COTA is updating its 5-year Short-Range Transit Plan and is holding public comment meetings to gather input. The meetings will follow guidelines including limiting comments to 2 minutes. COTA will update the plan every 2 years through public outreach and surveys, with draft plans submitted to boards in 2013. The plan will document COTA's initiatives for the next 5 years, including service plans, facility upgrades, and strategic investments to guide the agency and inform the public. The goals are to provide effective transit service, transportation options for those with disabilities, responsible resource management, expanded community support, and sustainable initiatives. A proposed service plan emphasizes improving bus frequency. Attendees can vote on investment priorities and view informational displays.

1. 2013-2017 Short-Range Transit Plan
Update
Public Comment Meetings
October 16, 18 and 24, 2012

2. Housekeeping items
The purpose of this meeting is to take public comments on COTA’s
five year Short-Range Transit Plan update.
Silence all cell phones.
Be considerate of all meeting attendees and COTA staff.
When it is your turn to make a comment or ask a question, remain at
your seat and we will call upon you.
Comments and questions are limited to two minutes per person.
Participants are encouraged to complete comment cards.
Ask one question at a time so the appropriate COTA staff
member may address your comment.
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3. Timeline
COTA Updates the Short-Range Transit Plan (SRTP)
every two years. Public participation is vital to the update
process.
Phase I Public Meetings - October 16,18 and 24
Phase I Survey – October 15 to December 14
Phase II Public Meetings – Winter/Spring 2013
Final Draft Submitted for Adoption to:
COTA Board – Spring 2013
MORPC Board – Spring 2013
Final Plan – Spring 2013
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4. Short-Range Transit Plan Overview
Documents COTA’s initiatives for the next five years
Service Plans for fixed-route and Mobility Services
Facility upgrades and vehicle purchases, and strategic
investments
Customer service, safety and technology
Inter- and intra- agency cooperation and initiatives
Green/Sustainable and special Initiatives
Provides guidance for the agency
Informs the public of COTA’s planned initiatives
Provides documentation necessary to support funding of
transportation improvements listed in the Transportation
Improvement Program (TIP)
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5. Short-Range Transit Plan Goals
Provide effective, safe, customer-focused transit service;
Provide transportation alternatives to residents with
disabilities;
Manage public resources responsibly;
Expand community support for public transportation; and
Promote environmentally sustainable initiatives.
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6. Short-Range Transit Plan Service Plan
Service Plan allocates investment to specific
improvements to the fixed-route system; selected from a
list of strategic improvements:
Frequency
Span
Coverage
Speed
Reliability
Proposed service plan emphasizes frequency
improvements
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7. Short-Range Transit Plan Display Boards
Questions will be answered by staff
Review the boards arranged around the meeting room
Visit the Service Improvement Voting Prioritization Board
Help COTA decide where to invest
Take three stickers and “vote” for your top three
ways to invest in the transit system
Enjoy a snack after voting
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8. Short-Range Transit Plan Update
www.cota.com
(614) 228-1776
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