Neoride Regional Council Of Governments

This strategic plan outlines NEORide's commitment to its members and its vision for the future of public transit. The plan emphasizes organizational unity and contributions to the transit ecosystem, driven by innovation, cooperation, and communication. It aims to empower member systems to maximize resources, identify funding opportunities, and leverage technology to enhance a broad range of cooperative transit services, ultimately driving the future of public transit.

The meeting commenced with a motion to approve actions by unanimous consent, followed by the approval of the consent docket. Key items approved included a no-cost, six-month extension to the Flexlynqs contract, and resolutions for the Southeast Area Transit District (SEAT) in Connecticut, the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) in Iowa, and the Metropolitan Evansville Transit System (METS) in Indiana to join NEORide. Action items involved approving the opening of a new Chase Bank Account for managing SVA funds for EZfare, recreating the EZfare Committee, and approving the 2026 Budget for EZfare. The approval of the 2026 Dues for EZfare, which included a new stored value dues component based on 0.5% of 2025 sales to cover administrative costs, was also a key discussion point. Reports included the unaudited financial report as of 9/30/25, the Treasurer's Report, and updates on active procurements such as Enterprise Database Management Software Solution, Cash Fareboxes, and Transit Signal Prioritization.

This strategic plan outlines a clear vision for the future, emphasizing a commitment to its members. It focuses on fostering unity within the organization and contributing to the improvement of the transit ecosystem.

The meeting included discussions and actions on various topics, such as approving the board meeting agenda, NEORide Executive Committee meeting minutes, and a resolution for the Delaware County Transit Board to become a voting member. The board also approved establishing a NEORide records commission, an updated credit card policy, a procurement policy, and a privacy policy for EZConnect. Additionally, they approved a digital sign budget, subcontracting with ARCADIS/IBI Group and Regional Mobility Group for work on the FTA EMI Grant, and an IBI amendment for EZConnect work. The board accepted the Message Point Media contract and a motion to release an RFP for a mobile ticketing provider/EZfare. The meeting also covered the annual conflict of interest statements, the NEORide annual meeting review, fiscal agent reports, EZfare Committee updates, IMI Grant Committee updates, EZConnect Committee updates, and reports from the Dues & Strategic Planning Committee, Cleveland Coordination Committee, Obsolete Parts Committee, and Grants Committee. Active procurements like digital signs and collision avoidance systems were also discussed, along with a proposal from OpenGov.

The NEORide Members Meeting included discussions and actions on several key areas. The Nominating Committee's slate of NEORide Officers for 2024 was accepted and confirmed, and a motion was accepted to review and consider the Nominating Committee Policy. Volunteers for the NEORide Executive Board term from October 2023 to September 2024 were accepted and confirmed. The NEORide Strategic Plan was considered, and a motion was approved to consider a new management agreement with OTRP, contingent upon OTRP Board of Trustees approval. The board discussed and approved motions related to the DRAFT staff SPO's for 2024, administrative dues for 2024, and the 2024 NEORide Administrative Budget. The board chair was authorized to negotiate final pricing and a contract with the mobile ticketing vendor ranked highest by the NEORide Evaluation Committee, subject to final approval by the NEORide Executive Committee. Updates were provided on the Transportation Planning Software RFP, and a presentation was given on the NEORide EZfare procurement process.