Bus Service Evaluation Project

View the Documents

FINAL OLSSON REPORTopens PDF file

Visioning Session Notes & Commentsopens PDF file

Market Analysisopens PDF file  

Comprehensive Operational Analysisopens PDF file

Bicycle & Pedestrian Walking Conditions Analysisopens PDF file

Transit Scenarios Engagement Summaryopens PDF file  

Review the transit scenariosopens PDF file  

The City of Columbia conducted a study for Go COMO to determine areas of opportunity. The goals of the study were to:

• Analyze and evaluate the bus system as it currently exists
• Establish service guidelines
• Determine short, medium and long range plans and alternatives

Through a competitive bid, Olsson Associates was chosen by the City to perform the study.

Progress As Promised:

•  The Olsson Agreement opens PDF file  was executed on January 7, 2016. 
•  February 8, 2016- the formal work began with the Technical Committee. Olsson delivered a Presentationopens PDF file  at this kickoff meeting that outlined the goals, needs and purpose of the Project.
•  February 11, 2016- Olsson began to request data relevant to the current transit system. Staff from the following groups provided the information:
  • Transit Division
  • Public Works Department
  • GIS Department 
  • University of Missouri
•  March 4, 2016- eleven Stakeholder Meetings opens PDF file  were conducted by Olsson and City staff. Invitees to these meetings included:
  • Municipal staff officials
  • Business development (downtown CID, employers, economic development)
  • Go COMO drivers 
  • Transit providers, including para-transit 
  • Educators (University of Missouri, Columbia Public Schools, Stephens College, Columbia College, etc.)
  • Residents (Neighborhoods, apartment complexes)
  • Public Transit Advisory Commission members (riders and advocates) 
• On October 11, 2016, Olsson Associates hosted a Public Visioning Session at The ARC in Columbia. Approximately 35 community members were in attendance.
  • The goals of this Workshop were to:
    • Build on the current data
    • Explore opportunity areas and other possibilities for the service
    • Define the direction of Go COMO
  • Meeting and discussion notes.opens PDF file
• From October 6- December 31, 2016, a Bus Service Evaluation was available via online and hard copy at the Daniel Boone Regional Library and the Activity and Recreation Center (ARC). For more information, see the issued press releases: 10/7/16 , 11/9/16, 12/6/16
• A work session was held on Monday, March 20opens PDF file , in which Olsson Associates presented recommendations and system alternatives for transit System Alternativesopens PDF file to the City Council. 
  • View the presentationopens PDF file .
• A series of public meetingsopens PDF file  to discuss the presented alternatives were held at various bus stops and City Hall on April 20.

Data collected and analyzed by Olsson is included in their deliverable documents, referred to as Technical Memos. 

• Market Analysis
  • The Market Analysisopens PDF file is currently available. This document outlines Columbia’s land use, population, employment, travel and tourism, income and other characteristics that impact the demand of public transportation.  
• Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA)
  • Go COMO and Olsson staff presented the COA to City Council at the October 17 meeting. 
  • View the technical memoopens PDF file .

View an analysis of Columbia’s bicycle & pedestrian walking conditions.opens PDF file

What’s Next?:

To keep up to date with the events related to the Bus Service Evaluation Project, reference this Project Scheduleopens PDF file  or join our emailing list!

This page is updated periodically.