5.3 Public Transit Level of Service............................................................................................13
5.4 Additional Transportation Services..................................................................................15
5.4.1 Monroe County Transit's Paratransit Service.................................................15
5.4.2 Guidance Clinic of the Middle Keys (GCMK)....................................................17
5.4.3 Greyhound Bus Line ...................... 21
................................................
5.5 Major Public Transit Trip Generators and Attractors................................................22
5.6 Existing Intermodal Deficiencies and Needs..22
..................................................................
List of Figures
Figure ne
Figure 5.1: Blue and Green Shuttle Bus Routes, Current Route Map ............................................ 7
Figure 5.2: Orange and Red Shuttle Bus Routes, Current Route Map ........................................... 8
List of Tables
Table
Page
Table 5.1: Dade-l:lonroe Express (Route ;#301) Southbound Schedule .................................... 4
Table 5.2: U.S. 1 Corridor Monroe County School Board Bus Passenger Shelters .................. 5
Table 5.3: Lower Keys Shuttle Bus Stop Shelters..............................................................................11
Table 5.4: KWDOT Transit Performance Indicators........................................................................12
Table 5.5: KWDOT Transit Annual Ridership Forecasts, 2010-2020..........................
Table 5.6: Intercity Transit Level of Service Thresholds ................................................. "".•14
Table 5.7: Monroe CountyIntercity ..............15
Table 5.8: Service Frequency Level of Service (LOS) for Paratransit Service ........................17
Table 5.9 The Guidance /Care Center, Inc. Transportation Schedule......................................17
Table 5.10 Middle Keys Transportation Fares Per One -Way Trip..............................................20
Table 5.11: 5 Year Forecast of TD Population in Monroe County, 2008-2012 ........................21
Mass Transit i Technical Document: May 2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update
5.0 MASS TRANSIT ELEMENT
The Mass Transit Element of the Monroe County (County) Comprehensive Plan addresses
the data inventory requirements of 9J-5.019(1), (2), and (3) of the Florida Administrative
Code (F.A.C.). The data inventory requirement will support the development of goals,
objectives, policies, and implementation programs for the Mass Transit Element.
5.1 Introduction
Pursuant to Rule 9J-5.019, F.A.C., local governments not located within the urban area of a
Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) with population in excess of 50,000, shall adopt
traffic circulation, mass transit, ports, aviation, and.related facilities elements consistent
with the provisions of this rule and Chapter 163, Part II, F.S. The County is not located
within an urban area of a MPO, but has a population in excess of 50,000.
The purpose of the Mass Transit Element Data Inventory and Analysis is to describe and
analyze the existing public transportation services, project future conditions, and to
prepare a foundation for the formulation of goals, objectives, and policies for the County.
Data has been gathered, analyzed, and displayed in textual, tabular, and graphic form,
including a series of transportation maps. An additional focus of this element is to advance
multi -modal opportunities within the County, on the context of the requirements in
Chapter 163, F.S. The Mass Transit Element and Data and Inventory Analysis presents:
• An analysis of the existing public transportation services, including the ability of
transportation facilities and services to serve existing land uses, and the adequacy of
the existing and projected transportation system to provide emergency evacuations;
• Growth trends and travel patterns, including relationships between land uses and
the transportation system;
• Current and projected transportation system levels of service;
• An analysis of local and state programs;
• Strategies to maintain adopted levels of service standards; and
• Land use policy implications of transportation management programs necessary to
promote public transportation.
Mass Transit 1 Technical Document: May 2011
Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update
5.2 Existing Public Transit Facilities and Routes
The County is currently served by two main public transit systems:
• Miami -Dade Transit (MDT) in the northern region of the County with two routes (Dade -
Monroe Express and Card Sound Express) serving the County from Key Largo to the
City of Marathon; and
• The City of Key West Department of Transportation (KWDOT) which operates:
o Key West Transit (KWT) with four fixed -route bus routes serving the City of Key
West and Stock Island;
o The Lower Keys Shuttle providing service in the southern portion of the County
from the City of Marathon to the City of Key West; and
o The Key West Park-N-Ride at The Old Town Garage.
The current County -wide public transit services are presented in Map Series 5-1. The
locations of significant bus stops or bus run ends located near major destinations along the
transit routes are also shown in Map Series 5-1. The route terminus area at U.S. 1 and
Sombrero Beach Road serves as a transfer point between the bus services provided by
MDT Dade -Monroe Express Bus Route #301 and the KWDOT Lower Keys Shuttle.
Other transit related services providing limited service in the County include:
• Monroe County Transit's Paratransit Service;
• Guidance Clinic of the Middle Keys (GCMK); and
• Greyhound Bus Line.
5.2.1 Miami -Dade Transit Service
5.2.1.1 Dade -Monroe Express - Route #301
Miami -Dade Transit has contracted with American Coach Lines to provide bus service
along the U.S. 1 corridor between Florida City (Wal-Mart) and the City of Marathon. The
bus service is known as Dade -Monroe Express with the route designation being #301 (see
Map Series 5-1). The County currently does not provide any funding, equipment, or
personnel for the provision of this service.
The route operates seven days a week, generally from 5:15 a.m. to 1:20 a.m.
Mass Transit 2 Technical Document: May 2011
Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update
Based on ridership data provided by MDT, the total 2009 ridership for this route was
235,167 trips.
The basic cash fare for this route is $2.35. This includes the basic MDT fare of $1.50 plus a
$0.50 transfer fee charged for transferring to the Dade -Monroe Express bus from a regular
MDT bus route and $0.35 when boarding the Dade -Monroe Express. The transfer and
Express bus fees are waived for passengers using MDT's EasyCard. Metro Bus Passes, Bus
Tokens, Golden and Patriot Passports, and MDT Employee ID's are accepted as well.
There is no transfer fee or credit agreement for transfers between the MDT route and the
Lower Keys Shuttle. Passengers must pay the full fare price of the corresponding system.
The route's northern terminus is located at the Super Wal-Mart at NE 6th Avenue and Lucy
Street (SE 8th Street) in Florida City. The bus route operates 17 daily bus trips (or runs) in
each direction (southbound and northbound) based on scheduled segmented route trips as
shown in Table 5.1 and described as follows:
• Florida City - Key Largo. This bus trip segment operates from the Florida City Wal-Mart
southbound to the intersection of U.S. 1 and Second Street (Tom Thumb Store) in Key
Largo near MM 98. The bus then returns northbound on U.S. 1 to Florida City. This
segment is covered by only one of the 17 daily Dade -Monroe Express bus runs.
• Florida City - Tavernier. This bus trip segment operates from the Florida City Wal-Mart
southbound to a point near MM 87 near the entrance to Treasure Village. The bus then
returns northbound on U.S. 1 to Florida City. This segment is covered by three of the 17
daily Dade -Monroe Express bus runs.
• Florida City - Islamorada. This bus trip segment operates from the Florida City Wal-
Mart southbound to a point located in the vicinity of Gulf View Drive and White Marlin
Boulevard on Islamorada near MM 74. The bus then returns northbound on U.S. 1 to
Florida City. This segment is covered by seven of the 17 daily Dade -Monroe Express
bus runs.
• Florida City - Marathon. This bus trip segment operates from the Florida City Wal-Mart
southbound to Sombrero Beach Road near MM 50. The route ends near the Publix
Supermarket. This segment is covered by six of the 17 daily Dade -Monroe Express bus
runs. Transfers to and from the Lower Keys Shuttle are made near this location.
Within Miami -Dade County, the Dade -Monroe Express buses make regular passenger stops
at designated bus stops. However, within Monroe County, there are no designated MDT
bus stops. Passengers have to hail the buses to stop. The bus drivers are instructed to stop
only at locations or areas which are deemed to be safe for passenger boarding or alighting
and will not result in obstruction of traffic. Some of the safe areas include a number of
school bus shelters along the U.S. 1 corridor that have been installed by the Monroe County
School Board (MCSB), through its Engineering Services Department.
Mass Transit 3 Technical Document: May 2011
Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update
Table 5.1- Dade -Monroe Express (Route #301) Southbound Schedule
Depart
Florida City
05:15AM
Dade -Monroe
Arrive
KeV Largo
06:10AM
Express Southbomid
Arrive
Tavernier
s
06:30AM
Arrive Arrive
Islatnorada Marathon
06:55AM n/a
05:30AM
06:25AM
06:45AM
07:10AM
n/a
05:35AM
06:30AM
06:50AM
n/a
n/a
05:40AM
06:35AM
06:55AM
07:20AM
07:55AM
07:40AM
08:35AM
08:55AM
09:20AM
n/a
08:20AM
09:15AM
09:35AM
10:OOAM
n/a
10:30AM
11:25AM
11:45AM
12:10PM
12:45PM
11:30AM
12:25PM
12:45PM
n/a
n/a
01:OOPM
01:55PM
02:15PM
02:40PM
03:15PM
01:05PM
02:OOPM
02:20PM
02:45PM
n/a
02:OOPM
02:55PM
03:15PM
03:40PM
n/a
03:15PM
04:10PM
04:30PM
04:55PM
05:30PM
05:30PM
06:25PM
06:45PM
07:10PM
n/a
06:30PM
07:25PM
07:40PM
08:05PM
08:40PM
08:OOPM
08:55PM
n/a
n/a
n/a
09:OOPM
09:55PM
10:1OPM
10:35PM
11:05P0:OOPM
Marathon
n/a
10:55PM
Dade -Monroe
Depart
Islarnorada
n a
11:1OPM
Express - Northbound
DepartDepart
Tavernier
06:55AM
n/a
Key Largo
07:10AM
n Na
Florida City
08:05AM
n/a
06:55AM
07:20AM
07:35AM
08:35AM
n/a
07:10AM
07:35AM
07:50AM
08:50AM
08:05AM
08:40AM
09:05AM
09:20AM
10:15AM
n/a
09:30AM
09:55AM
10:10AM
11:05AM
n/a
10:15AM
10:40AM
10:55AM
11:50AM
n/a
n/a
12:45PM
01:OOPM
01:55PM
01:OOPM
01:35PM
02:OOPM
02:15PM
03:10PM
n/a
03:30PM
04:OOPM
04:20PM
05:OOPM
n/a
03:50PM
04:15PM
04:30PM
05:25PM
03:45PM
04:20PM
04:45PM
05:OOPM
05:55PM
05:30PM
06:05PM
06:30PM
06:45PM
07:40PM
n/a
07:20PM
07:45PM
08:OOPM
08:55PM
n/a
n/a
n/a
09:OOPM
09:55PM
09:OOPM
09:35PM
10:OOPM
10:15PM
11:10PM
n/a
n/a
11:15PM
11:30PM
12:25AM
11:15PM
11:45PM
12:OOAM
12:25AM
01:20AM
Source: Miami -Dade Transit
Mass Transit 4 Technical Document: May 2011
Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update
Note: Route schedule effective seven days per week.
The MCSB currently has a contract with Clear Channel for the installation and maintenance
ty
of school bus shelters along the U.S. 1 corridor. The company pays a fee to the Counfor
each shelter in exchange for selling advertising space on the shelters. As presented in
Table 5.2, there are at least 17 MCSB shelters (mostly electric powered) that are currently
installed along U.S. 1 and which may be used by passengers of MDT Route #301 and the
Lower Keys Shuttle (operated by the Key West Department of Transportation (KWDOT ).
Table 5.2 - U.S. 1 Corridor Monroe County School Board Bus Passenger Shelters
Source: Monroe County Engineering Services
5.2.1.2 Card Sound 17 ress -Route #302
Miami -Dade Transit has contracted with JGT Transportation, Inc. to provide bus service
between Florida City (City Hall) and Ocean Reef Club at the northern extent of Key Largo
(see Map Series 5-1). The bus service serves almost exclusively Ocean Reef Club
employees and visitors. The route operates along U.S. 1, Card Sound Road (County Road
905A), and State Route 905. The County currently does not provide any funding,
equipment, or personnel for the provision of this service.
The route operates seven days a week, with six daily round trips with three trips during the
morning peak period and three during the afternoon peak period. The morning operating
Mass Transit 5
Technical Document: May 2011
Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update
hours are from 5:30 a.m. to 10:05 a.m. The afternoon operating hours are from 2:35 p.m. to
7:10 p.m.
Based on ridership data provided by MDT, the total 2009 ridership for this route is 25,555
trips.
The fare for each one-way trip on the Card Sound Express is $2.35 (cash - exact change).
Metro Bus Passes, Bus Tokens, Golden and Patriot Passports, and MDT Employee ID's are
accepted as well. A $0.50 transfer fee is charged for transferring to the Card Sound Express
bus from the mainland MDT bus. This is in addition to the regular $1.50 MDT bus fare.
Also, another $0.35 is paid when boarding the Card Sound Express for a total cost of $2.35
for the combined trip.
5.2.2 City of Key West Transportation Services
5.2.2.1 Key West Shuttle Bus System
Key West's transit system was originally established in 1972 as the Key West Port and
Transit Authority. The system, now known as Key West Transit (KWT), is a department of
the City of Key West and is managed by the Department of Transportation, KWDOT.
As of May 2010, the KWDOT operates the Key West Shuttle Bus System serving primarily
the City of Key West Downtown area and Stock Island. The Shuttle Bus System consists of
four fixed -route bus services. All of the routes make a connection with the Lower Keys
Shuttle at Searstown. The KWDOT bus inventory consists of 17 buses that seat 23 or more
people. All of the buses are diesel powered and accessible to persons with disabilities.
These buses are also used for the Lower Keys Shuttle Bus service.
Two (2) of the bus routes, the BLUE and GREEN Routes, operate full loop routes through
Stock Island and Key West City. The BLUE AND GREEN routes operate 7-days per week.
The GREEN Route provides 11 full loop round trips per day; whereas, the BLUE Route
provides 10 full loop round trips per day. The BLUE Route's daily operations extend from
6:10 AM to 7:54 PM; whereas, the daily operations for the GREEN Route extend from 6:00
AM to 10:09 PM. Service headways on the Green Route range from 84 minutes to 98
minutes. Headways on the Blue Route range from 78 to 95 minutes.
Figure 5.1 presents the current route map (as of March 15, 2010) for the BLUE and GREEN
Routes.
Mass Transit 6 Technical Document: May Z011
Monroe county Comprehensive Plan Update
a
«®y7k
ƒf\ƒ\
Figure 5.1 - BLUE and GREEN Shuttle Bus Routes, Current Route Map
SAKE The City of Key West T ps Transportation Department we site-www.keywestcity.com.
Mass Tra w! 7
T c mGlDoc met Na 201!
Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update
The other two (2) routes, the RED and ORANGE Routes, provide connections or transfer
opportunities at the three (3) main shopping centers in Key West. Figure 5.2 presents the
current route map (as of March 15, 2010) for the ORANGE and RED Routes.
Figure 5.2 - ORANGE and RED Shuttle Bus Routes, Current Route Map
Source: The City of Key West Transportation Department website - www.keywestcity.com.
Mass Transit 8 Technical Document: May 2011
Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update
The ORANGE Route serves the Old Town Key West areas to the shopping centers while the
RED Route serves the Stock Island communities with service to the shopping centers. The
ORANGE Route does not travel beyond the shopping center areas to Stock Island; whereas,
the RED Route does not service Old Town, Downtown Key West area. Both the ORANGE
and RED routes provide ten (10) trips each per day as corridor service routes.
The ORANGE and RED Routes operate 6-days per week. The Orange Route's daily
operations extend from 6:15 AM to 6:18 PM; whereas, the daily operations for the GREEN
Route extend from 6:00 AM to 10:09 PM. The service headways on the ORANGE Route
range from 73 minutes to 88 minutes; whereas, headways on the RED Route range from 72
to 87 minutes.
The basic full fare for a one-way trip on the City route buses is $2.00. Reduced ($1.00) and
senior citizen fares ($0.50) are available, as well as, 7-day ($3.75 to $8.00) and 31-day fares
$15.00 to $25.00). Reduced monthly fares are offered to seniors, students, military and the
disabled for $15.00. Children five and under may ride for free with a paying passenger.
The City of Key West operates a website that provides up-to-date information on the City
Shuttle schedules and routes (www.KeyWestCity.com).
KWDOT 's "BOB", Bikes On Buses Program, allows customers to take a bicycle on any of the
Key West buses by securing it onto a bicycle rack, attached to the front of every city bus.
The Lower Keys Shuttle does not provide bicycle racks. However, folding portable bicycles
are allowed on the Lower Keys Shuttle. These compact bikes can be folded and carried
alongside a rider without taking up precious space on the sometimes busy shuttle.
Based on ridership data from the KWDOT, the 12-month ridership from January 2009
through December 2009 is 325,014 passenger trips.
5.2.2.2 Lower Waxyc Shuttle Service
The KWDOT also operates the Lower Keys Shuttle along U.S. 1 between Key West and
Marathon (see Map Series 5-1). The KWDOT obtained Federal Transit Administration
(FTA) and FDOT financial assistance for the implementation of this shuttle bus service.
This route connects with the Dade -Monroe Express (Route #301) in Marathon to provide
bus service from Key West to Florida City (mainland Miami). Scheduled stops are made at
various points throughout the length of the route including Key West, Boca Chica, Big
Coppitt, Bay Point, Sugarloaf, Cudjoe Key, Summerland Key, Big Pine Key, and Marathon.
The Lower Keys Shuttle operates seven days a week, from 4:50 a.m. to 11:13 p.m. A total of
12 round trip runs are scheduled during the day. Headways range from 55 minutes to 132
minutes on the northbound trajectory and from 31 minutes to 121 minutes on the
southbound trajectory. Two bus runs, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon,
are extended into Downtown Key West.
Mass Transit
9 Technical Document: May 2011
Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update
The regular adult fare is currently $3.00 per one-way trip with a reduced fare of $1.50 for
seniors and others. A flat fee of $2.00 is charged to passengers who are provided service
on a Lower Keys Shuttle from Searstown to Downtown Key West. Monthly unlimited use
passes are offered at $50.00. Reduced monthly fares are offered to seniors, students,
military and the disabled for $30.00. Children five and under may ride for free with a
paying passenger.
The Lower Keys Shuttle provides mass transit services from Key West to Marathon with a
total of twenty-two service points on both the East and West sides of U.S. 1. KWDOT has
installed a total of eighteen (18) solar powered bus passenger shelters in this service area.
KWDOT also shares use with at least five existing electric powered Monroe County School
Board Transit bus shelters, which are and maintained by contract with Clear Channel
Advertising. Table 5.3 presents the location of the KWDOT owned and installed bus
shelters, as well as, the five MCSB shelters. Currently, the local agencies plan to install 20
more shelters in the Lower Keys area within the next two (2) year period.
The Remainder of This Page Intentionally Left Blank
Mass Transit 10 Technical Document: May LU11
Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update
Table 5.3 - Lower Keys Shuttle Bus Stop Shelters
1
Sears Northside I)rivP1
3.0
2
Stock Island U.S. 1 & 3rd St
3
Ba Point Bab 's Coffee
n a
15.0
4
Sugarloaf (Across from
Mangrove Mama's
16.0
5
Cud'oe Ke Evie's. Subs
22.5
A
Little Torch (Dolphin
Marina MCSB
28.5
6
Bi Pine Ke NAPA
7
Bi Pine Ke Industrial Rd
n a
33.5
8
Bahia Honda
Park Entrance
n/a
B
Marathon 11th St. MCSB
48.0
9
Marathon Park & FKAA
49.0
10
Marathon Wmart & Publix
50.0
11
Marathon FHP
49.0
C
Marathon USCG MCSB
48.0
12
Bahia Honda (Across
Entrance)
n/a
13
Bi Pine Ke Dions
33.5
14
Bi Pine Key CCVS
D
Big Pine Key (Medical
n a
Center MCSB
29.7
15
Summerland (Across Bank
16
Summerland Across Mote
n a
17
Cudjoe Ke Coco's
n a
21.5
18
Su arloaf School
17.0
E
Rockland Key
(Calle Uno/MCSR)
9.4
Notes:
Shelters 1-18: City of Key West DOT Shelters (under contract with Anderson
Advertising).
Shelters A-E: Monroe County School Board (under contract with Clear Channel
Advertisinel.
Mass Transit 11
Technical Document: May 2011
Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update
5.2.2.3 Bus Ridership and System Performance
Table 5.4 presents annual ridership and performance indicators for the KWDOT service
between 2003 and 2008. The ridership and operational data were obtained from the Key
West, Florida, Transit Development Plan (TDP), 2010-2019 report dated January 2010. The
TDP was prepared as a requirement by FDOT for receipt of Public Transit Block Grants
(PTBG). Grant recipients must submit a 10-year TDP with yearly updates.
The TDP is a planning tool used to identify future needs for transit service, define the
community's goals and develop a program of improvements. The submission cycle as
defined by Florida Statutes is to perform a major update to the TDP every fifth year. The
last major update for the KWDOT was performed in 2005. The 2010 TDP develops new
goals and objectives and other relevant data to reflect current year through 2019-2020.
The performance indicators are used to present the data that are reported in the National
Transit Database (NTD) reports and relate to overall system performance.
Table 5.4 - KWDOT Transit Performance Indicators
Fiscal Year Percent
Performance Change
indicator
Passenger 310,736 319,088 519,673 505,885 515,729 66%
Trips
Revenue
258,425
358,728
742,869
764,303
795,749
208%
Miles
Total
Operating
$1,143
$1,443
$3,212
$3,218
$3,323
191%
Expenses
000's)
Operating
Revenue
$272
$347
$932
$974
$1,418
421%
(000's
Vehicles/
Maximum
6
6
8
8
8/9
33%
Service
Net
Expenses/
$3.67
$4.41
$4.39
$4.44
$3.69
0.5%
Passenger
Q--.• Vaxr \AIPCY Flnrida_
Transit
Development Plan
(TDP), 2010-2019, January 2010
Annual ridership on the KWDOT system increased 66 percent between 2003 and 2008.
While expenses and revenue saw significant increases since 2003-2004, by 2007-2008 the
system was able to reduce expenses per passenger trips to about the same level as it was in
Mass Transit 12 Technical Document: may zuii
Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update
2003-2004. ($3.69 per passenger trip in 2007-2008 versus $3.67 per passenger trips in
2003-2004.)
During the time period indicated, the system underwent several service related changes.
The Lower Keys Shuttle was added in 2005-2006 and several changes in route structures
were made. In addition, prior to November 2009, the system operated six city routes (Blue,
Green, Orange, Red, Gold, and Purple) instead of the present four routes. The information
in Table 5.4 also includes data from the Park-N-Ride Garage Shuttle which is no longer in
service.
Based on latest ridership data from the KWDOT, the 12-month ridership from October
2008 through September 2009 is estimated at 503,115. The Lower Keys Shuttle accounts
for approximately 109,087 to 116,070 annual passenger trips.
5.2.2.4 Ke West Transit Bus Ridershi Forecasts
Table 5.5 presents the 2010-2020 forecasted KWDOT annual transit ridership as
developed for the 2010 TDP. The forecasts are based on the maintenance of the current
four city routes and the Lower Keys Shuttle with expected budget restrictions and service
reductions. Overall annual ridership is expected to increase from approximately 396,390
in 2009 to 451,130 in 2020, an increase of 13.8 percent.
5.3 Public Transit Level of Service
Transportation services between communities can be just as important as services within
communities, especially for areas where medical, educational, and other services may not
be readily available. Intercity transportation services, whether bus, train, or ferry, help to
fill these mobility needs by linking smaller communities to larger communities and to other
transportation models'.
The LOS thresholds for intercity scheduled transit services are presented in Table 5.6. The
corresponding LOS for each of the transit routes are summarized in Table 5.7 and Map
Series 5-2.
As shown in the table, the Dade -Monroe Express #301, which serves the northern region of
the County, has varying LOS per segment based on the number of buses serving each
segment. The segments between Florida City and Tavernier have LOS of A. The segment
between Tavernier and Islamorada has a LOS of B; whereas,
e segment to Marathon has a
LOS of D. The Lower Keys Shuttle has an intercity bus LOS of B
1 Highway Capacity Manual Chapter27- Transit Methodology
Mass Transit
13 Technical Document: May 2011
Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update
Table 5.5 - KWDOT Transit Annual Ridership Forecasts, 2010 - 2020
Forecasted Passenger Boardings per Transit Route
Year Lower Total
Blue Greeii Orange Red Keys Year
Shuttle
Base 82,490 82,125 47,450 68,255 116,070 396,390
2009
2010
100,451
88,225
53,199
46,260
120,276
408,411
2011
101,455
89,107
53,731
46,723
121,479
412,495
2012
102,470
89,998
54,268
47,190
122,694
416,620
2013
103,494
90,898
54,811
47,662
123,921
420,786
2014
104,529
91,807
55,359
48,139
125,160
424,994
2015
105,S75
92,725
55,913
48,620
126,412
429,245
2016
106,630
93,652
56,472
49,106
127,676
433,536
2017
107,697
94,589
57,037
49,597
128,953
437,873
2018
108,774
95,535
57,607
50,093
130,242
442,251
2019
109,861
96,490
58,183
50,594
131,545
446,673
2020
110,960
97,455
58,765
51,100
132,850
451,130
Source: Key West, Florida, Transit Development Plan (TDP), 2010-2U19, January 20iu
Table 5.6 - Intercity Transit Level of Service Thresholds
LOS
A
Vehicles per
Day
>15
Comments
11 Numerous trips throughout the day
B
I 12-15
Midday and frequentpeak-hour
services
C
8-11
Midday or frequentpeak-hour
services
D
4-7
Minimum service to
provide choice of travel times
E
2-3
Round trip in one day
is possible
F
0-1
Round trip in one day
is not possible
Source: 2000 Highway Capacity Manual (HCM), Exhibit 27-3
Mass Transit 14 Technical Document: May 2011
Monroe County Comprehensive Plan U
Table 5.7 - Monroe County Intercity (MDT and KWDOT) Transit Level of Service
Florida City
IKey Largo
17
MM 98
A
Dade -Monroe
Key Largo
Tavernier
Express
235 1673 MM 98
MM 87
16
A
#301
Tavernier
Islamorada
MM 87
MM 74
13
B
Islamorada
Marathon
MM 74
MM 50
6
D
Card Sound
Express
25,5553 Florida City
Key Largo/
#302
Ocean Reef
6
D
Lower Keys
Shuttle
103,8644 Key West
Marathon
12
g
Sources: Miami -Dade Transit and City of Key West Department of Tportation.
Notes: rans
I. Bus round trips based on current schedule as provided by Miami -Dade Transit.
2. Level of Service determined by Exhibit 27-3 from the Highway Capacity Manual
2000.
3. 2009 Ridership data from January 2009 through December 2009. Source: Miami -
Dade Transit.
4. Ridership total for the 12-month period from January 2009 to December 2009.
5.4 Additional Transportation Services
5.4.1 Monroe County Transit's Paratransit Service
The County operates a county -wide paratransit service known as Monroe County Transit
(MCT). As noted on the MCT website, this service provides mobility for those with special
transportation needs. In Section 427.011 (9), Florida Statutes, "paratransit" is defined as
those elements of public transit which provide service between specific origins and
destinations selected by the individual user with such service being provided at a time that
is agreed upon by the user and provider of the service. Paratransit can be provided by
taxis, limousines, "dial -a -ride", buses and other demand -responsive operations that are
characterized by their non-scheduled non -fixed route nature.
The MCT Paratransit service is a door-to-door service designed for people who need
transportation. Anyone can ride, especially the elderly and/or disabled individuals who
Mass Transit 15
Technical Document: May 2011
Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update
are unable to access regular fixed route or commuter bus service. The mission statement of
the MCT "is to operate a safe, dependable and effective paratransit network that enables
Monroe County's elderly, disabled and transportation disadvantaged citizens the mobility
necessary to improve their quality of life and provide the means of remaining independent
allowing them to have useful and productive lives."
MCT provides paratransit transportation within the Florida Keys, available between MM 0
in Key West through MM 113 in Key Largo as well as Ocean Reef. MCT offers services
Monday through Friday (excluding County holidays), from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Each one-
way trip is $2.00.
As a demand -response operation, potential passengers must call the main office to register
and schedule a pick up. An advance reservation of at least 24-hours is required. On the
dates of the reserved trips, the bus operators pick up the passengers at their addresses and
transport them to their destinations.
The MCT meets the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and
provides door-to-door service to those individuals who qualify. The residents outside of
Key West meet the requirements, and those who live in Key West follow the following
guidelines:
• Those who because of visual, physical or mental impairment cannot recognize
destinations or cope with the physical requirements of the regular bus service.
• Those who would use regular bus service if the buses could accommodate their
necessary mobility aids such as wheelchairs, scooters, etc.
• Those who have impairments or impairment -related conditions, which prevent them
from getting to or waiting at a regular bus stop.
Generally, the Key West residents will utilize the fixed route, City of Key West bus system, if
they live within 3/4 of a mile to the fixed route system.
Service frequency for paratransit service is called access time, and is defined as the
minimum amount of time from when a passenger requests service to the time a pick up can
be guaranteed to occur. Table 5.8 provides the LOS thresholds for paratransit service
based on service frequency. Because the service requires one day's advance notice for
reserving and obtaining a ride, the MCT is considered to be operating at LOS E. Higher LOS
would require service to be provided the day it is requested.
Mass Transit 16 Technical Document: May 2011
Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update
Table 5.8 - Service Frequency Level of Service (LOS) for Paratransit Service
A 0.0 - 0.5 Fairly prompt response
B >0.5 - 1.0 Acceptable response
C >1.0 - 2.0 Tolerable response
D I >2.0 - 4.0 Poor response, may require advance planning
E >4.0 - 24.0 Requires advance planning
F >24.0 Service not offered every weekday or at all
Source: 2000 Highway Capacity Manual (HCM), Exhibit 27-2
5.4.2 Monroe County Transportation Disadvantaged Service
Public transportation within Monroe County is primarily limited to Key West with
extended service to the Lower Keys, which contains less than half the county's population.
Therefore, more than half of Monroe County's residents have no access to structured public
transportation services. Lack of access to public transportation for majority of the
residents coupled with various other local challenges creates a great need for
Transportation Disadvantaged services in the area.
Chapter 427 of the Florida Statutes establishes the Florida Commission for the
Transportation Disadvantaged (CTD) and directs the CTD to "accomplish the coordination
of transportation services provided to the transportation disadvantaged". In accomplishing
its purpose, the CTD approves a Community Transportation Coordinator (CTC) for each
county of the state which is charged with arranging cost-effective, efficient, unduplicated,
and unfragmented transportation disadvantaged services within its respective service area.
Additionally, a designated official planning agency (DOPA) is approved by the CTD and
charged with creating the Local Coordinating Board (LCB) and providing technical
assistance to the LCB. The LCB acts as an advisory board and as such provides guidance,
monitors, evaluates and supports the transportation activities of the CTC.z
2 Source: Monroe County Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan 2008, prepared for The Commission for
Transportation Disadvantaged, The Guidance Clinic of the Middle Keys and The Health Council of South
Florida. Approved by the Monroe County Local Coordinating Board for Transportation Disadvantaged on July
31, 2008.
Mass Transit 17
Technical Document: May 2011
Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update
The Health Council of South Florida has served as DOPA since the spring of 1993 and
created the Monroe County LCB the same year. The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. - GCC --
(formerly Guidance Clinic of the Middle Keys - GCMK) has served as Monroe County's CTC
since the fall of 1997 and provides majority of TD trips in Monroe County. The remainder
of trips are offered by six contracted providers together with incidental use of taxicabs.
As of fiscal year 2009-2010, the CTC has a reported annual operating expense of over $2
million funded by state and county grants, client fees, third party payers and grants. The
CTC and its coordinated contractors have over one hundred employees including
approximately 84 full and part-time drivers.
The GCC is a private non-profit organization founded in 1973 in response to the need
identified by community leaders for a community facility to provide mental health services
to local residents. Since then it has since then it has grown into a multi -service community
mental health center providing inpatient, outpatient, residential, day treatment and case
management services as well as transportation services. It has a staff of over 100, of these,
5 are full or part-time drivers.
The GCC as CTC currently contracts with the following organizations:
• The Florida Keys Children's Shelter in Tavernier serves at -risk children and families
and offers a community -based counseling program. It contracts with the CTC and
provides sponsored trips to the residents of its facility. The address is 73 High Point
Road, Tavernier, Florida 33070. Hours of operation: 24 hours a day.
• Florida Keys Outreach Coalition for the Homeless in Key West provides homeless
outreach and residential services. It utilizes TD funds to purchase monthly bus passes
on Key West transit for residents of the Coalition's transitional residential facility. The
address is 2221 Patterson Road, Key West, Florida 33040. Hours of operation: Monday
through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• The Monroe Association for ReMARCable Citizens, Inc. (MARC) is a non-profit agency
that serves adult clients within Monroe County who have developmental disabilities.
The address is 1401 Seminary Street, Key West, FL, Florida 33040. Hours of operation:
Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Center for Independent Living of the Keys is a non-profit organization that provides
supportive services to the elderly and disabled. The address is 103400 Overseas
Highway, Suite 243, Key Largo, Florida 33036.
• Samuel's House is a safe haven for women, and women with children, for up to 90 days
to allow them a new beginning. Any woman in need, of any age, anywhere in Monroe
County is welcomed. The address is 1614 Truesdell Court, Key West, FL 33040. Hours
of operations: Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Mass Transit 18 Technical Document: May 2011
Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update
• US Fellowship of Florida, Inc. is an agency that offers residential housing for adults with
mental illness and provides non -sponsored trips for residents of their group home
seven days a week. The address is 1320 Coco Plum Drive, Marathon, Florida 33050.
Hours of operation: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• The Monroe County Social Services Transportation provides sponsored trips
throughout the keys with vans located in Key West, Big Pine, Marathon and Tavernier.
Residents are transported within these areas, but not between them. The address is
1100 Simonton Street, Room 1-181, Key West, Florida 33040. Hours of operation:
Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Transportation and Reservations
can be made between these hours).
The GCC provides scheduled weekday services throughout the Keys as demonstrated in
Table 5.9.
Table 5.9 - The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. Transportation Schedule
Monday
Middle to Upper Keys 6:30 am
(Up to Key Largo) � 8:30 am
2:30 pm 4:00 pm
6:30 am 8:30 am
Middle to Lower- Keys 10:30 am
12:00 pr
2:30 pm 4:00 pm
Tuesday
Middle to Upper Keys j 9:30 am 10:00 am
(Marathon to Marathon)
2:30 pm 4:00 pm
Middle to Lower Keys 6:30 am 8:30 am
2:30 pm 4:00 pm
Wednesday
Middle to Upper Keys
(Up to Key Largo)
6:30 am 8:30 am
2:30pm 4:00 pm
Middle to Lower Keys
6:30 am 8:30 am
10:30 am 12:(}(} pm
Thursday
2:30 pm L4:00 pm
Middle t=Keys
to M
9.30 am(Marathon 10:00 am
2:30 pm 4:00 pm
Middle to Lower Keys
6:30 am 8:30 am
2:30 pm 4:00 pm
Mass Transit 19
Technical Document: May 2011
Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update
Table 5.9 - The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. Transportation Schedule (continued)
The set stops for the GCC Transportation Services between Marathon and Key West are
located. at:
• Guidance/Care-Center (Marathon);
• Peacock Apartments;
• Dion's Quick Mart - BPK;
• Veterans' Administration Clinic;
• Burger King - Stock Island;
• Waterfront Market;
• Corner of Truman and White Streets;
• St. Clare's; and
• K Mart (Sears town).
Between Marathon and Key Largo, the set stops are:
• Islamorada Library,
• San Pedro's Church - MM 89, and
• Guidance/Care-Center.
The current fare structure (as of March 2011) is presented in Table 5.10.
Table 5.10 - Middle Keys Transportation Fares Per One -Way Trip
From Marathon southbound to:
Big Pine $1.00
From Key West northbound to.
Big Co itt $1.00
Summerland Key
$2.00
Sugarloaf Key
$2.00
Sugarloaf Key Cudjoe Key)
$3.00
Summerland Key
$3.00
Bi Co itt
$4.00
Big Pine Key
$4.00
Ke West
$5.00
Marathon $5.00
From Marathon northbound
Grass Key
to:
$1.00
From Key Largo southbound to:
Tavernier $1.00—
Long Key
$2.00
Islamorada
$2.00
Islamorada $3.00
Long Key
$3.00
Tavernier
$4.00
Grass Key
$4.00
Key Largo
$5.00
Marathon
$5.00
Mass Transit 20 Technical Document: May 2011
Monroe COuntY Comprehensive Plan Update
During the 2009-2010 fiscal year, the CTC System operated a total of 52 vehicles, of which
44 percent were wheelchair accessible.
The annual operating report for 2009-2010 for the Monroe County Transportation
Disadvantaged program revealed a 35 percent in unduplicated riders with approximately
700 more riders than in the previous year, indicative of a higher level of need in the county.
The Coordinated System provided a total of 107,517 trips up from 104,587 in the previous
year.3
Table 5.11 illustrates Monroe County TD population projections from 2008 through 2012.
During fiscal year 2006-2007, about 40% of the coup 's
designated Potential TD population while an additionaly7,47 puwerendes gna ed TD
Population. At the end of fiscal year 2006- 2007, Monroe County had invested over $2.5
million to provide 119,987 trips to about 2000 TD persons, representing approximately 6%
of the county's Potential TD population. Currently, the funding allocated to serve the TD
population is not sufficient to meet the existing demand for services. Additionally, the
steady rise in TD populations demonstrates a need for concurrent increases in funding and
other resources to meet the rising demand.
Table 5.11- 5 Year Forecast of TD Population in Monroe County, 2 008-2 012
Potential TD Population 135,509
TD Population I 7,617
36,354 137,225 138,123 139,050
7,765 I 7,919 I 8,075 I 8,237
Source: Center for Urban Transportation Resarch, University of South Florida, 2008
5.4.3 Greyhound Bus Line
Greyhound Bus Line provides the County with both intercity and interstate service and
connectivity. The Greyhound terminal is located at 3535 South Roosevelt Boulevard, Key
West.
Greyhound has two daily scheduled services each way. The service to and from Miam]
includes stops at Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key and Key West. The two
southbound trips from Miami depart at 11:10 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. The two daily northbound
trips depart Key West at 8:15 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
3 Source: FLCTD Annual Operations Report, 2010.
Mass Transit
21 Technical Document: May 2011
Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update
5.5 Major Public Transit Trip Generators and Attractors
The major public transit trip generators and attractors are graphically depicted on Map
Series 5-3. Their location is denoted by MM in the County, where appropriate. They
generally include commercial, government, residential, medical, education, and State parks
sites within the County. The existing characteristics of these sites depend upon the type of
use. Trips generated by schools include peak traffic demand in the morning (when pupils
and staff arrive) and afternoons (when pupils and staff depart). During the morning peak
period, traffic associated with the school coincides with the typical morning home -to -work
commute. However, the peak afternoon traffic period associated with schools occurs
earlier than the typical work -to -home commute.
The trip generation characteristics of governmental facilities, such as the Government
Centers and the U.S. Post Office, are influenced by both the facilities' employees and
customers. Most employees arrive in the morning and leave in the evening. Peak hours for
retail customers and restaurants may vary depending upon the hours of operation and the
clientele to which the service is oriented.
5.6 Existing Intermodal Deficiencies and Needs
As previously noted, the County is currently served by three main intercity transit routes:
the Dade -Monroe Express (MDT #301) in the northern region between Florida City, Key
Largo and Marathon; the Card Sound Express (MDT #302) between Florida City and Ocean
Reef Club (Key Largo); and the Lower Keys Shuttle in the southern region of the County
between Key West and Marathon. Because of the geographical and physical conditions and
constraints of the over 100-mile long U.S. 1 Corridor which defines the restrictive
development and mobility limitations of the County, the public transit service provided is
similar to intercity buses, and provides some degree of service the entire length of the
County.
While there is no official transfer station for the aforementioned transit services, the bus
stop at U.S. 1 and Sombrero Beach Road (MM 50) does serve as a midway point at which
riders can transfer to/from the Lower Keys Shuttle and the Miami -Dade Express #301
route.
Overall, these services currently lack adequate signage alerting passengers to the location
of this "transfer" stop at MM 50. Presently, there is no indication of a transfer location at
the Sombrero Beach Road bus stop or on any of the vehicles. Also, there is no indication on
the fare ticket or at the point of sale for the ticket displaying the "transfer" stop. With
differing scheduling procedures, there is a potential for extended wait times to transfer to
the connecting transit system. It should. be noted, however, that information detailing this
transfer stop is available on the Lower Keys Shuttle's website.
Mass Transit 22 Technical Document: May 2011
Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update
Another important aspect of the connectivity of the north and south sections of the U.S. 1
Corridor is the need to better coordinate the schedule of the two systems. The scheduling
of the routes could be adjusted to ensure more efficient transfers.
Another observed deficiency is the limited number of designated bus stops and shelters
(signed, with or without amenities) throughout the U.S. 1 Corridor. This is especially
significant in the Upper Keys, north of Marathon. Passengers must hail the buses to stop
whether or not they are located at one of the MCSB (school) shelters. The bus drivers, on
the other hand, cannot stop just anywhere and must be cognizant of safe areas to pick up
and discharge passengers.
Currently, there are no other deficiencies identified in the County concerning terminals,
other connections, HOV lanes, or Park -and -Ride facilities.
Mass Transit
23 Technical Document: May 2011
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