R2012-43 AUTHORIZING AGREEMENT WITH ALPHA & OMEGA TRANSIT NETWORK, INC.

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Mass Transit Memorandum No. 022412-1 February 24, 2012 TO: Honorable Mayor McElroy and City Council Members FROM: Ryan P. McCrady, City Manager Paul McChancy, Mass Transit Administrator SUBJECT: Agreement for Operation Uplift Services SUMMARY Staff recommends that Council adopt a Resolution approving an RECOMMENDATION: agreement with Alpha& Omega Transit Network, Inc., to provide transportation services for people with disabilities under the Transit System's Operation Uplift program. BACKGROUND: The Operation Uplift program provides door-to-door transportation for people with disabilities who are unable to use the bus system. The program uses the Transit System's seven wheel chair lift vans, and also contracts with local taxicab and livery companies. Staff placed a legal notice concerning the Invitation for Bids (IFB) in the Decatur Tribune, posted the complete IFB on the City website, and mailed the complete IFB to all area taxicab and livery companies, and to others who had requested the IFB. Only Alpha& Omega Transit Network, Inc., a livery company, submitted a bid by the published deadline. Staff contacted AOK Travel Network, Inc., several times to try to learn why they did not submit a bid,but got no response. The service area for Operation Uplift includes all of Decatur, and also areas outside of Decatur that are within 3/mile of a bus route(as required by FTA). So the service area includes most of the Village of Forsyth and small parts of the villages of Harristown and Long Creek. Operation Uplift riders pay$2 for each trip and the Transit System reimburses the taxicab or livery company for the remainder of the fare. In their bid (attached)Alpha& Omega Transit Network, Inc., submitted the following one-way fares for the first year of the agreement: o for the first passenger, $11.00 within Decatur, $13.00 to Forsyth or Harristown, and $14.00 to Long Creek; o all additional passengers, $3.00 per person per ride. The attached Fare Comparison shows the total fares charged by AOK Taxi during 2011 and the estimated fares that would have been charged based on Alpha& Omega Transit Network's proposed fares. Staff has no previous experience with this firm, so we can't offer an opinion about the firm's ability and competence to perform the work required. Note however that the City may terminate this agreement for any reason by giving 60 days notice. The agreement also becomes void immediately if the firm loses its City license to operate a livery service.