A goal of MAP Broward is to provide enhanced transit services. In response, Broward County Transit is developing the Premium Mobility Plan or PREMO to define a program of premium transit projects that meets the need of the county and achieves the objectives set forth by MAP Broward.
PREMO: Broward's Premium Mobility Plan
PREMO is a program of premium transit projects that meets the need of the county and achieves the objectives set forth by MAP Broward. PREMO is designed to identify a consistent pipeline of projects using steps that are transparent and repeatable, as well as updated routinely to track progress. PREMO’s goals are as listed below:
- Improve mobility for all
- Implement equitable transit solutions
- Integrate with and serve communities
- Enhance economic development and ensure financial sustainability
- Improve safety and security, ensure environmental stewardship
Surtax funding has been essential in assisting Broward County Transit (BCT) accomplish regional transportation improvements, enhancing connectivity and improving overall transit service. Through federal, state and local funding, BCT was able to invest in its Electric Bus Program, expand transit improvements and purchase property for the enhancement of intermodal transit centers. Overall BCT accomplishments from FY 2021 are detailed below.
Electric Bus Program
- Purchase Proterra Electric Buses
- Twelve 40-foot Proterra electric buses were purchased with $16.3M of Federal Grant Funds, which were delivered in summer of 2021
- Electric Bus Charging Infrastructure ($2M in surtax funding, life to date)
- The depot charging infrastructure at Ravenswood Road is underway and expected to be completed by February 2022
Bus Shelter/Bus Stop Improvements
- 81 Bus shelter locations were planned for FY2021 of which 75 bus shelters have been installed, 2 are under construction, and 4 permits are pending ($20.8M budgeted in surtax funding, life to date)
- BCT’s Bus Stop improvement program is ongoing, and 17 bus stops were improved in FY2021. The 17 Bus Stop improvements are located are in the following Municipalities: Coral Springs (10), Pembroke Pines (2) and Hollywood (5) ($850,000 budgeted in surtax funding, life to date)
- 950 Bus Stop signs were installed
Land Acquisition
$9.3M land purchase of 10.7 acres in Sunrise, Florida was completed on September 21, 2021 using surtax funds.
This property will be utilized for the future construction of an Intermodal Transit Center (ITC) that will serve as the western terminal for multiple bus routes and future light rail service. The ITC will include: a terminus station for multiple bus routes; a future light rail station; a parking garage structure with approximately 800 parking spaces; taxi/transportation network companies/shuttles and kiss-n-ride drop-offs and pick-ups; and facilities for passengers and employees.
Transit Systemwide Study
The Transit Systemwide Study (TSYS), awarded March 9, 2021, followed by a starting Notice-to-Proceed July 16, 2021, will provide recommendations for the
implementation of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) system. Additionally, the high-capacity corridors to be recommended by the TSYS will be based on projected ridership and land use, including a comprehensive public outreach and participation program. The TSYS provides funding for Project Development & Environmental (PD&E), and up to 30% design for BRT and rail.
Municipal Community Shuttles
Broward County Transit’s (BCT) Community Shuttle Program is a collaborative transit service that operates in partnership with 18
Broward County (County) municipalities. The partnership is bound by an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) in which the County provides
funding and propane-fueled buses to the municipalities and the municipalities operate a pre-defined local fixed route shuttle service
with designated bus stops in their communities. The municipalities listed below have an ILA to operate
Community Shuttle Service:
Coconut Creek
Coral Springs
Dania Beach
Davie
Deerfield Beach
Fort Lauderdale
Hallandale Beach
Hillsboro Beach
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea
Lauderdale Lakes
Lauderhill
Lighthouse Point
Margate
Miramar
North Lauderdale
Pembroke Pines
Plantation
Pompano Beach
Tamarac
West Park
Funding is paid quarterly in advance to municipalities for operations and maintenance (O&M) at an established O&M rate for the total
vehicle hours of the service. Propane-fueled buses equipped with wheelchair securements and bicycle racks are purchased by BCT
and leased to municipalities for $10.00 per bus annually. Should municipalities choose to purchase non-propane-fueled buses, the
County will reimburse municipalities on a per-vehicle basis up to the County’s current purchase price of a propane-fueled bus less
the propane conversion or similar type vehicle from the Florida state contract.
Routes are designed to complement the County’s Fixed Route system and to provide increased mobility and connectivity options in
areas within the community that larger buses are unable to serve. The municipalities are responsible for the overall planning of the
service, including bus stop locations. Assisted by BCT staff, municipalities determine the major origins and destinations to be served
by the route. Modifications to routes are allowed; however, implementation must coincide with the schedule established by the
County for Fixed Route service. Travel times used for the development of bus schedules are calculated by BCT staff. Bus operator
training, printed bus schedules and shuttle/bus stop signs are provided by BCT. Municipalities must provide monthly passenger
boarding or ridership reports to BCT and maintain performance of a minimum average of 7.1 Passengers Per Revenue Service Hour
per route during any rolling twelve (12) month period in order to remain in the program.