Res 2020-192/approving the San Marcos Transit Plan, also referred to as the Five-Year Strategic Plan for Transit Service

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SAN MARCOS TRANSIT PLAN I FINALREPORT City of San Marcos Stakeholder Discussion On October 1, 2019, stakeholder representatives of community groups, social services, Texas State University, CARTS, Cityof San Marcos departments, and San Marcos CityCouncil were convened for a transit discussion. Participants were asked to describe the major transportation challenges in San Marcos thatthey have experienced orthathavebeen expressed bytheir constituents. Participants also shared what theythink the biggest opportunities are fora coordinated transit service between San Marcos and Texas State University. Keythemes that emerged from the discussion are described. Challenges Stakeholders noted that there are several San Marcos Transit bus stops that are not accessible or easy to reach. In addition, the lack of proper infrastructure (a level platform) at some bus stops makes it difficult to board the bus, even with the use of the wheelchair ramp. In some places bus stops are in the path of cyclists who may be using the sidewalk, or street furniture causes obstructions with the boarding doors. The City is in the process of constructing more shelters around the city, which have been well received by riders who are looking for protectionfrom sun and rain. When discussing San Marcos Transit, stakeholders indicated that the buses typically run on time, and were very complimentary of CARTS staff and operators, but noted that the design of the system can cause excessive travel times due to the need to transfer between most routes at San Marcos Station, delays due to train traffic, and infrequent service levels. One stakeholder indicated that a trip from his house to Texas State U niversitywould take an hour on San Marcos Transit but is a 15 -minute bike ride. Several social service agencies have recently co -located at The Village of San Marcos on Reimer Avenue at H unter Road, which is not currently served by transit. Stakeholders identified this as an important location to serve as it provides access to WIC, the Hays County Foodbank, Community Action, Inc., and the Family Justice Center, among others. In addition, the food bank holds distribution events each weekat different locations around San Marcos, some of which are accessible by transit, but are not served late enough in the evenings to adequately serve clients or volunteers. Stakeholders also pointed out that community members who may be struggling to afford food are also struggling to afford transportationand would benefit greatly from a reduced fare. Other locations thatwere cited as important for basic needs included the post office and Hays County Government Center, both of which are currently served by Route 1. Participants noted that a challenge in designing a coordinated transit system may be that Texas State students are located in high density areas and primarily in need of access to campus while San Marcos residents not affiliated with the university need access to a variety of different locations and may be coming from a broader set of neighborhoods. Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates, Inc. ( B-8