What is a COA?

A Comprehensive Operations Analysis (COA) is an in-depth evaluation of transit services for the purpose of increasing value and efficiency. By examining the performance of bus services, a COA identifies opportunities to repurpose transit resources from low-performing areas. A COA includes the following:

• A detailed review of performance data, including ridership and on-time performance data
• Field observations of bus operations
• Interviews with bus drivers and transit agency operations staff
• Public input and workshops
• A review of activity at transfer stations
• An assessment of specific service policies and fare policies

Why is a COA important to the community?

We need your input! By removing obstacles to ridership, we can meet the mobility needs of non-drivers, offer a convenient transportation alternative for new riders, and alleviate traffic congestion for other road users. All transit agencies want to maximize the use of resources while providing a high level of service to their customers. A COA helps an agency determine what is and isn’t working by evaluating the “nuts and bolts” of the operation. The focus lies largely on short-term needs and what can be done to improve services now. Consequently, the Collier Area Transit COA will prioritize enhancements into three phases: the near-term (1-2 years), short-term (3-4 years) and mid-term (5+ years). These enhancements will result in a more efficient use of taxpayer funds and a better transit experience for Collier County residents.

What is the difference between the COA and Transit Development Plan (TDP)

The COA is different from the TDP in two ways:

• A Focus on the Short Term: A COA is focused largely on short to mid-term operational improvements, such as specific route-by-route service adjustments. A TDP has a broader scope and a longer, 10-year planning horizon. The TDP identifies long-term needs like organizational changes, major technology investments, major capital and infrastructure programs, and, most importantly, the development of a financial plan to fund those needs.
• A Cost Neutral Approach: A COA is focused on operational efficiencies that are cost neutral or that require minimal investment. A key element of the COA is the reallocation of resources from underperforming services. The COA determines service changes that can occur today, within the means of the operating agency while a TDP includes a list of funded and unfunded service needs. Costs for those unfunded needs are built into the TDP Financial Plan to show the need and help find additional funding from other potential sources.

When will the COA be completed?

The COA study team will conduct data analysis and prepare findings during the winter/spring of 2021 and will present findings and a phased implementation plan to the Public Transit Advisory Committee in early Summer 2021.

Why should the COA matter to me? Why do my thoughts matter to the COA?

Your feedback is critical in identifying what the community needs. One goal of the COA is to recommend actions that will increase ridership by making transit more accessible, convenient, and appealing to residents. By obtaining input from both riders and non-riders in Collier County, CAT will be better equipped to identify and serve community transit needs.

How can I participate in the COA?

Members of the public will be invited to participate in a public input survey. No transit expertise is required – simply respond to the questions based on your own experiences in Collier County.

The public is also encouraged to ask questions and provide feedback throughout the study process. Inquiries and comments may be directed to 239-285-7552 or Yvonne.McClellan@qcausa.com. COA resources are available for review on this webpage.

Service alternatives were presented for public review and feedback at two public workshops. Videos are available to view.

How can I learn more about transit planning in Collier County?

If you would like to learn more about transit in our community, these resources are a great starting point.