CONSENT AGENDA

TR14435 - A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, approving the submission of two applications to Broward County for Fiscal Year 2028 Community Shuttle funding to expand the City’s existing community shuttle service; authorizing acceptance of the funding, if awarded; authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute the resulting interlocal agreement and related documents, subject to legal review; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.

The Parks & Recreation Director and Grants and Governmental Affairs Manager recommend that the City Commission approve two applications to Broward County for Fiscal Year 2028 (FY2028) Community Shuttle funding to expand the City’s existing service; authorize acceptance of the funding, if awarded; and, subject to legal review, authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the resulting Interlocal Agreement and related documents, at its September 23, 2026 meeting. 

In November 2018, Broward County voters approved a 1% transportation sales surtax, known as the “Penny for Transportation,” which took effect January 1, 2019. The Surtax funds the Mobility Advancement Program (MAP Broward), a 30-year transportation plan designed to enhance transportation-related infrastructure and services in Broward County, including Community Shuttle service. Community Shuttle funds are provided to participating municipalities through Interlocal Agreements or amendments with Broward County.

In 2019, the City entered into an Interlocal Agreement for Community Shuttle Service with Broward County. The Agreement established the responsibilities of the City and County, provided County funding for eligible costs associated with operating the service, and established the approved routes and service schedules. Since then, the City and Broward County have amended the Agreement to continue and update the service, including applicable funding and service provisions for the City’s Community Shuttle Program.

In 2024, the City’s adopted MOVE TAMARAC Multimodal Transportation Connectivity Master Plan (“MOVE TAMARAC”) identified a need to expand Community Shuttle service. Developed with community input, the Plan identified limitations in the existing service schedule, including the lack of weekend service, and recognized expanded weekend service as an opportunity to improve transportation access for residents who rely on public transportation for their daily trips.

The City’s Community Shuttle Program is currently operated by ProKel Mobility under contract with the City. The existing Program has two routes: the Red Route and the Red Route Extension. The Red Route currently operates Monday through Friday from approximately 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Red Route Extension currently operates Tuesdays and Thursdays from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 4:55 p.m. Both routes run approximately every 60 minutes.

In response to the needs identified in MOVE TAMARAC, the City proposes two service expansions for FY2028:

1.    Red Route: The City proposes expanding the existing Red Route from five days to seven days per week by adding service on Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Weekday service will continue from approximately 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
2.    Red Route Extension: The City proposes expanding the existing Red Route Extension from two days to seven days per week. Service would operate Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Red Route Extension will also be renamed the Yellow Route to distinguish it from the Red Route. 

The proposed expansions will increase the days and hours of service but will not change the existing route alignments, stops, or service frequency.

Broward County Transit (“BCT”) is accepting applications for Surtax FY2028 Community Shuttle funding. The actual applications are not attached hereto, as they must be completed electronically and submitted through BCT’s online portal. However, see the attached form, marked Exhibit A, containing questions from the online application with proposed responses to complete the online application, prepared by City staff, with input from subcontractor Prokel, the City’s current Community Shuttle service provider. Upon City Commission approval of this item, staff will use the form to complete and submit the online applications to BCT ahead of the  October 30, 2026 deadline. BCT has advised that applications are considered in the order received and are subject to the availability of funding.

This agenda item also authorizes the City to accept the FY2028 Transportation Surtax funding, if awarded, and authorizes the City Manager or designee to execute the resulting Interlocal Agreement and related documents, subject to legal review. If approved and funded, the expanded service would begin in FY2028 and become part of the City’s Community Shuttle Program.

City Commission approval is requested to submit two applications to Broward County for funding to expand the City’s existing Community Shuttle Program.