Submitted By: Tye Chighizola
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Presentation By: Tye Chighizola
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Department: Growth Management
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Adopt Resolution 2024-27 supporting the submittal of a grant application for the FDOT 2026 Public Transit Service Development Program concerning the proposed Downtown Circular Trolley Service
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OCALA'S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Economic Hub, Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND: The City of Ocala (City) is actively pursuing funding through the Public Transit Service Development Program to support the initial marketing efforts and operating expenses of an innovative fixed-route downtown circulator trolley service.
The necessity for a downtown circulator trolley service emerged during the public engagement process as part of the Fiscal Year 2018-Fiscal Year 2027 Transit Development Plan (TDP) Major Update. It garnered significant support and was included in the unfunded needs plan. This proposed service will enhance mobility of residents and visitors in the downtown core, providing a convenient and efficient mode of transportation. The trolley service will increase the exposure of downtown businesses to potential patrons, thereby boosting the local economy. Further, it aims to improve connections between existing core routes, namely the Orange, Blue, Green, and Purple routes, and connections to the Amtrak shuttle service provided at the downtown transfer station. The service will also reduce traffic congestion.
The major activity centers along the proposed route include:
1. Ocala Downtown Square (includes Hilton Garden Inn and various street-front stores and restaurants, among others)
2. Ocala Post Office
3. Advent Health Ocala Hospital
4. Ocala Regional Medical Center
5. Marion County Courthouse
6. Marion County Tourist Development Council
7. Ocala Downtown Market & Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership
8. Ocala City Hall
9. Citizens' Circle
10. Downtown Square
11...
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