The award of funding for advanced technologies depends on the demonstration of need and a subrecipient’s commitment to change business practices and to purchase, install, “go live” and use the technology for its useful service life. Need will be measured, and use will be monitored.
Utilization Agreement: Utilization Agreement: Recipients of advanced technology funding must be willing to sign a memorandum of understanding with NCDOT that outlines the roles and responsibilities of the collaborating partners and the participating agency. Implementation must begin within sixty (60) days of receiving all contracts and ‘go live’ within thirty (30) days after training. Full implementation of project, and continuous use of the technology for a minimum of eight (8) years are expected to avoid repayment of the funding. NCDOT’s Advanced Technologies Policy is included in Attachment 1001-1.
Technology Implementation Planning: In this plan, North Carolina establishes anticipated funding years for three (3) kinds of demand response transportation technologies including scheduling software, tablets, and maintenance software to guide budget decision making at the local and state levels. The plan anticipates when transit agencies will be ready for technology implementation based on an agency’s service levels and readiness to change business practices.
Service Requirements for Technology Funding: Service Requirements for Technology Funding: The service requirement for advanced technology funding is based on the actual and estimated average daily passengers. At 300 average daily passenger trips per weekday, the transit system becomes eligible for advanced scheduling software and tablets. An annual growth rate is calculated and updated annually. Preparation to move forward with the process begins when a transit system reaches 300 trips/day. The threshold can be met through regional implementation, which the Integrated Mobility Division (IMD) encourages.
Advanced Technology Useful Service Life: The 5311 and 5310 Programs include opportunities for applicants to apply for baseline technology such as cameras, computers, laptops, projectors, scanners and servers. These items can be replaced after they meet their useful service life. Advanced technology does not have a replacement schedule. IMD expects to participate in funding each advanced technology only once per transit system. There will be financial penalties if the transit system stops using or replaces the technology with local funding before the advanced technology has reached eight (8) years of continuous use.
Camera Usage and Procedures: Subrecipients who utilize on-board video surveillance equipment are required to have written policies and procedures for the usage of cameras and camera footage in their transit system. A policy and procedure template is included in Attachment 407‐3 and the Regional Grant Specialist can provide technical assistance.
EAM Usage and Procedures: The installation and implementation of the EAM online maintenance software, more commonly called “Trapeze EAM,” is required for all community transportation systems. A quick reference guide is available within the software. Transit managers should establish a routine for running the reports that will help them schedule and complete preventive maintenance on schedule. Written procedures must be developed to assure that information and documentation is in compliance. The IMD Compliance Manager will compile quarterly summary reports to verify that preventive maintenance is being completed by each transit system. IMD may delay reimbursements if compliance targets are not met. More details are provided in the Section 901 - Reporting.
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