AMPO October 22, 2014
South Florida Region
The Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is having an important conversation about building our transportation future. Getting the conversation started
Speak Up Broward is a multi-faceted public engagement program to: Increase awareness and discussion about: Transportation needs Funding options Promote grassroots engagement Our goal is a shared vision
Broward’s Transportation Choices Today Source: U.S. Census Bureau
How transportation affects you if you drive Source: American Automobile Association (AAA) To own and operate an average Sedan per year… 2002 = $6,470 $9,
It costs us more than money from our pockets… Source: Texas Transportation Institute Urban Mobility Report hours/ person $700/ person
The average household in Broward spends… Source: Center for Neighborhood Technology 62% Average Income Transportation26% Housing36%
How South Florida compares to other regions
One solution is to increase transportation options Tri-Rail Coastal Link Corridor Studies Central Broward East-West Oakland Park Boulevard Broward Boulevard University Drive State Road 7 Hollywood/Pines Boulevard 95 Express North of Broward Blvd
Source Congressional Budget Office, February 2014 baseline projection At the Federal level: Federal gas tax is a flat fee (18.4 cents) on each gallon sold, not a percentage of the price per gallon. How is transportation funded today?
Gas tax revenues are declining… We will run out of money soon if nothing is changed Source: PEW Analysis of U.S. Census Bureau’s Annual Survey of State and Local Government Finances
Why are there not enough funds? Costs for operations and maintenance are higher The gas tax has not increased for two decades Vehicles are driving more miles with less gasoline – better fuel efficiency
Local funding sources for consideration: Additional Fee for Driver’s Licenses Initiate Mileage Fee Increase Local Sales Tax Additional Local Gas Tax Additional Fee for License Plates
How much funding could be generated?
Progress so far… SOCIAL MEDIA - Facebook = 3,392* - Twitter = Linked In = 49 * (As of October 20, 2014) SPEAKERS BUREAU 40+ events 50 volunteers EMPOWERING PEOPLE PROGRAM FOR
Specific outreach efforts…. eTownHalls Sept. 17 th, Oct. 2 nd, 9 th, and 15 th Over 9,800 participants Survey Over 1,350 responses
What we’ve learned? Structured ParticipationSelf-Selected Participation Improvements for autosBike/ped improvements priority Public transit is importantImprovements for drivers Concerns about increasing bike/ped activity for safety reasons Enhance existing bus service Not willing to pay moreMore willing to pay but not significantly
Survey to date… RankPriority Selected 1Upgrade Our Bicycle/Pedestrian Facilities 2Improve Our Driving Conditions 3Enhance Our Existing Bus Service 4Add More Rail Transportation 5Grow Our Economy & Create Jobs 6Protect Our Environment 7Maintain Our Existing Transportation Services 8Increase Our Travel Options 9Reduce My Transportation Costs 10Minimize Our Taxes and Fees 11Create a World-Class Community
Survey to date…
QUESTIONS