The Austin, Texas-based Capital Metro’s board of directors selected Transportation Management and Design (TMD) to lead a comprehensive review of the agency’s network. The firm will begin an extensive evaluation of Capital Metro’s bus service to evaluate potential for increasing ridership while exploring ways to improve and enhance the overall rider experience.

The agency will look to Transportation Management and Design (TMD) to use both innovative and proven solutions to help create a more effective and integrated system to address transportation challenges in the rapidly growing Central Texas region. As part of its review, TMD will evaluate how well Capital Metro is meeting the needs of the community and also the goals of the agency. The plan is expected to be completed in the fall of 2016, with implementation expected in 2017.

“Our goal is to rethink and deliver a better bus system for our customers,” said Capital Metro President/CEO Linda Watson. “We are confident Transportation Management and Design is the right company to do that, especially given their proven track record. We’re excited to begin the process, which will include working hand-in-hand with the community over the next year to find out what kinds of improvements they’d like to see.”

TMD is regarded as an industry leader in transit planning, and has conducted over 75 successful system reimagining projects around the country, including Los Angeles, San Francisco and Tampa.

Capital Metro selected the firm through a rigorous and competitive solicitation procurement process spanning more than two months. The agency evaluated the firm’s approach, experience, staff, proposed timeline and understanding of local context before making its final decision. The firm’s recommendations for the transit systems in Los Angeles, Tampa and San Diego allow for major improvements to be made at a net-neutral cost.

Capital Metro’s plan will focus on goals established by its board of directors and informed by community-driven feedback that balance difficult trade-offs while prioritizing fiscal responsibility. During the year-long service planning process, Capital Metro, together with its consultant team will lead a robust public involvement process, with engagement opportunities beginning late 2015.