Partners in Regional Solutions
Transportation is always a hot topic in our area. The transportation network is linked to our economic development and public safety. The only way to meet our transportation needs is to plan regionally. In order to achieve this, BVCOG has organized the Regional Transportation Committee. This committee is made up of local elected officials, transportation experts, and interested private citizens. The committee meets once a month to discuss pertinent transportation issues for our region. They are currently working on two major projects.
Regional Mobility Authority
Money for new highway capacity in Texas has all been exhausted. However, recent legislation now allows counties to work with each other to form a toll authority which can issue bonds in order to build necessary highways. The tolls collected on the roads first go to pay any outstanding bonds and any excess revenue can then be used to fund other important transportation projects within the RMA.
The committee is currently exploring options to create a Regional Mobility Authority consisting of all or part of the BVCOG region. A project built and run by this RMA would be able to provide resources for other transportation projects within the BVCOG region.
Client Based Transportation
Coordinating transportation services has been called “the best way to stretch scarce resources and improve mobility for everyone.” Coordination can improve service quality (more on-time services, drivers with better training, better vehicles), allow transportation services to be available to more people, expand to larger service areas, and centralize oversight and management. In short, coordination is a technique for better resource management.
Coordination not only improves service, but can also have great economic benefits. Providers have found that coordinated systems are better able to effectively compete for grants and contributions. Other benefits include increased efficiency, productivity, and enhanced mobility. This increase in access to jobs can lead to increased levels of economic development in the community.
BVCOG has been tasked to help our region gain this kind of coordination. With cooperation from The District (formerly Brazos Transit District), the Bryan/College Station Metropolitan Planning Organization, health and human services agencies, and many others, BVCOG will lead a year long planning process in an attempt to improve coordination and service among transit providers in our region.
Our regional transportation meetings are open to the public and anyone interested is encouraged to attend. For information on meeting dates and other regional transportation issues contact Mike Parks at 979-595-2800.
