Project Profile

Park & Ride Development Program

Montgomery County/The Woodlands, Texas

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Project Summary: Originally opened in 1986 with 600 spaces, the South Montgomery County Park & Ride Facility quickly became successful in attracting passengers and in recovering more than 90 percent of direct operating costs from the farebox.

Project Highlights

As the number of daily parked cars at the South Montgomery County Park & Ride increased to over 500, a decision was made to expand to the planned future 1,000-car capacity. The original open-sided shelter was upgraded to a fully enclosed facility during Phase II. Subsequent phases added a vanpool staging lot, an additional lot to serve the Research Forest area in the northern part of The Woodlands, and a lot south of Conroe to serve the central part of Montgomery County.

Feasibility/Environmental Studies

TGC assisted as follows:

* Developed project justifications and proposals;
* Conducted area-wide and rider surveys to determine needs; and
* Prepared an environmental assessment leading to a Finding of No Significant   Impact (FONSI) for each facility.

Finance Strategies

The Phase I financing package arranged by TGC called for the private developer to donate the proceeds from land ($600,000) to support capital development, and the project’s local administrative and operating requirements for two years. Similar programs were developed for subsequent phases.

Grant Development

TGC prepared proposals for federal and state grants exceeding $10 million. TxDOT added funding from Oil Overcharge Settlement Funds.

Implementation

TGC coordinated all construction and vehicular operator acquisition activities, including:

* Managed technical design and engineering services for additional parking and shelter improvements;
* Prepared and assisted in the issuing of bids for construction and landscaping
* Managed construction management activities; and
* Provided administration and oversight of project activities.