Melanie Jones

This document outlines the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority's (CARTA) Transit Improvement Program (TIP), designed to transition the agency toward a long-term transit vision. It details a comprehensive initiative based on stakeholder meetings and community input to enhance CARTA's services. Key areas of focus include improving shuttle service reliability, legibility, and predictability, fostering economic development through business partnerships, enhancing branding, wayfinding, and information access, addressing public perception and customer experience, and expanding service appeal, amenities, and routes. The overarching aim is to develop a more connected, intuitive, and accessible shuttle system for the community.

The meeting featured employee recognitions for exceptional service and human resources leadership. The CEO provided updates on the 20-year transit vision presented to the city council, the launch of the Brainard Road and Lee Highway transit-oriented development study, federal transit safety certifications, and community engagement initiatives including the rider advisory committee and public outreach. Discussion also addressed parking enforcement and consumer protection ordinances.

The board meeting included updates on the CEO's corridor infrastructure and transportation improvement projects, the status of transit services for a new stadium, and the upcoming presentation of the Consumer Protection and Parking Compliance Ordinance to City Council. Action items included the approval of a procurement report, various grant resolutions, and the authorization of capital and operating budget drafts. Discussions also covered financial performance, including operating losses related to paratransit services, and a comprehensive review of proposed licensing requirements for private parking operators.

The meeting included several key updates regarding organizational initiatives. Discussions focused on the 'Connect the Corridor' project, which involves assessing infrastructure needs like sidewalks, security lighting, and bike lanes to improve transit access. The Board discussed the development of new bus stop design guidelines to define ADA compliance and amenity requirements. Additionally, the Board reviewed preliminary results from the first customer satisfaction survey and updates on the third rider advisory committee meeting, which has been successful in engaging passengers and addressing specific concerns like veteran policies. Finally, the meeting recognized a staff member with the Ambassador Award for exceptional service.

The board meeting focused on several operational and administrative items. Key discussions included a review of the statistical report highlighting ridership trends in Care-a-Van and Incline services, and the approval of a procurement agreement for bus shelter cleaning services with Nooga Cleaning Services, LLC. The board also authorized the use of the Request for Proposals (RFP) process for FMLA administration. Furthermore, the board approved resolutions for several grant applications, including the James L. Richardson Driver Training program, a cybersecurity matching grant, and FTA formula grants for transit capital and operating assistance. Finally, the board reviewed and approved the February 2026 financial report and discussed parking compliance.